How to extend my EDD SDI claim that ends October 2025? No paperwork received yet

I just went through this EXACT thing last month! EDD doesn't automatically send you anything - YOU have to be the one to initiate the extension. Your doctor needs to fill out another DE 2501 form (the same disability form as the original claim). Make sure she submits it at least 5-7 days BEFORE your current claim ends or you'll have a gap in payments. The form should specifically note it's for an extension of an existing claim and include your current claim ID number.

Your doctor can actually submit the extension certification electronically through SDI Online if they're registered in the system (most are these days). Ask them specifically about using the 'Submit a Medical Extension Certification' option. It's much faster than paper forms. Also, once they submit it, you should log into your SDI Online account and check after 2-3 days to make sure it's showing as received. Extensions are usually processed quickly because they're just continuing an existing claim rather than starting a new one.

When I needed my disability extended I just waited til I got the final payment and THEN tried to figure it out. BIG MISTAKE!!! I ended up with a 3 week gap before payments started again. Don't be me lol. Get it done early!!!

I've helped several clients with disability extensions recently. The key points everyone should know: 1. Extensions must be medically necessary and certified by the same or a new doctor 2. There's no limit to the number of extensions, but total SDI benefits cannot exceed 52 weeks for the same medical condition 3. Make sure your doctor includes your current claim ID on the extension form 4. You don't need to serve another waiting period for extensions 5. If your doctor submits electronically, you'll see it in your SDI Online account within 1-2 business days If your current claim is ending soon, I'd recommend contacting your doctor's office immediately to get this process started.

If ur having trouble getting thru to EDD to ask questions about extensions (their phone system is TERRIBLE), try Claimyr. I was trying to reach EDD about my extension for DAYS and getting nowhere. I found this service at claimyr.com that connected me with an actual EDD agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Worth it to get my questions answered right away instead of stressing for days about whether my extension would go through.

everybody saying submit before it ends is right but also DON'T submit TOO early!!! my dr submitted my extension like 3 weeks before end date and edd rejected it because it was "too soon" had to resubmit closer to the end date. what a mess

wait I'm confused, aren't disability and paid family leave different things? Which one are you on? Because the process is totally different for PFL vs disability. My sister just went through the PFL extension process and it was nothing like what people are describing here.

Update: I spoke with my doctor's office and they're going to submit the extension electronically next week (about 8 days before my end date). The office staff seemed very familiar with the process which is reassuring. I also created a calendar reminder to check my SDI Online account to make sure it shows up properly. Thank you all for the advice - I was really panicking about this!

So glad you got it sorted out! Definitely check your SDI Online account after they submit it - that's the easiest way to confirm everything went through properly. The system should show the updated end date once they process the extension.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - when your doctor submits the extension, make sure they include a clear medical justification for why you still can't return to work. EDD sometimes requests additional documentation if the extension reason isn't detailed enough. My doctor learned this the hard way on my first extension attempt and had to resubmit with more specific medical details. Also, keep copies of everything for your records! You never know when you might need to reference the paperwork later.

I'm going through something similar right now - my claim ends in December and I was getting really anxious about the extension process too. After reading through all these responses, I feel so much better prepared! The electronic submission through SDI Online sounds like the way to go. One question though - if my doctor submits the extension electronically, will I get any kind of confirmation email or notification that it was received? Or do I just have to keep checking my SDI Online account? I tend to be a bit paranoid about these things and want to make sure nothing falls through the cracks!