Filed for UI after 18-month SDI and termination - eligibility questions

Yea u can file 4 UI. Being on SDI doesn't effect ur UI at all, totally different programs. Just apply and see what happens worst they can say is no

I went through something kinda similar!!! The EDD system is SO CONFUSING! When I applied for UI after disability they kept denying me and I couldn't figure out WHY?? Turns out I was filling out the forms wrong and they thought I quit voluntarily instead of being let go because of my medical restrictions. Make sure when you fill out the application you clearly state you were TERMINATED because they couldn't accommodate your restrictions. Don't use words like "I left" or "I couldn't continue" because that makes it sound like you quit. Also be ready for them to contact your employer to verify why you were let go. My former boss tried to claim I abandoned my job which was TOTALLY FALSE but I had to fight it. Do you have termination paperwork that says they let you go because they couldn't accommodate you? KEEP THAT SAFE!!

The key issue you're facing is called "base period earnings" in EDD terminology. UI benefits are calculated based on your highest-earning quarters in a 12-month base period, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. After 18 months on SDI, your base period might not have enough earnings to qualify for UI unless you've worked enough since returning to the workforce. In 2025, you generally need to have earned at least $1,800 in your highest quarter within your base period. Regarding termination due to inability to accommodate restrictions: this is NOT misconduct and should not disqualify you. This is considered a "no-fault" separation. My advice: 1. Apply for UI right away - you have nothing to lose 2. If denied due to insufficient base period earnings, ask about using an "alternate base period" calculation 3. Be prepared to show you're able and available for work within your restrictions 4. If you get stuck in the application process, getting through to an EDD representative can help resolve confusion I've helped several clients with similar situations successfully navigate the transition from SDI to UI.

You definitely can apply for UI after SDI. My husband did this last year after his back surgery. BUT the big problem is you have to actually talk to somebody at EDD to explain your situation properly and GOOD LUCK with that part!!! We tried calling for 3 WEEKS straight and either got hung up on or couldn't get through AT ALL. It was RIDICULOUS!!! The whole system is designed to make you give up IMO.

I'm going through something similar right now and it's SO FRUSTRATING!!! I was on SDI for 14 months (not as long as you), got let go because my company said they needed someone full-time with no restrictions, and when I applied for UI they sent me this confusing letter about my "base period" or something? I think what happens is they look at how much you earned in the time BEFORE you apply for UI, which is obviously affected if you were on disability for a long time. Have you worked AT ALL since being terminated? Even part-time jobs count toward your base period earnings. If you've been doing odd jobs for cash, those unfortunately won't count since they're not reporting your wages to EDD. I'm kind of freaking out about this myself because I'm not sure if I've earned enough to qualify either!

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to get benefits you DESERVE! I was on SDI then got DENIED for UI because of some "base period" nonsense even though I PAID INTO THE SYSTEM for 15 YEARS!!! It's all about them saving money and hoping we give up. And good luck actually TALKING to someone - I called 47 TIMES in one day and couldn't get through!!! This is how they treat disabled workers who are trying to get back on their feet? DISGUSTING!!!

Here's another important factor to consider: if you're still limited by medical restrictions, make sure that when you apply for UI, you're clear about what type of work you CAN do, not just what you can't do. UI requires that you're able and available for work, but this doesn't mean you need to be able to do ANY job. When you certify for benefits, you'll be asked if you refused any work. If you decline job offers because they don't accommodate your medical restrictions, this is not considered refusing suitable work. Also, regarding the base period concerns others have mentioned: If you worked before your 18-month disability period, those earnings might still count depending on exactly when you file. The base period is not necessarily the most recent 12 months but rather specific quarters in the past. An EDD representative can help calculate this for your specific case.

Has anyone else noticed how the whole system seems designed to make us get lost between programs? Like there's no clear pathway from SDI to UI even though it's a common situation. I bet they save millions by making it so confusing that people just give up. My sister-in-law worked at EDD for 3 years and even SHE says the different departments don't communicate well with each other!!

Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to apply for UI and be very clear about my situation. I've worked sporadically since being terminated, mostly jobs that paid me as a 1099 contractor, so I'm not sure if those count toward my base period earnings. I'll definitely mention the alternate base period if I get denied initially. I'm also going to gather all my documentation - my termination letter, medical restrictions, and proof of any work I've done since then. It sounds like being prepared for potential issues will save me a lot of headaches. I'm a bit nervous about the phone situation though. It sounds like getting through to someone might be really difficult, but I'll try that Claimyr service if I get stuck. Thanks again everyone!