Can I file for EDD unemployment after exhausting SDI benefits? Released to work but funds depleted

You can absolutely apply for UI after SDI! They're completely separate benefit systems. I went through this last year - exhausted my disability and then qualified for unemployment. The key is that you need to be ABLE to work now (sounds like you are since doc cleared you) and you need to have earned enough in your base period. Since you worked Jan-April in both 2023 and 2024, you should have wages in your base period. Apply ASAP!

it doesnt work like that... SDI and unemployment r totally different programs. UI is when u lose job not ur fault, SDI is 4 when ur sick. u cant get both at same time but one doesnt affect other eligibility. apply online UI its easy

Let me clarify how EDD calculates your UI eligibility: They'll use your 'base period,' which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you apply now in early 2025, they'll likely look at Oct 2023-Sep 2024, which includes your Jan-Apr 2024 work period. You need approximately $1,300 in your highest quarter earnings to qualify. The important thing is that SDI exhaustion doesn't disqualify you from UI. Being on SDI simply pauses your claim filing period. Now that you're medically able to work and actively seeking employment, you meet the basic UI requirements. File your claim immediately after your doctor releases you - don't wait!

For my experience SDI and EDD unemployment is completely separate systems!!! I was on SDI for 5 months in 2023 and then got unemployment for almost 3 months after that when i couldn't find work right away. BUT here's what will happen - they're going to call you for a phone interview to verify why you havent been working. MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER WHEN THEY CALL. I missed mine and it delayed everything by weeks!!!

I want to add some important technical details: 1. You cannot receive UI benefits for any period covered by SDI payments. So if you're still waiting on that final SDI extension payment, you'd apply for UI after that period ends. 2. For UI eligibility, you must be: - Able to work (medical release satisfies this) - Available for work (no restrictions preventing employment) - Actively seeking employment - Have sufficient wages in your base period 3. Your base period wages must meet two thresholds: - At least $1,300 in your highest quarter - Total base period earnings of at least 1.25 times your highest quarter Based on your work history (Jan-Apr in both 2023 and 2024), you likely meet these requirements. Apply as soon as your SDI claim officially ends.

wat about the certification part? make sure u do ur certifications every 2 weeks or they stop ur payments!! happened to my cousin

One other important thing to understand: If your UI claim gets approved, you'll receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award letter showing your weekly benefit amount (WBA) and maximum benefit amount. The WBA is calculated based on your highest quarter earnings in the base period. For example, if you earned $10,000 in your highest quarter, your weekly benefit would be around $385. Maximum benefit amount is typically 26 times your weekly benefit. But here's the critical part: when you certify every two weeks, you MUST report any income earned during that period. If you get part-time work during your job search, you can still receive partial UI benefits as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount. This is called partial unemployment.

MAKE SURE UR RESUME IS READY TO GO!!!! they might ask for proof of job search activities when u certify!! i had to list 3 jobs i applied to each week

Just wanted to follow up and see if you've applied yet? The sooner you do, the better, since there's always that one-week waiting period before benefits start. Even if you're still waiting on that final SDI payment, you can at least get the UI application process started.