EDD SDI extension for postpartum depression - do I need to reapply?

You don't need to submit a whole new application! Your doctor needs to submit a "Supplemental Medical Certification" that shows you need additional recovery time. This extends your existing claim rather than creating a new one. Call your doctor's office ASAP and tell them you need this form completed and make sure they submit it before your current claim period ends (today). Your benefits will continue seamlessly if they submit it on time.

my doctor just filled out the same form again but wrote "extension" on it!! They told me it has to say that or EDD gets confused lol

Congrats on taking care of yourself during this time! Postpartum depression is so tough, I had it with both my kids.

WATCH OUT!!! If there's even ONE DAY gap between your original claim and extension they'll make you do the 7-day waiting period AGAIN! I learned this the hard way last year and lost a whole week of benefits. Make absolutely sure your doctor submits that extension TODAY not tomorrow. The EDD system is designed to screw you over every chance it gets.

When I had my back surgery i had to get extended twice and my doctor just faxed in some note each time. But I remember them telling me it needed to be before the end of my current period or id have to do a new application with the waiting week. call your doctor TODAY!!!

I've helped a few clients through this process and there's definitely confusion about extensions. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your doctor must submit certification BEFORE your current claim period ends 2. They can use either a regular DE 2501 form (marking it as an extension) or a supplemental form 3. The certification must indicate you have the same condition that's continuing, not a new condition 4. You typically won't need to serve a new waiting period if properly filed as an extension Since timing is critical here, have you tried calling EDD directly? This is exactly the kind of situation where speaking to an actual representative could save you a lot of trouble.

When I was in a similar situation with my disability extension, I used Claimyr.com to get through to an EDD representative quickly. It basically calls for you and holds your place in line, then calls you once they have an agent on the phone. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Definitely worth it for time-sensitive situations like yours where you need to make sure your extension is processed correctly.

whats postpartum depression like? my sister is having a baby soon and im worried about her

Quick update on extensions - as of 2025, EDD has slightly changed how they handle SDI extensions. If you can't get the certification submitted before your claim expires (today), you have a 5-day grace period where you can still submit it as an extension rather than a new claim. However, there might be a brief interruption in payments while they process it. This is a recent change that's helped many claimants, so don't panic if you can't get it done today. Still try for today, but tomorrow should still work within the grace period.

Were you able to get through to EDD? If you did, what did they say about your specific situation? Postpartum depression extensions are fairly common and typically approved when properly documented, but each case is handled individually.

That's great news that you got through to EDD and have some breathing room with the grace period! For what it's worth, I went through a similar extension process last year for anxiety/depression and it was approved without any issues once my therapist submitted the paperwork. The key thing that helped me was making sure my doctor included specific language about how my condition was "continuing from the original claim" rather than describing it as a new episode. It sounds like you're on the right track now - wishing you the best with your recovery and hope the extension goes smoothly!

I'm so glad you were able to get through to EDD and get some clarity on your situation! The 5-day grace period is definitely a game-changer - I wish I had known about that when I was dealing with my own disability extension last year. Just wanted to add that when you do get your psychiatrist to submit the paperwork, make sure they include specific details about your functional limitations and how your symptoms are preventing you from returning to work. EDD really likes to see concrete examples rather than just general statements about depression. Also, keep copies of everything for your records - sometimes paperwork gets "lost" in their system. You're doing all the right things by being proactive about this. Take care of yourself and don't feel guilty about needing this time to recover properly!