Transitioning from SDI to UI after layoff during disability - confused about base period calculation

Yes, you can absolutely apply for UI after your disability ends! The key thing to understand is that your base period isn't affected by being on disability. For UI claims, EDD looks at a specific 12-month period divided into quarters. If you file for UI in July 2025 (after your disability ends), your standard base period would be April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. Since you worked through February 2025, you should have earnings in at least two quarters of this period. If for some reason your standard base period doesn't work, they'll automatically check your alternate base period, which would be July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The important part: Even though SDI isn't taxable, your UI eligibility is based on wages BEFORE you went on disability. Your SDI payments don't count as wages, but they don't erase your previous work history either.

something similar happened 2 me last yr. U need 2 make sure you apply for UI the SAME WEEK ur disability ends!!! dont wait or theyll deny u. the base period depends on when u file so dont stress too much bout that part just focus on timeing

The transition from SDI to UI is HORRIBLE! The EDD system is designed to be confusing and they will deny you if you breathe wrong during the application. I was in almost the exact same situation and it took me THREE MONTHS to get my UI after disability because they kept asking for "verification" of my layoff date even though I submitted the letter FOUR TIMES. Base period calculations are intentionally convoluted to deny benefits to people who deserve them. And good luck calling them for help - I spent 97 hours on hold over two weeks before giving up.

To provide some clarity on your specific situation: 1. Your UI eligibility will be based on your earnings in the base period, which is the 12-month period divided into calendar quarters as mentioned above. 2. The fact that you were on SDI does NOT negatively impact your UI eligibility. California law specifically protects people transitioning from disability to unemployment. 3. For your situation, you should request a DE 2580 form (Notice of Final Payable for State Disability Insurance) from EDD when your disability claim ends. This documents your disability end date. 4. When filing for UI, make sure to mention both that you were on disability AND that you had a scheduled layoff. You'll need documentation of the layoff notice. 5. Also important: You need to be able and available for work to qualify for UI. Make sure your doctor provides documentation that you're medically cleared to return to work. In summary, yes - you should be eligible for UI based on your work history before disability, but the application timing and documentation are crucial.

Went thru this last year and it was confusing!!! The base period thing drove me nuts too. My lay off was in may but i gone on disability in march from surgery complications. When i went to get unemployment after disability they kept looking at the wrong quarters!!! Had to fight with them for weeks to get it fixed. Make sure u keep ALL your paperwork from both the disability and ur job's layoff notice. they probably gonna ask for it 20 times lol Good luck!!

Quick question - does anyone know if being on SDI affects how much UI you can get? Like does your WBA get reduced because you were on disability part of the year?

After struggling with my own SDI to UI transition last year, I learned that the problem isn't just understanding the base period - it's actually getting through to someone at EDD who can help when something inevitably goes wrong with your claim. I spent days trying to reach EDD on the phone with no luck. Eventually I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD representative in about 25 minutes. They were able to fix an issue with my claim that was causing a delay. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 But honestly, the best advice I can give is to apply for UI immediately after your disability ends and make sure you have documentation of both your medical clearance to return to work AND your layoff notice.

Just to summarize what you need to do: 1. Get a medical release from your doctor stating you're able to return to work 2. Request the DE 2580 form when your disability ends 3. Apply for UI immediately after your disability ends (same week) 4. Gather documentation of your layoff notice 5. When filing for UI, clearly explain that you were laid off during your disability period 6. Make sure to mention your work history prior to disability Your base period should include quarters where you were working before February 2025, which should qualify you for UI. The system is designed to allow these transitions, even though the process can sometimes be confusing.

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2023! Was laid off while on SDI for a back injury. The good news is that your work history before disability absolutely counts for UI eligibility - they can't penalize you for being sick. One thing I wish someone had told me: when you apply for UI, there's a specific question about whether you were "able and available" for work during your entire claim period. Since you were on disability, you'll need to explain that you became able to work again after your medical clearance. Don't let this scare you - just be honest about the timeline. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING - your layoff notice, medical clearance, DE 2580 form, etc. I had to resubmit documents multiple times because they claimed they "never received" them. You've got this! The transition is definitely possible, just make sure you dot all the i's and cross all the t's with your paperwork.

I'm going through a very similar situation right now! I was laid off in January while on SDI for surgery recovery, and just successfully transitioned to UI last month. Here's what worked for me: The most important thing is timing - apply for UI the EXACT week your SDI ends. Don't wait even a few days because it can complicate things. Also, when you fill out the UI application, there's a section where you can explain your circumstances. I wrote something like: "I was scheduled to be laid off on [date] but was unable to work due to medical disability from [start date] to [end date]. I am now medically cleared to return to work as of [clearance date]." Your base period wages from before you got sick are what matter for UI eligibility, not the disability payments. Since you were earning good wages for 3+ years, you should definitely qualify. One last tip: if you run into any issues during the process, don't give up! Sometimes it takes talking to 2-3 different EDD representatives to find one who really understands these transition cases. Good luck!

I'm currently dealing with a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was laid off in April while on SDI for pregnancy complications, and my disability benefits end next month. Reading everyone's experiences has given me so much more confidence about applying for UI. One question I haven't seen addressed yet - does anyone know if there are any special considerations for pregnancy-related disability claims when transitioning to UI? My HR department mentioned something about "constructive separation" since my layoff happened while I was out, but I'm not sure if that changes anything about the base period calculations or application process. Also, for those who successfully made this transition - how long did it typically take from application to first UI payment? I'm trying to plan my finances accordingly since there might be a gap between my last SDI payment and first UI payment. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences - it's so valuable to hear from people who actually went through this rather than trying to decipher the EDD website alone!