EDD SDI confusion: Starting new PPD claim after pregnancy disability ended - what date to use?
I'm really confused about how to file my new disability claim for postpartum depression after my pregnancy disability ended. My situation is unique: My pregnancy disability claim ended with a return-to-work date of January 12, 2025. Then literally THE NEXT DAY (Jan 13) my doctor diagnosed me with postpartum depression and wants me to file a new SDI claim. When filling out the new claim application, it's asking for my "last day worked" at my job. Should I put the original date I stopped working before my pregnancy disability (September 18, 2024), or should I put January 12 (when my first claim ended)? I'm so confused because I technically haven't physically been at work since September. I'm worried about messing this up and having my claim denied. Has anyone dealt with filing a consecutive disability claim like this? Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Nia Davis
I think u should put the ORIGINAL date from when u stopped for pregnancy since you never went back. that's what i did when i extended my claim and it worked
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Luca Marino
•Thanks for responding! But this isn't exactly an extension - it's a completely new claim with a different diagnosis. That's what's confusing me. Did you have the same diagnosis or a different one when you extended?
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Mateo Perez
This is a common situation with pregnancy and postpartum claims. Since you never physically returned to work after your pregnancy disability, you should use your original last day worked (September 18, 2024) on the new claim form. Your doctor essentially needs to establish that you have a new medical condition (PPD) that's preventing you from returning to work after your pregnancy disability period ended. Make sure your doctor clearly indicates on the medical certification form that this is a NEW condition with a diagnosis date of January 13, 2025. The key is that there's no gap in your disability - one ended January 12 and the new one began January 13.
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Luca Marino
•Thank you so much! This makes a lot of sense. I'll use the September date and make sure my doctor specifies the new diagnosis date clearly. I was worried about making a mistake that would delay benefits when I really need them right now.
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Aisha Rahman
I went thru something kinda similar but with a broken ankle that turned into a surgery situation. EDD is super picky about dates matching up! My advice: call them directly and ask!!!!! That way you have it documented that you asked them specifically what to put.
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CosmicCrusader
•Good luck trying to actually reach someone at EDD! I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through about my claim last month. Either busy signals or being on hold for 2+ hours only to get disconnected. The system is completely broken!!! 😡😡😡
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Ethan Brown
listen i had almost EXACT same situation but with anxiety after broken leg. u DO use original last date worked because u never ACTUALLY went back physically. its not lying but they expect u to put the first time u stopped working if u never went back physically to the job. my dr also wrote letter explaining the situation to make it super clear that its new claim for new problem
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Luca Marino
•That's really helpful to hear someone had a similar situation! Did you have any issues or delays with your claim being approved?
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Ethan Brown
•nope it went thru fine!! just make sure dr makes it SUPER clear its new diagnosis with specific date that starts right as old one ends
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Yuki Yamamoto
For clarity on your situation, here's what you need to know: 1. For consecutive disability claims with different medical conditions, you should use your original last day worked (September 18, 2024) on the new claim form 2. Make sure your doctor clearly documents on the DE 2501 form (Physician/Practitioner's Certificate) that: - Your PPD is a new and separate medical condition - The diagnosis date is January 13, 2025 (the day after your pregnancy disability ended) - Your disability began immediately following the end of your previous claim 3. In the "Special Information" section of your claim, briefly explain that this claim is for a new condition (PPD) that began immediately after your pregnancy disability claim ended 4. If possible, have your doctor submit the medical certification right away - don't wait for EDD to request it This is a fairly common situation with pregnancy and postpartum conditions. As long as your documentation is clear about the consecutive nature of the disabilities and the new diagnosis, it should process without issues.
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Luca Marino
•This is EXACTLY what I needed to know! Thank you for the detailed explanation. I'll make sure to follow all these steps and have my doctor emphasize it's a new condition starting immediately after my pregnancy disability ended. And I'll have her submit the certification right away. I really appreciate everyone's help!
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Aisha Rahman
So just checking back here - did u get ur claim figured out? I'm curious what happened since I might be in similar boat soon with my pregnancy leave ending next month 😬
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Luca Marino
•Yes! I followed the advice here - used my original last day worked (Sept 18) and had my doctor clearly state it was a NEW diagnosis starting Jan 13. My claim was approved within 10 days! No issues at all. I'm so relieved. Good luck with your situation too!
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Mia Roberts
I'm going through something very similar right now! My pregnancy disability ended last week and I'm dealing with postpartum anxiety. My doctor wants me to file a new claim too. Reading through all these responses is SO helpful - I was totally confused about the dates too. It's reassuring to see that @aa3cde904ab6 got approved so quickly following this advice. I'm definitely going to use my original last day worked and make sure my doctor is super clear about the new diagnosis date. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!
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