Switching from UI to SDI for upcoming surgery - same account or separate application?
I'm currently collecting unemployment benefits but need to have shoulder surgery in about 3 weeks (rotator cuff tear that's gotten worse). My doctor says recovery will take at least 8 weeks. I've never been on disability before and I'm confused about how to handle this transition. Do I need to formally put my UI claim on hold? Is there a special application process when switching from UI to SDI, or do I just apply for disability like anyone else? Will my weekly benefit amount be calculated differently since I'm currently on UI? Any guidance would be super appreciated because I don't want to mess anything up and end up with no income during recovery.
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CosmicCaptain
You'll need to file a separate application for SDI through the EDD SDI Online portal. UI and SDI are separate programs with different applications and portals, even though they're both administered by EDD. You should stop certifying for UI the week before your SDI claim begins. The benefit calculation for SDI is different than UI - it's based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period (roughly 5-18 months before your disability claim), not your most recent earnings. The weekly benefit amount could be higher or lower than your UI depending on your work history. Make sure your doctor submits the medical certification form (DE 2501) promptly after you file your claim.
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Amara Oluwaseyi
•Thank you! So I shouldn't certify for UI once I'm actually disabled, but I can continue until then? I was worried about being accused of fraud if I'm on both programs at once. And do I use the same EDD account login credentials for SDI or do I create a new account entirely?
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Giovanni Rossi
yea i switched from UI to disability last yr and its totaly different systems. you gotta make a new account for the SDI online portal thingy, UI login doesnt work there. my disability payment was like $75 more a week than UI which was nice!
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Amara Oluwaseyi
•That's helpful to know, thanks! Did you have to notify the UI department specifically that you were stopping UI to go on disability, or did you just stop certifying?
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
I went through this exact situation in January. Just stop certifying for UI when you start disability. Made that mistake and got overpayment notice!
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Dylan Mitchell
•Actually, you need to be careful about the timing. The disability waiting period is 7 days before benefits start paying. Some people get confused about this transition and end up with a week of no income. I recommend filing your SDI claim right when your doctor says you're disabled, but continue certifying for UI until your disability technically begins (after the waiting period). Just make sure you're truthful on the UI certification about being available for work - if you're not available, you shouldn't certify.
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Sofia Gutierrez
The EDD system is SO CONFUSING!! I tried doing this last summer and ended up with no money for almost a month because they kept saying I needed to provide additional information but never told me WHAT information they needed!! I called literally 47 times and couldn't get through to anyone who could help. I almost lost my apartment waiting for it to get sorted out. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone who can actually help you! 😡😡😡
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Dmitry Petrov
•Try Claimyr! I was in a similar situation last month and couldn't get through to EDD after days of trying. Someone on this forum recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to a real EDD agent within 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Totally worth it for my sanity when I was stressing about transition from UI to disability after my car accident.
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StarSurfer
One thing nobody's mentioned yet - make sure your doctor includes ALL your work restrictions on the medical certification form. I had surgery similar to what you're describing, and my doctor initially only listed that I couldn't lift over 10 pounds, but didn't mention the limitation on reaching overhead or typing. EDD initially tried to deny my claim saying I could still do desk work. Had to get my doctor to submit an amended certification with complete restrictions.
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Amara Oluwaseyi
•That's really good to know, thank you! I'll make sure to discuss all the limitations with my surgeon before they submit the certification.
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Dylan Mitchell
To directly answer your questions: 1. You need to file a separate SDI application through SDI Online (not the UI system) 2. You use different login credentials for SDI Online vs UI Online 3. The benefit calculation is different - SDI is approximately 60-70% of your average wages during your highest-earning quarter in the base period 4. You should stop certifying for UI as soon as your disability begins (the date your doctor certifies) 5. There's a 7-day unpaid waiting period for SDI claims Also, if your surgery recovery extends beyond what was initially estimated, make sure your doctor submits updated medical certification before your claim ends to avoid interruption in benefits.
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Amara Oluwaseyi
•This is super clear and helpful, thank you! I'll create my SDI Online account this week to get ready. One more question - do benefit payments come on the same schedule as UI (every two weeks) or is it different?
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CosmicCaptain
SDI payments are every two weeks like UI, but they're processed on a completely different schedule. Your first payment will likely take 2-3 weeks to process after your claim is approved (sometimes longer if there are any issues with your application or medical certification). After that, you'll receive a certification form every two weeks that you need to complete to confirm you're still disabled. Each payment after the first one usually arrives within 3-5 days after certification if you're using the EDD debit card.
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Giovanni Rossi
•also make sure u check ur spam folder for emails from edd! my certifications kept going there and i didnt notice for weeks lol almost lost my benefits
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
Good luck with your surgery! Hope recovery goes smoothly. Take care!
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