EDD SDI timing question - apply before carpal tunnel surgery or wait until after?

You can actually start the SDI application process up to 9 days BEFORE your disability begins. In your case, your disability begins on your surgery date. I highly recommend applying a few days before surgery so everything's in the system when your doctor submits their certification. Here's what you should do: 1. Create an SDI Online account now if you don't already have one 2. Start your claim application 5-7 days before surgery (you'll enter your surgery date as your disability start date) 3. Your disability coordinator will help with the medical certification (Form DE 2501) after surgery 4. Remember there's a 7-day unpaid waiting period that starts on your disability date Getting everything set up before you're recovering from surgery makes the whole process much smoother. The system will hold your application until your actual disability date.

i waited till after my surgrey and it was a big mistake!!! took forevre to get paid bc i couldnt type well with my bandaged hand. def do it BEFORE like the person above said!!

A few things to know about carpal tunnel surgery and SDI that might help: 1. The disability coordinator is usually just helping with paperwork guidance, but ultimately YOUR DOCTOR needs to submit the medical certification 2. For carpal tunnel release, EDD typically approves 6-8 weeks disability, but they might initially only approve 4 weeks and you'll need an extension 3. If your surgery gets rescheduled (happens often), you'll need to call EDD to update your claim dates 4. Your weekly benefit amount will be approximately 60-70% of your normal wages 5. If your dominant hand is affected, make sure your doctor notes this specifically as it often justifies longer disability periods Make sure to apply through SDI Online before surgery - the paper forms are MUCH slower. The disability coordinator should help you understand what documents you need.

The EDD website says one thing but actually getting through to a HUMAN at EDD when you have questions is nearly IMPOSSIBLE!! I had rotator cuff surgery last year and spent DAYS trying to reach someone when my claim had issues. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in under 25 minutes after I'd wasted hours on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Save yourself the frustration especially when you're recovering and can't sit holding a phone for hours. Apply BEFORE surgery like others said, but have this as a backup if you need to actually talk to someone at EDD.

Just want to add some important information for your specific situation: - As a dental hygienist with carpal tunnel surgery, make sure your doctor explicitly notes that you cannot perform the essential functions of your job (precision hand movements, using dental tools, etc.) - Your employer should provide you with a DE 2503 form (Statement of Employer). While not required, having this can speed up your claim processing - If your claim gets approved for less time than your doctor recommends, you can request an extension. Your doctor will need to complete another certification - If you have health insurance through work, check if you need to make premium payments during your disability leave - Keep a copy of EVERYTHING you submit to EDD I process medical disability paperwork for a living, and these details make a huge difference in how smoothly your claim goes.

my friend had the same surgery but applied for unemployment instead of disability at first! totally wrong program lol. just making sure you know you need SDI not UI since ur temporarily unable to work. some ppl get confused with all the different EDD programs

BTW don't freak out if your claim shows as "pending" for like 2 weeks after you submit everything. Mine did and I panicked but apparently that's normal. They're super backed up right now.

One other important tip: Once your claim is approved, you still need to complete "continued claim certification" forms every two weeks. These will either come by mail or you can do them online. Many people miss this step and wonder why their payments stop! Also, when you're ready to return to work, you need to notify EDD. If you return earlier than your claim end date, make sure to report the exact date so you don't end up with an overpayment that you'll have to repay later.