Will my EDD SDI benefits end when claim balance runs out or can I get extension?
Hi all, I got approved for disability benefits last month after my surgery, but I'm confused about how long they'll last. When I log into my account, I see something called a 'claim balance' that looks like it would only cover about 3-4 months of payments at my weekly benefit amount. My doctor initially certified me for 6 months recovery though. Will my benefits just stop when that balance hits zero, even if I'm still recovering? Or does EDD automatically extend the balance if my doctor says I still can't work? I'm getting worried because my recovery is taking longer than expected and I don't know how I'll pay rent if the money runs out before I can go back to work. Anyone dealt with this before?
18 comments


Marina Hendrix
happens to alot of people. the balance is just what they initially approve but you can get more when dr says ur still disabled. just make sure u dont miss any certifications
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Romeo Barrett
•That's a relief! So do I need to file for an extension or something? Or do they automatically add to the balance when my doctor submits updated medical info?
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Justin Trejo
SDI doesn't just 'run out' at a set dollar amount. The claim balance you see is simply an initial calculation based on your doctor's first estimate. Here's how it actually works: 1. California SDI provides benefits for up to 52 weeks total (if medically necessary) 2. Your doctor needs to continue certifying that you're unable to work 3. You need to complete your continued claim certifications on time When your claim gets close to the end of the initially approved period, your doctor will need to submit updated medical information showing you need additional recovery time. This is usually done on a form called the "Physician/Practitioner's Supplementary Certificate" (DE 2525XX). Contact your doctor about 1-2 weeks before your current certification period ends to make sure they submit this update to EDD. The balance will be adjusted accordingly if approved.
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Romeo Barrett
•Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! That makes me feel a lot better. I'll talk to my doctor at my next appointment about submitting that supplementary certificate form. It's good to know I could potentially get up to 52 weeks if needed.
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Alana Willis
My sister was on disability and she ran out after 4 months even tho her doctor said she needed 6 months. EDD never extended it and she had to go back to work early because they said something about her condition not being severe enough anymore. So just be careful, it's not always automatic!!
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Tyler Murphy
•This happened to me too! They have these medical review people who can overrule your doctor sometimes. I think it depends on your specific condition. Make sure your doctor is VERY detailed in explaining why you can't work yet when they submit the extension paperwork.
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Sara Unger
The claim balance you're seeing is just an administrative calculation based on your initial medical certification. SDI benefits can continue up to the maximum 52-week period as long as you remain disabled according to both your physician and EDD's medical reviewers. Here's what you need to know: 1. The initial claim balance is based on your doctor's first estimate of your disability duration 2. As you approach the end of that initial period, your doctor must submit a supplementary certification (Form DE 2525XX) 3. EDD medical advisors review this documentation 4. If approved, your claim balance will be increased to cover the extended period Some important things to watch for: - Make sure your doctor submits detailed medical documentation supporting your continued need - Be aware that EDD may request an independent medical examination - Continue certifying for benefits even if your balance appears low - Watch for notices in your SDI Online account inbox about your claim status The system is designed to provide benefits for as long as medically necessary within that 52-week maximum.
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Butch Sledgehammer
•Has anyone actually tried calling EDD to ask about extending their claim? I spent 3 hours yesterday trying to get through to someone and kept getting disconnected or told the queue was full. So frustrating!!!
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Romeo Barrett
Thank you all so much for the helpful info! I have an appointment with my doctor next week and will definitely ask about the supplementary certification form. It's a relief to know I could potentially get up to 52 weeks if needed, though I'm hoping to recover sooner than that. I'll make sure my doctor provides detailed documentation about why I need more time.
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Freya Ross
•Just make sure you don't miss ANY certifications while waiting for the extension approval! My cousin lost 2 weeks of benefits because she thought she should wait until the extension was approved before certifying again. BIG MISTAKE! Always keep certifying even while waiting for extension approval.
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Marina Hendrix
also dont forget u might qualify for partial disability if u can work some but not full time yet. my cousin did that for 2 months after her regular disability ended. got to work 20 hrs a week and still got some disability money.
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Justin Trejo
•This is partially correct. California SDI does have provisions for partial return to work, but it's slightly different than described. If you return to work part-time while still recovering, you may still receive reduced disability benefits if you're earning less than your pre-disability wages. You need to report any work and wages during your certification periods, and your benefits will be reduced accordingly. It's called "Partial Disability" and can be a good transition back to full employment.
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Tyler Murphy
JUST BE AWARE that even though you CAN get up to 52 weeks, EDD has been getting really strict about extensions lately! They denied my extension after 4 months even though my doctor said I needed more time, and I had to appeal. The whole process was a nightmare and I almost lost my apartment waiting for them to approve the extension. Make sure your doctor is SUPER detailed about why you can't work. I wish I'd known how hard they'd make it!
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Alana Willis
•This happened to my neighbor too!! She had cancer and they still made her fight for her extension. The whole system is broken. They just try to kick people off as fast as possible.
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Amelia Dietrich
I'm going through something similar right now! I've been on SDI for about 3 months after a back injury and was getting worried about the same thing. What I learned from my case worker is that you should start the extension process about 3-4 weeks BEFORE your current certification expires, not when your claim balance gets low. The balance will automatically adjust once the extension is approved. Also, if you're worried about the process, you can ask your doctor's office to fax the supplementary form directly to EDD rather than mailing it - it's faster and you get a confirmation. Don't stress too much about the balance number you see online, it's just their initial estimate!
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Axel Far
•Thank you for sharing your experience! That's really helpful advice about starting the extension process 3-4 weeks before certification expires rather than waiting for the balance to get low. I didn't know about the fax option either - that sounds much faster than regular mail. Did your case worker give you any other tips for making the extension process smoother? I'm still pretty new to navigating all this SDI stuff and want to make sure I don't miss anything important.
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Hazel Garcia
•@Amelia Dietrich That s'really great advice about the fax option! I had no idea that was even possible. My doctor s'office has been pretty slow with paperwork in the past, so being able to fax directly to EDD sounds like it would save a lot of time and worry. Do you happen to know what fax number they use for the supplementary certificates? I want to make sure my doctor s'office has the right information when I talk to them next week. Also, did your case worker mention anything about getting confirmation that EDD received the faxed documents?
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Hugh Intensity
•@Amelia Dietrich This is such helpful information! I m'about 2 months into my claim and was starting to panic about the balance running low. Your tip about starting the extension process 3-4 weeks early is gold - I had no idea about that timing. I was planning to wait until the last minute like an idiot. Do you remember if your case worker mentioned anything about what happens if there s'a gap between when your current certification expires and when the extension gets approved? That s'my biggest fear right now - having my payments stop while they re'processing the paperwork.
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