When to notify EDD about returning to work while on SDI disability?
Hi everyone, I've been on SDI disability for about 2 months (back injury from a construction accident). My doc just cleared me to return to light duty starting next week. Do I need to notify EDD the exact day I start working? Is there a specific form I need to fill out, or do I just call them? I was hoping I could just update it through my SDI Online account but can't seem to find where to do that. And what happens if I don't report right away - like if I wait until my next certification? Really don't want to get hit with an overpayment situation but also dreading trying to get through on the phone lines.
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Oliver Cheng
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.
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Ashley Simian
AuthorUgh I was afraid of that. Calling them has been a nightmare every time. Last time I tried it took me 3 days of constant calling to get through. Thanks for confirming though!
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Taylor To
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
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Oliver Cheng
While that worked out for you, it's technically not the correct procedure and could lead to overpayment issues for others. EDD's official guidance is to notify them immediately upon return to work, not wait for the next certification period.
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Ella Cofer
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.
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Ashley Simian
AuthorOh wow, I've never heard of this service before. I'll check it out because I seriously cannot spend another 3 days trying to get through their phone lines. Thanks for the tip!
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Kevin Bell
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??
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Savannah Glover
Great question! If you return to work part-time because of medical restrictions, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits through EDD SDI. The key factors are: 1. Your doctor must certify that you can only work reduced hours due to your disability 2. Your part-time wages must be less than your weekly benefit amount 3. You must report your work hours and earnings accurately The calculation gets a bit complex, but essentially EDD will deduct your part-time earnings from your weekly benefit amount and pay you the difference. Make sure you have your doctor document the work restrictions clearly on your certification.
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Felix Grigori
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
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Felicity Bud
That's playing with fire. My sister tried that and ended up with a $2100 overpayment notice six months later! They absolutely do check and match employment records eventually. Not worth the risk.
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Ashley Simian
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!
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Oliver Cheng
Thanks for the update! That's great to know about the message option through SDI Online. I didn't realize they'd accept that method for reporting return to work. Definitely easier than calling. Glad you got it sorted out!
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Paolo Bianchi
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.
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