EDD SDI benefits while sick but UI says I must be 'available to work' - can't qualify for either?

You should absolutely apply for SDI, not unemployment. UI requires you to be able and available to work - which you aren't if you're sick. SDI is specifically designed for people who can't work due to a medical condition or illness. Your doctor will need to complete the medical certification portion (part B of the DE 2501 form) confirming your illness prevents you from working. You can file online through SDI Online and your doctor can submit their portion electronically too. Make sure your doctor indicates when your disability began and the expected recovery time.

i was in the same boat last year!!! definitely SDI not UI when ur sick. they denied my UI claim when i was honest about being sick. then i applied for SDI and got approved after my doctor sent in the form. took about 2 weeks to get paid after everything was submitted correctly

There's a 7-day waiting period for SDI benefits, so you won't be paid for the first week of your disability. After that waiting period, benefits are payable from day 8 of your disability. Make sure your doctor provides accurate dates on the medical certification form, as benefits are calculated based on those dates. Also, keep in mind that your weekly benefit amount will be approximately 60-70% of your wages earned during the base period (usually 5-18 months before your disability claim). The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $1,620. You can file your claim online at https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_Online.htm

UI and SDI are completely different programs!!! I got so confused with this too. When ur sick = SDI. When ur healthy but lost job = UI. You CANT get both at same time ever. Period. Sorry ur sick tho hope u feel better

I struggled for weeks trying to reach EDD to sort out a similar situation last month. Finally I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 20 minutes instead of endless busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The rep confirmed that SDI is the right program when you're unable to work due to illness, and UI is for when you're able to work but can't find employment. They walked me through the whole application process. Saved me so much frustration!

EDD IS THE WORST!!!!! I was sick last year and applied for SDI but they made me wait FOREVER to get paid. Their system is designed to make people give up. Make sure you follow up constantly and document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots, write down who you talked to, dates, times, EVERYTHING!!!! Don't trust them to do anything right the first time. Oh and when you do get approved they'll probably mess up your payment amounts. I had to call 47 TIMES to get a human on the phone who could fix my payment calculation. FORTY-SEVEN TIMES!!!!!

Question - how long have you worked at your current job? You need to have paid into SDI through payroll deductions to qualify. Most W-2 employees in California automatically have this deduction, but if you're self-employed or a contractor, you might not be eligible unless you opted into the program previously.

Since you've confirmed you have SDI deductions on your paystubs and have worked steadily for 3 years, you should definitely qualify. Here's what you need to do: 1. File your claim through SDI Online as soon as possible (you have 49 days from your disability start date) 2. Have your doctor complete the medical certification portion 3. Be prepared for the 7-day waiting period (not paid) 4. Make sure you have your ID, employment history, and medical information ready when you apply The processing time is typically 14 days from when they receive a complete application (including the doctor's certification), but it can take longer if there are any issues or during busy periods.

my brother had pneumonia last year and got SDI no problem. just make sure doctor fills out forms right! hope u feel better!!!

One more important thing: if your illness lasts longer than expected, you may need to have your doctor extend your disability period. They can do this by submitting additional medical certification. Don't wait until the last minute for this - have your doctor submit the extension at least 5-7 days before your current certification ends to avoid interruption in benefits.