Switching from UI to SDI benefits - completely lost with the EDD disability application process

You need to file a new SDI claim right away. UI and SDI are separate programs, but you can't receive both at the same time. The form you need is DE 2501, which you can complete online through SDI Online (create an account if you don't have one). Your doctor will need to complete their certification portion electronically or via form DE 2501C. There will likely be a 7-day waiting period before SDI benefits begin, and you should stop certifying for UI as soon as you're unable to work/look for work. Your weekly SDI amount will be similar to your UI amount since they're both based on your base period wages.

i switched from ui to disability last yr. u gotta STOP ur ui right away!!! dont certify anymore!! then make new sdi acct (different system) and apply there. doctor part is IMPORTANT - they gotta sign form or do online. my doc took 2 weeks to do his part and they wouldnt process without it.

I work in a medical office and help patients with disability paperwork all the time. Here's what you need to do: 1. Tell your doctor you need the DE 2501 Medical Certification completed ASAP - be clear it's for EDD SDI benefits 2. File your SDI claim online immediately (don't wait for the doctor's part) 3. Stop certifying for UI as of your date of injury/disability 4. Your claim effective date should be May 9, 2025 (day after your accident) 5. There's a 7-day unpaid waiting period, so benefits would start May 16 The key is getting your doctor to complete their portion quickly. Some offices take weeks, which delays your payment. Make sure they include all your restrictions and an estimated recovery time of at least 3 months based on what you've described.

Sorry about your accident! I broke my leg skiing while on unemployment last year. The worst part of switching to disability was getting through to an actual person at EDD to make sure everything was processed correctly. I kept calling the main number for days and could never get past the automated system.

The EDD system is so confusing!!! When my husband got disability after his appendix burst, we did everything RIGHT and still had to wait almost 4 weeks for the first payment. Make sure you check your SDI Online account daily for any messages or forms they need. They won't call or email you if something's missing - the notification only shows up in your account. Also, screenshot EVERYTHING just in case.

I'm currently on SDI for pregnancy and can tell you the medical certification is EVERYTHING! If your doctor doesn't complete their part correctly or misses any information, your claim will sit in pending status forever. Call your doctor's office daily until they confirm it's been submitted. If they fax it instead of doing it electronically, add another week of processing time. The system is completely broken. Good luck!

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and stopped certifying for UI. I created an SDI Online account and filed my claim yesterday. My doctor submitted his portion this morning! Now waiting for approval. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned to call EDD and actually got through to a representative who confirmed I did everything correctly. She said my SDI weekly benefit amount will be $520 (a bit less than my UI was) and to expect about 10-14 days processing time once the doctor certification is received. She also said I don't have to worry about the UI overlap since I reported my disability date accurately. Thank you all so much for the help! I'll update again when/if I get approved.