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Great point about the "able to work" vs "available for work" distinction! I hadn't thought about that nuance. Since I'm only cleared for 3-4 hours twice a week due to my back injury, I'm definitely not able to perform my regular full-time job duties yet. I'll make sure to emphasize this in any communications with EDD - that I'm working within strict medical limitations, not because I've recovered. Thanks for bringing this up, it's really important context that could prevent misunderstandings about my disability status.
Exactly! That distinction is crucial and often overlooked. I went through something similar when I was on SDI for a shoulder injury - I could do light desk work for a few hours but couldn't lift anything or do my regular warehouse job. EDD initially questioned why I was working if I was disabled, but once I explained (with documentation from my doctor) that I was working within strict medical restrictions while still being unable to perform my regular job duties, they understood. It's all about framing it correctly - you're not "recovered enough to work," you're "working within the limitations of your ongoing disability." Keep that medical documentation handy because it really helps clarify your situation if any questions come up during the claims process.
As someone who recently went through this exact process, I can't stress enough how important it is to be proactive with documentation. I was on SDI for a knee injury and started part-time work after 8 weeks. Here's what worked for me: 1) Get your doctor to fill out the DE 2525XX form BEFORE you start working - don't wait like I did, 2) When certifying, I actually wrote brief notes in the comments section explaining my limited work schedule (like "worked 4 hours within medical restrictions"), 3) I kept a simple spreadsheet tracking my work days, hours, and gross pay for each shift. The extra documentation saved me when EDD called to verify my work status 3 months later. They appreciated having everything clearly documented and my case went smoothly. Also, don't panic if your first certification takes longer to process - they often review partial work cases more carefully, but that's normal. You're doing the right thing by asking questions upfront!
This is such comprehensive advice, thank you! I love the idea of adding notes in the comments section when certifying - that's a detail I hadn't thought of but makes total sense to provide context. And starting that spreadsheet right away is brilliant. I'm definitely going to implement all of these suggestions. It sounds like being overly documented is way better than being under-documented when it comes to EDD. Did you find that the phone call from EDD was stressful, or was it pretty straightforward once you had everything organized?
Hey Amara, I totally get your frustration! I went through the same thing last month - certified on a Tuesday and didn't see the money until the following Wednesday. What really helped me was logging into my UI Online account and checking the "Claim History" section to see if it shows as "Paid" there first (like Connor mentioned). Also, double-check that there aren't any weird notices or flags on your account that might be holding things up. If you're still worried after day 7-8, definitely try contacting them or reaching out to your assembly member like Keisha suggested. The waiting game is the worst part, but hang in there! 💪
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! Getting hung up on is the worst, especially when you're already stressed about benefits. I've had similar experiences - it feels like they just don't care. One thing that helped me was calling early in the morning (like right at 8 AM when they open) and being super polite but firm about needing to speak to someone. Also, if you have any documentation about your case, have it ready before you call so you can reference specific numbers or dates. Don't give up - you deserve the benefits you're entitled to! 💪
This is such great advice! The 8 AM tip is spot on - I've noticed government offices tend to be way less busy first thing in the morning. Also totally agree about having all your paperwork ready. Nothing worse than finally getting someone on the line and then scrambling to find your case number or dates. Thanks for sharing this! @Taylor Chen
I've been through this exact same thing multiple times! It's incredibly frustrating and honestly feels disrespectful when you've been waiting on hold forever. A few things that have helped me: 1) Try calling different regional offices if possible - some are less busy than others, 2) Ask to speak to a supervisor immediately if you sense the call going south, and 3) Consider filing a formal complaint through their website if this keeps happening. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these agencies. Also, if you have any disability advocacy organizations in your area, they sometimes have direct contacts that can bypass the main phone lines. Don't let them wear you down - you have every right to get the help you need! 🙏
This is such helpful advice! I never thought about trying different regional offices - that's brilliant. The supervisor tip is especially good because sometimes the first person you talk to just isn't trained well or having a bad day. Filing a complaint might be my next step if I keep getting nowhere. Do you happen to know any specific advocacy organizations that might help with SDI issues? Thanks for taking the time to share all these tips! @Yuki Ito
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Had my daughter 3 weeks ago and EDD is holding my PFL payments for an overpayment from 2022 that I didn't even know existed. It's beyond frustrating when you're already sleep-deprived and trying to care for a newborn. Reading through all these responses gives me some hope though - I had no idea about the DE 1446W form or that you could request partial payment plans. Going to try the Claimyr service tomorrow to actually get through to someone. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops when we're already in such a vulnerable situation with new babies. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in this mess!
I'm so sorry you're going through this too! It really is overwhelming when you're already dealing with a newborn and sleep deprivation. Definitely try Claimyr - several people here have had success with it. Also, don't let EDD intimidate you into thinking you have no options. The fact that your overpayment is from 2022 and you weren't notified until now actually works in your favor for a hardship waiver. Make sure to emphasize that you had no knowledge of the debt and that withholding your PFL payments creates immediate hardship for you and your newborn daughter. Document everything - your baby expenses, medical bills, lost income during maternity leave. The more evidence you can provide of genuine financial hardship, the better your chances. You've got this! Keep us posted on how it goes.
I went through this exact situation 6 months ago and it was absolutely devastating at the time. EDD withheld my entire PFL payment for an overpayment I didn't even know about until they took my money. Here's what worked for me: I submitted the DE 1446W hardship waiver AND immediately called to request a payment arrangement while the waiver was being processed. The key is to be very detailed about your baby expenses - formula, diapers, medical copays, childcare if you're planning to return to work, etc. I also included a letter from my pediatrician stating that financial stress could impact my ability to care for my newborn. It took about 6 weeks, but my hardship waiver was approved and they released the held payments. Don't give up - they do approve these waivers, especially for new parents. The system is definitely broken, but there are ways to work within it. Document everything and keep pushing!
This gives me so much hope! The letter from your pediatrician is such a smart idea - I never would have thought of that but it makes perfect sense that financial stress affects your ability to care for a newborn. Six weeks feels like forever when you're dealing with no income, but knowing there's light at the end of the tunnel helps. Did you have to provide bank statements or other financial documents along with the waiver form? I want to make sure I include everything they need the first time so there are no delays. Thank you for sharing your success story - it really helps to know that EDD does actually approve these waivers for new parents!
Natasha Volkova
tldr; EDD is a dumpster fire, good luck to anyone dealing with them 🔥🗑️
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Javier Torres
•It's a mess, but being informed can make it a bit easier.
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Jamal Brown
Hey Carmen, I went through something similar last year. The DE-2517-16 notice usually means there's a timing issue with your claim filing. Since you filed in February but they're saying it wasn't within 49 days, there might be confusion about when your disability actually started vs when you filed. For the Form 4365DI, you can usually get it from their website or request it over the phone. Even though there's no specific due date listed, I'd recommend getting it in ASAP - EDD can be unpredictable about deadlines. When you call, ask specifically about: - What date they're using as your disability start date - Whether you can get good cause for the late filing - How to submit the 4365DI form (online, mail, or fax) Also, try calling right when they open (8am) for shorter wait times. Hang in there, the process is frustrating but you'll get through it!
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Caden Turner
•This is really helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation and didn't know about the good cause option for late filing. Do you happen to know what kind of documentation they typically accept for good cause? I'm worried my reasons won't be considered valid enough.
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