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StarSeeker

Need help getting EDD SDI doctor certification form - confused about paperwork

I'm so stressed trying to figure out how to get my doctor to fill out the right paperwork for my disability claim. I was told I need a specific form for my doctor to certify my condition but I have no idea which form that is or how to get it. Is it the DE 2501? I've been dealing with severe back problems from a workplace injury and I can't work right now, but my HR department wasn't helpful at all. They just told me to "apply for state disability" without any actual guidance. \n\nI tried looking on the EDD website but there are so many different forms and I'm completely lost. My doctor said he needs the right paperwork before he can submit anything. I know this isn't unemployment related but has anyone gone through this process who can help me out? I'm a single mom and really need to get these benefits started ASAP. My savings are almost gone :

your looking for the wrong thing. SSI is federal disability through social security. EDD SDI is state disability insurance thru california. totally different programs with different forms

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StarSeeker

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Omg thank you for clarifying! I'm so confused about all these different programs. So I need to apply for EDD SDI then? Do you know which form I need for that?

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Zara Ahmed

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When applying for California State Disability Insurance (SDI), you don't need to get the forms for your doctor first. You start by filing your claim online through SDI Online, and then your doctor will receive electronic certification forms to complete. Here's what you need to do:\n\n1. Create an account at Benefit Programs Online (if you don't already have one)\n2. File your claim through SDI Online\n3. During the application, you'll provide your doctor's information\n4. EDD will send your doctor an electronic certification request\n5. Your doctor completes their portion online\n\nYour doctor doesn't need the DE 2501 form anymore since most everything is electronic now. Just make sure you have your doctor's correct name, address, phone number, and medical license number when you file.\n\nHope this helps!

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StarSeeker

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Thank you so much for explaining this! I had no idea it was all done online now. I've been stressing about getting paper forms. Do you know how long it typically takes after I submit my application for them to contact my doctor?

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Luca Esposito

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I went thru this last year after my surgery and its actually pretty easy once u know what to do. The online system will guide u step by step. Just make sure u have all ur info ready before u start - ssn, employment history, doctor info, last day worked, etc. The system will time out if ur too slow!!\n\nAlso let ur doctor know ahead of time that they'll be getting something from EDD to fill out so they dont ignore it. My claim was delayed by 2 weeks cuz my doc didnt complete his part right away!

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Nia Thompson

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yes THIS!!!! tell your doctor in advance! my certification got stuck because my doctor went on vacation for 2 weeks and nobody checked his messages. took forever to sort out

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One important thing to note is that you need to file your disability claim within 49 days of becoming disabled, or you may lose benefits. So don't wait too long trying to figure out the paperwork. The online application at EDD SDI is actually quite straightforward.\n\nAlso, be prepared for the 7-day waiting period at the beginning of your claim where you won't receive benefits. This is standard for all SDI claims in California.\n\nAnother tip: make sure your doctor provides detailed information about your condition and expected recovery timeline. Vague information can lead to delays or denials.

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StarSeeker

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Thank you for mentioning the timeline! I didn't know about the 49-day deadline. My injury happened about 3 weeks ago, so I still have time but I need to get moving on this. And I'll make sure to talk to my doctor about being specific with the information.

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THE EDD SYSTEM IS GARBAGE!!!! i filed everything correctly and they STILL denied me the first time. had to appeal and wait ANOTHER 6 weeks to get paid while my bills piled up. make sure you keep COPIES OF EVERYTHING and write down who you talk to and when. dont trust them to do anything right!!!

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I'm sorry that happened to you, but it's not always that bad. I had a straightforward experience with my pregnancy disability claim last year. The system can actually work well when there aren't complications.

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Ethan Wilson

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I had back issues too!!! Make sure your doctor specifically mentions your physical limitations and why you can't perform your normal job duties. My first certification was rejected because my doctor just put

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StarSeeker

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That's really good advice, thank you. I'll definitely talk to my doctor about being specific with the limitations. My job requires a lot of lifting and standing which I absolutely can't do right now.

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Nia Thompson

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if ur having trouble getting through to EDD on the phone (which u probably will lol) try using Claimyr. it got me through to a real person in like 20 minutes when i was trying for DAYS on my own. they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd\n\ni used it when my doctor's certification wasn't showing up in the system and i was panicking about getting paid. the EDD rep was able to see that it was received but not processed yet and told me exactly when to expect payment

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StarSeeker

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I've never heard of that service before, but I'll definitely check it out if I run into problems. Getting through to EDD has always been a nightmare in my experience!

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does it really work? i tried calling edd like 50 times last month and never got anyone

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Zara Ahmed

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To follow up on your question about timing - after you submit your claim, the doctor certification request is sent electronically right away. Typically doctors should complete it within a few days, but it can sometimes take up to a week or more depending on how busy they are.\n\nOnce both parts are submitted (your claim and the doctor's certification), EDD usually processes claims within 14 days if there are no issues. You can check your claim status anytime through your SDI Online account.\n\nIf more than 10 days pass after you submit and your doctor hasn't certified yet, you might want to call their office to remind them.

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StarSeeker

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Thank you! I'll definitely keep an eye on the timeline and follow up with my doctor if needed. Appreciate all this helpful information!

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Just wanted to add that if you're dealing with a workplace injury like you mentioned, you might also want to look into workers' compensation benefits. Since your back problems are from a workplace injury, you could potentially be eligible for both workers' comp and SDI depending on your situation. Workers' comp might cover more of your medical expenses related to the injury. It's worth asking your doctor or HR about this too - sometimes people don't realize they can pursue both options. Hope your claim goes smoothly!

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That's a really good point about workers' comp! I hadn't even thought about that possibility. My HR department was so unhelpful when this happened - they basically just told me to figure it out myself. Do you know if I need to file for workers' comp separately, or can I do both at the same time? I'm worried about messing something up since I'm already stressed about getting the SDI application right. @StarSeeker

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