SDI payment confusion after return to work - do I get a final payment?

Yes, you should receive a final SDI payment that covers through your last official day of disability (5/15/25). However, the payment might be prorated since it's not covering a full two-week period. EDD calculates SDI benefits on a daily basis, so you'll be paid for each day you were certified as disabled through your last day. I had similar timing when I returned from disability last year.

just fyi ur probably NOT gonna get paid on the 20th.... my last payment took like 10 days after my final certification went thru. the timing gets messed up at the end.

The whole SDI ending process is SO confusing! When I went back to work in January, I actually got overpaid because I didn't notify them quickly enough that I was returning. Then I had to deal with repaying some of the money which was a COMPLETE NIGHTMARE. Make sure you submit your return-to-work date through your SDI Online account ASAP or call them to confirm. If you're having trouble getting through to an agent, check out Claimyr.com - they helped me connect with an actual EDD rep in under 20 minutes when I was dealing with my overpayment. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Totally worth it because otherwise I would've been on hold for HOURS.

When you return to work, your employer has to report your wages to EDD. This can sometimes cause a delay in your final payment since the system needs to verify you weren't working during the disability period. In my experience (returned from disability twice), there's almost always a gap between your last SDI payment and your first paycheck. It's super frustrating! Have you talked to your HR about possibly getting an advance on your first paycheck to cover the gap?

Let me clarify a couple things about SDI payments when returning to work: 1. SDI is calculated at a daily rate (your weekly benefit amount ÷ 7) 2. You'll be paid through your last certified day of disability (5/15/25) 3. The final payment processing typically follows your normal payment schedule 4. You MUST report your return-to-work date through SDI Online or by phone 5. If your doctor had certified you for longer than you actually needed, you should update that too The transition back to regular paychecks can create a cash flow gap, so plan accordingly. Most employers won't process your first paycheck until the end of their normal pay cycle. Some companies offer a partial advance, but it's not common.

I ran into EXACTLY the same situation last fall!! I was supposed to go back on a thursday but ended up not returning until the following monday and IT COMPLETELY MESSED UP MY FINAL PAYMENT!!! Ended up having to call EDD like 46 times before getting through to fix it. They claimed I was trying to double dip but I WASNT!! Just be super clear with both your employer and EDD about exact dates. Document EVERYTHING!!!!

When I was on disability for my pregnancy last year I had a similar question about the final payment. My experience was that I got the last payment about 5 days after my disability end date. It was for a partial amount (just for the days I was still on SDI). But here's something weird - they actually sent me a paper check for the final payment instead of direct deposit like all my other payments! So keep an eye on your mail too just in case.

One more important thing to note: If you've been on SDI for a medical condition (not pregnancy), you might be eligible for Partial Return to Work benefits if your doctor approves you to return on a reduced schedule. This would allow you to receive partial SDI benefits while working part-time. This requires specific certification from your doctor. If you're returning full-time, this wouldn't apply, but I mention it because many people don't know about this option.

Just to update everyone - I called EDD this morning about my similar situation (returning next week after 4 months on disability). They confirmed that the final payment will be processed after my last day of disability, and it should follow the regular payment schedule. The representative said there's typically no delay for the final payment as long as you've reported your return-to-work date properly through SDI Online. Hope this helps!

I went through this exact same transition last summer! You should definitely get your final SDI payment, but here's what I learned the hard way - make sure to keep all your documentation organized because sometimes EDD needs additional verification for that final payment. I also recommend setting aside some emergency funds if possible because that gap between your last SDI payment and first paycheck back can be longer than expected. My employer's payroll department was super helpful in explaining exactly when my first check would come, so definitely have that conversation with HR. Also, if you're feeling anxious about returning to work after a stress-related disability, don't hesitate to ease back in if your doctor and employer allow it. The transition can be overwhelming! Good luck with your return - you've got this!

I'm going through this exact transition right now too! Just wanted to add that when I called EDD yesterday (finally got through after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned), they told me something important: if your last day of disability falls on a weekend or holiday, it can sometimes delay the final payment processing by a few extra days. Since your last day is Friday 5/15, you should be fine, but it's worth keeping in mind. Also, I learned that if you have any unused sick days at work, some companies will let you use those for your first few days back to help bridge the gap until your regular paycheck kicks in. Might be worth asking HR about that option too. The whole process is definitely stressful when you're already dealing with recovery from a stress-related condition, but it sounds like you're being really proactive about planning ahead. That's going to serve you well! Hang in there - we're all rooting for each other through these transitions.