How to switch doctors on EDD SDI claim when return-to-work date needs extension?

Yes, you can absolutely have a new doctor extend an existing SDI claim! The new doctor needs to complete and submit a "Supplemental Certificate" (DE 2525XX form). Your husband should create an account on SDI Online if he hasn't already, and request this form. The new doctor completes it with their medical opinion about the extended disability period. Make sure they include detailed medical justification for why the original return-to-work date needs extension. The key is that this has to be submitted BEFORE the current disability period ends on 7/15, or it becomes much more complicated.

my wife had same thing happen last yr her dr got mad and wouldnt extend but we got new dr and it worked fine. just make sure new dr knows its for edd sdi claim extension not a whole new claim!!!! they get confused somtimes

The doctor situation with EDD is SO frustrating. I've been through THREE doctors during my disability claim and each time it's a nightmare getting them to communicate properly with EDD. The system is designed to make us fail I swear!! I'd recommend calling EDD directly to explain the situation but GOOD LUCK getting through their phone system - I spent 16 DAYS trying to reach someone about my doctor change!!! Eventually I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an EDD agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. The agent I spoke with confirmed that any licensed physician can submit a supplemental certification for an existing claim, but they need the claim ID number and should clearly indicate it's a certification extension, not a new claim.

I'm a disability case manager and I deal with this situation quite frequently. Here's what your husband needs to do: 1. Have the new doctor document that they are taking over care from the previous physician 2. The new doctor completes form DE 2525XX (Supplemental Certificate) with the new estimated return-to-work date 3. On the form, make sure the doctor checks "continuing disability" NOT "new disability" 4. The doctor must include their medical license number and contact information 5. It must be submitted before the current disability period ends If EDD questions the doctor change, they may request additional documentation showing the transfer of care. This could be admission records to the new facility or a referral from the original doctor. One important note: If your husband's condition might become permanent, you should begin preparing for a transition to long-term disability or SSDI, as SDI is limited to 52 weeks maximum.

Correct - there's no separate form specifically for changing doctors. The new doctor's supplemental certification serves that purpose. However, I recommend your husband also upload a brief note in his SDI Online account under "Contact EDD" explaining the situation. Something simple like: "I've transferred care from Dr. Smith to Dr. Jones at [new facility] due to specialized care needs. Dr. Jones will be submitting certification for my continuing disability." This creates a record of the change in case questions arise later. Additionally, make sure the new doctor's office understands they're dealing with a California SDI claim, not private disability insurance or workers' comp. Many medical offices get confused by the different systems.

I WOULDN'T TRUST THE ONLINE SYSTEM!!! When I had to change doctors last year, I uploaded all the forms online like they said and guess what?? THREE WEEKS LATER I found out they "never received anything" and my benefits were suspended!!! I had to start all over again and almost lost my apartment waiting for them to fix it. MAKE SURE you call and confirm they received everything. The EDD system is broken beyond belief!!!!

Wait I'm confused...is this SDI or workers comp? You mentioned accident at work which would be workers comp not SDI right? The processes are totally different for those two things. SDI is for non-work illnesses/injuries and workers comp is through your employer's insurance for work injuries.

Just a follow-up on my earlier comment - make sure your husband's claim number appears on all documentation from the new doctor. This helps EDD properly associate the supplemental certification with the existing claim. And don't forget that the 7-day waiting period has already been satisfied on the original claim, so benefits should continue uninterrupted if everything is filed correctly before the current disability period ends.

my cousin works at edd and she says doctors switching happens ALL THE TIME its totally normal just make sure u have his claim number handy cuz thats the main thing they need to find his file good luck!!!