Can I collect EDD benefits while on unpaid medical leave? HR says maybe?

You're looking at the wrong benefit program. What you need to file for is SDI (State Disability Insurance), not regular unemployment. SDI is specifically for when you can't work due to a medical condition or injury. You'll need to have your doctor complete the medical portion of the SDI application. The benefit amount is roughly 60-70% of your normal wages, up to a maximum weekly benefit amount. You can apply online through the EDD website. Make sure you have your medical documentation ready when you apply.

i was on SDI last yr for surgery. u need to fill out the form & ur doctor needs 2 do their part too. takes a few weeks to get approved sometimes so apply ASAP

Just to add some important info here - SDI typically has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin. So the first week of your medical leave won't be covered. Also, make sure your doctor provides a clear timeline for your recovery. If they estimate less than the 6 weeks, EDD will only approve benefits for the time your doctor specifies. You'll receive your benefits on a Money Network debit card unless you set up direct deposit. The approval process took about 10 days for me when I filed last year, but I've heard it can sometimes take longer if they need additional information.

Honestly the whole EDD system is so confusing. My sister applied for SDI last month and they kept asking for more paperwork over and over. Said her doctor didn't fill out the form right the first time. Two weeks later they're still processing her claim and shes freaking out about bills. Total nightmare!!

If your having trouble reaching EDD to ask questions, try Claimyr.com. It helped me get through to an actual person when I needed to fix an issue with my SDI claim. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. I was skeptical but it worked and saved me hours of frustration trying to get through the phone system.

Just to be super clear since there's confusion: UI (unemployment insurance) is for when you lose your job through no fault of your own and are actively looking for work. SDI (state disability insurance) is for when you can't work due to a medical condition and need temporary benefits. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is for caregiving or bonding with a new child. All are administered by EDD but have different eligibility requirements and application processes! For your situation, you want SDI. Make sure your doctor completes their portion accurately - that's the #1 reason for delays. And apply at least 9 days but not more than 49 days after your first day off work due to disability.

@profile9 No, that's a common misconception. You're thinking of employer-specific short-term disability policies, which can sometimes require you to use up sick time first. State Disability Insurance (SDI) through California EDD does NOT require you to exhaust sick leave first. You can actually receive both, but your employer might have policies about using them concurrently. Check with your HR department about their specific policies.

One more tip that might help - when you're filling out the SDI application, be very specific about your condition and how it prevents you from performing your job duties. Don't just write "surgery" - describe the actual medical condition, the type of procedure, and why it makes you unable to work. The more detailed and clear you are, the less likely EDD is to come back asking for additional information. Also, keep copies of everything you submit! I learned this the hard way when they claimed they never received my doctor's forms the first time I applied.

Also wanted to mention - if you're concerned about the timing and potential delays, you might want to contact your employer's HR department to see if they offer any emergency hardship assistance or short-term advance options while you're waiting for SDI to kick in. Some larger companies have programs to help bridge the gap during medical leaves. Also, if you have a union, they sometimes have emergency funds available for members in situations like this. It's worth asking about even if you're not sure - the worst they can say is no, but you might discover resources you didn't know existed!