SDI ran out but doctor says I need 3 more months for seizure disorder recovery - what options do I have?

Unfortunately, the agent was correct that regular SDI doesn't offer extensions beyond the 52-week maximum period. However, there are several options you might consider: 1. If your condition qualifies as a long-term disability, you might be eligible for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) - but be aware this process can take months. 2. Check if you have any private disability insurance through your employer that might provide extended coverage. 3. Look into California's Department of Rehabilitation services - they can sometimes help with vocational training for people who need to change careers due to medical conditions. 4. Some counties have General Assistance/Relief programs for people who've exhausted other benefits. Don't give up! The 211 referral isn't just a brush-off - they genuinely can connect you with local resources specific to your situation.

omg the EXACT same thing happend to me last yr!!! i have MS and my SDI ran out and they said nope sorry bye!! its so stupid cuz my dr said i still needed like 2 more months but EDD doesnt care what drs say once u hit that limit. ended up having to borrow $ from family which SUCKED

The 52-week limit is absolutely firm with California SDI - I work in healthcare admin and see this situation frequently. One critical thing to do immediately: file for SSDI online TODAY. Even though approval takes months, some benefits can be retroactive. Also, ask your neurologist about these specific things: 1. Can they connect you with a hospital social worker? They often know about emergency funds and specialty programs for seizure disorders. 2. Patient assistance programs for your medications - most pharmaceutical companies have them. 3. A detailed letter explaining why your condition specifically creates workplace dangers (this helps with SSDI claims). Lastly, contact your county's Health & Human Services department directly for emergency assistance programs that might cover rent while you're figuring out longer-term options.

EDD IS THE WORST!!! they cut me off when i still needed help too and didnt care at all. the whole system is broken and they just want us to suffer.

Have you called the Epilepsy Foundation? I had a family member in a similar situation and they have emergency assistance grants specifically for people with seizure disorders. They also helped connect us with a pro bono attorney who specialized in disability claims. Also, while you're waiting for SSDI (which you should absolutely apply for), check if you qualify for SSI which can sometimes be processed faster. And don't forget to apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and Medi-Cal if you haven't already - those can help reduce your monthly expenses while you figure out income. Don't give up on getting through to EDD either. Getting different agents can sometimes yield different results in terms of helpful information.

Getting through to EDD is practically impossible these days! When my disability claim had issues, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that connected me to an EDD agent within 15 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Even though they said you can't get an extension, talking to a different agent might help you understand if there are any exceptions for your specific case or if they can point you to specific programs beyond just saying "call 211." Sometimes the first person you talk to isn't very knowledgeable about all the options.

One other critical piece of advice: if you're being treated for seizures, contact the drug manufacturers of your medications directly. Almost all of them have patient assistance programs that can provide free or heavily discounted medications if you're experiencing financial hardship. Your neurologist's office should have a social worker or staff member who can help you complete these applications. Also, make sure you're documenting EVERYTHING right now - keep a detailed log of all your seizure activity, medication side effects, and especially any safety incidents. This documentation is absolutely crucial for SSDI applications.

my cousin has epilepsy and when his sdi ran out he got on social security disability its different but it helped him out

I want to emphasize something important: while you're figuring out the benefits situation, be extremely clear with your employer about your legal protections. Under the ADA and FEHA (in California), your employer must engage in an interactive process about reasonable accommodations when you're ready to return. They cannot simply demand you be "100% cleared" - that's actually not legal. However, if driving is an essential function of your construction job and there's no reasonable accommodation possible (like reassignment to a position that doesn't require driving), then that's a different situation. Just make sure you understand your rights before any employment discussions. Also, if you have any accrued paid leave, now is the time to use it - sick leave, vacation, PTO, etc. Some employers also have catastrophic leave donation programs where coworkers can donate their leave to you.

have u tried applying for unemployment?? sometimes u can get that if ur not totally disabled but still cant do ur regular job

You've gotten great advice here already. Just wanted to share that I was in a somewhat similar situation with a different medical condition. What helped me bridge the gap was working with a disability rights advocate from the Legal Aid Society in my county. They helped me navigate the system and find emergency assistance programs I didn't know existed. Google "legal aid disability advocate" plus your county name. Many offer free services if you're low income. They can sometimes find solutions that regular social workers might miss.