< Back to California Disability

Fatima Al-Farsi

How to cancel/withdraw EDD SDI application that's still pending? Urgent help needed

I submitted my SDI claim last week but my situation has completely changed and I need to withdraw my application ASAP. My doctor originally put me on medical leave for 8 weeks following a surgery, but I've recovered much faster than expected and my employer wants me back next Monday (which is great financially!). I can't find any information about how to cancel a pending disability claim before it gets approved or denied. There doesn't seem to be a withdrawal form on SDI Online or any clear instructions anywhere. Has anyone successfully withdrawn their disability application before? Is there a specific form or do I need to call? I'm worried about accidentally committing fraud if I go back to work while this claim is still processing.

just call EDD and tell them u want to withdraw. thats what i did last yr. they'll make a note on ur account

0 coins

Thanks! Did you have to submit anything in writing after the call? I'm just worried about making sure it's properly documented.

0 coins

You need to submit a written withdrawal request. There's no official form, but you should write a letter that includes your full name, SSN, claim start date, and explicitly state you want to withdraw your disability claim. Explain your situation has changed and you're returning to work. Mail this to the SDI office handling your claim (check your claim paperwork for the address). Also call the EDD SDI office to notify them verbally and make a note on your account. This creates a record of your intent while the written request is being processed. Make sure to keep a copy of your withdrawal letter and note the date/time of your call.

0 coins

This is super helpful, thank you! I'll draft a letter today. Do you know how long the withdrawal process typically takes? I'm concerned about getting paid incorrectly while they process this.

0 coins

In addition to the great advice already given, I'd recommend notifying your employer's HR department and your doctor that you're withdrawing your claim and returning to work earlier than expected. This helps prevent any miscommunication if EDD contacts them to verify your disability status during the withdrawal process. Also, document everything - take screenshots of any online submissions, get tracking for any mailed documents, and write down the name of any EDD representative you speak with along with the date and time. This creates a paper trail showing you took proper steps to withdraw your claim.

0 coins

this is overkill imo. i withdrew my claim last summer and just called. took like 5 mins and it was done

0 coins

GOOD LUCK EVER REACHING ANYONE AT EDD!!! I've been trying for TWO WEEKS to talk to someone about my disability extension and can't get through. Their phone system is a JOKE - either disconnects you or keeps you on eternal hold. And don't bother with their online message system - total black hole. So frustrating!!!!!

0 coins

I had the same problem, but I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes! It was such a relief after days of trying. Just go to claimyr.com - they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Completely worth it for something important like cancelling a claim. The agent I spoke with was able to note my account immediately.

0 coins

I had a similar situation last year when I had to withdraw my disability claim because my condition improved faster than expected. I sent a written request as mentioned above, but I also visited my local EDD office in person with a copy of my letter. The representative took my letter, made copies, and stamped one for my records. They also entered notes in the system while I was there. Definitely do both - call AND submit something in writing. EDD can be inconsistent with processing requests, so having multiple forms of documentation protects you. The withdrawal took about 10 business days to fully process in my case.

0 coins

That's a great idea to visit in person! There's an office about 30 minutes from me. I'll try calling first and then visit if I can't get through. Thank you for sharing your experience - it really helps to know what to expect with the processing time.

0 coins

One important thing to mention - make sure you don't certify for any disability benefits once you return to work, even if the claim withdrawal is still processing. If you get any certification forms while this is being sorted out, don't submit them. This is critical to avoid any overpayment issues down the road.

0 coins

yes!! this happened to my sister! she stopped her claim but still got certification forms and filled them out not realizing... ended up with a $2300 overpayment she had to pay back. nightmare

0 coins

Update: I was able to get through to EDD using Claimyr (thanks for that suggestion!). The representative confirmed I need to submit a written withdrawal request and said they've added notes to my account. I've drafted a letter with all my information, claim details, and explanation about returning to work. I'm also planning to visit the local office tomorrow with a copy. Thank you everyone for the advice! I'll be super careful not to certify for any benefits now that I'm going back to work. This has been really stressful, but I feel much better knowing what steps to take.

0 coins

That's great news that you were able to get through to EDD! Just wanted to add one more tip - when you visit the office tomorrow, bring multiple copies of your withdrawal letter. Sometimes they'll want to keep the original and give you a stamped copy for your records. Also ask them to give you a case number or reference number for your withdrawal request so you can track it if needed. Good luck with everything and congratulations on your faster recovery!

0 coins

That's excellent advice about bringing multiple copies! I hadn't thought about asking for a case number - that's really smart for tracking purposes. I'm so grateful for all the help from everyone in this thread. It's such a relief to know I'm taking the right steps. Thank you for the well wishes on my recovery too! 🙏

0 coins

Just wanted to add another important point - make sure you keep detailed records of your return-to-work date and any pay stubs once you start working again. If there are any questions later about when you actually stopped needing disability benefits, having that documentation will be really helpful. Also, if your employer has you fill out any return-to-work paperwork, keep copies of that too. It sounds like you're handling this really well and being proactive about everything!

0 coins

Great point about keeping documentation of the return-to-work date and pay stubs! I'm definitely going to be meticulous about record-keeping throughout this whole process. It's better to have too much documentation than not enough, especially with something as important as disability benefits. I'll make sure to save copies of everything from my employer too. Thanks for thinking of that detail - it really shows how thorough this community is with helping each other navigate these situations!

0 coins

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation where I might need to withdraw my SDI claim early. One thing I wanted to add based on my experience with other government agencies - when you visit the EDD office in person, try to go early in the morning right when they open. The wait times are usually much shorter, and the staff tends to be less overwhelmed. Also, if you have a smartphone, take photos of any stamped documents they give you as backup copies. Sometimes paperwork can get lost in the mail or misplaced. Best of luck with your withdrawal process and congratulations on your quick recovery!

0 coins

This is such valuable advice about timing the office visit! I never would have thought about going early morning, but that makes total sense. And the smartphone photo tip is brilliant - I'm definitely doing that for all my documents. It's amazing how many helpful details everyone has shared in this thread. As someone new to dealing with EDD, I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and practical tips like these!

0 coins

As someone who's been through the EDD system multiple times, I want to emphasize how smart you are to withdraw this claim proactively rather than risk any complications later. I've seen too many people get caught up in overpayment situations that take months to resolve. One additional tip that hasn't been mentioned - if you end up needing to file for disability again in the future (hopefully not!), having a clean withdrawal on record actually works in your favor. It shows EDD that you're honest and responsible about only claiming benefits when you actually need them. Also, when you draft your withdrawal letter, consider mentioning that your doctor has cleared you to return to work ahead of schedule. This medical context helps explain why the withdrawal is legitimate and not just a change of mind. Keep that letter template somewhere safe too - you never know if you might need to reference the format again someday. Sounds like you're handling this perfectly!

0 coins

This is such great perspective! I hadn't thought about how a proper withdrawal could actually help with future claims if needed. That's a really good point about mentioning the doctor's clearance in the letter too - it adds that medical legitimacy to the whole situation. I'm definitely going to save my withdrawal letter as a template. It's reassuring to know that being proactive about this is the right approach rather than just hoping it works out. Thanks for sharing your experience with the EDD system - it really helps to hear from someone who's navigated it multiple times!

0 coins

I went through something similar about 6 months ago when my recovery timeline changed unexpectedly. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice here is to make sure you get the name and employee ID (if they provide it) of every EDD representative you speak with, whether on the phone or in person. I had an issue where different representatives gave me conflicting information about my withdrawal, and having those details helped me escalate to a supervisor who was able to clarify everything. Also, if you're mailing your withdrawal letter, I'd strongly recommend using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery and the exact date EDD received it. It sounds like you're being really thoughtful about handling this the right way - that's going to serve you well. The fact that you're asking these questions upfront rather than trying to figure it out after problems arise shows you're approaching this responsibly. Hope your return to work goes smoothly!

0 coins

This is such excellent advice about documenting the employee details! I never would have thought to get their ID numbers, but that makes complete sense if there are any discrepancies later. The certified mail suggestion is really smart too - I was just planning to use regular mail, but having that proof of delivery could be crucial. It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through a similar situation with changing recovery timelines. Did your withdrawal process go smoothly once you escalated to a supervisor? I'm hoping I won't need to do that, but it's good to know that's an option if I run into conflicting information. Thanks for sharing your experience!

0 coins

This entire thread is exactly what I needed to see! I'm in almost the identical situation - filed my SDI claim two weeks ago after a minor procedure, but I'm healing much faster than expected and my employer wants me back early. I was so worried about potential fraud issues if I just went back to work without properly handling the claim. The advice about calling EDD, submitting a written withdrawal letter, AND visiting in person really gives me confidence in having multiple touchpoints documented. I'm definitely going to use certified mail for my letter and take photos of any stamped documents I receive. One quick question for anyone who's been through this - should I also notify my doctor's office that I'm withdrawing the claim and returning to work early? I want to make sure all parties are on the same page in case EDD contacts them during the process. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this community is incredibly helpful for navigating these complex situations!

0 coins

Yes, definitely notify your doctor's office! That's a really important step that ties everything together. You'll want to let them know you're returning to work early and withdrawing your disability claim so they can update their records accordingly. If EDD contacts them to verify your disability status during the withdrawal process, they'll be prepared with the correct information about your early recovery. I'd suggest asking your doctor's office to document in your file that you've been medically cleared to return to work ahead of the original timeline. Some offices will even provide you with a brief return-to-work clearance note that you can keep for your records - this could be helpful backup documentation if any questions arise later. It sounds like you're being really thorough about covering all your bases, which is exactly the right approach. Having all parties (EDD, your employer, and your medical team) informed and aligned will make the whole withdrawal process much smoother. Good luck with everything!

0 coins

This is such a comprehensive and helpful thread! I'm a new member here and found this while researching SDI withdrawal procedures for a family member. The level of detail and practical advice everyone has shared is incredible - from the specific steps about written requests and phone calls, to the tips about visiting offices early in the morning and using certified mail. I especially appreciate how everyone emphasized the importance of documentation at every step. It's clear that being proactive and thorough with EDD processes really pays off in avoiding complications later. The advice about not certifying for benefits once you return to work is particularly crucial - it sounds like that's a common mistake that can lead to serious overpayment issues. For anyone else reading this thread in the future, this is basically a complete guide to properly withdrawing an SDI claim. Saving this for reference! Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and help others navigate this process.

0 coins

Welcome to the community! I'm also relatively new here and stumbled upon this thread while dealing with my own EDD situation. It's amazing how much collective knowledge and experience everyone has shared - I've learned more from this single thread than from hours of trying to navigate the EDD website on my own. What really stands out to me is how supportive everyone has been, sharing not just the basic steps but all those little details that make a real difference - like bringing multiple copies to the office, taking photos of stamped documents, and getting employee IDs when speaking with representatives. These are the kinds of practical tips you'd never think of unless someone who's been through it tells you. This community seems like such a valuable resource for anyone trying to navigate the complexities of California's disability and unemployment systems. Definitely bookmarking this thread and planning to contribute my own experiences as I learn more!

0 coins

As someone who's dealt with EDD withdrawal processes before, I want to add one more important tip that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're returning to work on a specific date (like the Monday you mentioned), make sure to document that exact start date in your withdrawal letter and keep a copy of your first day back timesheet or pay stub. The timing is crucial because EDD needs to know precisely when your disability period ended versus when you actually returned to work. Having that documentation helps prevent any confusion about benefit eligibility periods if they have questions during processing. Also, since you mentioned your employer wants you back Monday, I'd suggest giving them a heads up that you're in the process of withdrawing your disability claim. Most HR departments appreciate the transparency, and it shows you're handling things properly from both the employment and benefits side. You're doing all the right things by being proactive about this - it's so much better to handle it upfront than deal with potential overpayment issues later. Best of luck with your return to work and faster-than-expected recovery!

0 coins

This is such a great point about documenting the exact return-to-work date! I hadn't considered how important that precise timing would be for EDD's records. It makes total sense that they'd need to know exactly when the disability period ended versus when employment resumed. I'm definitely going to include my specific Monday start date in my withdrawal letter and make sure to keep my first timesheet as backup documentation. And yes, I already gave my HR department a heads up about the withdrawal process - they were actually really appreciative that I was being transparent about handling it properly. It's reassuring to hear from someone else who's been through EDD withdrawal processes that I'm taking the right approach. This whole thread has been invaluable for making sure I don't miss any important steps. Thank you for adding that detail about timing documentation - it's exactly the kind of specific advice that could prevent problems down the road!

0 coins

This thread has been incredibly thorough and helpful! I wanted to add one more consideration that might be useful for anyone in a similar situation - if you have any dependent benefits tied to your SDI claim (like family members who might be receiving benefits based on your disability), make sure to address those in your withdrawal process too. Also, keep in mind that if you've already received any disability payments before withdrawing, you'll likely need to return those funds. The EDD representative should explain the repayment process when you call, but it's good to be mentally prepared for that possibility. One last tip - after you've submitted your withdrawal and returned to work, keep monitoring your EDD account online for a few weeks to make sure the claim status updates correctly. Sometimes there can be delays in the system reflecting the withdrawal, and it's better to catch any discrepancies early rather than months later. Sounds like everyone who's contributed to this thread has really created a comprehensive guide for SDI withdrawal - this should definitely help anyone facing this situation in the future!

0 coins

This is such an important point about dependent benefits! I hadn't even thought about how withdrawing my claim might affect other family members who could be receiving benefits. That's definitely something I'll ask about when I call EDD tomorrow. The heads up about potentially needing to return any payments I've already received is really helpful too - I haven't received anything yet since my claim is still pending, but it's good to know what to expect if the timing works out differently. I'm definitely going to keep monitoring my online account after everything is submitted. It sounds like staying on top of the system updates is just as important as the initial withdrawal process. This thread really has become the ultimate guide for SDI withdrawal - I feel so much more confident about handling this properly thanks to everyone's shared experiences and detailed advice!

0 coins

This entire thread is absolutely incredible! As someone who just joined this community while researching EDD processes, I'm amazed by how comprehensive and supportive everyone has been. You've basically created the definitive guide for SDI claim withdrawal. I'm currently in my first week of a disability claim for a back injury, but seeing how thorough and helpful this community is gives me so much confidence that I'll be able to navigate the system properly - whether I need to withdraw early like Fatima or see my claim through to completion. The emphasis on documentation at every step really stands out to me. It's clear that keeping detailed records, getting names/IDs of representatives, using certified mail, and maintaining multiple forms of communication (phone, written, in-person) is the key to avoiding problems down the road. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences here - this is exactly the kind of real-world, practical advice that you can't find in official government resources. This community is such a valuable resource for anyone dealing with California's complex benefits system!

0 coins

Welcome to the community, Emma! I'm also relatively new here but have been lurking and learning so much from threads like this one. It's really amazing how generous everyone is with sharing their detailed experiences and practical tips. Your point about this being the kind of real-world advice you can't find in official resources is so true. The EDD website gives you the bare basics, but it's the community knowledge about things like timing office visits, getting employee IDs, using certified mail, and all those little details that really make the difference between a smooth process and a nightmare. Hope your back injury heals well and that you don't need to go through the withdrawal process! But if you do, you've definitely found the right place for guidance. This thread should honestly be pinned as a reference guide for anyone dealing with SDI withdrawals. The level of detail and support here is just incredible.

0 coins

California Disability AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,095 users helped today