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.

I found a way to solve extending disability benefits claims, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JISJSwV2yVk

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.

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.

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

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

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!

I'm going through a similar situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I'm about 8 months into my disability claim after a back injury, and my doctor says I need at least another 3-4 months before I can even consider returning to work. Based on what I've read here, I'm keeping an eye out for that DE 2525XX form and already have an appointment scheduled with my doctor for next week to discuss the extension. Tom's advice about the 20-day deadline is so important - I almost missed crucial paperwork on a previous claim because I didn't realize how strict these timelines are. One thing I wanted to add for others in this situation: I found it helpful to keep detailed records of all my medical appointments and treatments. When I had to fill out forms before, having everything organized made the process much smoother. Also, has anyone here had experience with the online SDI portal? I'm wondering if submitting the DE 2525XX online is faster than mailing it in. The 10 business day processing time Tom mentioned seems long when you're waiting for benefits to continue. Thanks again to everyone sharing their experiences - knowing I'm not alone in navigating this system really helps during an already stressful time!

I'm currently in week 45 of my disability claim after a workplace injury, and reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring. My surgeon initially estimated 6 months recovery, but complications have extended that timeline significantly. I wanted to share what I learned from my case worker last week that might help others: if you're approaching your benefit exhaustion date, you can actually request the DE 2525XX form proactively rather than waiting for it to be mailed automatically. This can buy you some extra time to coordinate with your doctor and avoid any gaps in coverage. Also, for those worried about the 20-day deadline - I was told that if you submit the form within those 20 days but it takes your doctor a few extra days to complete their portion, EDD will typically work with you as long as you've shown good faith effort to meet the deadline. The stress of potentially losing benefits while you're still unable to work is overwhelming, but this community sharing real experiences and solutions like Tom's detailed guidance makes such a difference. Thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge and support! Has anyone here had experience with partial return to work while still on disability? My doctor mentioned that might be an option in a few weeks, but I'm not sure how that affects the claim process.

I'm currently dealing with a similar situation and this entire thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm at week 38 of my disability claim after a car accident, and my orthopedic surgeon just told me I'll need at least 2-3 more months before I can even think about returning to work. Reading through everyone's experiences, especially Tom's detailed explanations about the DE 2525XX process, has given me so much clarity on what to expect. I had no idea about the 20-day deadline or the 61-day grace period - that information could literally save my benefits! One thing I've learned from my situation that might help others: keep copies of EVERYTHING. I had issues early in my claim because I didn't keep copies of forms I submitted, and when EDD said they never received something, I had no proof. Now I photograph every document before sending it and keep confirmation numbers from online submissions. Also, Connor's tip about requesting the DE 2525XX form proactively is gold! I'm going to do that next week since I'm getting close to my potential exhaustion date. Better to be prepared than scrambling at the last minute. The emotional toll of not knowing if your benefits will continue when you're still unable to work is brutal. But seeing how this community supports each other and shares real solutions makes such a difference. Thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge - you're helping people through some of the most stressful times of their lives!

I'm currently at week 22 of my disability claim following shoulder surgery, and this thread has been absolutely invaluable! My surgeon originally estimated 4-6 months recovery, but we're now looking at potentially 8-9 months due to some complications with healing. Tom's breakdown of the DE 2525XX process and the various deadlines has been a game-changer for my planning. I had no idea about the automatic mailing or the critical 20-day window. The fact that there's a 61-day grace period if you miss the initial deadline is such important information that I wish was more clearly communicated by EDD upfront. I'm especially grateful for Connor's tip about proactively requesting the DE 2525XX form rather than waiting for automatic mailing. Given that I'm about halfway through my claim period, I think I'll reach out in the next few weeks to get ahead of this process. The documentation advice from Elijah and Faith really resonates too - I've started keeping a detailed folder with copies of everything, including photos of forms before submission. After reading about others' experiences with "lost" paperwork, I realized how vulnerable you can be without proper documentation. One question for those who've been through extensions: did you notice any difference in processing time or benefit amounts during the extension period compared to your initial claim? I want to set proper expectations for what that transition might look like. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative community. Dealing with an extended recovery is stressful enough without having to worry about navigating the benefit system alone!

I'm currently in week 16 of my disability claim after a knee replacement that had complications, and this entire discussion has been incredibly helpful! My orthopedic surgeon initially said 3-4 months recovery, but we're now looking at potentially 6-7 months due to infection issues that required additional surgery. Tom's detailed explanations about the DE 2525XX form and all the timelines have been so valuable - I had no idea about the 20-day submission window or that there was a 61-day grace period if you miss it. The EDD materials don't explain this nearly as clearly as everyone has here. I'm definitely going to take Connor's advice and proactively request the DE 2525XX form in the next few weeks rather than waiting for it to arrive automatically. After reading about people's experiences with mail delays and "lost" forms, being proactive seems like the smart move. The documentation tips from Elijah and Faith are spot-on too. I've started photographing every form before I submit it and keeping all confirmation numbers in a dedicated folder. It's sad that we have to protect ourselves this way, but clearly it's necessary. For AstroExplorer and others who've been through extensions - it's reassuring to hear that benefit amounts stay the same and processing times are consistent. That removes one big worry from an already stressful situation. Thank you all for sharing your real experiences and creating such a supportive community. Navigating disability benefits while dealing with medical complications is overwhelming, but having access to this kind of practical knowledge makes all the difference!

I'm currently in week 32 of my disability claim after a spinal fusion surgery, and this thread has been absolutely invaluable for understanding what's coming next! My neurosurgeon initially estimated 4-5 months recovery, but I'm now looking at potentially 7-8 months due to slower than expected bone healing. Reading through Tom's detailed explanations about the DE 2525XX process has been incredibly helpful - especially the information about the 20-day deadline and 61-day grace period. I had no idea these timelines existed, and EDD's official materials definitely don't explain it this clearly. I'm absolutely going to follow Connor's advice about proactively requesting the DE 2525XX form rather than waiting for automatic mailing. Given all the stories about mail delays and lost paperwork, getting ahead of the process seems crucial. The documentation strategies that Elijah, Faith, and others have shared are also game-changers. I've started keeping detailed records of all my medical appointments and photographing every form before submission. It's unfortunate we have to be so defensive, but clearly it's necessary to protect ourselves. For those who've been through extensions like AstroExplorer - it's really reassuring to hear that benefit amounts stay consistent and processing times remain similar to the initial claim. That eliminates one major worry during an already stressful time. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I found it useful to schedule my doctor appointments well in advance, especially knowing that the DE 2525XX will need medical certification. Having that appointment already booked when the form arrives can help avoid delays in the 20-day submission window. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative community. Dealing with extended recovery while worrying about benefit continuation is incredibly stressful, but having access to real experiences and practical advice makes such a difference!

I'm currently in week 28 of my disability claim following a complex wrist surgery with tendon reconstruction, and this entire thread has been an absolute lifeline! My hand surgeon initially projected 3-4 months recovery, but we're now looking at 6-7 months due to nerve complications that developed post-surgery. Tom's comprehensive breakdown of the DE 2525XX process and all the critical timelines has been incredibly enlightening - I had zero knowledge about the 20-day submission deadline or the 61-day grace period safety net. The official EDD communications really don't make these crucial details clear at all. I'm definitely implementing Connor's strategy of proactively requesting the DE 2525XX form rather than waiting for automatic delivery. After reading everyone's experiences with postal delays and misplaced paperwork, taking control of the timeline seems essential. The documentation approaches shared by Elijah, Faith, and others have been eye-opening. I've now started maintaining detailed medical records and photographing all forms before submission. It's disappointing that we need to be so protective, but these precautions are clearly vital. Keisha's advice about pre-scheduling doctor appointments is fantastic! I'm going to book my follow-up appointment now, knowing I'll need medical certification for the DE 2525XX. Having that secured in advance will definitely reduce stress during that critical 20-day window. For those dealing with nerve-related complications - I've learned that being very specific about functional limitations (like grip strength, fine motor control, etc.) in medical documentation helps paint a clearer picture of why return-to-work timelines keep extending. This community's willingness to share real experiences and practical solutions has been invaluable during such a challenging time. Thank you all for turning what could be an isolating experience into something manageable!

I'm currently in week 35 of my disability claim after a rotator cuff repair that developed complications, and this thread has been absolutely incredible for preparing me for what's ahead! My orthopedic surgeon initially estimated 4 months recovery, but due to scar tissue formation and limited range of motion, we're now looking at 7-8 months total. Tom's detailed explanation of the DE 2525XX process has been a game-changer - I had no clue about the 20-day deadline or that 61-day grace period. The EDD website makes this process seem so mysterious, but everyone's real experiences here have made it crystal clear. I'm absolutely taking Connor's advice about requesting the DE 2525XX form proactively instead of waiting for it to show up in the mail. After reading about all the postal issues and lost paperwork, I want to control as much of this timeline as possible. The documentation strategies from Elijah, Faith, and others are now part of my routine - I photograph everything before sending and keep detailed appointment records. Keisha's tip about pre-scheduling doctor appointments is brilliant too, so I'm booking my next follow-up now to ensure I have that medical certification ready. One thing I've learned specific to shoulder injuries that might help others - physical therapy progress notes have been really valuable documentation. My PT has been tracking range of motion improvements (or lack thereof), and that objective data seems to strengthen the case for why I can't return to my job yet. This community has transformed what felt like an impossible maze into something manageable. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and creating this incredible resource for those of us navigating extended recoveries!

I'm currently in week 19 of my disability claim after hip replacement surgery, and this thread has been absolutely essential for understanding what I need to prepare for! My orthopedic surgeon originally estimated 3 months recovery, but due to some healing complications and physical therapy setbacks, we're now looking at potentially 5-6 months total. Reading through Tom's comprehensive explanations about the DE 2525XX process and all the critical deadlines has been so enlightening - I had absolutely no idea about the 20-day submission window or the 61-day grace period. The official EDD materials really don't communicate these vital details clearly at all. I'm definitely going to follow Connor's advice about proactively requesting the DE 2525XX form rather than waiting for automatic mailing. Given all the stories about mail delays and lost documents, taking control of the process timeline seems absolutely crucial. The documentation strategies shared by Elijah, Faith, and everyone else have been eye-opening. I've started keeping detailed medical appointment records and photographing all forms before submission. Keisha's tip about scheduling doctor appointments in advance is also brilliant - I'm going to book my next follow-up now so I have that medical certification ready when needed. Gabrielle's point about physical therapy progress notes is something I hadn't considered but makes so much sense. My PT has been tracking my mobility improvements and weight-bearing progress, which would provide objective evidence of my current limitations. One thing I wanted to add for others with joint replacement surgeries - make sure your surgeon documents any specific weight restrictions or mobility limitations in detail. My doctor mentioned that detailed functional capacity evaluations can be really helpful for EDD to understand why certain types of work aren't possible yet. This community has been incredible for turning what seemed like an overwhelming bureaucratic process into something manageable. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and creating such a valuable resource!

I'm currently in week 42 of my disability claim after a complex ankle fracture with multiple surgeries, and this thread has been absolutely invaluable! My orthopedic surgeon initially estimated 4-5 months recovery, but due to complications with bone healing and hardware issues, we're now looking at 8-9 months total recovery time. Tom's detailed breakdown of the DE 2525XX process has been a lifesaver - I had no idea about the critical 20-day submission deadline or the 61-day grace period if you miss it. The EDD website really doesn't explain these timelines clearly at all, and this information could literally save someone's benefits. I'm absolutely going to follow Connor's strategy of proactively requesting the DE 2525XX form rather than waiting for it to arrive automatically. After reading about everyone's experiences with mail delays and "lost" paperwork, being proactive seems essential for protecting your claim. The documentation advice from Elijah, Faith, and others has been game-changing. I now photograph every single form before submission and keep detailed records of all interactions with EDD. Keisha's tip about pre-scheduling doctor appointments is brilliant too - I've already booked my next orthopedic appointment to ensure I have medical certification ready when needed. For others dealing with fracture complications - make sure your surgeon documents any hardware issues, bone healing delays, or weight-bearing restrictions in detail. These specific limitations really help EDD understand why desk work might not be possible if you can't sit for extended periods or navigate stairs safely. This community has transformed what felt like an impossible system to navigate into something manageable. Thank you all for sharing your real experiences and creating this incredible resource for those of us dealing with extended recoveries. The support here has been just as important as the practical advice!