my sister just went thru something like this but with disability for her pregnancy? i think the most important thing is to keep really detailed records of everything. like when u called, who u talked to, confirmation numbers, etc. EDD made so many mistakes with her claim she had to appeal like 3 times and having good records was the only thing that saved her. good luck man the system is so messed up

I'm in a similar boat but haven't been as proactive about setting up payments. Reading through these responses, it sounds like having a documented payment plan is key to getting removed from the Treasury Offset Program. Quick question for those who've been through this - when you call the collections division at 1-800-676-5737, do they require you to set up automatic payments or can you keep making manual payments? I'm worried about giving them direct access to my bank account given all the horror stories I've heard about EDD taking more than they're supposed to. Also, has anyone had success getting their tax refund back AFTER it was intercepted? Or is it pretty much gone forever once they take it?

Pro tip: if you can't get through on the main line, try calling your local assemblymember's office. They often have direct lines to EDD and can help push things through faster.

Another option that worked for me was using the EDD's online portal to upload documents. If you have an account set up on their website, there's usually a "Submit Documents" section where you can upload your doctor's note directly. Make sure to save a copy of the confirmation screen as proof of submission. It's way less stressful than trying to get through on the phone, and you have a digital record of when you submitted it.

Congrats on the weight loss!! I lost 130lbs a few years ago and also had the extra skin issues. It's crazy how insurance considers it "cosmetic" when it causes actual medical problems. I didn't have the surgery yet (saving up) but I'm curious how your experience goes. Please update us after!

I went through something similar with EDD for surgery in Costa Rica back in 2022. The foreign doctor issue is definitely manageable, but you need to be super organized about it. A few things that helped me: - I had my surgeon's office translate ALL documents into English before I even left the country (don't rely on Google Translate - get certified translations) - Made sure my surgeon understood they needed to use the exact wording from the DE 2501 form when describing my disability and work restrictions - Got a letter from my US doctor beforehand stating the surgery was medically necessary (sounds like you have legitimate medical reasons with the rashes and back pain) The whole process took about 4 weeks for approval, which wasn't too bad. The key was having everything perfectly documented upfront. EDD seems to approve foreign claims when all the paperwork is correct - they just scrutinize it more heavily. One warning though: make sure your surgeon gives you VERY specific work restrictions (like "no lifting over 5 pounds, no bending, no standing for more than 30 minutes at a time"). Vague restrictions like "light duty" can cause problems.

Hey Jamal, I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The most important thing is to act fast - you really don't want to miss that 30-day appeal deadline that Liam mentioned. Here's what worked for me: I went to my local EDD office in person instead of trying to call (saved me hours of frustration). They were able to pull up my case immediately and print out a copy of my denial notice on the spot. Also, don't forget to request your complete claim file - it's your right and it'll show you exactly what medical records they reviewed. Sometimes they're missing key documentation that could change everything. If you're still struggling to get info, try reaching out to your local state assembly member's office. They have caseworkers who can help navigate EDD issues. Good luck! 🤞

Hey Jamal! I'm new to this community but I've been lurking and reading through everyone's experiences. Your situation really hits home because I'm currently dealing with my own SDI issues (still waiting on my initial determination). Reading through all these responses has been so eye-opening - I had no idea about things like the 30-day appeal deadline or that you can request your complete claim file. This community is amazing! One thing I wanted to add that might help: if you're having trouble finding that denial notice, you can also check your SDI Online account at edd.ca.gov. Sometimes the notices show up there before you get the physical mail. Also, if you have a MyEDD account, make sure to check both your inbox and the "Correspondence" section. Best of luck with your appeal! It sounds like you're getting great advice here and I'm definitely taking notes for my own potential future needs. Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞

To those considering Claimyr, it may seem unusual to pay for a service to get through the system, but it provides an alternative when you're at your wit's end. It's always good to weigh the cost against the time and frustration saved. Ensure you're exploring all options such as visiting local offices, working through online portals, involving representatives, and staying persistent with traditional methods. Balancing both innovative services like Claimyr and these traditional approaches can give you the best shot at resolving your issues.

I went through a similar situation last year and it was absolutely maddening. What helped me was keeping a detailed log of every interaction - dates, times, reference numbers, who I spoke with. When I finally got through to someone, having all that documentation made a huge difference. Also, don't just rely on phone calls. I sent certified mail with my appeal documents so I had proof they received everything. The whole process took about 6 weeks, but I eventually got it overturned. Stay strong and keep all your paperwork organized!