Need to cancel my UI claim to start SDI - is stopping certification enough?

just stop certifying for ui. thats what i did last year when i had to switch. nobody ever contacted me about it or anything

You should definitely do more than just stop certifying. The proper procedure is to contact EDD and inform them that you're switching from UI to SDI due to a medical condition. This prevents any potential overpayment issues or accusations of collecting benefits you're not eligible for. When you file your SDI claim, make sure to indicate your last day of work AND mention you were previously on UI. The systems do eventually cross-reference, and you don't want to deal with having to repay benefits later. Be aware that there's a 7-day waiting period for SDI that isn't paid. So plan your finances accordingly for that gap.

The EDD is SUCH a nightmare!!!! I had this EXACT situation in 2023 and ended up with an OVERPAYMENT notice because I didn't properly cancel my UI before starting SDI. They made me pay back $1,788 for a two-week overlap where both systems were processing payments!!! The worst part was no one could even tell me what I did wrong until MONTHS later. The whole system is designed to FAIL!!

Here's what you need to do to properly transition from UI to SDI: 1. First, file your SDI claim immediately through SDI Online. Be sure to indicate your last day of work accurately AND note that you were receiving UI benefits. 2. After filing SDI, you technically should report to EDD that you are no longer able to work due to medical reasons. This means you're no longer eligible for UI (which requires you to be able and available to work). 3. You can officially report this change by: - Continuing to try calling (frustrating, I know) - Sending a secure message through your UI Online account - Marking "No" to the question "Were you able and available for work?" on your next UI certification 4. For the certification option, when you answer "No" to being able to work, you'll be prompted to provide a reason. Select medical inability and provide your doctor's information. The systems will eventually sync up, but properly documenting the change helps prevent overpayment issues later. Make sure your medical provider submits the required medical certification for your SDI claim promptly.

I went through this nightmare last year and calling EDD was nearly impossible. I wasted days trying. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of endless redials. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent confirmed I needed to formally notify them about switching to SDI, and they put a note in my file to prevent any overlap issues. Definitely worth it to get actual confirmation rather than just stopping certification and hoping for the best.

I'm in the EXACT same situation right now!! Did anyone find out what happens if you DO accidentally have overlap between UI and SDI? I already filed my SDI claim but I'm still stuck on pending (been 10 days). Meanwhile I have a UI certification due tomorrow and don't know if I should do it or not?? This is so confusing!

Update: I finally got through to EDD after using the contact method that @profile1 suggested! I certified for UI one last time, answered "No" to being able to work, and provided info about my medical condition. The rep confirmed that was the right approach and put a note in my file about the transition to SDI. Such a relief! My SDI claim is now in process. Thanks everyone for the help!

You know what's weird about EDD is that UI and SDI are like completely different departments that don't talk to each other. When I switched last fall my doctor told me they were seeing tons of patients with this exact problem. The whole system needs an overhaul.