Not sure if I qualify for short term disability?

Hello ladies,

I am not sure if I qualify for short term disability, specifically in California. To give you a little background, I was pursuing a creative career that only paid off sporadically and was working a survival job on the side to pay the bills. I quit my survival job exactly 8 days before I got my diagnosis of breast cancer on 12/9/2016. I quit the job because it was stressful, and the money was not good. I was planning on looking for another job in the same industry with better working conditions and better pay. But due to the timing of my diagnosis right before the holidays, it hasn't been easy looking for another job. I have been focusing most of my time just meeting with doctors, figuring out my treatment plan and taking care of my 6 year old daughter. (which is a full time job!)

I recently had 2 surgeries (nipple delay, sentinel node biopsy, mx,& direct implant reconstruction) and am still recovering at home. Is it worth it for me to try and apply for short term disability to help pay the bills while I am out of work? I was at my job for almost 2 years before I quit. It was more of a part-time job, so I am not expecting to receive a lot, but I figured anything is better than nothing.

I was working in a restaurant, it was a highly physical job, you are on your feet at all times, walking back and forth, constantly lifting and carrying heavy objects.

My PS has told me not to lift anything heavy or lift my arm above my shoulder. I am not sure how long I will have to wait to be strong enough to work in such a physically demanding job. My arm is feeling weak and stiff, and I have a lot of tenderness in the armpit area from my SNB.

I am fortunate that my husband has been supporting our family with his 2 jobs. But he had to take 3 weeks off work to help take care of me and our daughter during my recovery, and I have been out of work for almost 3 months.

2 quick questions about filing a claim:

1. What would I put for the start date of my disability? The date of my bc diagnosis (12/9/16)? Or the date of my 1st surgery (2/3/2017)? My 2 surgeries were 10 days apart.

2. Who would I ask to write a doctor's note - my PCP that gave me my diagnosis in December? Or the BS or PS? Or all 3?

I have tried calling the CA disability phone number many times, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get through to a live person. I figured it couldn't hurt to at least try to apply, the worst they could do is say no.

If any of you have experience dealing with CA state short term disability, I would greatly appreciate your advice!

Even if you live outside of CA, I would love to hear from anyone who applied for short term disability. Thank you in advance for your help!