Transitioning from SDI to EDD unemployment - Can I apply after disability ends?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for unemployment after your disability ends! This is actually a common situation. A few important points: 1. You must be able and available for work to qualify for UI 2. Having received SDI doesn't disqualify you at all 3. There is no required waiting period between SDI and UI 4. Your UI benefit amount will be calculated based on your highest-earning quarter during your base period (typically 5-18 months before applying) Since your job is no longer available, you should be eligible as long as you're medically cleared and actively seeking work. Apply as soon as your SDI ends.

went thru this exact thing last yr. aplied for UI the day after my last disablity payment hit my account. got aproved in like 10 days. dont wait to apply!!

You're in for a NIGHTMARE dealing with this. EDD's systems don't communicate well between departments. When I tried switching from disability to unemployment last year, they kept saying I was still on SDI in their system even though my SDI had ended! Took WEEKS of daily calling to finally get someone who could help. My advice: start calling EDD immediately when you apply for UI and don't stop until you confirm everything is processing correctly. The online system will probably give you errors or pending status forever if you don't talk to a human!!!

I used Claimyr to reach an EDD representative when I was in your exact situation (transitioning from disability to unemployment). Saved me hours of redial frustration! I just went to claimyr.com and they got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with was able to make notes in my account showing my disability had ended and I was eligible for UI. My claim got approved within days after that call.

my cousin did this but he said unemployment paid waaaaay less than his disability checks did. just fyi so ur prepared

To add some additional clarity here: 1. Your UI weekly benefit amount will be based on your highest-earning quarter during the base period. Maximum UI payment in California for 2025 is $575 per week. 2. Important: When you apply, list your last employer (the construction company) even though you've been on disability. You should also indicate that you haven't worked there recently due to disability. 3. Make sure your doctor's note indicates you're cleared for "full duty" or at least cleared for the type of work you're seeking. 4. Start your UI application the day after your last SDI payment. There's no advantage to waiting. 5. Be prepared to meet work search requirements immediately - you'll need to show you're looking for work each week when you certify.

Wait I'm confused... is SDI the same as disability insurance? And is that different from workers comp? I thought if you got hurt at work you get workers comp not disability??

Just remembered something important! When you file for UI after SDI, sometimes EDD will ask for an "Affidavit of Wages" form because your recent wages might not show in their system due to being on disability. If your UI claim gets denied at first, ask specifically about this form! Might save you weeks of appeals.

good luck bro disability to unemployment is rough but u will get thru it