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.

That's great that you submitted your application! Don't worry too much about the last employer questions - EDD understands that people transition from SDI to UI and they'll sort it out during processing. Just keep an eye on your UI Online account for any requests for additional information or documents. And remember what everyone mentioned about answering that phone interview call when it comes - that's usually the biggest hurdle. You're doing everything right by applying quickly and keeping detailed job search records. Fingers crossed you get approved soon and can get some financial relief while you continue your job hunt!

Just wanted to add my experience to help - I was in a very similar situation last year! I was on SDI for about 6 months after a back injury, then when I was cleared to work I applied for UI and got approved. The transition was seamless once I understood the process. One thing I wish someone had told me: when you do your phone interview, be prepared to explain your work search efforts in detail. They asked me about specific jobs I'd applied to, what methods I was using to find work, and whether I had any work restrictions. Since you're already actively job hunting and keeping records, you'll be in great shape for that conversation. Also, don't panic if your first few certification periods show "pending" status - mine took about 3 weeks to start flowing normally, but once it did I got all the back payments. The system just needs time to verify everything. You're on the right track by applying quickly!

Just wanted to share some additional tips based on my experience transitioning from SDI to UI last year! When you get that phone interview (and you definitely will), make sure you have all your documentation ready - your medical release form, job search records, and your last pay stubs from before you went on SDI. Also, here's something most people don't know: if you worked in multiple states during your base period, you might be able to file an interstate claim that could get you higher benefits. Since you mentioned working consistently in early 2024, double-check if any of that work was in other states. One more thing - once you start receiving UI benefits, consider setting aside a small amount for taxes since UI payments are taxable income. I learned that the hard way at tax time! But overall, you're doing everything right by applying quickly and keeping good records. The financial stress will ease up once those payments start coming in.

I went through this exact same situation in 2023! Was on SDI for about 4 months, then transitioned to UI once I was medically cleared. The key thing I learned is that you CANNOT overlap the benefits - so make absolutely sure your SDI payments have completely stopped before your UI kicks in, or they'll create an overpayment issue that's a nightmare to resolve. When I applied, I had to wait about 2 weeks for the phone interview, and they asked very specific questions about why I hadn't been working and when exactly I became able to work again. Have your medical release paperwork handy and be crystal clear about your availability date. Also, pro tip: if your SDI was due to a work-related injury, make sure you clarify that you're now able to do ALL types of work, not just light duty. I made that mistake initially and it delayed my approval by weeks. Sounds like you're in a much better position since you're already actively job searching. Good luck - the financial relief will come soon!

Hey Emma! I just wanted to check in and see how things are going with your UI application? It sounds like you submitted it a few days ago based on the thread. Have you heard anything back yet or gotten any updates in your UI Online account? I know the waiting can be nerve-wracking, especially when you're dealing with financial stress. I went through a similar transition from SDI to UI about 18 months ago and remember that anxious feeling of waiting for approval. Just remember that no news is often good news at this stage - they're just processing your claim and verifying your eligibility. Keep doing what you're doing with the active job search and documentation. And don't forget what everyone mentioned about keeping your phone close for that interview call! Sending positive thoughts your way that you'll get good news soon and some financial relief while you continue your job hunt.

Claim Under" Review is totally normal at this stage -'that s exactly what mine showed for the first week or so! I remember checking mine obsessively (too like every few hours)lol . The system is just doing all the background verification of your wages, work history, and SDI claim details. One thing that helped my anxiety during the waiting period was keeping busy with job applications and networking. Not only does it help distract from the stress, but'you re building up that job search activity log for when they ask about it during the phone interview. Also, if you'haven t already, make sure you have your Social Security Statement (handy you can get it online at) ssa.gov since they sometimes ask about your wage history during the interview to verify the information.'You re doing everything right though - just hang in there! The financial relief is comingsoon.