How to terminate an active EDD SDI claim online? Tried for weeks without success
I've been receiving SDI benefits for a back injury since January, but I'm actually cleared to return to work next week (thank goodness!). My doctor gave me a release to return form, but I can't figure out how to properly terminate my claim through SDI Online. I've logged into my account and looked everywhere, but there doesn't seem to be an option to close a claim. I don't want to just stop certifying because I'm worried about overpayment issues later. Has anyone successfully terminated their SDI claim online? Or do I have to call EDD directly? Really don't want to deal with another 3-hour hold time if there's a way to do this electronically.
19 comments


Amina Toure
u dont terminate online. just stop certifying when u go back 2 work
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Paolo Ricci
•Really? That's it? I was worried about getting hit with an overpayment notice if I didn't formally close the claim somehow. Are you sure that's all I need to do?
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Oliver Zimmermann
The previous commenter is partially correct, but it's not quite that simple. You should do two things: 1. Stop certifying once you return to work (absolutely don't certify for any period after you've returned) 2. Contact EDD to inform them of your return-to-work date For #2, you can submit this information by sending a secure message through your SDI Online account (look for the Contact EDD option). Include your claim number, return-to-work date, and that your doctor has provided medical clearance. This helps prevent potential overpayment issues later, as the system will have documentation of your formal notification. It's always better to have a paper trail when dealing with EDD!
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Paolo Ricci
•Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! I'll definitely send a secure message through my account with all those details. Really appreciate your help!
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CosmicCommander
I went through this EXACT same thing last year! EDD's systems are so confusing and their website is terrible. I couldn't find any way to terminate online either, so I tried calling almost DAILY for two weeks straight and never got through to anyone!!! Just endless hold music then disconnected. Kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message over and over. So frustrating!!!!
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Paolo Ricci
•That sounds awful! Did you eventually get it resolved? I'm definitely trying to avoid the phone nightmare if possible.
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CosmicCommander
•I eventually gave up calling and just stopped certifying. Then I sent like three messages through their contact system just to be safe. Never got a response but at least I didn't get an overpayment notice! The system is BROKEN!!!
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Natasha Volkova
My sister went thru this last month. She said you're supposed to report your return-to-work date on your FINAL certification form. There should be a question asking if you've returned to work or something like that. Then you just don't certify anymore after that.
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Paolo Ricci
•Oh that's helpful! I didn't realize there was a specific question about returning to work on the form. I'll make sure to watch for that on my final certification. Thanks!
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Javier Torres
After trying for 2 weeks to reach EDD about ending my claim earlier this year, I discovered Claimyr and it was a game-changer. It got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through. I was able to properly notify them about returning to work and confirm I wouldn't face any overpayment issues. Saved me so much stress! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.
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Emma Davis
•does this actually work?? sounds too good to be true honestly. edd is impossible to reach by phone these days
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Javier Torres
•It worked for me! I was skeptical too, but after trying to call EDD myself for days, I was desperate. Got connected to an agent who confirmed everything about ending my claim and even got an email confirmation afterward. Better than sending messages into the void and hoping someone sees them.
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Malik Johnson
For anyone finding this thread later, here's the official process for ending an SDI claim when returning to work: 1. On your last certification form, indicate your return-to-work date in the appropriate field 2. Stop certifying after your return date 3. Send written notification through your SDI Online account's message center stating: - Your claim number - Your return-to-work date - That you're requesting claim closure - Reference the doctor's release to return to work Keep a copy of your message and any confirmation number. If possible, also fax a signed notice to your local EDD office with the same information. While not required, this creates additional documentation that can help prevent future issues. This process applies to regular disability claims. Pregnancy disability claims have different requirements for transitioning to Paid Family Leave.
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Paolo Ricci
•This is incredibly helpful - thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I'll follow these exact steps. I appreciate you taking the time to spell everything out so thoroughly.
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Isabella Ferreira
Just to add to the confusion - I had the same issue last year but then I also had complications and needed to RESTART my claim after trying to go back. That was even worse! Couldn't terminate properly and then couldn't reopen properly. The whole system needs an overhaul!
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Oliver Zimmermann
One more important tip: If your claim is ending earlier than originally estimated by your doctor, it's especially important to notify EDD. While stopping certification is the primary mechanism, having documentation that you properly notified them of early return can prevent complications if there's ever an audit or review of your claim. Also, make sure to keep your doctor's release form in your personal records for at least three years.
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Paolo Ricci
•Great point! My claim was supposed to run through mid-June, but I'm returning almost two weeks early. I'll definitely keep all the paperwork from my doctor handy just in case anything comes up later. Better safe than sorry!
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Anastasia Sokolov
Just went through this process myself two months ago! Here's what worked for me: I called EDD early in the morning (around 7:30 AM) on a Tuesday and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The representative told me that while you CAN just stop certifying, it's much better to formally notify them. She helped me update my claim status over the phone and gave me a confirmation number. I also followed up by sending a message through SDI Online with all my details like others mentioned. Haven't had any issues since! The key is calling early and being persistent - don't give up after one try.
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Aurora St.Pierre
•Thanks for sharing your experience! 7:30 AM on a Tuesday - I'll definitely try that timing. Getting a confirmation number over the phone sounds like the ideal outcome. I'm encouraged to hear you actually got through relatively quickly compared to what others have experienced. I think I'll try the early morning call approach first, and if that doesn't work, I'll fall back on the secure message route that others have suggested.
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