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EDD SDI extension after benefit year ends and funds depleted - is it possible?

I've been on State Disability since May 2025 for a serious back injury that required surgery. My doctor just told me I'll need at least 2 more months of recovery, but my disability benefit year ends next month and my claim balance is almost gone. Does California offer any extensions for SDI when your benefit year expires but you're still unable to work? My HR dept wasn't helpful at all and just said to 'ask EDD' but I can't get through on the phone. Has anyone successfully gotten an extension after their year was up? My rent is due soon and I'm getting really anxious about how I'll manage if the payments suddenly stop.

Oliver Cheng

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once ur benefit year is up thats it, they dont extend. i tried last yr and they said no way

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Ashley Simian

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That's not what I wanted to hear 😢 Did they offer any alternatives or was it just a flat-out no?

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Taylor To

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The previous commenter isn't entirely correct. While standard SDI doesn't typically offer extensions beyond your benefit year, there are some options you might consider: 1. If your condition has changed or worsened, you can file a NEW claim (not an extension) with updated medical certification 2. Look into whether you qualify for Long Term Disability if you have that through your employer 3. If your condition meets the criteria, you might consider applying for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) The important thing is to have your doctor document that your disability is continuing beyond the initial projected recovery date. You'll need updated medical certification regardless of which path you take.

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Ella Cofer

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This is good advice. I was in a similar situation last year after a car accident. My SDI was ending but I wasn't recovered enough to return to work. My doctor helped me file a new claim with updated medical information showing my condition had changed (new complications developed). It wasn't technically an "extension" but it accomplished the same thing - continuous benefits while I recovered. The key was having strong medical documentation of why I still couldn't work.

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Kevin Bell

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When I was trying to reach EDD about my extension question last month, I kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!! Then my cousin told me about this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual EDD rep in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. It seriously saved me so much stress - the agent I talked to explained all my options clearly.

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does this actually work? i've been trying to talk to someone at EDD for weeks about my disability claim

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Kevin Bell

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It worked for me! Got through in about 20 mins when I'd been trying for days on my own. The EDD rep was able to explain exactly what documentation I needed for my situation.

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Felix Grigori

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The technical answer about SDI extensions is that California doesn't offer formal "extensions" to SDI after your benefit year ends. However, there are legitimate pathways to continued benefits depending on your specific medical situation: 1. New claim with new certification: If your condition persists or you develop a related condition, this is the proper approach 2. Transitioning to PFL: In some circumstances, if you need to care for a family member or bond with a new child, you could transition to Paid Family Leave 3. Employer disability programs: Some employers offer supplemental disability coverage that extends beyond state benefits What's critical is not creating a gap in your medical certification. Have your doctor document your continuing disability before your current certification ends. This paperwork timing is absolutely crucial regardless of which benefit program you ultimately use.

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Ashley Simian

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Thank you for such detailed information! I'll definitely talk to my doctor about getting updated medical certification ASAP. My condition is definitely still the same issue (herniated disc with nerve compression), just taking longer to heal than initially expected. Do you know if there's any waiting period if I have to file a new claim, or would it potentially continue seamlessly if I get all the paperwork in before my current claim ends?

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Felix Grigori

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If you file a new claim for the same condition, there's typically no additional waiting period applied (you already served it with your initial claim). However, timing is everything - there should be no gap in medical certification between claims. Have your doctor document that your disability is continuous and submit the new claim before your current benefit year ends. This gives EDD time to process everything and helps prevent interruption in your benefits.

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Felicity Bud

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this whole SDI system is designed to CUT YOU OFF when you need it most!! 😠 i was in the same boat last year. back injury, funds running out, year ending, and suddenly EDD acts like i should magically be healed on THEIR timeline not my doctor's!! tried calling 50+ times and either got disconnected or was on hold until they closed for the day. the whole system is BROKEN. they don't care about disabled workers AT ALL

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Oliver Cheng

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for real!! same thing happened to my brother. edd is the worst

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Ashley Simian

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Did you end up finding any solution? I'm sorry that happened to you.

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Felicity Bud

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Eventually got help from my state assembly person's office. They have caseworkers who can contact EDD directly. Look up who represents your district and call their office - it's the only thing that finally worked for me. Still had to file a whole new claim though.

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Max Reyes

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My sister went through exact same thing with her pregnancy disability. She had complications after delivery but her SDI year was ending. Her doctor submitted paperwork showing she still couldn't work and she got a new claim approved. So don't listen to people saying it's impossible! Just need right documentationšŸ‘

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Ashley Simian

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That's encouraging to hear! Did she have to do anything special with the new claim, or was it just a standard application with updated medical documentation?

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Taylor To

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Based on the discussion here, it seems your best path forward is: 1. Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY to document your continuing disability and get updated medical certification (Form DE 2501) 2. File a new SDI claim before your current benefit year ends 3. Make sure your medical provider clearly documents that this is a continuation of your existing condition that requires additional recovery time 4. If you're having trouble reaching EDD by phone (which is very common), consider using a contact service or reaching out to your state representative's office for assistance Keep in mind that while this isn't technically an "extension," a new claim for the same continuing condition can provide continued benefits if properly documented and submitted.

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Ashley Simian

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Thank you all for the helpful information! I've scheduled an appointment with my doctor for next week to get updated certification, and I'll be filing a new claim as suggested. I'm also going to try contacting my assembly member's office as a backup plan. This community has been incredibly helpful - I was feeling completely lost before posting here.

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