EDD SDI reaching 52-week limit with ongoing medical issues - options after benefits end?

Unfortunately once you hit the 52-week maximum for SDI, that's it for that condition. You can only start a new SDI claim if you have a completely different medical condition that prevents you from working. If your current condition continues, you won't be eligible for a new claim. As for your LTD question - your employer's Long Term Disability insurance will likely offset (reduce) your benefit by the amount you receive from Social Security retirement. Check your LTD policy carefully, but most policies have a Social Security offset clause that applies to both SSDI and regular Social Security retirement benefits.

my cousins husband had something similar happen last yr!!! he got to the end of benefits but still was sick and his dr tried to file a new claim but EDD denied it saying it was related to same medical issue. they ended up having to sell their second car to make ends meet until he got approved for ssdi which took FOREVER. so anoying how they just cut you off even when yr still sick

You need to look into applying for SSDI immediately if you haven't already. Unlike regular Social Security retirement, SSDI is specifically for people who become disabled before retirement age and can't return to work. The approval process takes MONTHS (sometimes over a year), so start now! Regarding the LTD through your job - yes, it will almost certainly reduce your benefit by whatever you get from regular Social Security. Read your policy carefully because most employer LTD plans have a "coordination of benefits" clause that reduces your LTD payment by the amount you receive from Social Security (whether retirement or disability). Source: went through this whole mess in 2023 when my SDI ran out.

Just wondering - have you talked to your doctor about whether there's ANY chance you could do some kind of modified work? Even if it's just a few hours a week in a totally different capacity? Sometimes EDD will approve partial disability if you can work at least a little bit. Might be worth asking about.

I've been trying to reach an EDD representative for WEEKS about a similar situation and keep getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. The rep explained that while I couldn't file a new claim for the same condition, I could potentially qualify for different programs. Check out their video demo if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Definitely worth it because the EDD rep actually took time to explain all my options rather than me just guessing.

The rules about SDI 52-week limits are RIDICULOUS!!! People don't just magically get better when the calendar says 52 weeks. The whole system is broken. What are people supposed to do when they're still sick?? The government doesn't care at all about people with chronic conditions.

One option you might want to explore is California's State Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) program. It's typically for self-employed people, but in some cases, it can provide coverage when regular SDI runs out. There are specific eligibility requirements, so you'd need to contact EDD directly to see if this could be an option for you. Also, check if your employer has any other disability programs or if there are any union benefits you might qualify for. Some employers offer supplemental disability insurance that can kick in after SDI ends.

To answer your original question about filing a new claim after 52 weeks - the rule is that you need to have returned to work for at least 60 days AND have a new disability (or the same disability with a period of recovery) to qualify for a new claim. If you haven't returned to work at all, then you wouldn't be eligible regardless of whether it's the same condition or a new one. The system is designed with the assumption that disability is temporary, which unfortunately doesn't work for people with chronic or progressive conditions. For your Social Security question - check your LTD policy, but most will offset (reduce) your LTD benefit by the amount of Social Security you receive. They typically don't care whether it's SSDI or regular retirement SS.

my friend had her doctor write that she had a NEW diagnosis even tho it was kinda related to her old one and she got approved for a new claim!!! might be worth asking your doctor if theres any way to classify your condition differently????

Have you considered applying for CalFresh or other assistance programs while you figure out your next steps? They won't replace your income but might help with some expenses in the transition period. There's also General Assistance through your county, though the amounts are pretty low.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to share what I learned from my disability attorney. Since you're already receiving regular Social Security retirement, you actually CAN'T apply for SSDI - you can only get one or the other, not both. However, you might want to look into SSI (Supplemental Security Income) if your total income falls below certain thresholds after your SDI ends. Also, regarding your LTD policy - many have a "pre-existing condition" clause that could affect coverage if your disability started before you enrolled in the plan. Make sure to check that language carefully. Some policies also have different offset rules for Social Security retirement vs. SSDI, so definitely read the fine print. One more thing - if you haven't already, document EVERYTHING with your doctor about how your condition has worsened or changed. Even if you can't get a new SDI claim, having detailed medical records will be crucial for any other benefits you apply for.