EDD SDI maximum 52 weeks ending but still disabled - what options do I have?

u should apply 4 SSDI right away!!! dont wait till ur edd runs out. the social security disability takes like FOREVER to get approved, my cousin waited 18 months!!! also check if ur job had long term disability insurance, some do

The 52-week limit for SDI is absolute - there are no extensions regardless of your situation. You need to look into three possible paths: 1. Workers' Compensation - Since you mentioned this was a work injury, you should already have a workers' comp claim open. This should continue even after SDI ends. 2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - Apply immediately as approval can take 6-24 months. You can apply while still on SDI. 3. Long-Term Disability Insurance - If your employer provided this benefit or if you purchased it privately. You should also contact the Department of Rehabilitation to see if they can help with vocational training for a different type of work given your limitations.

I went thru this last year! It SUCKS. After my SDI ran out I had no income for 5 months until my SSDI was approved. Had to borrow from family. There's no magic solution unfortunately - the systems don't work together at all. Apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and see if your county has General Assistance/Relief programs.

When I exhausted my SDI benefits in 2025, I was able to apply for unemployment benefits while I continued looking for work within my restrictions. This only works if you're able to do SOME type of work (even if it's not your previous job) and are actively looking. You'll need a doctor's note specifying your work limitations. Worth looking into if your doctor says you can work with accommodations.

Do you have a disability insurance policy through work? Many employers offer short and long term disability coverage that kicks in once state benefits end. Check with your HR department ASAP!

I can tell you from experience that trying to call Social Security to start your SSDI application is nearly impossible right now. I kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent and it saved me so much stress. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd As for what to do after SDI ends - make sure your doctor has documented everything thoroughly for your SSDI application. Get copies of all medical records. You'll need to prove you can't work ANY job, not just your construction job.

This is a reality many of us face with the broken disability system in California. When my SDI ran out after a serious heart condition, I was denied SSDI twice before finally getting approved. The gap between these programs can be devastating financially. Some suggestions beyond what others mentioned: 1. Contact your mortgage company/landlord immediately - some have hardship programs 2. File for SSDI immediately AND get a disability attorney (they only get paid if you win) 3. Check if your city or county has emergency housing assistance programs 4. Apply for CalFresh and CalWorks 5. Contact 211 (call 211) for referrals to additional resources The system is designed to be difficult. Document EVERYTHING and be persistent.

wait i forgot 2 mention - if ur injury was at work did u file workmans comp????? thats different from SDI!!

I'm in a similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from meeting with a benefits counselor at my local disability resource center. They told me about something called "presumptive disability" for SSDI applications - if your condition is severe enough (like certain spinal injuries), you might be able to get expedited processing or even temporary benefits while waiting for full approval. Also, some counties have disability advocacy organizations that can help you navigate all these systems for free. In my county, they even helped me fill out the SSDI paperwork correctly the first time, which apparently makes a huge difference in approval chances. Might be worth googling "[your county] disability advocacy" or "independent living center" to see what's available near you.

I went through this exact situation two years ago after a workplace back injury. The gap between SDI ending and other benefits starting is brutal - I ended up homeless for a few months because I didn't plan ahead properly. Here's what I wish I had known: Start your SSDI application NOW, not when SDI ends. The 5-month waiting period for SSDI starts from when you became disabled, not when you apply, so there's no benefit to waiting. If your injury was work-related, workers' comp should be your primary focus, not SDI. Workers' comp can continue indefinitely if you're permanently disabled, while SDI has that hard 52-week limit. Even if there's a dispute, get a workers' comp attorney involved immediately. For the gap period, look into: - County General Relief/Assistance programs - Food banks and churches for emergency help - CalFresh (food stamps) - Utility assistance programs through LIHEAP - Housing assistance through your local housing authority Most importantly, don't be too proud to ask for help. I waited too long and it made everything worse. The system is designed to be confusing and make you give up. Document everything, keep copies of all medical records, and consider getting a disability attorney early in the process. You're not alone in this - the disability system in California is broken but there are people and organizations who can help you navigate it.

I'm going through something similar right now - my SDI is ending in about 6 weeks and I'm terrified about the financial gap. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about the 5-month SSDI waiting period starting from when you became disabled rather than when you apply. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I found out that some utility companies have special programs for people with disabilities that can help reduce or eliminate bills during financial hardship. PG&E has the CARE program and others have similar assistance. Also, if you're a renter, look into your city's tenant protection laws - some places have protections against eviction for people with disabilities going through benefit transitions. The hardest part for me has been the emotional toll of navigating all these different systems when you're already dealing with pain and medical appointments. Don't underestimate how draining this process can be mentally. If you have any friends or family who can help make phone calls or research programs, don't hesitate to ask. Stay strong everyone - this community has shown me there are people who've made it through this nightmare and come out the other side.

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share something that might help bridge the gap while waiting for SSDI approval. If you're having trouble affording medications or medical equipment during the transition period, look into pharmaceutical patient assistance programs - most major drug companies offer free or reduced-cost medications for people with financial hardship. Also, medical equipment companies sometimes have loaner programs for things like mobility aids or pain management devices. Another resource worth checking is your state's 211 system (just dial 211) - they maintain databases of local assistance programs that even social workers sometimes don't know about. When I was helping my neighbor navigate a similar situation, we found emergency rent assistance through a local nonprofit that wasn't advertised anywhere online. The waiting and uncertainty is incredibly stressful, but it sounds like you're being proactive by reaching out here and planning ahead. That's going to serve you well in getting through this difficult transition period.

I'm new to this community but went through a very similar situation last year with a workplace injury. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging (even if you're under 60) - many of them have disability services divisions that can help with emergency assistance and navigating benefit transitions. They often have caseworkers who specialize in helping people bridge these gaps between programs. Also, if you're still working with physical therapy or occupational therapy providers, ask them about equipment lending libraries or patient hardship funds. Many rehabilitation centers have resources they don't advertise but can access for patients in financial distress. The most important thing I learned is to apply for everything you might qualify for, even if you're not sure - the worst they can say is no, but you might discover assistance programs you didn't know existed. Document every application and keep copies of everything. The bureaucracy is overwhelming but you're already doing the right thing by reaching out and gathering information early.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that helped me during a similar transition period. If you haven't already, consider reaching out to your local Independent Living Center - they often have emergency financial assistance funds specifically for people with disabilities facing benefit gaps. Many centers also offer free advocacy services to help navigate the SSDI application process and can sometimes expedite certain steps. Another resource worth exploring is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program alongside SSDI. While SSDI is based on your work history, SSI is need-based and might provide some income during the waiting period if your resources are low enough. The application process is similar, so you can often apply for both simultaneously. Also, don't overlook state disability insurance continuation options - while California's SDI has the 52-week limit, some people qualify for extended benefits through other state programs if their condition meets specific criteria. It's worth calling EDD directly to ask if any extensions or alternative programs might apply to your situation. The gap between programs is genuinely terrifying, but you're being smart by planning ahead. Keep pushing through the bureaucracy - your persistence will pay off.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help during your transition period. Have you looked into applying for CalWORKs (California's welfare program)? While the benefits are modest, it can provide some temporary income assistance while you're waiting for SSDI approval. The application process can take a few weeks, so it's worth starting now before your SDI ends. Also, many hospitals and medical centers have financial hardship programs that can help with ongoing medical expenses during benefit gaps. If you're receiving treatment, ask the billing department about charity care applications or payment plans. One more thing - if you're a veteran, there are additional disability benefits through the VA that run parallel to civilian programs. Even if you haven't used VA benefits before, it might be worth exploring if you served. The bureaucracy is overwhelming when you're already dealing with pain and medical issues, but you're doing the right thing by researching options early. This community seems really knowledgeable about navigating these systems.

I'm new here but went through this exact situation two years ago with a workplace back injury. The transition from SDI to other benefits is absolutely terrifying, but you're smart to start planning now. A few things that really helped me that I haven't seen mentioned yet: 1. Contact your county's Adult Protective Services - they often have emergency assistance funds for disabled adults facing homelessness or utility shutoffs that aren't well-publicized. 2. Look into applying for a disabled person's bus pass or transportation vouchers through your local transit authority - this can save significant money during tight months. 3. If you have any credit cards, call them NOW to explain your situation and ask about hardship programs before you miss payments. Many will temporarily reduce or suspend payments. 4. Check if your county has a "disability navigator" program - these are specialists who help people transition between benefit systems and know about local resources. The most important thing is to start your SSDI application immediately if you haven't already. Don't wait for SDI to end. I made that mistake and it cost me dearly. You're going to get through this. The system is broken but there are people and programs designed to help bridge these gaps if you know where to look. This community has been incredibly helpful in sharing resources - lean on the knowledge here.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that helped me when I was facing a similar SDI-to-SSDI transition gap. Have you considered applying for emergency assistance through your local Community Action Agency? They often have one-time emergency funds for rent, utilities, and other basic needs specifically for people going through benefit transitions. Many people don't know these agencies exist, but they're federally funded and operate in most counties. Also, if you're receiving any ongoing medical treatment, ask your healthcare providers about patient hardship funds or sliding-scale payment options. Many medical practices have funds set aside specifically for patients experiencing financial difficulties due to disability transitions, but they don't always advertise these programs. One more thing - document everything related to your disability and work limitations now while you still have some SDI income. Get letters from all your doctors detailing your functional limitations, keep records of all medical appointments, and take photos/videos if your condition affects your mobility or daily activities. This documentation will be crucial for your SSDI application and any appeals if needed. The gap between programs is genuinely scary, but you're being proactive by reaching out here and planning ahead. That preparation is going to make a real difference in getting through this transition period successfully.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help during your transition. Have you looked into applying for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) if your spinal injury affects your ability to do daily activities like cleaning, cooking, or personal care? It's a California program that provides paid assistance for people with disabilities and can continue regardless of your other benefit status. Even if you live alone, you might qualify for hours that could provide some income to a family member or friend who helps you. Also, many counties have emergency rental assistance programs specifically for people with disabilities facing benefit gaps - these are separate from general rental assistance and often have shorter waiting lists. Try searching "[your county] disability emergency rental assistance" or contact your local Center for Independent Living. One thing I wish I had known earlier is that some food banks have special programs for people with disabilities that include things like prepared meals, medical nutrition supplements, or even pet food if you have service/emotional support animals. The regular food bank lines can be physically difficult when you're dealing with spinal issues. The transition period is terrifying, but you're asking all the right questions and getting great advice here. Document everything, apply for multiple programs simultaneously, and don't be afraid to ask for help - that's what these safety net programs are designed for.