I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - have a chronic condition that makes my current role really difficult during flare-ups. Reading everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to mention that hasn't been brought up yet - if you do end up having to file for UI benefits, make sure you're prepared for the "able and available for work" requirements. EDD will want to know that even though your condition prevents you from doing your current job, you're still able to perform SOME type of work with appropriate accommodations. I've been researching this and apparently it helps to have a list ready of alternative types of positions you COULD do with your condition, even if they're different from your current field. Shows EDD that you're genuinely looking to work, just need a better fit for your medical situation. Also seconding what others have said about getting everything in writing. I started sending follow-up emails after every conversation with HR about accommodations, just summarizing what was discussed. Creates a paper trail even when they don't want to put things in writing themselves. Hope your new doctor appointment goes well! Keep us updated on how it works out.

I went through something very similar about two years ago with a chronic pain condition that made my warehouse job impossible during bad days. The whole process was honestly pretty stressful, but I did eventually get approved for UI benefits. A few things that really helped my case: First, I made sure to exhaust ALL accommodation options with my employer before making any moves. Even though some of their suggestions were unrealistic, having documentation that I tried everything they offered was crucial for EDD. Second, when I finally did have to leave, I was super careful about the language I used. Instead of saying I "quit," I framed it as the job becoming medically incompatible and my employer being unable to provide necessary accommodations. The EDD rep I spoke with said this distinction actually matters a lot in how they evaluate claims. The phone interview was nerve-wracking but having all my medical documentation and accommodation request emails organized beforehand made it go much smoother. They asked really specific questions about what accommodations I'd requested and why my employer's responses weren't sufficient. One last tip - when you're looking for new work while on UI (which you have to do), focus your search on positions that would work with your condition. EDD wants to see you're genuinely available for work, just not work that would harm your health. Good luck with everything! The system definitely isn't perfect but there are protections there if you document everything properly.

this happens to me EVERY TIME i try to certify. edd website is garbage. sometimes i just give up and try again next day. so behind on my payments cause of this stupid website

I've been dealing with EDD system issues for months now and here's what I've learned works best: First, try the mobile site like Ryan suggested - it really does handle these glitches better. If that doesn't work, the phone certification system (1-866-333-4606) is your best backup. But here's a pro tip nobody mentioned - if you're entering gig work income for the first time, call EDD first to add the "employer" to your file before certifying online. This prevents the system freeze because it already knows how to categorize your income. I had to do this when I started doing Uber and it saved me hours of frustration. The whole dollar trick works too, but it's just a temporary workaround - the real fix is making sure your income sources are properly set up in their system first.

Hi everyone, just made a video about how to call the EDD and reach a live human agent: https://youtu.be/-R4SqP7_JUA

Hey Rhiamae, I was in a similar situation last year. Even if you didn't receive a formal Notice of Overpayment, you can check your EDD account online to see if there's any outstanding balance. Log into your UI Online account and look for any overpayment information in your account summary. If there's nothing showing there and you got the Notice of Determination saying you're not qualified, you're probably in the clear. The interview was likely just to confirm your employment status. I'd recommend taking a screenshot of your account showing no overpayment balance just for your records. Good luck!

I just went through this transition a few months ago and yes, absolutely use 8/15/23 as your last day worked! That's the actual date you stopped working before going on disability. A couple of tips that helped me: Make sure your SDI claim is completely closed before filing for UI (check your EDD account to confirm no pending payments). Also, when you file, be prepared to explain the gap - they may ask during the phone interview why there's such a long period between your last work date and filing for UI. Having your disability case number and award letter ready will help explain the timeline. The application process was actually smoother than I expected once I had all my documentation in order. Just answer all questions honestly and exactly as asked. Good luck with your claim!

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this transition recently too. Definitely use 8/15/23 as your last day worked - that's the actual date you stopped working before disability, which is exactly what they're asking for. One thing I wish someone had told me: when you apply online, there's a section where you can upload documents right away. I'd recommend having your SDI award letter and a doctor's note clearing you to return to work ready to upload immediately. Even if they don't ask for it right away, having it in your file from the start seemed to help my claim process faster. Also, make sure you're genuinely ready to start job searching before you file. They're pretty strict about the "able and available" requirement, especially coming off disability. I started applying to jobs the day before I filed my UI claim so I had some applications to reference if they asked. The whole process took about 3 weeks from filing to first payment, which seemed pretty good compared to what I've heard from others. Hope this helps!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - won my appeal and then had the eligibility interview about unreported earnings from my full-time job. The key thing that helped me was being super clear about WHY I was confused. I told them I thought since my employer was already paying into the system and EDD had access to wage records, that ongoing employment was automatically tracked. I brought a printed timeline showing when I started collecting benefits, when I certified each week, and what my regular work schedule/pay was. The interviewer actually said that's one of the most common misunderstandings they see. I did have to repay about $3,200 in overpayments, but they waived all penalties since it was clearly an honest mistake. They put me on a $125/month payment plan which was totally manageable. The whole interview took about 25 minutes and was way less intimidating than I expected. Just be honest and stick to the facts - you're already off to a good start since you won your appeal!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you have any documentation from when you first applied for benefits, like emails or notes where you asked questions about reporting requirements, bring those too! I had saved some screenshots from the EDD website where I was trying to figure out the reporting rules, and the interviewer said it really helped show I was genuinely trying to follow the rules correctly. Also, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat a question if you don't understand it clearly - they'd rather you ask for clarification than give a confusing answer. The fact that you already won your appeal shows you have credibility with them, so try to remember that going in. You're being proactive and preparing well, which is exactly the right approach!