I went through this exact same thing last year and I totally understand the stress! Here are a few things that helped me get through to someone: 1. Call the 1-800-480-3287 number right at 8am when they open - literally dial at 7:59am so you're ready 2. If you can't get through on the main line, try calling your local SDI office directly (you can find the number on the EDD website) 3. Keep a detailed record of all your submission dates and confirmation numbers - this helps when you finally do speak to someone 4. Make sure your doctor submitted the medical certification properly - that's often where delays happen Also, check if you qualify for any emergency assistance programs in your county while you wait. Some local organizations can help with utilities or food if you're struggling financially. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly frustrating but most claims do eventually get processed. The system is just overwhelmed. Sending you good vibes! 🤞

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now - 3 weeks and counting! The financial stress is real when you're already dealing with health issues. I've tried calling dozens of times but can never get through. Reading through these comments, it sounds like persistence is key, even though it shouldn't have to be this hard. @Giovanni Moretti your advice about calling right at 8am is something I'm definitely going to try tomorrow. It's so frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops when we're already struggling. Has anyone had luck with the online chat feature, or is calling really the only way to get real answers?

Just wanted to add another voice to this incredible thread! I've been struggling with my SDI claim for about 6 weeks now and stumbled across this discussion while desperately searching for solutions. Like everyone else here, I've been trapped in the EDD phone system nightmare - probably made 200+ calls with nothing but busy signals, disconnections, and reps who claim they "can't access" my file. Reading through all these assembly representative success stories is honestly the first ray of hope I've had in weeks! I had absolutely no clue this option existed. It's mind-blowing that Eva got results in under 24 hours when I've been banging my head against the wall for over a month. The fact that multiple people here resolved their claims in 1-2 days through their state reps while the regular EDD system is completely broken just shows how backwards this whole process is. I just found my assembly member on that findyourrep website and I'm calling their district office first thing in the morning. My disability payments are my only income and I'm already maxed out on credit cards trying to survive while waiting for this mess to get resolved. Thank you SO much to everyone who shared their real experiences and especially those who came back with updates - you're literally providing a lifeline to people who are drowning in this broken system. I'll definitely report back with my results to help keep this success story chain going for others who desperately need it!

This thread is absolutely amazing and has given me so much hope! I just found this community while desperately searching for help with my own SDI claim that's been stuck for about 3 weeks now. Like everyone else here, I've been calling EDD constantly - probably 150+ times - and getting nowhere. Just endless busy signals, hours on hold that end in disconnections, or the occasional rep who says they can't help. I had no idea that contacting your state assembly representative was even an option for EDD issues! Reading through all these incredible success stories - Eva's 24-hour resolution, Yara's 48-hour fix, and everyone else's quick turnarounds - is honestly the first real hope I've felt in weeks. It's frustrating that this solution isn't widely advertised when the regular EDD system is clearly broken. I just used the findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov website to find my representative and I'm definitely calling their district office first thing tomorrow morning. My disability payments are crucial since I can't work right now, and I'm already behind on rent waiting for this to get resolved. Thank you so much to everyone who shared their experiences and especially those who came back with updates on what actually worked. This community is providing real solutions that are helping people survive. I'll absolutely come back and update with my results to hopefully help the next person who finds this thread!

Pro tip: if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling right when they open in the morning. I usually have better luck then.

I'm going through something similar right now! When you say they need more information, did they specify what kind of documents they're looking for? Sometimes they want updated medical records or a new doctor's statement even if you think you already provided everything. Also, have you checked if there's a specific deadline mentioned in the notice? EDD is notorious for having tight deadlines that aren't always obvious. Don't lose hope - I know it's super stressful but you'll get through this! 💪

Hey Javier! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I returned from my disability leave. You'll definitely get paid through September 28th (the day before your return date). The system is designed to pay you for every day you're certified as disabled, right up until you go back to work. A couple of things that might help with your budgeting: - Your final payment will be prorated based on how many days you're claiming in that final certification period - The payment might take 1-2 extra days to process since it's a partial certification - Make absolutely sure you DON'T certify for September 29th or any days after - that would create an overpayment situation I'd also recommend taking screenshots of your final certification submission and keeping records of your doctor's return-to-work date documentation, just in case there are any questions later. The transition back to work is stressful enough without worrying about benefit payments! Congratulations on your recovery and return to work tomorrow! 🎉

Just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through this process! You'll definitely get paid through September 28th - EDD SDI pays you for every day you're certified disabled up until your return-to-work date. A few things that helped me when I was in your exact situation: - Set up text alerts in your EDD account so you know immediately when your final payment is processed - Your final payment will be calculated as your daily benefit rate times the number of days you're claiming in that final period - Don't stress if the final payment takes an extra day or two - partial certifications sometimes process a bit slower than full weeks The transition back to work after being on disability for months can feel overwhelming, but you've got this! Make sure you have all your paperwork saved and don't hesitate to reach out to EDD if anything seems off with your final payment. Best of luck tomorrow! 💪

How to Appeal an IME Decision Successfully: Appealing an Independent Medical Examination (IME) decision can be challenging, but many have been successful by following these strategies: 1. Get a Second Opinion from Your Treating Physician: A strong strategy is to get a detailed medical report from your own doctor that directly counters the IME findings. Ensure your doctor explains why they disagree with the IME and provides evidence from your medical history, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans to support your claim. Doctors who have treated you for a long time may have a better understanding of your condition than an IME doctor who only sees you once. 2. Gather Comprehensive Medical Records: Collect all of your relevant medical documentation, including test results, treatment records, and reports from specialists. These documents can be crucial in showing the extent of your disability. Provide any new medical evidence or records that have come up since the IME decision, to help reinforce that your condition is real and continuing. 3. Challenge the IME’s Credibility: If you suspect bias, you can challenge the credibility of the IME doctor. Research if the IME doctor regularly works for insurance companies and whether their assessments often favor insurers. This can be useful to highlight possible biases in the decision. Look for discrepancies or factual errors in the IME report and point these out in your appeal. 4. Check IME Results Timeline: Typically, after your IME, the doctor submits their results to SDI. You may not be told the result at the exam itself. Many people have reported seeing updates in their SDI online portal about 10 days after the IME. Others receive a decision letter in the mail within 2 weeks. SDI doesn’t always notify your original doctor about the IME results, so it’s important to stay proactive and keep track of the status by calling SDI or checking your account online. 5. Hire an Attorney (If Necessary): If you’re unsure how to navigate the appeal process, consulting a lawyer who specializes in disability claims can help. An attorney will know how to challenge an IME decision and can assist with gathering medical evidence or getting expert testimony. 6. Present Expert Testimony: If you can, submit testimony from a medical expert, especially one who specializes in your condition. Their insight can help strengthen your appeal and challenge the IME findings effectively. 7. Write a Detailed Appeal Letter: Your appeal should include a comprehensive letter that clearly explains why the IME decision is incorrect. Make sure to back it up with all relevant medical records, reports from your treating physician, and any other evidence. Specifically address how the IME’s conclusions are wrong, incomplete, or inconsistent with your medical history. 8. Monitor Your SDI Status: SDI Portal: Regularly check your SDI portal for updates on your claim or decision. If you see that your benefits have been denied or that there’s no update after your IME, it’s crucial to follow up directly with SDI. Mail Notification: You should also receive a letter in the mail with the decision from the IME, which will outline if you’re cleared to continue receiving benefits or not. 9. Follow the Appeals Process Closely: Once you receive the IME decision, you have the option to appeal if you’re disqualified. Make sure to follow the appeals process closely, adhere to deadlines, and submit the required documentation. 10. Stay Proactive: As mentioned in the discussion, your treating doctor won’t be notified of the IME results, so it’s up to you to stay on top of the process. Many have found that you need to call SDI regularly, as their system is often overwhelmed. It’s important to take charge of tracking the status of your claim or appeal. Success Stories: Many people have had success by: Obtaining strong rebuttals from their treating physician. Ensuring they provide clear, well-documented medical records. Hiring attorneys when necessary, especially in complex cases. Some have reported being able to see updates on their SDI account within 10 days after the IME, while others received letters in the mail. --- Additional Information: When to Expect Results: After your IME, it usually takes around 10 days to see an update on your SDI portal or receive a decision letter. However, processing times can vary depending on your specific case and the volume of claims at SDI. Proactive Monitoring: Since your doctor won’t be notified of the IME results, you should stay in regular contact with SDI by checking your online account or calling them directly. --- Final Thoughts: If you feel the IME decision was unfair, appealing it successfully will require careful preparation, detailed medical documentation, and persistence. Stay proactive in checking your SDI status and seek legal help if necessary to give your appeal the best chance of success.

Here's the dialing shortcut to get a live person at SDI (EDD State Disability office) -- there's also a tool at the end of the video that guarantees you speak with an agent without any hold time: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ