I just wanted to chime in as someone who successfully changed their name with EDD earlier this year. All the advice here is spot-on! The 8 AM calling strategy really does work - I got through on my third attempt using that method. One thing I'd add is to have a backup plan ready in case you get disconnected (which happened to me twice). I kept a notebook with the date/time of each call attempt and any reference numbers or agent names, which helped when I had to call back. Also, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the prep work, just remember that the EDD reps are actually pretty helpful once you get through to them - they deal with name changes regularly and will walk you through exactly what they need. The hardest part really is just getting someone on the phone. Stay persistent and you'll get it sorted out! 🙌

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got married and need to update my name with EDD. This thread is incredibly helpful - I've been putting off making the call because I was so worried about the wait times and not knowing what to expect. Reading everyone's detailed experiences and tips makes me feel so much more prepared and confident about tackling this. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM calling strategy and have all my documents organized beforehand. It's also really reassuring to know that the reps are helpful once you actually get through to someone. Thanks to everyone for sharing such practical advice - this community is amazing! I'll update once I get through the process in case it helps others. 💕

I've been in a similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. When I had my determination interview, the EDD representative was actually quite thorough and fair - they asked detailed questions but seemed genuinely interested in understanding the situation rather than just denying the claim. A few things that helped my case: 1. I created a simple spreadsheet with dates, times, what happened, and who was present for each incident 2. I saved any text messages or emails related to scheduling/work that showed the hostile environment 3. I was very specific about how the harassment interfered with my ability to do my job (customers complaining about the yelling, being unable to concentrate, etc.) The key phrase EDD looks for is whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under those circumstances. Since you tried addressing it directly with the owner multiple times and there was no higher authority to report to, that really strengthens your case. Also, don't be discouraged if it takes a while to get through to someone - the wait times are brutal but the actual representatives I've dealt with have been professional and understanding. Document everything now while it's fresh in your memory!

I'm really glad to see you're getting such comprehensive advice from everyone here! As someone who works in employment law, I want to emphasize a few key points that will strengthen your case: 1. **Document the business structure** - Since you mentioned it's a small business with no HR and the owner was the harasser, make sure to clearly explain this during your interview. EDD recognizes that in small businesses, there may be no realistic avenue for internal complaints. 2. **Focus on the pattern, not just individual incidents** - When you create your timeline, show how the harassment escalated over time and became a persistent pattern that made the workplace unbearable. 3. **Emphasize the public nature** - The fact that the owner yelled at you in front of customers is significant. This type of public humiliation can be particularly compelling evidence of a hostile work environment. 4. **Your partial UI status actually helps** - Since you were already receiving partial benefits due to reduced hours, EDD has already established your work history and eligibility. This isn't a brand new claim, which can work in your favor. Keep detailed records of everything moving forward, and remember that persistence pays off with EDD. The process is slow but fair when you have documented good cause. You're handling this exactly right!

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I've scheduled an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to get the DE 2501 form completed. Based on your suggestions, I'll file for SDI immediately after getting that certification, and then indicate I'm unable to work on my next UI certification. I'm still nervous about a potential gap in payments, but it sounds like that's just part of the process. I'll update this thread after I go through the transition in case it helps someone else.

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow! One small tip that helped me - when your doctor fills out the DE 2501, make sure they're specific about your functional limitations (like the 30-minute sitting/standing restriction you mentioned). The more detailed they are about how your scoliosis affects your ability to work, the smoother your SDI approval tends to go. Also, keep copies of everything - the medical form, your SDI application confirmation, and your final UI certification. Having that paper trail saved me when I had questions about my case later. You're doing the right thing by getting all the info first instead of just winging it!

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 completely new to SDI and just joined this community after finding this incredibly helpful thread! I filed my disability claim two weeks ago and am still waiting for approval, but reading everyone's experiences here has given me so much insight into what to expect once payments start. The holiday timing question is particularly relevant for me since I'm hoping my first payment might come through around the New Year period. Based on all the experiences shared here, it sounds like the key is understanding that EDD processing and banking delays are two separate things - EDD might process on time but banks cause the actual delays during holidays. I love how supportive this community is in sharing real-world experiences rather than just pointing to confusing official resources. As someone who's feeling pretty overwhelmed by the whole EDD system right now, it's reassuring to know there are people here who've been through it all and are willing to help newcomers understand how it actually works. Thank you all for creating such a valuable resource!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! EDD has been redirecting my disability payments to an old UI overpayment debt, and I'm really worried about them taking my tax refund too. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the Treasury Offset Program or that there was a specific collections number to call. I've been making payments for about 8 months now, so hopefully that's enough to show good faith. One thing I'm still unclear on though - when you call the collections division at 1-800-676-5737, do you need to have any specific documentation ready besides your payment history? Like do they want bank statements showing the payments, or is their internal record sufficient? Also, has anyone had experience with how long the whole process takes from start to finish? I'm hoping to get this resolved before tax season really kicks into gear. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community has been more helpful than any EDD representative I've spoken with so far!

Just wanted to share my recent experience with this exact situation! I was in the same boat about 6 months ago - EDD was intercepting my SDI payments for an old UI overpayment and I was terrified they'd take my tax refund too. Here's what worked for me: I called that collections number everyone mentioned (1-800-676-5737) and had to be really persistent. The first rep told me there was nothing they could do, but I called back the next day and got someone more helpful. The key things they wanted to see were: 1. At least 6 months of consistent payments (sounds like you qualify!) 2. Current contact info and address on file 3. A clear explanation of why removing you from TOP makes sense They asked for my payment confirmation numbers from the last 6 payments, so definitely have those ready. The whole call took about 45 minutes, but they approved my TOP removal request right on the phone. Got the confirmation letter about 2 weeks later. Pro tip: Call first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - the wait times are much shorter and the reps seem less burned out. Also, be super polite even when frustrated. These folks deal with angry people all day and being kind goes a long way. You've got this! The system is definitely frustrating but there IS a way through it if you stay persistent.