Can I collect California State Disability while applying for SSDI? Worried about benefits overlap

You absolutely CAN receive California SDI while your SSDI application is being processed. I did exactly this last year with my lupus diagnosis. The two systems are completely separate - California SDI is state-based short-term disability (usually up to 52 weeks), while SSDI is federal long-term disability. Since SSDI can take 6-24 months to get approved (mine took 8 months), it makes perfect sense to get SDI to cover your immediate needs. Just be aware that once your SSDI is approved, there might be some offset if the approval periods overlap.

my brother tried to do both and the state made him pay back some money later said he couldnt get both at same time for same disability. not sure if he did something wrong tho

I went through this exact situation in 2023!!! YES you can get both but there's a lot of confusing rules. I was on CA disability for 9 months while my SSDI was processing. The important thing to understand is that when (if) you get approved for SSDI, they'll probably give you backpay to your disability onset date. That's where it gets tricky because you can't double-dip for the same months. Here's what happened to me: I got CA SDI for 9 months, then got approved for SSDI with 6 months of backpay. I had to pay back some of my California SDI for those overlapping months. It wasn't a penalty, just preventing double payments for the same period. DO apply for both! The SSDI process is RIDICULOUSLY slow and you need income now.

I work with disability claims. Here's the definitive answer: 1. Yes, you can and SHOULD apply for both CA SDI and SSDI simultaneously if you have a potentially long-term disability. 2. CA SDI provides benefits for up to 52 weeks. 3. SSDI is for long-term disabilities and has a 5-month waiting period before benefits begin. 4. If you receive SSDI approval with backpay that overlaps with SDI payments, you may need to reimburse the state for the overlapping period. This is called a "state disability offset." 5. You must report to CA SDI if you're approved for SSDI. Don't delay your SSDI application - the sooner you apply, the sooner the 5-month waiting period starts counting.

While you're dealing with this frustrating situation, I wanted to share something that helped me when I was applying for SSDI. One of the biggest headaches is getting through to SSA on the phone to check your application status or get questions answered. I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual SSA representative without the endless hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU It was especially helpful for tracking my application progress and dealing with questions about my state disability benefits that came up during the process. Made the whole SSDI process a little less stressful.

I GOT REJECTED FOR SSDI TWICE before getting approved!!!! Don't give up if they deny you the first time. The system is DESIGNED to discourage people. My advice? Get a lawyer for your SSDI claim right from the start. They only get paid if you win, and they know all the tricks. Meanwhile, definitely take the CA disability - that's your RIGHT as a California worker who paid into the system.

Don't SSI and SSDI get confused all the time? I think my cousin got SSI because his disability wasn't from working. Or maybe it was the other way around? The whole system is super confusing.

Another thing nobody mentioned - track EVERYTHING! Every doctor visit, every medication, every bad day when you couldn't function. Keep a disability journal. When I applied for SSDI, they wanted details from the past 2 YEARS about my treatment history. I wish someone had told me to document everything from day one. It would have made my application so much stronger and possibly prevented my initial denial.

I'm dealing with a similar spinal injury from a workplace accident and wanted to add something important - make sure you understand California's Workers' Compensation system too if your injury is work-related! Construction work often leads to comp claims, and there can be coordination issues between Workers' Comp, SDI, and SSDI. In my case, I had to navigate all three systems. Workers' Comp covered my medical bills and some wage replacement, but the process was slow. I was able to get California SDI while waiting for both Workers' Comp settlement and SSDI approval. Just be prepared for potential offsets between all these programs - it gets complicated fast. Also, since you mentioned construction work, definitely document any previous injuries or wear-and-tear. SSDI looks at your "residual functional capacity" - basically what you can still do despite your limitations. For us construction workers, that evaluation can be tricky because the work is so physically demanding.

As someone who went through this exact situation with a back injury from roofing work, I can confirm what others have said - you absolutely CAN and SHOULD apply for both CA SDI and SSDI simultaneously. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! A few practical tips from my experience: - Apply for SSDI online at ssa.gov - it's actually faster than going to the office - When filling out the SSDI application, there's a specific section asking about other benefits you're receiving or have applied for. Be honest about your CA SDI - they expect this and it won't hurt your case - Keep copies of EVERYTHING. Your CA SDI award letter, medical records, work restrictions from doctors - you'll need all of this for SSDI too - If you're approved for SSDI with backpay, California EDD will send you a letter asking for repayment of the overlapping months. It's not a penalty, just preventing double payment The waiting is brutal, but having that CA SDI income while SSDI processes made all the difference for my family. Good luck with your case!

I'm currently going through this same process and can share what I've learned so far. You're absolutely right to apply for both - I made the mistake of waiting on SSDI thinking it would complicate things, but my caseworker at the local SSA office told me I should have applied months earlier. One thing that might help while you're waiting: ask your doctor for a detailed RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) assessment. This document is crucial for both your CA SDI and SSDI claims, especially with spinal conditions. It outlines exactly what physical limitations you have - like how much you can lift, how long you can stand/sit, etc. Having this upfront can strengthen both applications. Also, since you mentioned construction work, make sure to emphasize in your SSDI application how your specific job requirements (lifting, climbing, prolonged standing) are impossible with your condition. They need to understand that even if you might be able to do some light office work eventually, you can't return to your previous occupation. The income from CA SDI has been a lifesaver while waiting. Don't worry about the potential overlap repayment - it's manageable and better than having no income at all during this process.

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share my recent experience since I just went through this exact situation. I applied for both CA SDI and SSDI simultaneously after a herniated disc injury last year, and it worked out perfectly. The key thing that helped me was being completely transparent on all applications. When I applied for SSDI online, I clearly listed that I was already receiving CA SDI benefits. When CA EDD asked during my SDI application if I planned to apply for other disability benefits, I said yes to SSDI. Both agencies expect this coordination - it's not unusual at all. My timeline: Got approved for CA SDI in about 6 weeks, then got SSDI approval 11 months later with 8 months of backpay. CA EDD sent me a simple letter asking for repayment of $3,200 for the overlapping months, and they deducted it directly from my SSDI backpay before I received it. No stress, no penalties, just a straightforward offset. The CA SDI payments kept me afloat during that long SSDI wait. Definitely apply for both right away - every month you delay SSDI is a potential month of lost benefits, even if you ultimately get approved with backpay. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but at least you'll have started the process and the waiting periods.

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful experiences! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - waiting for SSDI approval while receiving state disability benefits from another state - and reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring. What strikes me most is how consistent everyone's advice is: apply for both, be transparent about receiving other benefits, and don't worry about the potential overlap repayment. The real-world timelines and experiences shared here are so much more valuable than the confusing information I've been finding on official websites. For anyone else in this situation reading this thread, it seems like the key takeaways are: 1) Apply for SSDI immediately - don't delay, 2) Be completely honest about all benefits on your applications, 3) Document everything thoroughly, and 4) The overlap repayment is manageable and often handled automatically. This community is such a valuable resource for navigating these complex systems. Thank you all for taking the time to help others going through similar challenges!

As someone who just joined this community and is currently navigating a similar situation with a work-related injury, I wanted to add my voice to this incredibly helpful discussion. I'm about 3 months into receiving state disability benefits (not California, but similar program) while my SSDI application is being processed, and reading everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring. Like many others have mentioned, I was initially worried about applying for both programs simultaneously, but my state's disability office actually encouraged me to apply for SSDI right away. One thing I've learned that might help others: when you're filling out the SSDI work history section, be as detailed as possible about your job duties. Don't just put "construction worker" - list specific tasks like "lifted 50+ pound materials daily, worked on ladders up to 20 feet, operated heavy machinery while standing for 8+ hours." This helps them understand exactly why your medical condition prevents you from returning to that type of work. Also, I wanted to echo what others said about keeping detailed records. I started a simple spreadsheet tracking every doctor visit, medication change, good days vs. bad days, and how my symptoms affect daily activities. It's been invaluable for follow-up appointments and will hopefully strengthen my SSDI case. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but having that state disability income while SSDI processes has made this whole ordeal manageable. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is such a valuable resource!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to express my gratitude for such a comprehensive and reassuring discussion! I'm currently facing a very similar situation - I recently injured my back in a workplace accident and am trying to navigate the maze of disability benefits while unable to work. Reading through everyone's experiences has answered so many questions I didn't even know I had. The consistent message about applying for both CA SDI and SSDI simultaneously, being completely transparent on applications, and not worrying about the overlap repayment has given me the confidence to move forward with both claims immediately. What really stands out to me is how the community has provided practical, real-world advice that you simply can't find on government websites - things like the importance of detailed RFC assessments, keeping symptom journals, and being specific about job duties in SSDI applications. The actual timelines and repayment processes shared here are invaluable. For anyone else just starting this journey, this thread is a goldmine of information. It's clear that while the process can be complex and lengthy, it's absolutely manageable with the right approach. Thank you all for creating such a supportive environment where people can share their experiences and help others navigate these challenging situations!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful to have found this discussion! I'm currently dealing with a herniated disc from a fall at my warehouse job and have been paralyzed by confusion about whether I could apply for both state disability and SSDI at the same time. Reading through all these detailed experiences has completely changed my understanding of the process. The consistent advice about transparency, the real-world timelines, and especially hearing about how the overlap repayment actually works in practice has given me the confidence to move forward with both applications immediately. What really resonates with me is how everyone emphasizes that these agencies expect this coordination - it's not something to hide or worry about. The practical tips about RFC assessments, detailed job descriptions, and keeping symptom journals are exactly the kind of actionable advice I needed but couldn't find anywhere else. I'm especially thankful for those who shared their actual repayment experiences - knowing that CA EDD often handles the offset automatically by deducting from SSDI backpay makes this whole situation feel so much more manageable. This thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for anyone facing similar situations. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space where people can get real answers to these critical questions!

As a newcomer to this community, I can't thank everyone enough for sharing such detailed and helpful experiences! I'm currently in almost the exact same situation as Dmitry - developed a serious back injury from my construction job and have been completely overwhelmed trying to figure out the disability benefits maze. This thread has been absolutely invaluable in clearing up my confusion about applying for both CA SDI and SSDI simultaneously. Before reading all these responses, I was terrified that applying for both would somehow disqualify me or create problems. Now I understand that not only is it allowed, but it's actually the smart thing to do given how long SSDI processing takes. The real-world examples of repayment processes have been especially reassuring - hearing that CA EDD often handles the offset automatically by deducting from SSDI backpay makes this whole situation feel manageable rather than scary. The practical advice about RFC assessments, detailed job descriptions, and keeping symptom journals gives me a clear roadmap for strengthening my applications. I'm planning to apply for both benefits this week based on everything I've learned here. This community is such an amazing resource for people navigating these complex systems - thank you all for taking the time to help others!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to add my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences in this thread! I'm currently facing a very similar situation - I injured my shoulder and neck in a workplace accident and have been struggling to understand how to navigate the disability benefits system while unable to work. Reading through all these detailed responses has been incredibly enlightening and reassuring. The consistent message that you can and should apply for both CA SDI and SSDI simultaneously, combined with the real-world examples of how the overlap repayment actually works, has given me the confidence to move forward with both applications immediately. What I found particularly valuable was learning about the importance of detailed documentation - both in terms of medical records and job duty descriptions. The advice about RFC assessments and keeping symptom journals provides such a clear roadmap for building strong applications. The transparency about actual timelines and repayment amounts (like the $3,200 offset example) makes this whole process feel much more manageable than the scary unknowns I was imagining. I'm especially grateful to those who emphasized that these agencies expect this coordination - it completely changed my perspective from worrying about "getting in trouble" for applying to multiple programs to understanding it's actually the recommended approach. This thread is an absolute goldmine of practical information that you simply cannot find on official government websites. Thank you all for creating such a supportive environment where people can get real answers during such a challenging time!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to express my sincere appreciation for this incredibly thorough and helpful discussion! I'm currently dealing with a work-related spinal injury from my job in the trades, and I've been absolutely paralyzed by confusion about how to navigate the disability benefits system. This thread has been a complete game-changer for me. Before finding this discussion, I was terrified that applying for both state disability and SSDI would somehow create problems or disqualify me from benefits entirely. Reading through everyone's real-world experiences has completely transformed my understanding - not only is it allowed to apply for both simultaneously, but it's actually the recommended approach given SSDI's lengthy processing times. What I found most valuable was the consistent emphasis on transparency across all applications, the detailed explanations of how overlap repayments actually work in practice, and the practical tips about RFC assessments and documentation strategies. The actual timelines and dollar amounts people shared (like the automatic $3,200 offset example) make this whole process feel manageable rather than terrifying. The advice about being specific with job duty descriptions really resonates with me - I never realized how important it is to paint that complete picture of physical demands rather than just listing a job title. I'm definitely going to start that symptom tracking spreadsheet approach as well. Based on everything I've learned here, I'm planning to apply for both benefits immediately. This community has provided the clarity and confidence I desperately needed during such a challenging time. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space where people can get real, practical answers!