I'm going through something very similar right now - also dealing with chronic vestibular migraines and an employer who's already pushing back on accommodations before I've even formally requested them. The information everyone has shared here is incredibly valuable. One thing I learned from my disability attorney (yes, I ended up needing one) is that the timing of your documentation is crucial. Make sure your doctor's accommodation letter is very specific about what you CAN do with accommodations, not just what you can't do without them. EDD looks at your "residual functional capacity" - basically what work you're still capable of performing. Also, if your employer does terminate you, file for unemployment immediately even if you think you might not qualify. Don't let them discourage you from applying. The worst they can do is deny you, and then you can appeal with better documentation. I've seen too many people talk themselves out of benefits they were actually entitled to. One more tip - start keeping a symptom diary now if you aren't already. Document how your condition affects your work capacity day by day. This can be incredibly helpful evidence if you need it for unemployment appeals, SSDI applications, or even potential legal action against your employer. The transition from SDI to other benefits is genuinely confusing and the system doesn't make it easy, but you have more options than it might seem right now.

As someone who's been through a similar transition from SDI to unemployment, I want to emphasize that the key is having crystal clear documentation about your work capabilities WITH accommodations. When I was dealing with my chronic condition, my biggest mistake initially was focusing too much on what I couldn't do rather than clearly stating what I COULD do with proper support. A few practical tips that helped me: 1. Ask your doctor to write two separate letters - one for your employer detailing specific accommodations needed, and another for potential EDD use that clearly states you are "able to work with reasonable accommodations in an appropriate environment." 2. If your employer does terminate you, when you file for UI, emphasize that you're "able and available for work that can accommodate your medical condition." Don't say you're unable to work - say you're unable to work in environments that don't provide necessary accommodations. 3. Start researching remote work opportunities or companies known for being accommodation-friendly in your field. Having a list ready shows EDD you're serious about finding suitable employment. The system is definitely frustrating, but people do successfully navigate from SDI to unemployment when they're terminated due to accommodation issues. The key is positioning it as "I can work, just not under those specific conditions" rather than "I can't work." Best of luck - you're asking all the right questions!

To answer your original question directly - yes, you will get a 1099G form from EDD for your pregnancy disability benefits, and yes, you do need to report them on your federal taxes (but not CA state taxes). The form will be available by January 31, 2026 for your 2025 benefits.

One more tip - if you're worried about the tax impact, you might want to start setting aside a small percentage of each SDI payment now for taxes. Since SDI benefits are taxable at your regular income tax rate, putting away 10-15% of each payment can help you avoid any surprises come tax time. I learned this the hard way my first year on disability and ended up owing more than I expected!

I had success uploading through the online portal too! Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble finding the upload section, look for "My SDI Online" or "Disability Insurance" in your account dashboard. Sometimes the navigation can be confusing. Also, make sure your doctor's note includes your full name, date of birth, and the specific dates you're unable to work - EDD is really picky about having all that info clearly stated. Saved me from having to resubmit!

Just wanted to share my recent experience - I actually had luck calling right at lunchtime (around 12:30 PM) when I think fewer people are calling. Got through to someone in about 45 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hours. The rep told me they can also accept documents via secure email if you ask for it - they'll send you a special encrypted email address to use. Might be worth trying that route if the online portal isn't working for you. Also, make sure your doctor's note is on official letterhead - they're apparently really strict about that now.

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Disability. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

I've been through this exact situation before! The "Notice of Return to Certification Payment" is frustrating because it's so vague. In my experience, they're usually looking for one of three things: updated medical records from your doctor, the DE 2593 continuing eligibility form, or sometimes they want a new DE 2500A even if you think yours is current. Since your payments stopped, I'd recommend calling the SDI number first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) - that's when I've had the most luck getting through. Also, log into your online account and check if there's a specific document request that might not have been mailed to you. The system sometimes shows pending requirements that don't make it to the mail. Good luck!

As someone who just went through this process last month, I can't stress enough how important it is to report immediately! I was on SDI for 8 weeks after a workplace injury and made the mistake of waiting 3 days after returning to work before calling EDD. Even though it was just a few days, they flagged it as potential fraud and I had to go through weeks of paperwork and phone calls to prove it wasn't intentional. The messaging feature through SDI Online that Ashley discovered is definitely the way to go if you can access it. I wish I had known about that option! For anyone reading this who's in a similar situation - also make sure your doctor's return-to-work paperwork is crystal clear about any restrictions. My initial form just said "light duty" which caused confusion, but when I got a more detailed form specifying "no lifting over 25 lbs, frequent breaks allowed" it made everything much smoother with both EDD and my employer. One more tip - if you're doing light duty or part-time hours, keep detailed records of your actual hours worked and wages earned. EDD will want exact numbers for calculating any partial benefits you might still be eligible for.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation right now - been on SDI for 7 weeks due to a knee injury from a slip at work, and my orthopedic surgeon just cleared me for desk work only (no walking/standing for extended periods). Reading everyone's experiences, it sounds like the messaging feature through SDI Online is definitely the way to go instead of trying to call. I've been dreading having to get through on the phone since every time I've tried calling EDD it's been a complete nightmare. One question for those who've been through this - when you reported through the online messaging system, did you need to upload any documentation from your doctor, or just include the details in the message? My return-to-work form specifies "sedentary duties only, no prolonged standing/walking" so hopefully that's detailed enough. Also really appreciate the heads up about keeping detailed records of hours and wages if you're doing modified duties. Sounds like partial benefits might be possible since I'll likely be working reduced hours initially. Better to be over-prepared with EDD than caught off guard!