Light duty restrictions after surgery - continue current SDI claim or file new one?

You don't need to file a new claim! Your current SDI claim remains valid because your employer can't accommodate the work restrictions. When you certify, you'll need to indicate your work status has changed to 'modified duty not available' and then your doctor will need to submit a supplemental certification (DE 2525XX form) confirming the work restrictions. This happens a lot after surgeries when people transition from total disability to partial.

this happened to me last year with my knee surgery!! such a pain dealing with all this paperwork. my doc had to fill out ANOTHER form saying i could do desk work but my construction job didnt have any light duty. had to get the form from the EDD website i think. still got my payments tho so youll be fine

To clarify what others are saying, you need a Supplemental Certificate (DE 2525XX) from your doctor. When you certify for benefits and indicate your status changed to "able to work with restrictions" but your employer can't accommodate, EDD will request this form. You can also be proactive by telling your doctor's office they need to complete this form - it's available on the EDD website, or sometimes the doctor's office already has these forms. This is called "Partial Recovery" in EDD terms, and benefits continue as long as: 1. Your restrictions prevent you from performing your regular work 2. Your employer cannot accommodate those restrictions 3. Your doctor certifies these conditions The key is having medical documentation that clearly states your work limitations.

I went through something similar with my shoulder surgery. Just keep certifying like normal but check "yes" when it asks if you're able to return to work with restrictions. There's a follow-up question about whether your employer can accommodate those restrictions - you'll mark "no" there. EDD will then automatically request the supplemental form from your doctor.

I recently had to call EDD about a similar situation with my knee surgery recovery. I spent TWO DAYS trying to get through on their phone lines before giving up. Then someone recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes - totally worth it when you need answers fast. There's a video demo here if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Anyway, the EDD rep confirmed what others said - you stay on the same claim, but your doctor needs to submit that supplemental form stating you have work restrictions and your employer can't accommodate them.

wait isnt SDI different from workers comp? are u sure ur on the right claim?? cuz back injuries are usually workers comp

Quick update on the form process - when you certify, answer truthfully about your work status change. The system will automatically generate a request for the supplemental form that will be sent to both you and your doctor. Your doctor's office can submit it electronically through SDI Online if they're registered, or they can fill out the paper form. Just make sure they complete it within 20 days of the request date to avoid payment delays.

I'm in a similar situation with my pregnancy disability - started with complete bed rest but now doctor says I can do limited activities but not my nursing job. My payments continue without issues as long as my doctor completes the supplemental forms every time there's a change in restrictions. Just make sure your doctor is specific about WHY you can't do your regular job with the current restrictions. Documentation is everything with EDD!