


Ask the community...
I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help future readers dealing with UI to SDI transitions. After reading through this entire thread, I'm amazed at how much practical knowledge everyone shared - it's honestly better than any official government resource I've found. What really stands out to me is how Nia's situation went from seeming like a major problem (filing "months late") to actually being completely normal (within the 49-day window) once the timeline was properly understood. This is such a common source of confusion because the EDD website doesn't clearly explain how the filing periods work. For anyone else who might be in a similar situation, this thread is a goldmine of actionable advice: getting detailed doctor statements, saving all documentation, understanding the difference between filing deadlines and benefit start dates, and knowing that UI to SDI transitions are routine (even if stressful). Thanks to everyone who contributed their real experiences here - you've created an incredibly valuable resource that will help people navigate these transitions with much less anxiety. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes such a difference when dealing with complex government benefit systems!
Welcome to the community, Jackie! I'm also relatively new here but have been following this thread from the beginning, and you're absolutely right about how valuable this discussion has become. What started as one person's panic about potentially missing deadlines turned into this comprehensive guide that covers almost every aspect of UI to SDI transitions. I think what makes this community so special is that people share not just the technical details, but the emotional side too - like how stressful it is to worry about losing your only source of income, or the relief when you realize you actually did everything correctly. The official EDD resources are so clinical and confusing, but hearing from real people who've been through the exact same situation makes all the difference. This thread should honestly be pinned as a reference for anyone dealing with UI to SDI transitions. Between all the different experiences shared here, it covers everything from filing timelines to documentation tips to what to expect during processing. Really grateful for communities like this that help people navigate these systems!
I'm new to this community and just wanted to say how incredible this thread has been to read through! I'm currently dealing with my own potential UI to SDI transition and was feeling completely overwhelmed by all the conflicting information I found online. This discussion has been like finding a treasure trove of real, practical advice. What really struck me is how this went from Nia thinking she was in serious trouble with a late filing to discovering she was actually well within the normal timeline. It just shows how confusing the EDD system can be when you're trying to navigate it alone. The way everyone jumped in with their personal experiences and specific tips - from the Section F form details to saving screenshots - is exactly what people need when they're stressed about these situations. I'm definitely bookmarking this entire thread for when I need to make my own transition. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and advice. This community is providing a service that the official government resources just can't match - real human experiences with practical solutions!
Welcome to the community, Zara! I'm also new here and found this thread while researching my own potential SDI situation. You're so right about how this went from a crisis to a success story once everyone helped clarify the actual rules. What I find most valuable is seeing how many people have successfully navigated these transitions - it really takes the fear out of the process. I was initially worried that any delay or complexity would automatically mean denial, but reading through these real experiences shows that EDD does work with people when situations are properly documented. The community knowledge here fills in all those gaps that the official websites leave. Like knowing about the inbox messages in the portal, or getting that extra doctor's note explaining why you couldn't file earlier - those kinds of details make all the difference but you'd never know about them from reading EDD's generic guidance. Hope your transition goes smoothly when the time comes!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my SDI claim about 6 weeks ago and it's been radio silence ever since. The uncertainty is the worst part - like, I need to know if I should be looking for other options or just keep waiting. I've tried calling but gave up after being on hold for 2+ hours multiple times. Really hoping some of these tips from everyone help speed things up. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops when we're already dealing with health issues.
I'm in a similar boat - filed about 5 weeks ago and still waiting! The silence is definitely the hardest part. I've been checking the online portal daily (sometimes multiple times a day, I'll admit) and calling every few days, but no luck getting through yet. One thing that's helped me cope a bit is keeping a detailed log like someone mentioned earlier - noting every call attempt, what time I called, how long I waited, etc. It doesn't speed up the process but at least makes me feel like I'm doing something productive. Also found it helpful to join some Facebook groups for CA disability claims where people share real-time updates about wait times and success stories. Hang in there - we'll get through this eventually! 🙏
Six weeks is really rough - I can totally understand your frustration! I'm fairly new to this process myself, but from what I've gathered reading through this thread, it seems like the system is just completely swamped right now. The advice about trying to call first thing in the morning when they open (around 8am) seems to come up a lot, and several people mentioned that Tuesdays might be better than Mondays. I also hadn't thought about contacting my local representative until I saw it mentioned here - apparently their offices can sometimes help cut through the red tape. The waiting and uncertainty is definitely the worst part when you're already dealing with health issues. Hoping we both hear something soon! 🤞
I'm so sorry you're going through this - the waiting and uncertainty is truly the worst part when you're already dealing with health issues. I'm relatively new to this community but have been following along and learning so much from everyone's experiences. From what I've gathered, it seems like the system is just completely overwhelmed right now, which doesn't make it any less frustrating for those of us stuck in limbo. A few things that stood out to me from reading through all the advice here: calling right when they open (around 8am, especially on Tuesdays), checking the online portal regularly since sometimes updates appear there first, and keeping detailed records of all your attempts to contact them. I also hadn't considered reaching out to my local representative's office before seeing it mentioned here - apparently they can sometimes help expedite cases. The fact that we have to become experts in navigating bureaucracy when we should be focusing on our health is really disheartening, but it sounds like persistence and using multiple approaches is key. Hang in there - from all the stories I've read, it seems like things do eventually move forward, even if the timeline is way longer than it should be. We're all rooting for each other here! đź’™
hey did u try calling the different office locations? sometimes the local offices pick up faster than the main number. google edd disability offices near me and you might find a direct number
This is actually not correct information. Local EDD offices handle unemployment claims, not disability claims. SDI claims are processed through centralized units, and calling local offices will only result in being redirected back to the main SDI number. Please be careful about spreading misinformation that might waste people's time.
Any update on your situation? Were you able to get through to anyone? I'm curious because I'm about to file my claim next week for surgery and I'm getting nervous after reading all these stories...
I finally got through yesterday! I tried the Claimyr service someone recommended here, and it worked - took about 40 minutes before I was connected to a rep. Turns out there was a discrepancy between the last day worked that I entered and what my employer reported (off by one day). Something so small held up my entire claim for 5+ weeks with zero communication! The rep fixed it immediately and said I should see payment within 3-5 days. For your upcoming claim, make absolutely sure your last day worked matches exactly what your employer will report. And if you don't see movement within 2 weeks, start being proactive about contacting them.
Has anyone tried reaching out to them on social media? Sometimes companies respond faster when you call them out publicly.
I'm in the exact same boat - been waiting since Tuesday for my callback and nothing! It's beyond frustrating when you're dealing with a disability and need these benefits to survive. I've tried calling directly multiple times but just get stuck in an endless hold loop. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like this is a widespread issue and not just us being unlucky. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and tips here - at least we know we're not alone in this mess. Going to try some of the suggestions like calling early morning and checking my spam folder. Fingers crossed something works soon! 🤞
I'm so sorry you're going through this too! It's awful that people with disabilities have to jump through these hoops just to get the support we've paid into. I've been dealing with the same runaround - it's like they don't understand that we can't just wait indefinitely when we're already struggling. Have you tried the early morning calling strategy that @Abigail bergen mentioned? I m'planning to set an alarm and call right when they open tomorrow. We shouldn t'have to work this hard for our own benefits, but here we are. Hang in there! đź’Ş
Isabella Silva
Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this exact transition about 6 months ago! You're doing everything right by reporting to EDD immediately. One thing that really helped me was setting up email notifications in my SDI Online account so I could track when my benefits officially stopped and get confirmation that everything was processed correctly. Also, since you mentioned physical therapy helped a lot with your recovery, consider asking your new employer if they have any wellness programs or ergonomic assessments available - many companies offer these to help prevent workplace injuries. It sounds like you've got a great opportunity ahead of you, and it's awesome that your recovery timing worked out so perfectly with this job offer!
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Miles Hammonds
•That's such a great tip about setting up email notifications! I didn't even know that was an option in the SDI Online account. I'll definitely look into that so I can get confirmation that everything was processed correctly. And asking about wellness programs is brilliant - after going through this whole injury and recovery process, I'm definitely more aware of the importance of workplace ergonomics and injury prevention. It would be great if my new employer has resources to help me stay healthy and avoid any future back problems. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's so reassuring to hear from someone who successfully made this same transition recently!
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Benjamin Carter
Congratulations on your recovery and the new job! This is exactly why it's so important to stay proactive about reporting changes to EDD. I went through something similar when I returned to work earlier than expected from my own disability leave. One thing I'd add that I don't think anyone mentioned yet - make sure you save/print a copy of your final SDI payment stub or statement for your records. This will show the exact date your benefits ended, which can be helpful if there are ever any discrepancies or questions down the line. EDD's record-keeping isn't always perfect, so having your own documentation is crucial. Also, since you're starting mid-month, you might want to ask your new employer about their pay schedule. Some companies pay bi-weekly, others twice monthly, and the timing of your first check might depend on when in their pay cycle you start. This will help you plan for that gap period that others mentioned. Best of luck with the new position - sounds like everything is working out perfectly for you!
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