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.