EDD SDI disability extension process - does my doctor file it or do I need to submit something?
Hoping someone can clarify the extension process for CA disability. My doctor just told me I need to stay off work for another 8 weeks (recovering from major back surgery). My original SDI claim is set to expire next Friday. Does my doctor submit the extension paperwork directly to EDD, or do I need to file a new claim/extension myself? I'm really confused about what happens next and don't want to miss any payments. Last time I tried calling EDD I gave up after waiting on hold for 2+ hours! I've already been stressing about bills and don't want to mess this up. Thanks for any help!
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Elin Robinson
Both u and ur dr need to do stuff. You gotta submit the continued claim certification and ur dr needs to submit the updated medical info. Check ur online acct for forms to fill out.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
AuthorThanks! So there's a specific continued claim form I need to fill out? Is it different from the regular certification? I don't see anything about extensions in my online account yet.
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Atticus Domingo
The extension process for SDI requires action from both you and your physician. Here's what needs to happen: 1. Your doctor needs to complete a Supplemental Medical Certificate (DE 2525XX) certifying your continuing disability 2. You need to complete a Claim for Continued Disability Benefits form (DE 2500A) which should arrive by mail about a week before your current benefit period ends If you don't receive the DE 2500A form, you can request one by messaging EDD through your SDI Online account. The most common mistake people make is waiting until after their benefits end - you want to submit everything 5-7 days before your current claim expires. Your doctor can submit their certification electronically through SDI Online if they're registered, or by mail if they prefer paper forms. Make sure they include your claim ID on everything they submit.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
AuthorThank you SO much for the detailed explanation! I'll contact my doctor's office tomorrow and make sure they're submitting the Supplemental Medical Certificate. I haven't received the DE 2500A form yet - should I be worried? My benefits end next Friday.
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Beth Ford
I just went through this last month! Was so confused too. My doctor had to do his part and I had to do mine. The timing was super stressful tho cuz there was like a 2 week gap where I didn't get paid while they processed everything. Hope you have some savings to cover that!
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Morita Montoya
This is why the EDD system is so FRUSTRATING!! Why should there be a gap in payments when you have a legitimate medical need for extension?? It's the same disability continuing! They make everything so complicated on purpose I swear. I had to call 48 TIMES to get my extension processed correctly last year.
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Kingston Bellamy
If you're having trouble getting through to EDD (and let's face it, who isn't?), I'd recommend checking out Claimyr. They helped me get through to a real person at EDD within 20 minutes when I was dealing with my disability extension issues. Their system holds your place in line so you don't have to do the endless redial thing. Saved me so much stress! There's a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd or you can go to claimyr.com. Getting an actual EDD rep to confirm my extension was being processed correctly was worth every penny.
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Joy Olmedo
Does this actually work for SDI too? I thought it was just for unemployment claims? Has anyone else used this for disability specifically?
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Kingston Bellamy
Yes, it works for SDI too! When you call through their service, you get in the regular EDD queue but without having to deal with the constant busy signals and hangups. I specifically used it for my disability extension questions and got through to someone who could see my account and verify everything.
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Isaiah Cross
My sister had her disability extended twice for her pregnancy complications and I think she just had her doctor send in forms? But that was for pregnancy so maybe different rules apply idk sorry not much help
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Atticus Domingo
You're partially right. Pregnancy disability and regular SDI extensions follow similar processes, but there are some differences. With pregnancy disability, additional documentation about estimated delivery date and recovery periods is required. The basic extension process (doctor's certification + claimant's continued claim form) is the same for both.
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Joy Olmedo
Make sure you stay on top of your doctor!! My physician's office forgot to submit my extension paperwork and my benefits stopped for nearly 3 weeks. I had to make multiple calls and even had to get a supervisor at the medical office involved to get everything submitted correctly. Don't assume they'll handle it automatically - be proactive and confirm submission dates and follow up until you see the extension reflected in your SDI Online account.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
AuthorThat's really good advice, thank you! I'll call my doctor again tomorrow and make sure they have all the info they need. My back specialist has a separate office from my regular doctor - should the extension come from my specialist or primary care?
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Joy Olmedo
The extension should come from whichever doctor is actively treating you for the condition that's keeping you disabled. Since you mentioned back surgery recovery, it sounds like that would be your specialist. They need to be the ones to certify that you still cannot perform your regular work duties.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD! The rep confirmed I need to complete a DE 2500A form (which should arrive in the mail soon) AND my doctor needs to submit a Supplemental Medical Certificate. She said if I don't receive the form by Monday, I should message them through my SDI Online account to request one. Thank you all for your help!
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Beth Ford
Awesome! Glad you got the info you needed! Hope your back heals up soon!
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CosmicCowboy
Great to see you got through to EDD and have clarity on next steps! Just a heads up - when you submit your DE 2500A form, make sure to keep a copy for your records and consider sending it certified mail if you're mailing it in. That way you have proof of delivery. Also, double-check that your doctor includes your SDI claim number on their Supplemental Medical Certificate - missing that detail can cause processing delays. Wishing you a smooth recovery from your back surgery!
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