EDD rejected my SDI claim because I'm receiving workers' comp - confused about concurrent benefits
I injured my back in October 2024 working at a construction site and have been on modified duties since December. My doctor restricted me to 3-hour shifts so I'm only working 15 hours weekly instead of my normal 40. I've been receiving workers' comp payments of $143/week, but that plus my reduced paycheck (about $378 after taxes) isn't enough to cover my family's expenses. I applied for SDI last month thinking I could get partial disability since my hours were cut due to my injury. I went through the whole process - completed the medical certification with my doctor, did a phone interview, and even got a letter saying I was approved for around $425/week. But when I started certifying, I honestly reported both my part-time work hours and my workers' comp payments. Then I got a denial letter saying I'm not eligible for SDI while receiving workers' comp! I'm so confused because the initial approval letter seemed like they understood my situation. I filed an appeal for the first payment period, explaining everything about my financial situation and why I need the additional support, but the EDD rep just told me appeal hearings are backlogged until MARCH 2025! Do I need to keep appealing every week they deny me? Is there any way to receive both workers' comp AND partial SDI when the workers' comp amount is so small? We're falling behind on bills and my wife can only work part-time because of our childcare situation. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Natasha Volkov
Unfortunately, you can't generally receive both workers' comp and SDI for the same injury/condition at the same time. It's considered duplicate benefits for the same disability. The initial approval letter was likely automated before a claims examiner reviewed your specific situation and noted the workers' comp payments. You don't need to appeal every denial - one appeal should cover the entire issue. However, if you're getting partial workers' comp, you might want to check if you qualify for UI (unemployment) instead of SDI, since your hours were reduced. Though UI might also be affected by workers' comp, it's worth investigating.
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Oliver Schmidt
•Thanks for explaining. I'm confused because my workers' comp is so small compared to what I'd get from SDI. Is there any exception when the workers' comp amount is really low? And regarding UI - I actually tried that first but was denied because they said my reduced hours were due to a medical condition, not lack of work.
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Javier Torres
I went through something similar in 2023. You're running into the "double dipping" rule - can't get SDI and workers' comp for the same health condition. However, you might have options: 1. If your workers' comp is only partial (sounds like it is), you might be able to request that the SDI cover the difference between your workers' comp and what your full SDI benefit would be. 2. Have you considered State Disability Integration (SDI)? It's specifically designed for cases where someone is receiving both types of benefits. You'll need to file form DE 2501INT with EDD. 3. Make sure your workers' comp adjuster knows you're trying to coordinate these benefits. Sometimes they can structure things to maximize your total benefit amount.
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Emma Wilson
•wait this is wrong info. there's no such thing as "State Disability Integration" or a DE 2501INT form lol. the basic rule is you can't get both for the same condition period.
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QuantumLeap
The system is BROKEN!!! I had almost identical situation in 2024 and EDD just gives you the runaround. They approve you automatically then deny you later and make YOU deal with the headache. Workers comp is a JOKE in California - $143/week?? How is anyone supposed to live on that?? And then they block you from getting other benefits you paid into!! My advice - if you're still seeing the doctor who put you on restricted duty, ask them if they can either clear you for full duty (so you can work normal hours) OR take you completely off work (so you can get full workers' comp). This half-measure status is THE WORST possible financial situation.
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Oliver Schmidt
•The system really does feel stacked against injured workers. I can't go back to full duty - my back injury is legitimate and I physically can't handle it. But I'm also not bad enough to be taken completely off work according to my doctor. It's like being stuck in benefit limbo.
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Malik Johnson
have u talked 2 ur employer about ada accommodations? maybe they can find u a different position that lets u work full time with ur restrictions? that might be easier than fighting the benefit system
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Oliver Schmidt
•That's actually a good point. I did ask my supervisor about other positions, but he said there's nothing available that matches my restrictions. Maybe I should talk to HR directly about official ADA accommodations instead.
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QuantumLeap
I spent WEEKS trying to get through to EDD about my overlapping workers comp and disability claim. Kept getting disconnected or waiting on hold for hours! Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a rep in 20 minutes. They explained exactly why my claim was being denied and what options I had. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd
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Oliver Schmidt
•I've never heard of that service. Did you have to provide a lot of personal information? I'm definitely desperate enough to try anything at this point because waiting until March for an appeal hearing is just not feasible.
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QuantumLeap
Just basic info to connect the call. They got me through to an actual EDD disability specialist who reviewed my file while I was on the phone. Worth every penny because I was getting nowhere calling directly.
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Isabella Santos
•I've also used Claimyr when my SDI payments suddenly stopped. Was skeptical at first but it worked exactly as advertised. The EDD rep I spoke with explained that I needed to submit additional medical certification because my claim period was extending beyond what my doctor initially certified.
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Javier Torres
Another option you should look into is Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits through workers' comp. If your employer can't accommodate your work restrictions permanently, you might qualify for retraining benefits (up to $6,000 in 2025). Also, check if your specific workers' comp award is for Temporary Partial Disability or Permanent Partial Disability - the rules for combining with other benefits can differ. Sometimes you can receive UI benefits while on PPD if specific conditions are met. Don't give up on the appeal either - many initial denials get overturned, though the waiting period is unfortunately long right now.
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Oliver Schmidt
•Thank you for these suggestions. I'm currently on Temporary Partial Disability according to my workers' comp paperwork. The retraining benefit sounds interesting - I'll definitely look into that if my restrictions become permanent. The doctor is saying we'll know more in a couple months after my next MRI.
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Ravi Sharma
not to be that person but have u considered talking to a workers comp attorney? most give free consultations and they might know some loopholes or options u havent thought of. my brother had similar issues and lawyer helped him get a better settlement that solved his financial problems
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Natasha Volkov
•This is excellent advice. Workers' comp attorneys work on contingency (typically 15% of any settlement in California), so there's no upfront cost. They can often identify benefits you're entitled to that the insurance company hasn't offered. Many injured workers don't realize they can potentially negotiate a larger settlement that takes into account future wage losses.
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Oliver Schmidt
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'm going to: 1. Talk to HR directly about possible ADA accommodations 2. Look into using Claimyr to speak with an actual EDD specialist 3. Contact a workers' comp attorney for a consultation 4. Continue with my appeal but explore these other options in the meantime It's frustrating that the system makes it so complicated for injured workers who are just trying to stay afloat financially. I'll update when I have any progress.
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Javier Torres
•Good plan. One last suggestion - document EVERYTHING. Keep copies of all letters, take notes during phone calls (date, time, who you spoke with), save emails, etc. This documentation will be incredibly valuable for your appeal and if you end up working with an attorney.
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