I just went through my first holiday payment delay with EDD SDI during Thanksgiving and wanted to share what happened. My payment period ended on November 21st (the Thursday that was Thanksgiving), and I was really worried about delays since it was my second payment ever on disability. What actually happened was interesting - the payment showed as "Paid" in my SDI Online portal on the 21st as scheduled, but because of the holiday banking closures, I didn't receive the direct deposit until the following Monday (November 25th). So it was only a 1-day delay from when I would normally see it in my account. Based on this experience, I think you'll likely be okay since your period ends on Christmas Eve (24th) rather than Christmas Day itself. The key is that EDD seems to process the payments on schedule even during holidays, but the banking delays are what cause the actual deposit to be late. I'd recommend checking your SDI Online account on the 24th to see if it shows "Paid" status - if it does, you'll know the payment is coming even if there's a banking delay. Good luck and happy holidays!

I'm new to SDI and just started my claim this month, so this entire thread has been incredibly educational! I had no idea that holiday timing could affect payments in so many different ways. Reading everyone's experiences - from the Thanksgiving delays to the Christmas Eve scenarios - really helps set realistic expectations for what to expect during my time on disability. What strikes me most is how the actual EDD processing seems to happen on schedule, but it's the banking holidays that cause the delays in when you actually see the money. That's a really important distinction that I wouldn't have understood without reading all these real experiences. For anyone else who's new to this system like me, it seems like the key takeaways are: 1) Check your SDI Online portal on your certification end date to see payment status, 2) Set up direct deposit and banking alerts if possible, 3) Always plan for potential delays around holidays, and 4) The timing of when your period ends relative to the actual holiday makes a big difference. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is such a valuable resource for navigating the confusing world of EDD!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and was completely panicking until I found this thread! Been on SDI since August for chronic fatigue syndrome, got my first DE 2525XX in October when I had to switch from my GP to a specialist, and just received another identical form yesterday with zero explanation. Like everyone else here, I thought something was seriously wrong with my claim or that they were going to cut my benefits. It's such a relief to learn this is just routine quarterly verification - EDD's communication about this process is absolutely terrible! They could save everyone so much stress by simply adding "routine medical recertification" somewhere on the form. I'm calling my specialist tomorrow to schedule an urgent appointment to get this completed. Based on all the excellent advice here, I'll make sure my doctor includes current functional assessments and work limitations, even though my condition has been stable. I'm also going to start keeping detailed records of everything I submit to EDD going forward. This community thread has been infinitely more helpful than anything on EDD's website or their impossible-to-reach phone system. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and timelines - knowing this is just bureaucratic routine and not a red flag makes this so much less terrifying!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation and was so relieved to find this thread! I've been on SDI since July for a workplace shoulder injury, got my first DE 2525XX form in September when I switched to an orthopedic specialist, and just received another identical form this week. I was absolutely convinced they were going to terminate my benefits or that I had done something wrong with my previous submission. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - it's clear this is just EDD's standard quarterly verification process, even though they do an absolutely terrible job of communicating that! A simple note saying "routine medical recertification - required every 3-4 months for ongoing claims" would prevent so much unnecessary panic and confusion. I'm scheduling with my orthopedist tomorrow morning to get this completed ASAP. Based on all the great advice in this thread, I'm going to ask them to prioritize it and complete it same-day during my appointment, and make sure they include detailed current functional assessments even though my recovery has been pretty stable. This community is amazing - you all provided more clarity and useful information in one thread than I could find anywhere on EDD's website or get from their phone system. It's such a relief to know this is just normal bureaucratic routine and not some kind of red flag with my claim. Thank you everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences!

I'm new to this community and just wanted to say thank you for such an incredibly detailed and helpful discussion! I'm actually in a similar boat - been dealing with chronic pain issues and my doctor is recommending extended leave, possibly up to 8 months. Reading through all these responses has been like getting a masterclass in disability rights and job protection. A few things I learned from this thread that I want to highlight for anyone else in similar situations: - SDI provides income but NOT job protection - Multiple laws can overlap (FMLA, CFRA, ADA/FEHA) to potentially extend protection beyond 12 weeks - The "interactive process" is legally required and should start EARLY - Documentation is absolutely critical - get everything in writing - Ask HR specifically about ALL available leave options under company policy AND legal requirements - Your doctor can be a powerful advocate in suggesting specific accommodations Miguel, your systematic approach is inspiring and I'm definitely going to follow your checklist. The advice from Natasha (working in disability rights) and Malik (HR perspective) was particularly valuable in understanding both sides of the process. One question for the group: has anyone had success negotiating a "trial return" or graduated re-entry as part of their accommodation? I'm wondering if that might be another angle to explore with employers who are hesitant about indefinite leave. Thanks again everyone for sharing your knowledge and experiences so generously!

As someone who just went through a similar process with a chronic illness, I wanted to add that it's also worth checking if your company has any "return-to-work" coordinator or occupational health nurse on staff. Many larger employers have these roles specifically to help navigate complex medical leave situations, and they often know about accommodation options that general HR might not think to mention. Also, regarding the trial return/graduated re-entry that Julia mentioned - I actually negotiated something like this! My employer agreed to a "working trial period" where I could test my ability to handle job duties for 30 days with the understanding that if my condition flared up, I could return to medical leave without it being considered a "failed return." Having that safety net made both me and my manager more comfortable with attempting a comeback. The key was presenting it as a structured plan with specific metrics for success (like "able to work 6+ hours per day for 3 consecutive weeks" rather than vague goals). My doctor helped draft the parameters, which gave it more credibility with HR. Miguel, you're doing everything right by being so thorough and proactive. The fact that so many people here have shared successful strategies shows there are definitely paths forward, even when the initial situation seems overwhelming!

Just went through this exact process last month for my ACL recovery! One thing I wish I had known earlier is that you can actually call your doctor's office a few days before your appointment to let them know you'll need the DE 2525XX extension form submitted. This gives them time to have it ready and ensures they don't forget during your visit. My orthopedic surgeon's office was super busy and I could tell they appreciated the heads up. Also, if your doctor mentions any specific restrictions or limitations during your appointment (like no lifting over 10 pounds, limited range of motion, etc.), make sure those details get included on the form - it can help support your case if EDD has any questions about the extension. The whole process was much smoother than I expected once I understood what needed to happen. Hope your recovery goes well!

I'm new to this community but going through a very similar situation right now! My disability claim for ankle surgery is set to end in two weeks, but my physical therapist says I need at least another month before I can safely return to my job (I work in a warehouse). Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the DE 2525XX form or that timing was so critical. I'm scheduling an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon ASAP to get the extension paperwork submitted. One question though - if my doctor thinks I might need even more time beyond the initial extension (like if recovery takes longer than expected), can I do multiple extensions or is there a limit? I'm worried about planning for just 4 more weeks if I might actually need 6-8 weeks. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is a lifesaver for someone navigating this process for the first time!

This whole thread has been so educational! As someone who's been navigating the EDD system myself, I wanted to add that it's also worth noting that even if your initial application gets denied, you have appeal rights. I've seen cases where people were initially denied because of confusion about employment status vs. disability onset dates, but won their appeals with proper documentation. The appeal process can take time, but it's definitely worth pursuing if you believe you qualify. Make sure to keep copies of everything you submit and document all your interactions with EDD. And definitely don't let one denial discourage you - sometimes it takes persistence to get through their system, especially with more complex timeline situations like many of you are describing. @Evelyn Xu's success story really shows that it IS possible to get approved even when unemployed, as long as the medical condition predates the job loss. Great job coming back to share your positive outcome!

Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly insightful! As someone who works in workers' compensation advocacy, I see cases like this regularly and wanted to emphasize a few key points that might help others: 1. **Medical onset date is crucial** - Your doctor's certification must clearly establish when your condition began, not just when you finally decided to seek treatment or file for benefits. 2. **Base period wages matter** - Even if you're currently unemployed, SDI benefits are calculated based on your earnings during the base period (typically 5-18 months prior), so gather those wage records. 3. **Don't wait** - The longer you delay filing after your condition prevents you from working, the more complicated it becomes to establish the connection between your disability and your work history. @Evelyn Xu's case is a perfect example of how proper documentation and timing can lead to approval even in complex situations. The fact that she had medical treatment records from January while still employed made all the difference. For anyone facing similar situations, consider consulting with a disability advocate or attorney if your case gets denied. Sometimes having professional help navigate the appeals process can make the difference between getting benefits or not.