How to submit doctor's note to extend SDI benefits? EDD process help needed
Hey everyone, I just got a note from my doctor to extend my disability. I'm not sure what to do next. Do I need to submit this note somewhere specific? Has anyone gone through this process before? Any advice would be really appreciated!
24 comments

Annabel Kimball
I've been through this before. You'll need to submit that note to EDD (Employment Development Department) to extend your disability benefits. Make sure you do it ASAP because there can be delays in processing.
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PaulineW
AuthorThanks for the quick response! Do you know if there's a specific form I need to fill out along with submitting the note?
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Annabel Kimball
Yeah, you'll need to fill out the 'Claim for Continued Disability Benefits' form. You can find it on the EDD website. Make sure you attach your doctor's note to it!
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Chris Elmeda
Just adding to this - sometimes they might ask for additional info from your doctor, so don't be surprised if that happens. It's pretty normal.
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Jean Claude
ugh, dealing with EDD is such a pain 🙄 good luck OP, you're gonna need it
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Charity Cohan
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at EDD. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Josef Tearle
Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Charity Cohan
I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Shelby Bauman
$20 to actually talk to a human? might be worth it tbh 🤔
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Quinn Herbert
Here's what you need to do step by step: 1. Fill out the 'Claim for Continued Disability Benefits' form (DE 2500A) 2. Attach your doctor's note 3. Make sure your doctor has completed their portion of the form 4. Submit everything to EDD as soon as possible 5. Keep copies of everything you send 6. Follow up if you don't hear back within 2 weeks Remember, timing is crucial. Don't let your current benefits lapse before submitting for an extension. If you have any questions during the process, don't hesitate to contact EDD directly or ask your doctor's office for help. Good luck!
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PaulineW
AuthorWow, thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! This is exactly what I needed. 💯
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Salim Nasir
This is great advice. I'd add: take screenshots of any online submissions you make. EDD's website can be glitchy sometimes.
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Hazel Garcia
am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we have to jump through so many hoops just to get the benefits we need? the system is broken af 😤
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Laila Fury
Preach! 🙌 It's like they make it complicated on purpose
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Geoff Richards
ikr? feels like we're playing a game of bureaucratic pinball sometimes
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Simon White
Quick question - does anyone know if the extension affects the total amount of weeks you can claim disability? I'm in a similar boat and worried about maxing out.
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Hugo Kass
From what I understand, there's a maximum of 52 weeks for SDI. Extensions don't increase this, they just let you continue up to that max if needed.
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Simon White
Ah, got it. Thanks for clarifying!
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Nasira Ibanez
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting through to EDD, try calling right when they open in the morning. I've had better luck that way.
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Khalil Urso
Anyone else notice that EDD seems to be processing things faster lately? Or am I just lucky?
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Myles Regis
lol what alternate universe are you living in? 😂 It's been a nightmare for me
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Khalil Urso
Guess I just got lucky then 🤷♂️ Sorry to hear you're having trouble
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Brian Downey
Hey OP, just a heads up - make sure your doctor filled out their part of the form correctly. My extension got delayed because my doc missed a section. Double check everything before you send it in!
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Emma Bianchi
Thanks for posting this question! I went through the same thing a few months ago and it was confusing at first. Just to add to what others have said - when you submit your doctor's note, make sure it includes specific language about your functional limitations and expected return-to-work date. EDD is pretty picky about the wording. Also, if your doctor uses an electronic system, they might be able to submit it directly to EDD for you - worth asking! Hope your extension goes smoothly 🤞
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