Hello CA EDD Community - I have been receiving CA Disability payments for almost a year and it is ending soon. The problem is that I am still recovering from surgery and cannot work yet. Can I get an extention of claims and will it be for the same amount I am receiving now? Thank You.
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Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve extending disability benefits claims, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JISJSwV2yVk
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Tom Maxon
You are eligible to receive Disability Insurance (DI) benefits until the expected recovery date provided by your physician or practitioner. You can apply for an extension if you have not fully recovered and need to continue your benefits. Here's how: - Submit a medical certification: You will receive a Physician/Practitioner’s Supplementary Certificate (DE 2525XX) with your final payment. Have your physician/practitioner complete and submit this form to find out if you are eligible for an extension. - Return the DE 2525XX: You must return this form to EDD online or by mail within 20 days from the mailing date. - Processing of continued benefits: If you are eligible to receive continued benefits, allow 10 business days for EDD to process your payment after they receive the DE 2525XX. If you have misplaced the DE 2525XX, you can request the form using your SDI Online account or by calling 1-800-480-3287 or use this site, claimyr.com, to order a callback from EDD Disability. Please note that if this form is submitted late, you may lose benefits. If you have exhausted your available DI benefits, but your disability is continuing, you may want to apply for disability benefits through Social Security.
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Steven Schwartz
AuthorThanks Tom - You da Man!
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Michelle S
@tom , I am under same situation, been receiving benefits for almost six months and still not ready to go back to work. The available balance for my claim says it has only 1lk remeinding, doe this mean my benefits are done?
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Tom Maxon
Generally, the SDI benefits are available for up to 52 weeks. However, the duration and amount of benefits depend on your individual situation and the specifics of your claim, including your past earnings. If you see that your account has a specific amount remaining, this means that you have that much left to claim in benefits. Once your benefits run out, you will not receive more payments, even if you're still unable to work. If you're worried about running out of benefits, you should contact EDD directly. Also, keep in mind that other resources may be available if you're unable to return to work and your disability insurance benefits are running out. This could include applying for long-term disability insurance if you have a policy or considering federal social security disability insurance if your condition is expected to last a long time.
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Tom Maxon
Here's the dialing shortcut to get a live person at SDI (EDD State Disability office) -- there's also a tool at the end of the video that guarantees you speak with an agent without any hold time: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Steven Schwartz
Hello Tom and Happy July 4th. I just received an email from the EDD and I am posting it below for you to see. Are they still going to mail me the DE2525 XX? I am not healed yet from my operation and I would like to get an extention of claims. Thank You Very Much - Steven Schwartz NOTICE OF EXHAUSTION OF DISABILITY BENEFITS MAILING DATE 07/03/23 You have been issued the last benefit payment you can receive from your present claim for Disability Insurance because your benefits are exhausted. Basis: California Unemployment Insurance Code, Section 2653. IMPORTANT. If your disability is permanent and is expected to continue, you may wish to contact your nearest Federal Social Security Office or the State Department of Rehabilitation to discuss your eligibility for benefits and/or assistance State of CA / Employment Development Dept.
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Tom Maxon
Hi Steven, based on the email you received, it appears that your current Disability Insurance benefits claim has reached its maximum limit, hence the term "exhausted." That means you've received the maximum amount of benefits that can be provided for this claim. However, if your disability is continuing, you may be eligible for an extension or a new claim, depending on the specifics of your case. This process would typically involve submitting a new disability certification, usually on a form like the DE 2525XX. Despite the email, the EDD usually sends out the DE 2525XX form automatically toward the end of a disability claim. If you don't receive it within 10 days, you may want to reach out to EDD or you can also download it online from the EDD website. After completing the DE 2525XX, return it to the EDD to certify that your disability is ongoing. If approved, this might extend your benefits. Additionally, the email mentions reaching out to the Federal Social Security Office or the State Department of Rehabilitation. These agencies might be able to provide you with additional resources or benefits if your disability is expected to be permanent or long-term. Remember, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider about your continued disability before making the decision to extend your claim. Hope this provides you with some clarity on your situation, but it's always a good idea to reach out directly to EDD or a legal professional for personalized advice.
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Tom Maxon
To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
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Tom Maxon
Here's the dialing shortcut to get a live person at SDI (EDD State Disability office) -- there's also a tool at the end of the video that guarantees you speak with an agent https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Cody Colegrove
My return to work date was 3/8/24. I did return to work for a couple weeks but I’m def not recovered and will need to go back on sdi which is still have plenty of funds in. I am confused about info I received. So it says that I have the certification form 2525xx and it must be returned within 20 days of the mailing date “or you may lose benefits” that date will pass this week and my doctor can’t see me till the following week. But when I called EDD they said I have 61 days to reopen an existing claim. So basically what happens after the 20 days when my 2525xx form isn’t submitted? Does the claim just close and then need to be reopened? Or does it close permanently and would I need to file a new claim? Thx
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Tom Maxon
Missing the 20-day deadline to send back form 2525xx doesn't mean your claim is permanently closed; it may simply cause a pause or delay in your benefits. Fortunately, there's a 61-day grace period allowing you to sort things out and reopen your claim if it gets put on hold because the form wasn't returned in time. Essentially, your claim isn't lost forever; you just need to reactivate it by submitting the form when you're able, ideally after seeing your doctor. Though missing the initial deadline isn't ideal, you're not out of options, with up to 61 days to get your claim moving again. However, for the clearest guidance and specific instructions tailored to your situation, directly contacting EDD remains the most reliable course of action. For contacting them I'd try using the Claimyr call app to reach them.
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Cody Colegrove
Thank you so much Tom!! Also since I worked and the claim would start again before the period I worked am I right in assuming I should call EDD to report the days worked before the extension is filed so that I do not receive an overpayment?
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Tom Maxon
Yeah, it's smart to call EDD and tell them about the days you worked before you ask to extend your claim. This is important because it makes sure your claim shows the right work status and stops you from getting extra money by mistake, which you'd need to pay back -- which I've seen a lot of folks talking about. EDD will then fix your benefits based on the work days you report. Doing this early keeps things clear and avoids problems later.
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Cody Colegrove
Amazing really appreciate the help Tom
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Vincent Culas
Hi Tom, kindly assist please. My wife's CLAIM EFFECTIVE DATE IS 01-16-2024 and RETURN TO WORK DATE IS 01-16-2026 (basically it's two years), the doctor certified it as permanent. Her maximum benefit amount is only good for one year. Is this mean she'll receive payments for two years and benefit amount be automatically extended for another year? Thank you Sir.
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Tom Maxon
Based on the information provided, here's an explanation of the situation: Claim Effective Date: January 16, 2024 Return to Work Date: January 16, 2026 (2 years later) Doctor's certification: Permanent disability Maximum benefit amount: Currently covers one year Regarding the main question: It's unlikely that the benefit amount will be automatically extended for another year. Here's why: EDD (Employment Development Department) Disability Insurance (DI) in California typically provides short-term disability benefits for up to 52 weeks (one year). The fact that the doctor has certified the disability as permanent doesn't automatically extend the EDD disability benefits beyond the standard maximum period. For long-term or permanent disabilities, individuals usually need to transition to other programs, such as: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Long-term disability insurance (if they have a private policy) The two-year period mentioned (from 01-16-2024 to 01-16-2026) might be related to the doctor's assessment of when your wife might be able to return to work, but it doesn't necessarily align with the EDD benefit period. Recommendations: Contact the EDD directly to confirm the exact duration of the disability benefits based on your wife's specific case. I'd use claimyr.com for this - it reaches a live person on the phone at the SDI department. Here's a video on how to dial: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ If the disability is indeed permanent, start exploring options for long-term disability support, such as applying for SSDI or SSI. Check if your wife has any private long-term disability insurance that might provide coverage beyond the EDD benefits. Remember, while the doctor has certified a two-year period, the EDD benefits are typically limited to one year. You'll need to take proactive steps to secure continued support beyond the initial EDD benefit period.
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Vincent Culas
Thank you Tom for this explanation. It helps a lot.
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Sean Murphy
I'm in a similar situation to Steven - my disability benefits are about to end but I'm still not fully recovered from my medical condition. Reading through this thread has been incredibly helpful, especially Tom's detailed explanations about the DE 2525XX form and the extension process. For anyone else facing this situation, here are the key takeaways I've gathered: 1. **Watch for the DE 2525XX form** - EDD should automatically send this before your benefits end 2. **20-day deadline is crucial** - but there's a 61-day grace period to reopen if you miss it 3. **Have your doctor ready** - they need to complete the medical certification 4. **Report any work days** - to avoid overpayment issues 5. **Consider long-term options** - like SSDI if your condition is permanent The videos Tom shared about reaching EDD representatives seem really valuable too. It's reassuring to know there are ways to get through to a real person when you need help navigating this system. Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences - it really helps those of us trying to figure out this complex process!
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