I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! I've been on SDI for a herniated disc and just got cleared to return to work with permanent restrictions - no lifting over 30 pounds and limited standing. My previous job was in retail management which involved a lot of physical work, so I can't go back there. EDD denied my UI claim with the same reasoning about not being able to do my "usual occupation." It's so frustrating because I'm actively applying for desk jobs, customer service roles, and other positions that work with my limitations. I CAN work - just not in my old job! Reading through all these responses gives me hope that this is a common EDD mistake that can be overturned on appeal. I'm going to file my appeal this week and make sure to get a detailed letter from my doctor about what types of work I'm cleared to do. Has anyone here had success with getting back pay for the weeks they were wrongfully denied while waiting for the appeal decision?

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! What you're experiencing is unfortunately very common - EDD's initial processors often misunderstand the rules around work restrictions and automatically deny claims when people can't return to their exact previous job. You absolutely have grounds for a successful appeal! The legal standard for UI eligibility is whether you're "able and available" for work - not whether you can do your specific former job. Since you can work in office/administrative roles within your restrictions, you meet this requirement. Here's what I'd recommend for your appeal: 1. File immediately (you have 30 days from the denial date) 2. Get a detailed medical statement from your doctor listing what types of work you CAN perform with your restrictions 3. Document all your job applications for positions that accommodate your limitations 4. In your appeal letter, emphasize that you're able to work in a "substantial field of employment" even though you can't return to warehouse work I went through something similar after a workplace injury and won my appeal. The hearing officer was much more knowledgeable than the initial processor and understood that having work restrictions doesn't automatically disqualify you from UI benefits. Stay strong and don't let them discourage you - you have every right to these benefits while you search for suitable work!

¡Hola Aisha! Qué situación tan estresante. Me pasó algo similar el año pasado y entiendo perfectamente tu frustración. Una cosa que me funcionó fue crear una carpeta especial en mi correo solo para EDD y configurar filtros para que todos los correos de ellos vayan ahí automáticamente - a veces los correos importantes terminan en lugares raros. También te recomiendo que cuando llames, tengas a mano todos tus números: de caso, de solicitud, SSN, etc. Los agentes pueden encontrar información más rápido si tienes todo organizado. Y sobre ese pago que recibiste, anótalo todo: fecha, cantidad, método - esa información puede ser clave para entender tu caso. No te desanimes, aunque el proceso sea lento, la mayoría de estos problemas tienen solución. ¡Estamos aquí para apoyarnos! 🙌

¡Hola Aisha! Siento mucho que estés pasando por esta situación tan frustrante. Me pasó algo muy similar hace unos meses y entiendo lo desesperante que puede ser. Aquí van algunos tips que me ayudaron: 1. **Revisa tu portal en línea de EDD** - A veces los documentos aparecen ahí antes que lleguen por correo, o incluso cuando nunca llegan por correo. 2. **Busca el formulario por nombre específico** - Si en el correo mencionan un nombre o código de formulario, búscalo directamente en Google con "EDD" al final. A veces puedes descargarlo de su sitio web. 3. **Para llamar al EDD**, prueba llamar exactamente a las 8:00 AM cuando abren. Yo logré comunicarme marcando justo a esa hora varios días seguidos. 4. **Sobre la negación de beneficios** - Léela muy bien porque ahí debe decir exactamente qué documentos necesitas para apelar y las fechas límite. 5. **Ese pago que recibiste** - NO lo toques hasta que tengas claridad total de tu caso. Anota todos los detalles: fecha, cantidad, método de pago. Sé que es súper estresante, pero no te rindas. La mayoría de estos problemas se resuelven, solo toma tiempo y paciencia. ¡Estamos aquí para apoyarnos! 💪✨

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with something similar right now - had knee surgery in February and my doctor submitted everything on time, but I've been back at work for 2 weeks now and still no certification options showing up in my SDI Online account. My claim shows "approved" with a weekly benefit amount of $987, but just like Dylan, there's literally nothing for me to certify for those 4 weeks I was off. I've been dreading having to call EDD but after reading all this, I'm definitely going to ask specifically for the DE 2500A form. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with EDD's confusing systems!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Filed my SDI claim after ankle surgery in late February, got approved with a $1,156 weekly benefit amount showing in my account, but absolutely no way to certify for the 3 weeks I was disabled. Just like everyone else is saying, I think it's because I returned to work before they finished processing everything on their end. Reading through all these responses has been SO helpful - I had no idea about the DE 2500A form or that this was such a common issue. It's honestly ridiculous that EDD doesn't explain any of this when you're going through the claim process. I've been calling for over a week with no luck getting through, so I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that several people mentioned. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - this thread should be pinned somewhere because I bet tons of people run into this problem and just give up!

Has anyone had luck calling the EDD directly? I've been trying for days and can't get through. It's so frustrating!

Just went through this exact process last month! One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - make sure your doctor's note specifically states that you're "able to return to work" or "no longer disabled" rather than just saying your condition has improved. EDD is really picky about the wording. Also, if you have multiple medical conditions on your claim, the note needs to address all of them. Learned this the hard way when they rejected my first submission because it only mentioned my back injury but not my anxiety disorder. Hope this helps save you some time!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation. As others have correctly pointed out, SDI only covers your own medical conditions, not caregiving responsibilities. Since you've used your full PFL allocation, here's another angle to consider: contact your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) for comprehensive resource information. They often know about local programs that provide temporary childcare assistance or respite care for families dealing with medical situations. Also, consider reaching out to the hospital where your daughter will have surgery - many hospitals have social workers who can connect families with community resources, financial assistance programs, or even volunteer programs that help with post-surgical care. The Ronald McDonald House organization sometimes has resources beyond just housing that could be helpful. Some churches and community organizations also have emergency assistance funds specifically for situations like yours, even if you're not a member. Document everything with your employer now - your FMLA request, the medical necessity, timeline, etc. This protects you legally even if you can't get paid leave.

I'm a single parent who went through a similar situation with my son's surgery two years ago. Since you've maxed out your PFL, I'd suggest also checking if your state has any temporary caregiver assistance programs outside of EDD - some states have emergency family support funds that aren't well-publicized. Another thing that helped me was negotiating with my employer to use future sick days in advance, essentially borrowing against next year's accrual. Some companies will allow this in documented medical emergencies. Also, if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you might be able to use those funds to pay for professional caregiving services during your work hours, which could allow you to work at least partial days. Don't forget to keep detailed records of all medical documentation and correspondence with your employer - this could be important if you need to pursue other legal protections or if your situation changes. Wishing you and your daughter the best with her surgery and recovery!