Hit maximum benefit amount but doctor extended SDI to March - will EDD increase my benefits?

they DONT increase it automatically!! i went thru this last year and u have to apply for an extension. BUT the amount is fixed based on your base period when u first applied so u wont get more $$ than whatever your max benefit amount says. once thats gone its GONE unless u qualify for some other program. its total BS how they leave ppl high and dry who are seriously disabled!

The maximum benefit amount for SDI is calculated based on your wages during your base period (typically the 12 months before your disability began). This amount represents the total you can receive on a single claim, regardless of how long your doctor extends your disability period. What you need to look into is: 1. SDI Extension - While rare, these exist for specific situations like hospitalization 2. State Supplemental Program (SSP) - Provides additional assistance if you qualify 3. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) - For longer-term disabilities Importantly, you should submit any extension paperwork your doctor provides, even though it won't increase your maximum benefit amount. This documentation keeps your claim active and can help with transitions to other programs if needed. Your claim history shows you've been on SDI for almost 9 months, which is approaching the typical 52-week maximum duration, so you'd need to explore these other options regardless of the maximum benefit amount issue.

apply for SSDI RIGHT NOW don't wait till ur benefits run out!!! theres like a 5 month waiting period and they deny almost everyone the first time so u gotta appeal. my cousin waited till her SDI was gone and ended up with no income for like 4 months while waiting for SSDI to process

I faced the exact same situation last year with my SDI claim. Once you reach your maximum benefit amount, that's it - regardless of doctor extensions. However, what helped me was getting through to an actual EDD representative who walked me through my options. But getting through to EDD was IMPOSSIBLE until I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me connect with an EDD agent in about 20 minutes after I'd spent weeks trying on my own. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd showing how it works. The agent explained all my options and helped me understand what documentation I needed for SSDI. Definitely start your SSDI application now while you still have some SDI benefits left. Also ask about the State Supplemental Program as mentioned above - that helped bridge the gap for me.

Yeah - I used it last month and got through to someone in about 25 minutes. Better than the 3 hours I spent on hold the week before only to get disconnected!

Remember that once your SDI ends, you might also qualify for Unemployment Insurance IF your doctor releases you to do some type of work (even if it's not your previous job). I've seen many people overlook this option. You would need a doctor's note stating you're able to perform some type of work, even with restrictions. For example, if you can't return to your physically demanding job but could do desk work, you might qualify for UI while you search for suitable employment. Regarding SSDI, one important thing to understand is that their definition of disability is stricter than California SDI. They require that your disability prevents you from doing ANY substantial gainful activity, not just your previous job, and that the condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months. Given you've been disabled for 9 months already and have more recovery ahead, you might meet the duration requirement.

just warning u that SSDI pays WAY LESS than SDI!!! i was getting like $3200/month on SDI but only like $1800 on SSDI. its a HUGE drop and they calculate it totally different!!

This might be unrelated but have you looked into whether your employer offers any long term disability insurance? Many people don't realize they have this benefit. Worth checking your benefits package if you haven't already.

To address your follow-up question: Yes, you can and should apply for SSDI while still receiving SDI benefits. There's no rule against concurrent applications, though you generally can't receive full benefits from both programs simultaneously. The 5-month waiting period for SSDI begins from the onset date of your disability, not from the application date. Since you've already been disabled for 9 months, you may have already satisfied the waiting period. Regarding the benefit amount difference between SDI and SSDI that someone mentioned: this is accurate. SSDI is typically lower than SDI in California. However, you might qualify for concurrent SSI (Supplemental Security Income) if your SSDI benefit is low and you meet the resource limitations. Definitely follow up on that long-term disability insurance through your union - that could be very helpful in bridging any gaps.

I'm in a similar situation - been on SDI since July for a back injury and just saw that dreaded "maximum benefit amount" message too. Reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful, especially about applying for SSDI immediately rather than waiting. One thing I wanted to add that might help - if you're union, definitely check on that long-term disability benefit. My brother-in-law had coverage through his union that he didn't even know about until he got hurt. It ended up covering the gap between his SDI ending and SSDI starting. Also, for anyone else reading this who's in construction like us - I learned that some of the larger contractors carry supplemental disability insurance that goes beyond the basic workers comp. Might be worth checking if your injury was work-related at all. The income drop from SDI to SSDI is scary though. Going from over $3k to potentially under $2k is going to require some serious budget adjustments. Have you looked into any rental assistance programs in your area? With your rent being $2,700, you might qualify for some help during the transition.

I'm going through something very similar right now - hit my maximum benefit amount on SDI last month after being out since June with a herniated disc. The stress of potentially losing income while still being unable to work is overwhelming. What I've learned from my own research and talking to others is that you really need to start multiple applications NOW rather than waiting to see what happens with each one. I applied for SSDI three weeks ago and I'm so glad I didn't wait until my SDI ran out completely. A few things that might help based on what I've discovered: 1. Contact your local Social Services office about emergency assistance programs - they often have one-time help for people transitioning between benefit programs 2. If you have any credit cards or loans, call them NOW to explain your situation. Many have hardship programs that can temporarily reduce payments 3. Look into food banks and utility assistance programs in your area - this can free up money for rent during the transition The waiting and uncertainty is the worst part. But from what I'm seeing in this thread, it sounds like you're taking all the right steps by checking on union benefits and starting your SSDI application early. Hang in there - there are safety nets available even if they're not obvious at first.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also document EVERYTHING related to your disability and medical treatment. Keep copies of all doctor visits, treatment records, and any correspondence with EDD. This documentation becomes crucial for SSDI applications and any potential appeals. Also, if you're having severe nerve pain and mobility issues 9+ months post-surgery, make sure your neurosurgeon is documenting the specific functional limitations in detail. For SSDI, they need to see exactly what you can't do (like how long you can sit/stand, weight restrictions, etc.) not just that you have pain. Another tip - many Social Security offices have disability advocates who can help with your SSDI application for free. They're usually more knowledgeable about the process than trying to navigate it alone. You can find them through your local Social Security office or disability rights organizations in your area. The financial stress is real, but you're being proactive by researching all your options now rather than waiting until you're completely out of benefits. That's going to make a huge difference.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year with my SDI claim after a back injury. The maximum benefit amount is unfortunately a hard cap - once you hit it, that's it regardless of medical extensions. But there are definitely options to explore! First, absolutely apply for SSDI immediately if you haven't already. Don't wait until your SDI runs out completely. The process takes months and you want to avoid any gap in income. Also, since you've been disabled for 9 months already, you may have satisfied the 5-month waiting period. Second, definitely follow up on that union long-term disability coverage someone mentioned. I had coverage through my employer that I didn't even know about until I needed it. It ended up being a lifesaver during my transition period. A few other things that helped me: - Applied for emergency rental assistance through my county (with your $2,700 rent, you might qualify) - Got connected with a local disability advocate who helped with my SSDI paperwork for free - Contacted my credit card companies proactively to set up hardship payment plans The financial stress is overwhelming, but you're doing the right thing by researching all your options now rather than waiting until the last minute. There are more safety nets available than you might think - you just have to know where to look. Hang in there!

I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this stressful situation with your SDI benefits. The uncertainty about income while dealing with ongoing medical issues is incredibly overwhelming. Based on what I've read here and my own experience with disability benefits, I wanted to add a few things that might help: 1. **Get a detailed RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) assessment from your neurosurgeon** - This is crucial for SSDI and should specify exactly what you can/cannot do (sitting tolerance, lifting limits, walking distance, etc.). Generic "pain and mobility issues" isn't enough for SSDI approval. 2. **Look into California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)** if your mobility issues are severe enough that you need help with daily activities. It's income-based and could provide some additional support. 3. **Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1)** - They maintain a database of local assistance programs including emergency rent help, utility assistance, and food resources. Much easier than trying to research each county program individually. 4. **Consider reaching out to spinal injury support organizations** - Groups like the Paralyzed Veterans of America or United Spinal Association often have resources and advocates who understand the specific challenges of spinal injuries, even if you're not a veteran. The combination of hitting your SDI maximum AND having your disability extended is unfortunately common with serious spinal issues. You're being smart by planning ahead rather than waiting until benefits stop. Wishing you the best with your recovery and navigating these systems!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned when I hit my SDI maximum benefit amount earlier this year. The stress and panic you're feeling is completely understandable - I was in the same boat. A few things that really helped me during the transition: **CalFresh (food stamps)** - Apply immediately if you haven't already. With your income dropping, you'll likely qualify and this frees up money for rent and other essentials. **Utility assistance programs** - Most utility companies have low-income discount programs and emergency assistance for people on disability. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) can help with electric/gas bills. **Connect with a benefits counselor** - Many counties have free benefits counselors who can help you apply for multiple programs at once instead of trying to navigate everything yourself. They know about programs you might not even be aware of. **Document your daily struggles** - Start keeping a pain/function diary now. Write down what you can't do each day, how long you can sit/stand, what activities cause increased pain. This becomes invaluable evidence for SSDI. The waiting period between programs is terrifying, but there are more safety nets than it initially appears. You're already ahead of the game by researching options now instead of waiting until your last SDI payment. Hang in there - it does get better once you get connected with the right resources!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation! I went through something very similar last year when my SDI benefits hit the maximum while I was still recovering from a serious injury. The panic and uncertainty about income is overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with pain and mobility issues. From my experience and what I've learned, here are the most important things to do RIGHT NOW: 1. **Apply for SSDI immediately** - Don't wait another day. The process takes months and you want to avoid any income gap. Since you've been disabled for 9 months, you may have already satisfied the waiting period. 2. **Get very specific documentation from your neurosurgeon** - Make sure they document exact functional limitations (how long you can sit/stand, weight restrictions, walking distances) not just "pain and mobility issues." SSDI needs these specifics. 3. **Check your union benefits TODAY** - Many people have long-term disability coverage they don't know about. This could be a lifesaver during your transition. 4. **Contact your county's benefits office** - With your rent being $2,700 and potentially losing income, you likely qualify for emergency rental assistance, CalFresh, and utility help. The maximum benefit amount is unfortunately a hard cap regardless of medical extensions, but there ARE safety nets available. You're being smart by researching now instead of waiting until your last payment. I know it's scary, but with proper planning, you can get through this transition. Feel free to message me if you need help finding specific resources in your area!

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - the combination of hitting your maximum benefit amount while still needing medical care is incredibly stressful. I went through something similar with my own disability claim a couple years ago. One thing I wanted to mention that I haven't seen discussed much here is **California's State Disability Insurance Appeals Board**. While it's true that the maximum benefit amount is typically a hard cap, there are rare circumstances where they'll consider exceptions, especially if there are unusual medical complications or if your original claim had processing issues that affected your benefit calculation. It's probably a long shot, but given that you're dealing with ongoing complications from spinal surgery that your neurosurgeon is still treating, it might be worth having a disability attorney take a quick look at your case. Many will do a free consultation to see if there are any grounds for an appeal or exception. Also, since you mentioned you're in construction - if this spinal issue has ANY connection to your work (even if it wasn't the primary cause), you should also look into workers' compensation benefits. Sometimes there are cumulative injury claims that people don't realize they qualify for, especially in physically demanding jobs like construction. The advice everyone's given about SSDI and other safety net programs is spot on. Just wanted to add these additional angles that might be worth exploring. Every option counts when you're facing this kind of financial uncertainty while dealing with a serious medical condition.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - hitting the maximum benefit amount while still being medically unable to work is one of the most stressful situations you can face. I went through something very similar last year with my own SDI claim. The advice everyone has given here is excellent, especially about applying for SSDI immediately and checking your union benefits. I wanted to add a couple of things that really helped me during my transition: **Contact your local Area Agency on Aging** - Even if you're not a senior, they often have disability resource coordinators who know about programs that other agencies might miss. They helped me find emergency assistance programs I never would have discovered on my own. **Look into your county's General Relief program** - It's usually a small amount (maybe $200-400/month) but it's designed specifically for people who are between benefit programs. With your high rent, every dollar will count. **Consider a disability attorney NOW, not just for SSDI** - Some specialize in SDI appeals and might be able to review if there were any calculation errors in your original claim that could affect your maximum benefit amount. The financial fear is real and valid, but you're being incredibly proactive by researching all these options while you still have some benefits left. That planning is going to make all the difference in getting through this transition period. Hang in there - there are more safety nets available than it initially seems!