Stopping EDD SDI early for new job - how to prevent overpayment?

COngrats on the job offer! You ABSOLUTELY need to notify EDD before you start working or you'll def get an overpayment notice. Call them RIGHT AWAY and tell them your return-to-work date. They'll adjust your claim end date. Also your doctor needs to submit updated medical certification with the new end date. Don't wait til last minute!!!

Thanks for the quick response! So I just call the main SDI number? I've tried calling them before about a certification issue and couldn't get through after waiting for hours. Is there a specific department I need to talk to?

I went through this exact situation last year. You need to do three things:\n\n1. Have your doctor submit a new medical certification form (DE 2501) with your updated release date\n2. Contact EDD to inform them of your return-to-work date\n3. Stop certifying for benefits once you start working\n\nThe most important thing is documentation. Get an email confirmation or case number when you speak with EDD about your early return to work. I didn't do this and ended up with a $2,800 overpayment because they claimed I never notified them.

This is super helpful! Thank you! Did you have to pay back the overpayment? I'm so worried about having to deal with that on top of transitioning to a new job.

make sure u get everything in writing!!!! EDD told me i was all set when i returned early but 6 months later they came after me for $1450 claiming i never told them!!!

This is a common problem with EDD. Always document everything with dates, times, and names of representatives. If possible, send a follow-up message through your SDI Online account confirming what was discussed in the phone call. This creates a paper trail they can't deny later.

wish somebody told me that before!!! fighting with them for months now

I tried calling EDD to adjust my claim end date last year and spent days trying to get through. The phone system is literally designed to hang up on you. After getting nowhere for a week, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a rep in 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd\n\nTotally worth it because I got everything sorted out before starting my new job and avoided the whole overpayment nightmare. Make sure to get the rep's ID number and send a follow-up message confirming everything.

does this actually work? ive been calling EDD for 2 weeks and either get hung up on or wait on hold forever then get disconnected

To answer your question about specific forms - there isn't actually a specific form for ending SDI early. Your doctor needs to submit an updated medical certification with the new release date, and you need to stop certifying once you start working. But the most crucial part is documenting your communication with EDD about the early return to work.\n\nEDD has a specific return-to-work unit that handles these situations. When you call, ask to be transferred to them specifically. They'll note your claim with the new end date and adjust the payment schedule accordingly.

I had no idea there was a specific return-to-work unit! That's really good to know. I'll make sure to ask for them specifically when I call. Hopefully my doctor can submit the updated certification quickly too.

The whole system is broken!!!! I did EVERYTHING right when I returned to work early - called multiple times, had doctor update forms, even sent certified letters. STILL got hit with a $4,300 overpayment notice 8 months later because they

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. For the benefit of others reading this thread, this is why documentation is critical. Send everything through SDI Online messaging when possible, as those messages are permanently stored in the system and can be retrieved later. For phone calls, follow up with written confirmation through the portal summarizing what was discussed. Also, save screenshots of all confirmations and keep a log of all interactions.

Exactly!! I learned the hard way that even when they tell you \

Also don't forget about unused sick time or PTO from your old job if that's where your disability came from!!! When I went back to work early I had to deal with coordination of benefits bc my employer had paid me some sick time during my waiting period. EDD is super picky about the dates and will flag your account for audit if anything doesnt match up exactly!!

That's a good point! My SDI claim is from a previous employer and I did use some sick time during the waiting week. I'll make sure to mention that when I talk to them. This is all so complicated!

Here's the exact process you should follow to properly close your SDI claim early:\n\n1. Have your physician submit an updated DE 2501 with your new release date (October 15th)\n2. Contact EDD's SDI division at 1-800-480-3287 to report your return to work date\n3. Request a \

Thank you for laying out the exact steps! I'll follow this process to the letter. I'm going to call my doctor today to get the updated certification started. Just to clarify - for step 3, do I specifically ask the EDD rep for a \

You should ask specifically for the Notice of Change. Sometimes they'll say \

Got it! I'll make sure to ask for the Notice of Change directly and get the rep's info. Thank you all so much for the helpful advice - I feel much more prepared to handle this now!