When I applied last year after being let go, my former employer tried to fight my claim saying I voluntarily quit (which wasn't true). Just be prepared that your employer might contest your claim. If they do, you'll get paperwork about an appeal hearing. DON'T PANIC if this happens! It's actually pretty common. Just make sure you attend the hearing (they're usually by phone) and bring all your documentation. The judges are generally fair if you can show medical necessity and that you were essentially laid off when trying to return.

Hey Ruby! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - medical leave followed by basically being let go when I tried to return. The whole process was way less scary than I expected. A few quick tips that really helped me: 1. Apply ASAP - don't wait! The sooner you file, the sooner your claim starts processing. 2. When you get to the part about reason for separation, be very clear that you left for medical reasons but were told you could return, then were terminated when you tried to come back. 3. Keep calling EDD if you don't hear back within 2-3 weeks. I know their phone system is awful but persistence pays off. 4. Start keeping a job search log NOW even before you get approved - it'll save you headaches later when you need to certify. Based on what you've shared about your wages, you should definitely qualify. The medical leave won't hurt you since you had good cause and documentation. You got this! 💪

lol good luck dealing with EDD. might as well try to teach a rock to swim 🪨🏊‍♂️

Has anyone here successfully switched from unemployment to disability? How long did the process take? I'm worried about having a gap in benefits while everything gets sorted out.

I'm in the same boat, girl. These government systems are a joke. We're just trying to take care of our babies and they make it so hard. Sending you strength! 💪👶

I went through something similar last year! A few things that might help: 1. Check if you filed within the right timeframe - SDI has strict deadlines after childbirth 2. Make sure your doctor's certification was complete and properly filled out 3. Verify that you had enough wages reported in your base period (they look at specific quarters) 4. Sometimes it's as simple as a missing signature or date on the forms Also, try calling first thing in the morning (8 AM sharp) - I had better luck getting through then. The SDI number is different from regular unemployment, so make sure you're calling 1-800-480-3287 specifically for disability claims. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but you deserve those benefits, especially as a new mom. Keep us posted on how it goes!

@profile3 I actually used Claimyr like you suggested! It worked exactly as advertised - I was connected to an EDD rep in about 15 minutes. Completely worth it after days of frustration trying to get through on my own. Now I'm just waiting for my eligibility interview which is scheduled for next week. Fingers crossed!

I'm so glad you got through and found out what was going on! This is exactly why I joined this community - to learn from others' experiences with EDD issues. I'm a substitute teacher and have been worried about potential problems with my summer claim since I also had some unpaid time off during my base period. Your situation gives me hope that even when there are multiple issues, they can be resolved if you get the right person on the phone. Please keep us updated on how your eligibility interview goes - I'm sure others in similar situations would benefit from knowing the outcome. Good luck!

btw ur friend might qualfy for the altenative base period if the regular 1 doesnt work out!!! they look at diferent quarters

As someone who went through the EDD process recently, I'd highly recommend your friend apply online through UI Online rather than trying to call. The online system walks you through each step and lets you save your progress. Also, make sure she has her Social Security card, driver's license, and any tax documents (W-2s, 1099s) from 2022 ready before starting. The system will ask for employer information going back to her base period, so having those documents handy will make the process much smoother. One thing that helped me was writing down all my employers and approximate dates before I started the application - it made filling out that section much faster.