EDD SDI confusion: Is 52-week limit about payment period or disability duration?

I'm really stressed about my disability benefits ending soon. My doctor put me out of work last April due to severe spinal stenosis, but EDD didn't approve my claim until July (after sending me for their own medical exam). I've been receiving benefits since then, but I just realized I'm approaching the 52-week mark from when my doctor first certified my disability. My question is: Does SDI's 52-week maximum refer to 52 weeks of actually receiving payments, or 52 weeks from when my disability started? I still have quite a bit of benefit balance left since I wasn't approved right away. Will they cut me off next month even though I didn't receive the full benefit amount? My doctor says I need at least 3 more months of recovery after my recent surgery. I've tried calling EDD four times this week but keep getting disconnected. My online account doesn't show any information about this either. Has anyone dealt with this situation before?

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13 comments

Alina Rosenthal

•28d

This isn't entirely accurate. While the basic SDI benefit period is 52 weeks from the date your doctor certified your disability, there are some exceptions. If your disability is intermittent or you returned to work for a period and then became disabled again from the same condition, the calculation can be different. Also, if your condition qualifies for an extension, you may be eligible for additional benefits. This would require additional medical certification and EDD approval, but it's worth exploring if your doctor says you need more recovery time.

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Finnegan Gunn

•28d

To clarify definitively: SDI provides benefits for a maximum of 52 weeks, and this period begins on the date your doctor certified you as disabled, NOT the date your claim was approved or when you started receiving payments. The law specifically states that benefits can be paid for a maximum of 52 weeks within a 24-month period. However, there are a few important exceptions: 1. If you have an approved intermittent claim, the 52 weeks can be spread out over a longer period. 2. For certain chronic conditions with specific medical documentation, extensions can be requested. 3. If you return to work and then become disabled again from the same condition within 60 days, it's considered the same disability period. Your best option is to speak directly with an EDD representative about your specific situation and whether you might qualify for an extension based on your surgery complications.

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Miguel Harvey

•28d

Yes, this is accurate. I'm a disability advocate who works with SDI claims regularly. The 52-week period is calculated from your disability onset date, not approval date. However, the exceptions mentioned above are real. Based on what you've shared about your spinal stenosis and surgical complications, you might qualify for additional considerations. But you absolutely need to speak with an EDD representative directly - they need to evaluate your specific medical documentation to determine if you qualify for any extensions.

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Ashley Simian

•28d

The 52 week rule is confusing because EDD doesn't explain it well!! I thought it was 52 weeks of payments too but my claim got cut off exactly 52 weeks after my disability start date even though I had only gotten about 35 weeks of actual payments. They don't care about how long it took them to approve your claim!! BUT!! If your doctor can document that you have a NEW medical condition or significant change/complication from surgery, you MIGHT be able to file a new claim. It won't be a continuation of your old claim but could be a brand new one. This happened to my cousin when she had complications after surgery.

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Alina Rosenthal

•28d

No, PFL and SDI are different programs, though both are administered by EDD. PFL provides up to 8 weeks of benefits when you need time off to bond with a new child or care for a family member. SDI provides up to 52 weeks of benefits when you're unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. They're separate benefits with separate maximum periods. Your brother's situation sounds unusual - there might have been some miscommunication or a specific circumstance with his claim. He should definitely contact EDD for clarification.

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Ellie Kim

•28d

Thank you all for the helpful information. I managed to get through to EDD yesterday using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. The representative confirmed that my benefits will end at the 52-week mark from my disability onset date, BUT she also told me I might qualify for an extension due to my surgical complications. She's sending me some paperwork that I need to have my surgeon complete asap. Apparently, if the surgery complications are significant enough and properly documented, they can approve an extension in some cases. She said it's not guaranteed but worth trying given my situation. I'll update once I hear back about the extension request. This whole process is so stressful when you're already dealing with health issues!

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