EDD SDI return to work form confusion - can I say 'not recovered' but still return?
I'm so stressed about this form my employer gave me to fill out for EDD! I've been on disability for chronic back pain (herniated disc) for the past 8 weeks, and while I'm feeling better, I'm definitely not 100% recovered. My doctor cleared me to return to work tomorrow with some restrictions (no heavy lifting, standing breaks every hour). The form has two questions that are confusing me: 1) "Have you recovered from your disability?" (with date) 2) "Have you returned to work?" (with date) For question #2, that's easy - Yes, and I'll put tomorrow's date. But for question #1, I'm not sure what to put. I haven't fully recovered, but I'm well enough to work with accommodations. If I mark "No" for recovery, will that cause problems with ending my claim since I'm returning to work? If I mark "Yes," am I lying since I still have pain and restrictions? Has anyone dealt with this situation before? What did you put on the form?
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Saleem Vaziri
You should absolutely mark "No" for the recovery question. This is a common situation and won't cause problems with ending your claim. The form is asking two separate things: whether you've *recovered* and whether you've *returned to work*. Many people return to work before being 100% recovered. In fact, EDD recognizes this distinction specifically for situations like yours where you're returning with restrictions or accommodations. Just be sure to contact EDD and inform them of your return-to-work date so your benefits stop appropriately.
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Lindsey Fry
•Thank you so much! That makes me feel a lot better. I was worried they'd think I was trying to commit fraud or something by saying I'm not recovered but still going back. I'll definitely call EDD to let them know about my return date.
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Kayla Morgan
i had this EXACT same form last year!!! put NO for question 1 and YES for question 2. its totally fine, i did that and had zero problems. my doctor told me its normal to go back before ur 100% better
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Lindsey Fry
•Oh that's such a relief to hear someone else did this! Did you call EDD to tell them you were going back, or was the form enough?
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Kayla Morgan
•i tried calling but couldn't get thru so i just sent a message thru the online portal thingy. worked fine!
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James Maki
Be VERY careful with this! My coworker marked "No" for recovery and "Yes" for return to work, and EDD flagged her account for review. She had to provide additional medical documentation and her benefits got delayed for almost 3 weeks! The system is designed to be confusing on purpose. I would personally mark "Yes" for recovery with the return date, even if you're not 100%, just to avoid the headache.
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Saleem Vaziri
•This information is incorrect. Marking "Yes" to recovery when you're not fully recovered could potentially be considered misrepresentation. The proper procedure is to accurately report your recovery status and return-to-work date separately. While it's true that some claims may be flagged for review, providing accurate information prevents potential issues down the line if you need to file another claim related to the same condition.
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Jasmine Hancock
When I returned to work after my shoulder surgery, my doctor specifically told me to mark "No" for full recovery but to still put my return date. The form is designed to capture partial recoveries where you can work but still have the condition. If you mark "Yes" to recovery and then have a relapse or need additional treatment for the same condition, it could complicate future claims. Just be honest - that's the best policy with these forms.
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Cole Roush
Have you tried calling EDD directly to ask? I spent TWO HOURS trying to get through to them last month with a similar question and kept getting disconnected. So frustrating!
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Scarlett Forster
•I had the same issue trying to reach EDD last week. After multiple disconnections, I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They basically stay on hold for you and call you when they reach an agent. Saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Regarding the original question, the EDD agent I spoke with confirmed you should mark "No" for recovery if you still have restrictions or ongoing symptoms, even if you're returning to work. They said it's very common.
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Arnav Bengali
Did your doctor give you any specific instructions about this form? When I went back to work after my disability leave, my doctor actually filled out part of the form for me to avoid any confusion. Might be worth checking with them if possible since they cleared you for work with restrictions.
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Lindsey Fry
•No, my doctor just gave me the work restrictions document but didn't mention anything about this EDD form specifically. My follow-up appointment isn't for another two weeks, and I need to submit this tomorrow when I return. Based on all the responses here, I think I'll mark "No" for recovery and "Yes" for return to work, and include tomorrow's date.
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Cole Roush
what about your weekly benefit? do you still get partial disability when you go back with restrictions??
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Saleem Vaziri
•EDD SDI doesn't typically provide partial benefits when you return to work, even with restrictions. Once you return to work, your disability benefits generally end regardless of whether you've fully recovered. However, if your wages are reduced because you're working fewer hours due to your medical condition, you might qualify for Partial Disability Benefits, but this is handled differently than regular SDI. You would need to speak with EDD directly about your specific situation.
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Lindsey Fry
UPDATE: I ended up marking "No" for recovery and "Yes" for return to work with tomorrow's date. I also called EDD this morning (took forever but finally got through!) and the representative confirmed this was the correct way to fill out the form. She said they see this situation all the time, and it won't cause any issues with my claim ending properly. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Jasmine Hancock
•Glad you got it sorted out! And good call on contacting EDD directly. Always best to hear it straight from them when possible.
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Kayla Morgan
•nice! hope ur back continues to get better! 👍
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Andre Dupont
This is such great information for anyone dealing with this situation! I'm currently on SDI for a knee injury and expecting to get a similar form soon. It's really helpful to see that EDD confirmed marking "No" for recovery and "Yes" for return to work is the right approach when you're not fully healed but cleared to work with restrictions. Did they mention anything about how long it takes for benefits to officially stop once you submit the form?
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mikaela santos
Hi, I might have the same question. I had to fill out the Disability Claim Status Check Continuing Eligibility Questionnaire and it confused me. Im still disabled and not able to return to work. It asked for my recovery date and didnt know what to put so I just entered the date when they issues me the claim. But i also put my actual return to work date. Will they stop my benefits for making that mistake?
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