EDD SDI eligibility with chronic condition causing job loss?

Unfortunately, California's SDI (State Disability Insurance) program typically requires you to have been employed and paying into SDI through payroll deductions to qualify. Since you're not currently employed, that might be challenging. You might want to look into SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) through the federal government instead. Those programs are specifically designed for longer-term disabilities that prevent substantial employment.

To clarify something important - you CAN qualify for California SDI even if you were recently employed (not currently employed). The key requirement is that you must have earned at least $300 in a previous quarter during your base period, from which SDI deductions were withheld. If you were working until February 2025, you likely still fall within the base period window! You should apply for SDI right away - there's a 7-day waiting period and then a limited window to file. Your doctor will need to certify your disability. Make sure they understand it's not about whether your condition is chronic or temporary, but whether it currently prevents you from performing your regular or customary work. For chronic conditions, they'll need to certify for specific periods (up to 12 months) at a time.

When I was out with my chronic condition (rheumatoid arthritis), I had to have my rheumatologist fill out paperwork every 3 months to extend my claim. EDD doesnt care if ur condition is permanent or temporary - they care if it prevents u from doing ur SPECIFIC job duties right now. So if ur doc says ur autoimmune disorder prevents u from doing the essential functions of the job u had most recently, thats what matters. Not whether ull ever get better. Just fyi my doc had to be VERY specific about what tasks I couldnt do - not just 'patient has autoimmune disorder' but actually listing the limitations.

Look into applying for BOTH sdi and ssdi at the same time!!!! The state program (SDI) is shorter term (up to a year) but pays more and is faster. The federal program (SSDI) takes FOREVER to get approved (like 8 months minimum in my experience) but is for long-term disability. There's no rule that says you can't apply for both. SDI will help with immediate needs while SSDI is processing.

I tried filing for dissability with a chronic illness and it was a NIGHTMARE. waited on hold 4ever & when i finally got someone they kept transfering me around. finally gave up. The system is not designed for ppl like us with conditions that fluctuate. good luck tho hope your experience is better than mine

One more important point: with SDI, your claim should be filed within 49 days from the date your disability begins. Since you haven't been working since February, you'll need your doctor to establish a specific date when your condition became disabling enough to prevent you from working. This might be tricky if it's been several months. The medical certification form (called the DE 2501) is critical. Your doctor needs to establish: 1. The specific date your disability began 2. Diagnosis code(s) 3. When you became unable to perform your regular work 4. Expected recovery date (can be "unknown" for chronic conditions) Be really clear with your doctor about completing this thoroughly.

i don't know about SDI but I got approved for SSDI with an autoimmune disorder (lupus) and it took 7 months and I got denied twice before finally getting approved. get a disability lawyer they only get paid if you win so no upfront cost. they made a HUGE difference in my case.

Based on what you've shared, I think you have a reasonable case for SDI if: 1. You worked recently enough (through February 2025) 2. Had SDI deductions taken from your paychecks 3. Have a doctor willing to certify your disability 4. Can establish a disability date within the last 49 days Start the application online through SDI Online at the EDD website. Have all your employment information, doctor's contact details, and diagnosis information ready. The system will guide you through the process and generate the physician's portion that you'll need to take to your doctor. If you run into issues with the application, don't give up - reach out for help, as others have suggested. Chronic conditions absolutely can qualify for SDI.

Just wanted to add that when you're filling out the SDI application, be very detailed about how your autoimmune disorder affects your daily work activities. Don't just say "fatigue" - explain specifically like "unable to concentrate for more than 30 minutes at a time" or "joint pain prevents typing for extended periods" or whatever applies to your situation. The more specific you are about functional limitations, the better your chances of approval. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit - I learned this the hard way when EDD claimed they never received my doctor's form even though we faxed it twice. Good luck with your application!