I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - going on 18 days without payment and still waiting for my Form 2500A to show up online. The uncertainty is really stressing me out because I have bills coming up. Has anyone had luck with the state assembly member's office? I heard they sometimes help with EDD issues when you're really stuck. Also wondering if anyone knows if there's a way to check payment status without calling - the website seems pretty basic compared to what it should be in 2024.

I'm in the exact same boat - 18 days since my last payment and Form 2500A is nowhere to be found in my online account. The stress is real when you're counting on that money for basic expenses! One thing I discovered is that you can sometimes get faster responses by sending a message through your online account rather than calling. It takes 2-3 days but at least you get a written response with specifics about your case. Also, if you have any medical documentation that needs updating, make sure that's not what's holding things up - I've seen delays when doctors' offices are slow with paperwork. The waiting game is brutal but you're definitely not alone in this. Fingers crossed we all see some movement soon! 🙏

Have you tried reaching out on social media? Sometimes tweeting at the official SDI account can get their attention.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My payment was supposed to come last Friday and still nothing. I've been checking my account obsessively. It's so stressful when you're depending on that money for basic expenses. I'm planning to try calling first thing Monday morning like someone suggested. Hang in there - hopefully we both get this sorted out soon! 💪

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now and this entire thread has been a lifesaver! I've been at my current job for just 3 months when I injured my knee and need surgery. My previous employer where I worked for 5 years paid significantly more, so I was really panicking about my potential benefit amount. Reading everyone's experiences, especially the detailed explanation from Rachel about how the base period system works automatically, has completely eased my anxiety. It's incredible how this community comes together to help each other navigate these stressful situations. I'm filing my claim tomorrow and feeling much more confident thanks to all the advice shared here. For anyone else reading this who's in a similar boat - don't let fear hold you back from filing. The system really does seem designed to protect workers who change jobs. Thank you all for sharing your stories!

I just wanted to add something that might be helpful for anyone filing their claim - make sure you have your Social Security card handy when you apply online. I got halfway through the application and realized I needed the exact number format they were asking for, and it saved me from having to start over. Also, if you worked for any large companies during your base period, they might have slightly different names in the EDD system than what you remember (like "ABC Corporation" instead of just "ABC Company"), so don't stress if the auto-complete doesn't find your employer right away. You can always call EDD to clarify any employer information issues after you submit your initial claim. The most important thing is getting that filing date locked in so your waiting period starts and you don't lose any potential benefit days!

I just went through this exact process last week and wanted to add a few more tips that really helped me! After reading through everyone's advice here, I uploaded my paper extension form through the Contact EDD portal and it was approved in 2 days. A couple additional things I learned: 1) If you have a multi-page form, number the pages in your submission message (like "Page 1 of 3, Page 2 of 3") so they know if anything gets missed. 2) I took a screenshot of the "message sent" confirmation page as backup proof of submission. 3) The EDD rep I eventually spoke to mentioned they actually prefer the upload method now because it goes directly into their digital workflow, whereas mailed forms have to be manually scanned first which adds time. My doctor was also one of those stubborn "paper only" types, but honestly the electronic submission ended up being faster and more reliable than traditional mail. Don't stress too much - the system really does work when you follow all the detailed steps everyone shared here!

This whole thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm currently dealing with the same frustrating situation - my doctor took 2+ weeks to complete my extension form and also refuses to do electronic submissions. I was genuinely panicking about potential delays and benefit interruptions, but reading through everyone's detailed experiences has completely changed my approach. The step-by-step guidance from Mateo about including specific claim information, Fatima's tip about logging into SDI Online first, and all the scanning quality advice has given me a clear roadmap. It's honestly shocking that in 2025 we still have to work around doctors who won't adapt to digital systems, but I'm so grateful this community exists to share these workarounds. I'm going to follow the upload method tonight - scan as high-quality PDF, include claim number and SSN, use the recommended subject line format, and take screenshots for backup. Seeing so many success stories with 2-4 day processing times versus weeks for mail gives me huge relief. Thank you all for turning a stressful bureaucratic nightmare into a manageable process!

Just went through this exact process last month for my ACL recovery! One thing I wish I had known earlier is that you can actually call your doctor's office a few days before your appointment to let them know you'll need the DE 2525XX extension form submitted. This gives them time to have it ready and ensures they don't forget during your visit. My orthopedic surgeon's office was super busy and I could tell they appreciated the heads up. Also, if your doctor mentions any specific restrictions or limitations during your appointment (like no lifting over 10 pounds, limited range of motion, etc.), make sure those details get included on the form - it can help support your case if EDD has any questions about the extension. The whole process was much smoother than I expected once I understood what needed to happen. Hope your recovery goes well!

I'm new to this community but going through a very similar situation right now! My disability claim for ankle surgery is set to end in two weeks, but my physical therapist says I need at least another month before I can safely return to my job (I work in a warehouse). Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the DE 2525XX form or that timing was so critical. I'm scheduling an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon ASAP to get the extension paperwork submitted. One question though - if my doctor thinks I might need even more time beyond the initial extension (like if recovery takes longer than expected), can I do multiple extensions or is there a limit? I'm worried about planning for just 4 more weeks if I might actually need 6-8 weeks. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is a lifesaver for someone navigating this process for the first time!