How to extend EDD disability benefits in California? Doctor's note until next month, need more time
Hey everyone, I need some advice on extending my disability benefits. My doctor has me out until next month, but I'm pretty sure I'll need more time. How do I go about extending my benefits with EDD? I initially filed back in March, and I'm not sure what steps I need to take to keep my benefits going. Any help would be appreciated!
45 comments

Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve extending disability benefits quickly, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LjIK6ZzgCk
0 coins
Carmella Popescu
Hot take: the whole disability system needs an overhaul. It's not working for anyone except maybe the bureaucrats 🤷♀️
0 coins
Kai Santiago
Preach! 🙌 It's like they designed it to be as frustrating as possible.
0 coins
Lim Wong
Totally agree. We need to start a petition or something. This is ridiculous!
0 coins
Carmella Popescu
For real tho. Maybe we should all run for office and fix this mess ourselves 😂
0 coins
Gemma Andrews
Has anyone had luck getting through to an actual person at EDD? I'm losing my mind trying to get someone on the phone!
0 coins
Pedro Sawyer
Omg, I found a way! There's this site called claimyr.com that has a calling tool. It dials the menu, waits on hold, and then calls you when a real person picks up. It costs $20 but it totally works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
0 coins
Mae Bennett
Wait, seriously? That sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
0 coins
Beatrice Marshall
$20 just to talk to someone? That's highway robbery! 😡
0 coins
Pedro Sawyer
I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo.
0 coins
Melina Haruko
Claimyr could be a lifesaver, but always weigh the cost against the time you spend trying to reach someone. Some find it invaluable; others think it's a hefty fee.
0 coins
Demi Lagos
Have you considered applying for long-term disability instead? Might be worth looking into if you think this is gonna be a long-term thing.
0 coins
Mason Lopez
Great point! Long-term disability could offer a more sustainable solution if your situation extends beyond short-term expectations.
0 coins
Oliver Brown
I heard theres a new online portal for submitting extension requests. Anyone tried it yet? Wondering if its any faster than the old way
0 coins
Mary Bates
Yeah, I used it last month. It's a bit glitchy but def faster than mailing forms. Give it a shot!
0 coins
Naila Gordon
AuthorThanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into that. Anything to speed up the process is welcome.
0 coins
Demi Hall
Here's what you need to do, step by step: 1. Get your doctor to update your medical certification. This is crucial! 2. Log into your EDD account online and go to the 'Manage Claim' section. 3. Submit the updated certification through your account or mail it in if you prefer. 4. When you talk to an EDD agent, be clear that your doctor has advised extending your leave. 5. Ask them specifically what additional info or steps they need from you. 6. Keep copies of EVERYTHING. Trust me, you'll need them. 7. Follow up regularly. Don't assume they're processing your extension automatically. Remember, there's no set limit on how long your doctor can request. It's based on your medical needs. Good luck!
0 coins
Mateusius Townsend
This is solid advice. I'd add: make sure you submit the extension before your current claim ends to avoid any gaps in payment.
0 coins
Naila Gordon
AuthorThanks so much! This is really helpful. Do you know if there's a specific form I need to download for the updated certification?
0 coins
Demi Hall
Yep! Look for something called 'Continuation of Disability' form on the EDD website. Your doc needs to fill that out.
0 coins
Noah huntAce420
Anyone else feel like they need disability benefits just from the stress of dealing with EDD? 😅 It's a vicious cycle!
0 coins
Clay blendedgen
Word of advice: start the extension process EARLY. Like, at least 2 weeks before your current claim ends. Trust me on this one.
0 coins
Dallas Villalobos
Anyone know if theres a limit to how many times you can extend? My situation is ongoing and im worried theyll cut me off eventually
0 coins
Naila Gordon
AuthorThat's a good question. I'm wondering about that too. Hopefully someone here knows!
0 coins
Reina Salazar
As far as I know, there's no hard limit. It depends on your medical situation and doctor's recommendations.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
Pro tip: if ur doctor gives u an extension, make sure they're SUPER specific about dates and reasons. EDD loves to nitpick that stuff 🙄
0 coins
Brielle Johnson
Just a heads up, EDD has been extra slow lately due to budget cuts. Expect delays and be patient (easier said than done, I know 😅
0 coins
Rosie Harper
Ugh, dealing with EDD is such a pain. I've been there, buddy. Good luck getting through to anyone on the phone. It's like trying to win the lottery 🙄
0 coins
Elliott luviBorBatman
Seriously, they need to make the phone system less of a nightmare. Have you tried reaching out during non-peak hours? Sometimes that helps.
0 coins
Vera Visnjic
Ugh, I feel for you. I've been playing phone tag with EDD for weeks. It's like they're allergic to answering calls or somethin 🤦♂️
0 coins
Jake Sinclair
LOL allergic to answering calls. That's a good one. Maybe we should send them some Benadryl 😂
0 coins
Vera Visnjic
Haha for real tho. Maybe if we all chip in for allergy meds, they'll finally pick up the phone! 🤣
0 coins
Lena Schultz
Quick tip: make sure you keep certifying for benefits even while you're waiting for the extension to be processed. Don't wanna miss out on any payments!
0 coins
Ayla Kumar
Does anyone know if the rules r different for mental health related disability? Asking for a friend 👀
0 coins
Lorenzo McCormick
The process is pretty much the same, but make sure you have a psychiatrist or psychologist fill out the forms, not just a GP.
0 coins
Ayla Kumar
Thx for the info! I'll let my 'friend' know 😉
0 coins
Cynthia Love
First things first, you need to get an updated medical certification from your doctor. That's the key to extending your benefits. Make sure they fill out the right form - you can usually find it on the EDD website.
0 coins
Darren Brooks
I'd also suggest checking if your doctor is familiar with the EDD process. Sometimes they have tips for their patients that can make this a bit smoother.
0 coins
Dananyl Lear
LPT: Set up direct deposit if you haven't already. Makes getting your benefits way faster and easier.
0 coins
Kara Yoshida
I'm in the same boat. Been trying to extend my benefits for weeks now. The system is so broken, I swear 😤
0 coins
Philip Cowan
Tell me about it. I've been on hold for hours and still can't get through. It's ridiculous!
0 coins
Kara Yoshida
Hours? Try days! I've basically made it my full-time job to try and reach these people 🤡
0 coins
Caesar Grant
It really is a full-time job. You'd think they'd have more resources to handle all the calls, especially now.
0 coins
Honorah King
Hey OP, don't forget to check if your employer offers any additional disability coverage. Sometimes they have programs that can supplement EDD benefits.
0 coins
StarSeeker
@Naila Gordon, I went through this exact same situation last year! Here's what worked for me: Contact your doctor ASAP and ask them to fill out a "Continuation of Disability" form (you can find it on the EDD website). Make sure they're specific about your condition and expected return date. Then submit it through your EDD online account under "Manage Claim" - it's way faster than mailing it. I'd also recommend calling EDD early in the morning (like 8am sharp) to avoid the worst wait times. Don't wait until your current benefits expire to start this process - give yourself at least 2-3 weeks buffer time. The whole system is frustrating but you CAN get through it! 💪
0 coins