SDI benefits not showing certification option - will EDD notify me when it's time?
I started receiving disability benefits about 3 weeks ago after my surgery, but I'm confused about the certification process. When I log into my SDI Online account, I don't see any option to certify for my next payment. My friend who was on disability last year said she had to certify every two weeks, but I don't see that option anywhere in my portal. Will EDD automatically notify me when it's time to certify again? Or am I missing something? I'm worried my payments will stop if I don't certify but there's literally no option for it when I log in. Should I call them or just wait? This is my first time on disability and I don't want to mess anything up.
19 comments


KylieRose
SDI is different from unemployment. You don't have to certify every 2 weeks like with UI. Your doctor certifies for you. Thats why you dont see any option.
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Aaliyah Jackson
•Oh really?? That's a relief! So I don't need to do anything until my doctor submits the next certification? How often does that happen?
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Miguel Hernández
The previous commenter is partly correct. For State Disability Insurance (SDI), the initial certification comes from your healthcare provider who completes the medical portion of your claim. However, depending on your claim duration, you may need to submit a "continued claim certification" form (DE 2500A) which EDD will mail to you when it's time. For most claims under 6-8 weeks, you typically won't need to certify again. For longer claims, EDD will mail you the form approximately 5-7 days before your next payment is due. Your doctor will also need to complete a supplemental medical certification if your disability extends beyond the initial estimated recovery period. You can always check your claim status online through SDI Online, but the certification option only appears when it's actually needed for your specific claim type and duration.
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Aaliyah Jackson
•Thank you for explaining! My claim is supposed to be for 10 weeks according to my doctor's estimate. So it sounds like I might get that continued claim form in the mail at some point? I'll keep an eye out for it.
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Sasha Ivanov
my cousins wife had the same thing happen last month and she called them and they said she didnt need to do anything her doctor already did the paperwork. so ur probably good
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Liam Murphy
•This totally depends on the length of the disability claim though. I was on SDI for 4 months last year and definitely had to submit continued claim forms. They came in the mail, not through the online portal. The system is weird that way - some things are online but the continued claim forms are still paper-based for some reason!
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Amara Okafor
I spent THREE HOURS on hold with EDD last month trying to figure this exact thing out!!! The system is so confusing and the website gives you ZERO clear information. When I finally got through to someone, they explained that for shorter claims (under about 6 weeks) you don't need to certify again. For longer claims they mail you paper forms to fill out. But here's the kicker - sometimes they don't send them when they're supposed to!!! If you're approaching the end of your current certification period and haven't received anything, DEFINITELY call them. Don't just wait or your payments could be delayed.
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CaptainAwesome
•Try using Claimyr to reach EDD faster. I was in a similar situation and couldn't get through on the phone for days. Found this service at claimyr.com that got me connected to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Totally worth it because the rep was able to check my specific claim and tell me exactly when my next certification was needed.
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Yuki Tanaka
Here's what you need to know about SDI certification: 1. Initial certification is done by your doctor (DE 2501) 2. For claims under 8 weeks, no additional certification is typically needed 3. For longer claims, EDD will send you a continued claim form (DE 2500A) by mail 4. Your doctor will also need to submit updated medical info for extended claims If your doctor estimated 10 weeks, you'll probably get a continued claim form around week 6-7. The schedule varies based on how your doctor structured the initial certification. The online system doesn't show certification options because this particular process still uses paper forms. It's one of the few remaining paper processes in their system.
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Aaliyah Jackson
•Thank you for breaking it down so clearly! That makes sense. My doctor estimated 10 weeks recovery, so I'll watch for that continued claim form around week 6-7.
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Liam Murphy
I remember being confused by this exact same thing! The EDD system is super inconsistent - unemployment is all online certifications every two weeks, but disability still uses those annoying paper forms that come in the mail. Just keep checking your mailbox regularly. And make sure they have your current address!
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Amara Okafor
•OMG YES the address thing is SO IMPORTANT!! When I was on disability last year, I had moved 2 months before and even though I updated my address with EDD for my claim, somehow the continued claim forms were still going to my old address! I nearly had my benefits cut off because of their system errors. Always double-check EVERYTHING with them!
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Aaliyah Jackson
Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! This clears up so much confusion. I'll keep an eye on my mailbox for any continued claim forms since my disability is supposed to last 10 weeks. It's frustrating that this information isn't clearly explained on the EDD website - would have saved me a lot of worry! I appreciate all the advice and personal experiences shared here.
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GalacticGuardian
Just wanted to add that if you're ever unsure about your certification status, you can also call the SDI customer service line at 1-800-480-3287. I know the wait times can be brutal, but they can tell you exactly what stage your claim is in and whether any action is needed on your part. I've found that calling first thing in the morning (right at 8 AM) or later in the evening tends to have shorter hold times. Also, if you do get that continued claim form in the mail, don't wait until the last minute to submit it - mail it back as soon as you fill it out to avoid any payment delays!
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Ethan Wilson
•That's really helpful about the calling times! I had no idea that timing mattered so much. I'll definitely keep that 8 AM tip in mind if I need to call them. And good point about not waiting until the last minute with the forms - I'm usually a procrastinator but this sounds like something where that could really backfire!
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Caleb Stark
I went through this exact same confusion when I was on SDI earlier this year! The difference between UI and SDI certification really isn't explained well anywhere. One thing I'd add is that you can also check your claim balance and payment history in the SDI Online portal even if you don't see certification options - this helped me keep track of where I was in my claim period. Also, if your recovery ends up being shorter than the 10 weeks your doctor estimated, make sure to contact them to close your claim early. I made the mistake of not doing this and it created some complications later. The whole system really needs better user guidance, but at least now you know you're not missing anything important!
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Gabriel Graham
•Thank you for mentioning the early closure thing! I hadn't even thought about that possibility. My surgery recovery is actually going better than expected, so there's a chance I might be cleared to return to work before the full 10 weeks. Good to know I should proactively contact them if that happens rather than just letting it run the full course. The SDI Online portal tip is helpful too - I'll make sure to keep checking my claim balance to stay on top of things!
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Zoe Christodoulou
One thing that might help ease your worries is to take a screenshot or photo of your SDI Online account showing that there's no certification option available. This way, if there are ever any questions later about whether you missed a certification deadline, you have documentation that the option simply wasn't there. I learned this trick from dealing with other government benefit systems - always document what you're seeing (or not seeing) in case you need to prove it later. Also, make sure your contact information is up to date in your account, especially your mailing address and phone number, since that's how they'll reach you for any continued claim forms or other important notices.
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Aiden O'Connor
•That's such a smart idea about taking screenshots! I never would have thought of that but it makes total sense to have proof that the certification option wasn't available. Better to be over-prepared than caught off guard later. I just double-checked and confirmed my contact info is all current in my account. Thanks for the practical advice - this whole thread has been incredibly helpful for someone navigating SDI for the first time!
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