Transitioning from UI to SDI for cancer treatment - can I get disability while on unemployment?

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You're asking exactly the right questions. You should definitely STOP certifying for UI immediately since you're no longer able and available for work (which is a UI requirement). You don't need to formally cancel your UI claim - just stop certifying. When you apply for SDI, be sure to mention your recent UI claim on the application where it asks about other benefits. The systems do communicate with each other, but being transparent avoids any issues. Your SDI start date should be the day after your last UI payment covers. So if your last UI payment was for the week ending January 30th, your SDI claim should start January 31st. This prevents overlap and any potential overpayment issues.

u should be fine just do the disability app online its pretty easy i had the same thing happen when i broke my leg last yr while on unemployment. just make sure u dont certify for both at the same time thats a BIG no-no. they might ask u questions later but just be honest

The previous responses aren't entirely accurate. Here's what you need to know about transitioning from UI to SDI: 1. You should call EDD and notify them that you're no longer able to work due to medical reasons. While technically you don't have to "cancel" UI (you just stop certifying), it's best practice to officially notify them. 2. When filing your SDI claim, be precise about the first date you became disabled. This should not overlap with any UI coverage period. 3. On your medical certification (DE 2501), make sure your doctor clearly indicates that your condition makes you unable to perform your regular or customary work. Vague descriptions can lead to delays. 4. There's a 7-day waiting period for SDI benefits that doesn't get paid, so plan accordingly. 5. If you have any questions or issues with your claim, trying to call EDD can be incredibly frustrating. I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an EDD representative quickly. They have a service that helps you bypass the long wait times. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Hope this helps, and I wish you the best with your treatment.

when I had to get on disability they made me fill out a whole separate form explaining why I was switching from unemployment to disability. I had to get a signed letter from my doctor stating exactly when I became unable to work. It was a huge headache because the UI department and SDI department dont seem to talk to each other at all!!!! Be prepared to explain yourself multiple times and keep all your paperwork. This was last year so maybe its different now but the EDD is always a mess

Yeah they did approve it but it took almost 3 weeks. I had to upload additional documentation twice because they kept saying they needed more proof. Just be super detailed on your application and make sure your doctor writes a really specific note about your condition and why you cant work. Good luck with your treatment!!

My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I went through something similar in 2023 when I was diagnosed with cancer while on unemployment. The way I handled it was: 1. I immediately stopped certifying for UI 2. I applied for SDI right away after my diagnosis 3. I called the EDD UI department to explain my situation (took FOREVER to get through) 4. I made sure to note on my SDI application that I had been receiving UI If I could do it over again, I would have gotten something in writing from the UI department. I ended up with a 2-week gap between benefits because of processing time, which was really stressful on top of starting cancer treatment. Make sure your doctor is very clear about your inability to work on the medical certification. My first SDI application was denied because my doctor wasn't specific enough about why I couldn't perform my regular job duties during chemo. Wishing you healing and peace during your treatment journey.

No issues with UI after I stopped certifying - the claim just went inactive. As for planning ahead, yes, I'd definitely recommend having some backup funds if possible. My SDI took 17 days to process even though the website says it should take 14 days. I ended up putting some medical bills on a credit card while waiting, which wasn't ideal. If you have retirement savings you can access without huge penalties, having a buffer for 3-4 weeks might give you peace of mind.

One more important thing: if your SDI claim is approved, you'll be required to complete a "continued claim certification" form approximately every two weeks (similar to UI certification). Don't miss these deadlines - if you do, your payments will stop and you'll have to go through a reinstatement process. Also, depending on your treatment plan, you might be eligible for Partial Disability benefits later on if you can work part-time during recovery. This is something to discuss with your doctor and EDD when you're further along in treatment. Many cancer patients don't realize they can transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) after SDI if they need additional time for recovery but are technically able to work. PFL can provide up to 8 weeks of additional benefits after your SDI ends if needed.

Yes, standard SDI benefits can last up to 52 weeks if medically necessary (and certified by your doctor). However, the benefit amount is based on your past wages during your base period. After SDI, you can transition to PFL for additional time if needed. The process requires a new application and medical certification, but it uses the same benefit calculation as your SDI claim. Something else to consider: if your treatment extends beyond 12 months and you're unable to return to work, you might want to explore long-term disability options either through Social Security (SSDI) or any private insurance you might have through a previous employer. These take longer to process but provide benefits for extended disabilities. I hope your treatment goes well and your recovery is smooth!

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis, Nia. Cancer treatment is overwhelming enough without having to navigate EDD bureaucracy. I went through a similar transition last year when I had to switch from UI to SDI for surgery. Here's what worked for me: I called the UI phone line (1-800-300-5616) and spoke to a rep who put a note on my account that I was transitioning to disability due to medical reasons. This wasn't required, but it created a paper trail that helped later when SDI asked about my UI claim. The most important thing is making sure there's NO overlap in benefit periods. If your last UI payment covered through a specific date, your SDI should start the day after. The systems do eventually cross-reference, and any overlap will result in an overpayment that you'll have to repay. For your medical certification, make sure your oncologist is very specific about your functional limitations. Don't let them just write "patient has cancer" - they need to explain exactly why lymphoma treatment prevents you from performing your usual work duties (fatigue, immune suppression, treatment schedule, etc.). One last tip: consider applying online late at night or early morning when the system is less busy. The SDI online portal sometimes crashes during peak hours. Sending you strength for your treatment journey. You've got this! 💙