When to notify EDD about returning to work while on SDI disability?

You absolutely need to report your return to work ON THE SAME DAY you start. Don't wait for your next certification because that could create an overpayment situation! Unfortunately, you can't report it through your SDI Online account - you need to call them directly at 1-800-480-3287. Make sure you have your claim ID ready when you call. Make sure to ask about partial benefits too, since you mentioned returning to light duty. If you're earning less than your weekly benefit amount, you might still qualify for partial disability payments.

congrats on gettin better! when i went back to work i just waited till my next certification and checked the box that i returned to work and put the date. never had any issues but maybe im just lucky lol

I recently used Claimyr.com to get through to EDD when I needed to report my return to work. It was LITERALLY the only way I could reach a human at EDD after trying for DAYS on my own!!! They got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes when I couldn't get through at all by myself. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent I spoke with told me I was doing the right thing by reporting immediately instead of waiting - apparently if you wait and they determine you received benefits you weren't eligible for, they can consider it fraud which is WAY worse than a simple overpayment.

Question - does anyone know what happens if ur doctor cleared u for part time work only? Like 20 hrs a week instead of 40? Do u still get some disability or does it completely stop when u start working even if its part time??

they never answer when i call so i just waited until my next certification and checked the return to work box. never had any problems but that was 2 years ago maybe its different now

I wanted to update everyone - I finally got through to EDD this morning after trying for hours yesterday. The rep confirmed I need to report my return to work immediately (same day). She also said I can report it by sending a message through SDI Online (which is news to me since another rep told me I had to call). For anyone dealing with this in the future, here's what the rep told me to do: 1. Report return to work date immediately 2. Continue to certify for any remaining periods I was disabled 3. For partial return to work, my doctor needs to complete a supplemental form Thanks everyone for your help!

This is super helpful info, thanks for sharing your experience! I'm actually in a similar situation - been on SDI for a shoulder injury and my doctor just cleared me for modified duties. Good to know about the messaging option through SDI Online, that could save me from the phone nightmare. One question - did the rep mention anything about how quickly they process the return to work notification? Like if I report today that I'm starting Monday, will my benefits automatically stop or is there a delay in their system? Just want to make sure I don't accidentally get paid for days I'm working.

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else dealing with this - I went back to work last month after 6 weeks on SDI for a wrist injury. I was terrified about the whole notification process after reading horror stories online, but it actually went smoother than expected. I ended up using the messaging feature through SDI Online that Ashley mentioned. It was SO much easier than trying to call! I sent the message the morning I started back at work, included my claim number, return date, and mentioned it was light duty. Got an automated confirmation right away and then a follow-up message from a case worker within 3 days confirming they'd updated my claim. One tip - take screenshots of everything when you submit through the online system. I'm paranoid about EDD so I documented every step. Also make sure your employer has the work restrictions clearly documented too, especially if you're doing modified duties. My HR department was really helpful with making sure everything was properly recorded on their end as well. Good luck with your return to work Ashley! Light duty can be frustrating but it's so much better than being stuck at home recovering.