EDD SDI question: Can I get disability while caring for child post-surgery?

You're confusing SDI with PFL. State Disability Insurance (SDI) only covers YOUR own disability/illness, not caring for a family member. That's what Paid Family Leave (PFL) is for, which you said you already used up. Unfortunately, there's a limit to how much PFL you can take in a 12-month period, typically 8 weeks. If you've used all your PFL, you won't qualify for SDI just to care for your child, unless you have your own disability.

This happened to me last yr with my son's surgery!! Talk to ur childs doctor ASAP. Sometimes they can write u a note saying that caring for ur kid is causing u anxiety/depression which CAN qualify u for SDI as your own medical condition. Worth a shot!

SDI is for your own disability only. PFL is for caretaking. You mentioned you used up PFL this year. Just so you know, the limit is 8 weeks total in a 12-month period (used to be only 6 weeks until recently). If your previous PFL claim was just for 2-3 weeks, you might still have some weeks left to use.

As others have correctly mentioned, SDI is specifically for your own disability, while PFL is designed for caregiving situations like yours. Since you've exhausted your PFL benefits, here are some alternatives to consider: 1. FMLA/CFRA - These provide job protection (but no pay) for up to 12 weeks 2. Ask your employer about advance vacation borrowing for next year 3. Check if your employer offers any emergency leave bank or hardship programs 4. Some companies have employee assistance programs with emergency grants 5. Look into local non-profits that might offer assistance for families with children undergoing medical procedures Unfortunately, there's no way to qualify for SDI unless you personally have a medical condition that prevents you from working.

Have u tried calling EDD directly to ask? When I was in a similar situation they were actually helpful but it took FOREVER to reach someone. I spent like 3 days just calling and calling and getting hung up on.

not sure if this helps but my wife works at a school and when shes off during summer she gets SDI i think??? maybe check if theres anything about temporary unemployment during planned medical care for dependents

One thing no one has mentioned - have you looked into whether your health insurance offers any case management or home health services? Sometimes insurance will cover a home health aide for children after certain surgeries, especially if the doctor documents it as medically necessary. It's worth calling your insurance company to ask about post-surgical care benefits.

I think your best approach is multi-faceted: 1. Get documentation from the ENT about the full recovery timeline and specific care requirements 2. Speak with your HR department about FMLA/CFRA and any company-specific leave options 3. Contact your health insurance about home health aide coverage 4. If you're truly experiencing stress/anxiety over this situation, talk to your own doctor about your mental health 5. Check with local social services about any emergency assistance programs Unfortunately, the EDD system has this gap where PFL has time limits, but children's medical needs don't follow convenient timelines. I hope you're able to piece together a solution!

I went through something similar when my daughter needed surgery last year. Since you've exhausted your PFL benefits, you might want to look into whether your employer participates in any voluntary disability insurance programs that could supplement state benefits. Also, some employers have "catastrophic leave donation" programs where other employees can donate their unused sick/vacation time to colleagues facing family emergencies. It's worth asking HR if they have anything like this. Another option is to see if you can work out a flexible arrangement - maybe working part-time from home during some of the recovery period if your job allows it, so you're not completely without income for the full 3 weeks.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation. As others have correctly pointed out, SDI only covers your own medical conditions, not caregiving responsibilities. Since you've used your full PFL allocation, here's another angle to consider: contact your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) for comprehensive resource information. They often know about local programs that provide temporary childcare assistance or respite care for families dealing with medical situations. Also, consider reaching out to the hospital where your daughter will have surgery - many hospitals have social workers who can connect families with community resources, financial assistance programs, or even volunteer programs that help with post-surgical care. The Ronald McDonald House organization sometimes has resources beyond just housing that could be helpful. Some churches and community organizations also have emergency assistance funds specifically for situations like yours, even if you're not a member. Document everything with your employer now - your FMLA request, the medical necessity, timeline, etc. This protects you legally even if you can't get paid leave.

I'm a single parent who went through a similar situation with my son's surgery two years ago. Since you've maxed out your PFL, I'd suggest also checking if your state has any temporary caregiver assistance programs outside of EDD - some states have emergency family support funds that aren't well-publicized. Another thing that helped me was negotiating with my employer to use future sick days in advance, essentially borrowing against next year's accrual. Some companies will allow this in documented medical emergencies. Also, if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you might be able to use those funds to pay for professional caregiving services during your work hours, which could allow you to work at least partial days. Don't forget to keep detailed records of all medical documentation and correspondence with your employer - this could be important if you need to pursue other legal protections or if your situation changes. Wishing you and your daughter the best with her surgery and recovery!