EDD SDI vs SSDI retroactive payments - confused about my implant surgery benefits

yea theyre totally different systems. EDD SDI is state disability and only lasts a few months max. SSDI is federal and can last way longer. u probably needed to apply for both separately

California SDI and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are completely separate programs. SDI is a short-term disability program run by the state of California through EDD, while SSDI is a federal long-term disability program administered by the Social Security Administration. Regarding retroactivity: SSDI can provide retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before your application date, but only after the 5-month waiting period. So if you apply now in 2025 for a 2022 surgery, you might be eligible for some retroactive benefits, but it depends on whether your condition meets the SSA definition of disability. Important note: To qualify for SSDI, your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months. A 6-week recovery period that allowed you to return to work wouldn't typically qualify for SSDI, even if the cochlear implant surgery itself was related to a qualifying hearing impairment.

I got SSDI for hearing loss too but it took FOREVER to get approved. Had to appeal twice and finally got a hearing with a judge. Whole process took like 2 years!!! The backpay was nice when it finally came through though.

If you're still having significant hearing issues even after the implants that are preventing full-time work, you should definitely apply for SSDI right away. The sooner you apply, the more retroactive benefits you might be eligible for. Based on your situation, here's what you need to know: 1. SSDI has a 5-month waiting period before benefits start 2. Retroactive benefits can go back 12 months from application date 3. You'll need medical documentation showing your condition is severe enough to limit substantial work 4. The reduction in work hours could be important evidence for your claim 5. Cochlear implant complications can sometimes qualify as a disability if they're severe enough You should gather all your medical records from before and after the surgery, documentation of complications, and evidence of reduced work hours/earnings. The SSA will want to see a clear connection between your medical condition and your inability to perform substantial gainful activity.

Since you're having trouble getting information on this, you might want to try contacting EDD directly to clarify how SDI and SSDI interact in your specific case. I had a similar issue last year with my disability claim and I couldn't get through to anyone for weeks. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The EDD agent was able to explain exactly how my state disability claim would affect potential SSDI benefits and referred me to the right SSA resources. Saved me so much confusion!

Based on your follow-up comment about still struggling with hearing and having to reduce work hours due to complications, you may indeed qualify for SSDI. This changes the analysis significantly. If your earning capacity has been reduced below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold (which is $1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals) due to your hearing impairment, and this reduction has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, you should definitely apply for SSDI. Regarding retroactivity: The SSA can provide benefits retroactively from the established onset date of your disability (after the 5-month waiting period), up to 12 months before your application date. So while you can't get SSDI going all the way back to 2022 if you apply now, you could potentially get retroactive benefits for 12 months prior to your application date. I strongly recommend connecting with a disability advocate or attorney who specializes in SSDI claims. Most work on contingency and only get paid if you win benefits.

YES get a lawyer!!!! I tried doing it myself first and kept getting denied. Lawyer made ALL the difference. And they only take a % if u win so no risk.

To answer your question about using SDI documentation for SSDI: Yes, you can and should submit your California SDI medical documentation as part of your SSDI application. However, the SSA will likely require additional and more current medical evidence. SDI documentation is valuable because it establishes a timeline of your condition, but SSDI has stricter requirements for proving long-term disability. You'll need ongoing medical evidence showing that: 1. Your hearing impairment meets or equals a listing in the SSA's Blue Book (Listing 2.10 covers hearing loss treated with cochlear implantation), OR 2. Your condition significantly limits your ability to perform work activities For cochlear implants specifically, the SSA evaluates your hearing ability one year after implantation. If you're still having significant issues after that point, it strengthens your case considerably. Regarding your SDI claim from 2022, you can request a copy of your complete claim file from EDD to include with your SSDI application. This provides a solid foundation of medical evidence from the beginning of your condition.

btw doesnt matter that much but jus so u know EDD isnt gonna answer any SSDI questions for u. thats social security stuff. totally different offices

I went through something similar with my hearing loss claim a few years back. One thing that really helped me was keeping detailed records of how my condition affected my daily work tasks - like having trouble with phone calls, missing important audio cues, needing accommodations, etc. The SSA wants to see specific examples of functional limitations, not just medical diagnoses. Also, if you're still within the 12-month retroactive window and your earnings have been below SGA levels, don't wait any longer to apply! Every month you delay is potentially lost retroactive benefits. The application process is long enough as it is. For what it's worth, my SDI medical records from California were definitely helpful for my SSDI case, but like others mentioned, you'll need current medical evidence too. The SSA will want to see recent audiograms, documentation of complications, and statements from your doctors about your ongoing limitations. Good luck with everything - the process can be frustrating but it's worth pursuing if your condition is truly limiting your ability to work full-time.