EDD rejected my SDI claim because I'm receiving workers' comp - confused about concurrent benefits

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - injured at work in November and getting partial workers comp while working reduced hours. The financial stress is real when you're caught between these systems that don't seem designed to work together. One thing that helped me was requesting a detailed breakdown from EDD of exactly WHY they denied the claim. Sometimes it's not just "you can't get both" but there are specific calculation errors or misunderstandings about your work status that can be corrected. Also, if you haven't already, make sure your doctor's work restrictions are very clearly documented. Sometimes the issue isn't the dual benefits but unclear medical documentation about your capacity to work. My doctor had to resubmit paperwork twice because EDD wanted more specific details about my limitations. Hang in there - the system is definitely not user-friendly for people in our situation, but there are usually paths forward even if they're not obvious at first.

I went through something very similar last year with a shoulder injury from my warehouse job. The key thing I learned is that while you generally can't get both benefits for the same condition, there ARE situations where partial benefits can work together - but EDD's automated system often gets it wrong initially. Since you're on Temporary Partial Disability and still working reduced hours, you might qualify for what's called "wage replacement differential." This is where SDI can potentially cover the gap between your reduced earnings (work + workers comp) and what you would normally earn, but it requires manual review by a specialist. The fact that you got an initial approval letter suggests the system recognized you had some eligibility before the workers comp issue was flagged. I'd definitely push hard on that appeal and specifically ask them to calculate whether your combined work wages + workers comp is still significantly less than your normal weekly earnings. Also, document your total weekly income now vs. before injury - if there's a substantial gap, that strengthens your case for needing additional disability support. The appeals process is brutal but I've seen people win these cases when the workers comp amount is genuinely inadequate.

I'm new to this community but going through something very similar right now. Got injured at my retail job in January and I'm also stuck in this partial disability limbo - working reduced hours due to medical restrictions while getting minimal workers comp. Reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful. I had no idea about the wage replacement differential concept or that initial SDI approvals could indicate partial eligibility. I'm definitely going to look into that Claimyr service too since I've been trying to reach EDD for weeks with no luck. One thing I wanted to add - my union rep mentioned that some people in our situation have had success filing for CalFresh (food stamps) and other assistance programs to bridge the financial gap while fighting the benefits issues. It's not ideal, but it can help with basic expenses while you're waiting for appeals or exploring other options. The system really does seem designed to wear people down rather than help injured workers. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and advice!

I'm new here but unfortunately dealing with a very similar situation. Got hurt at my manufacturing job back in December and I'm also caught in this workers comp/SDI limbo. Reading through all these responses has been both helpful and frustrating - helpful because there seem to be more options than I realized, frustrating because it confirms how unnecessarily complicated the system is. A few things I've learned from my own research that might help: 1. Make sure you're reporting your workers comp correctly on your SDI certification. I found out I was supposed to report it as "other income" rather than just mentioning it in the comments section. 2. If you're still within the appeal window, consider requesting an "expedited review" due to financial hardship. I'm not sure if it actually speeds things up, but it's worth mentioning your family's situation. 3. Check if your county has any emergency assistance programs for injured workers. Mine has a small fund that can help with utilities while you're waiting for benefits to sort out. The wage gap calculation that @Freya Johansen mentioned sounds promising - definitely going to look into that angle for my own case. It makes sense that SDI should be able to cover the difference when workers comp is clearly inadequate. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It helps knowing we're not alone in this mess!