EDD vs. SDI offices - Are they separate or the same location?

totally diff systems!! UI is for when u lose ur job but SDI is when ur sick. go to edd.ca.gov/disability not the unemployment site

SDI and UI are both administered by EDD (Employment Development Department), but they're completely separate programs with different application processes, eligibility requirements, and benefits. For SDI, you need to go to https://edd.ca.gov/disability/ and file a claim there, not through your regular UI Online account. While they're part of the same department, they operate separately. You'll need your doctor to complete their portion of the claim form (DE 2501) to verify your medical condition. You generally can't collect UI and SDI at the same time, since UI requires you to be able and available for work, while SDI is for when you're unable to work due to a medical condition. Make sure to indicate on your certification for UI that you were unable to work during the weeks you're claiming SDI.

@profile5 You don't need to cancel your UI claim, but you should stop certifying for UI benefits while you're collecting SDI. When your SDI claim ends and you're able to work again, you can resume certifying for UI if you're still unemployed and have benefits remaining on your claim. Just make sure you don't certify for UI during the same weeks you're receiving SDI - that would be considered an overpayment that you'd have to pay back.

I went through this exact thing last year! It's super confusing because both are EDD but totally different programs. The physical offices are the same I think (although I never went in person) but the websites and phone numbers are different. For SDI you have to use their SDI Online system not the regular UI Online. Your doctor has to fill out part of the form too confirming your condition.

It took almost 3 weeks for my first SDI payment, which was stressful. Make sure your doctor fills out their part quickly! You'll get a debit card if you don't already have one from UI. The weekly amount is different too - it's based on a different calculation than unemployment.

The confusion is understandable since both programs are under the EDD umbrella. Here's what you need to know: 1. SDI claims must be filed through the separate SDI Online system at edd.ca.gov/disability 2. You'll need to create a new account specifically for SDI (separate from your UI Online account) 3. Your doctor must certify your condition using the electronic or paper form 4. The SDI program has physical offices in Sacramento, but most people handle everything online 5. SDI benefits are typically 60-70% of your wages (up to a maximum) rather than the UI calculation If you're having trouble reaching them by phone (which is unfortunately common), I'd recommend using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to an actual EDD representative instead of facing constant disconnections. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Getting specific guidance from a rep about transitioning between programs can save you a lot of headaches.

EDD is soooo frustrating!! They make everything 10x more complicated than it needs to be. Why can't they just have ONE website for ALL benefits?? I spent weeks trying to figure out if I should be on UI or PFL or SDI when I had my baby. The worst part is when you call the wrong number and they just tell you to call another number, which also never answers!!!! 😡

You know what's weird? Even though they're separate systems, I've had EDD reps at the actual physical office location help me with both UI and SDI questions. But yeah online they're totally separate systems which is really confusing. I think the SDI phone number is 1-800-480-3287 if that helps?

Just to provide some clarity on the physical offices - the EDD does have physical office locations called America's Job Centers of California (AJCC), but these primarily handle UI and employment services. SDI is typically handled entirely online or by phone, not in person at local offices. The confusion stems from the fact that the Employment Development Department (EDD) administers multiple programs: - Unemployment Insurance (UI) - State Disability Insurance (SDI) - Paid Family Leave (PFL) - Employment Tax Collection Each program has its own separate application process, eligibility requirements, and contact information. So while they're all part of EDD, they function separately in practice.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - when you apply for SDI online, make sure you have all your employment history ready (last 18 months of employers and wages). The system will ask for this info and it's frustrating if you have to start over because you don't have your pay stubs handy. Also, if your doctor is slow getting back the certification form, you can follow up with them because SDI won't process your claim without it. The sooner you get everything submitted, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. Good luck with your claim!

One thing that really helped me when I was navigating this same situation was keeping a simple log of which program I was receiving benefits from each week. Since you can't collect UI and SDI simultaneously, I made a basic spreadsheet tracking my claim weeks to avoid any accidental double-dipping that could cause overpayment issues later. Also, save all your confirmation emails and reference numbers from both systems - the EDD can be slow to update records between their different programs, so having your own documentation is crucial if any issues come up. The 6-week timeline your doctor mentioned is pretty typical for SDI claims, so you should be able to transition back to UI afterward if you're still job searching and have benefits remaining.