EDD SDI claim conflict - Return to work form sent but doctor submitted extension. What now?

omg this happened to me too but backwards!! I told them i was going back then changed my mind and my doc sent in extension. they paid me for like 3 days then cut me off and i had to call them like 7 times to get it fixed. make sure u call them ASAP

Thanks for responding! Did you have to submit another form or did they just fix it over the phone? I'm worried if I don't get this resolved before 4/22 they'll cut off my benefits completely.

You need to contact EDD immediately to explain the situation. This is a common issue with disability claims when there's paperwork submitted with conflicting information. When EDD receives contradictory forms (return to work vs. extension certification), they typically go with the most recent form received, which in your case appears to be the extension. However, to prevent any payment interruptions or possible overpayment issues later, call them directly and explain that the return to work form should be disregarded. Make sure to document the date/time of your call and the name of the representative you speak with. You might also want to upload a message through your SDI Online account explaining the situation to have a written record.

Thank you for the detailed advice! I'll try calling them tomorrow morning first thing. Do you know if there's a specific department or option I should choose when calling to get to the right person who can help with this issue?

Call NOW don't wait!!! The EDD system is a complete disaster with these things. I had my doctor submit corrected paperwork last year and they completely ignored it and went with the original dates. Took me THREE MONTHS to get it fixed and they made me appeal and everything when it was clearly their mistake. The longer you wait the worse it gets, trust me.

This exactly!! I work in healthcare and see this all the time with my patients. The EDD disability system is incredibly rigid with dates and any conflicting paperwork causes massive headaches. Once the system processes that return to work date, it automatically terminates benefits. If you can get through to a live agent BEFORE that date hits their processing queue, you have a much better chance of resolving it without an appeal. By the way, for anyone struggling to get through on EDD's phone lines, I've had multiple patients use a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with EDD agents quickly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Definitely worth it for time-sensitive issues like this where you can't afford to wait on hold for hours.

You should always get written confirmation from your doctor before submitting any return to work form. This is actually a very common issue with SDI claims. Here's what you need to do now: 1. Call the EDD disability branch directly at 1-800-480-3287 2. Explain to the representative that you submitted a return to work form in error 3. Ask them to note your account that your doctor has submitted valid extension paperwork 4. Request they provide a case number for this incident 5. Follow up with a message through your SDI Online portal with the case number The good news is that since your doctor's extension certification is showing up in your online account, that means it's in the system. The main risk is that their automated system might process your return to work form and prematurely end your benefits. A phone call can usually prevent this if done promptly.

Thanks for the step-by-step instructions! I didn't realize I should get a case number - that's really helpful. I've been trying the phone number all morning but just keep getting the automated message that call volume is too high. Is there a better time of day to call?

this is y u never fill out return to work form till ur ACTUALLY at work lol. edd is the worst. my cousin works there and says theyre always making mistakes with forms. once they process that return form ur screwed

Yeah, I definitely learned my lesson the hard way. I just thought I was doing the right thing by giving them advanced notice. Didn't realize it would cause such a mess!

I've spent 3 days trying to get through to EDD about my disability extension. The phone system is completely useless - either says

Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM. That's when I've had the most success. Also, avoid Mondays and the day after holidays as those are the busiest. If you keep having trouble connecting, you can try using Claimyr - they've really helped many people connect with EDD agents without the endless hold times.

I just wanted to follow up and make sure you understand how the system works. What typically happens is the claims examiners process forms in the order they're received. Since your doctor submitted the extension after you submitted the return to work form, there's a good chance a claims examiner will see and process the extension form first. However, there's also an automated system that flags accounts when there are conflicting dates. When this happens, they put a hold on your claim until a human reviews it. This is why it's crucial to speak with someone directly. If you absolutely cannot get through on the phone, go to your SDI Online account and send a message through the system explaining exactly what happened. Include the date you submitted the return to work form, the date your doctor submitted the extension, and clearly state that the extension should take precedence. Print or save a copy of this message for your records.

That's really helpful information about how their system works. I didn't realize there was an automated flagging system for conflicting dates - that actually makes me feel a bit better. I'll submit a detailed message through SDI Online right now while I keep trying the phone. Thank you!

I finally got through to an EDD representative about my issue. For anyone having trouble reaching them, I called exactly at 8:00 AM and selected option 1, then 6, then 1 again. Only waited about 15 minutes. The agent told me that when there are conflicting forms, they typically default to the medical provider's certification since that requires medical evidence. So there's a good chance your doctor's extension will override your return to work form, especially if it's showing in your account already. But definitely still try to speak with someone to confirm.

Thank you for sharing what worked for you! I'll try those exact options tomorrow morning. It's reassuring to hear they tend to go with the doctor's certification - that makes logical sense. I'll update here once I get this resolved in case it helps someone else in the future.

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD after trying for TWO DAYS STRAIGHT!!! Had to use that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. It actually worked - connected me to an agent in about 10 minutes. The rep explained that I needed to have my doctor submit a form DE 2525XX (Physician/Practitioner's Supplementary Certificate) to officially override my return to work date. Just submitting the extension form isn't enough because of the conflicting paperwork. Hope this helps someone!

Thank you so much for this update! This is exactly what I needed to know. I'll contact my doctor right away about the DE 2525XX form. Really appreciate you taking the time to come back and share this information.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My doctor submitted an extension but I had already told my employer I'd be back on a specific date. The whole system is so confusing when you're trying to coordinate between EDD, your doctor, and your workplace. One thing I learned from my case worker is that you should always wait until you get the official determination letter from EDD before making any commitments about return dates. Even if your doctor thinks you'll be ready by a certain date, your condition could change or the paperwork could get delayed. It sounds like you're getting good advice here about calling EDD and having your doctor submit that supplementary form. I'd also suggest keeping detailed notes of all your communications with everyone involved - EDD, your doctor's office, even your employer if they're involved. This whole process has taught me that documentation is everything when dealing with disability claims. Good luck getting this sorted out! The system is definitely not user-friendly but it sounds like you're taking all the right steps to fix it.