CA Sdi and Unemployment (collect, file, apply, claim)

[Dall]

I broke my leg just over three months ago (not at work) while out on SDI my company sent me a letter stating since I have been out and will be out another 3 weeks they have had to cut back so I was layed off. I don’t know if FMLA is something I would have had to apply for or if what they have done is illegal, also not sure at what point I file for unemployment as I am being released to go back to work on 7/30, it’s going to be hard to even find another job since I will not have full functionality for a while. Any advice or answers?

[Chyvan]

You milk the SDI for as long as you can.

As to applying for UI, you want to do it so that you have enough wages to get a claim (preferably a good one), but you need to make sure you don't apply too soon that you don't get well enough and have 6 months to collect it all.

[Rabrrita]

You must request FMLA from your company and provide the documentation they require for approval. However, since this was a layoff, FMLA offers no protection since it was not based on your FMLA leave. When coming off SDI and going on UI, you have to be careful as to not render yourself unable to work full time. The doctors release can set certain limits but not to the point your basically unable to do any job your qualified to perform.