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I'm going through something similar right now - my doctor just extended my disability period but I'm still waiting for EDD to update my claim. One thing I learned is to screenshot or save any documentation from your doctor showing the extension was submitted, including the date it was sent. If there are any delays or issues with EDD processing it, having that proof can help speed things up when you call. Also, check your SDI Online account daily during this period - sometimes the system updates overnight and you'll see your new claim end date before you get any official notification. The waiting is nerve-wracking but it sounds like you did everything right by getting your doctor to submit the paperwork quickly!
This is such great advice about keeping documentation! I'm pretty new to dealing with EDD and disability claims, so I didn't even think about screenshotting everything. I'm definitely going to start doing that from now on. It's reassuring to hear from someone else going through the same process right now. The waiting really is nerve-wracking, especially when you're worried about money. Thanks for the tip about checking the online account daily - I'll make sure to do that!
Just wanted to add my experience with SDI extensions - I've been through this process twice and each time was nerve-wracking! One thing that really helped me was creating a little tracking system. I wrote down the date my doctor submitted the extension, called EDD to confirm receipt, and then checked my SDI Online account every morning until I saw the updated end date. The first time I didn't stay on top of it and there was a small gap in payments that stressed me out unnecessarily. Also, if your doctor's office is slow with paperwork (like mine was), don't be afraid to call them daily if needed. They deal with these forms all the time but sometimes don't realize how urgent it is for us financially. It sounds like you're handling this the right way by being proactive!
That tracking system idea is brilliant! I'm definitely going to set something like that up. You're so right about being proactive with the doctor's office - I think sometimes they don't realize we're literally counting down to our last payment. It's scary when your financial security depends on paperwork being processed on time. I'm feeling much more confident after reading everyone's experiences here. It's such a relief to know that extensions are common and usually work out, even if the process can be stressful. Thanks for sharing your experience - it really helps to hear from people who have actually been through this!
I'm in almost the exact same situation - mailed my medical form about 10 days ago and still stuck on "pending" status. Reading through all these comments has been both helpful and eye-opening about how broken the EDD system really is! 😤 Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to try: - Faxing a backup copy to 1-855-327-7057 (thanks for sharing that number!) - Calling right at 8:00 AM sharp tomorrow - Following up through their online messaging system - Documenting everything in case I need to escalate It's ridiculous that we have to become EDD experts just to get basic updates on our own disability claims. But at least we're not alone in this nightmare! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips - it really helps to know there are others fighting the same battle. Hopefully we'll all see some movement soon! 🤞
Same here! Just hit the 11-day mark and feeling anxious about it. Your plan sounds solid - I think hitting them from multiple angles is the way to go. I'm also going to try the early morning calling strategy since several people mentioned that works better. It's frustrating that we have to become EDD navigation experts just to get basic information, but this community has been so helpful! Let me know how the fax backup works out for you. We've got this! 💪
I'm in a very similar situation - just mailed my medical form about a week ago and already getting anxious about the pending status! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been really eye-opening. It sounds like 2-3 weeks is unfortunately the norm, which is frustrating but at least helps set expectations. I'm planning to take a multi-pronged approach based on all the great advice in this thread: - Fax a backup copy to 1-855-327-7057 (definitely saving that number!) - Try the 8:00 AM sharp calling strategy that several people mentioned - Send a message through the online portal asking for a status update - Start documenting every interaction with dates and reference numbers It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become EDD detectives just to get basic information about our own claims, but this community has been incredibly helpful! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips - it really helps to know we're not dealing with this broken system alone. Fingers crossed we all see some movement on our claims soon! 🙏
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed 3 weeks ago and my account shows the benefit amount but no payments yet. It's so stressful when you're counting on this money. I've been trying to call but can't get through - the phone system just hangs up on me after being on hold forever. Has anyone had luck with the online messaging system? I'm wondering if that might be faster than trying to call.
I've been in your exact situation! The online messaging system is definitely worth trying - it took about 4-5 days for them to respond to me, but at least you get a paper trail. When you message them, be super specific about your claim date, what documents you've submitted, and that your account shows the benefit amount but no payments. Also mention it's been 3 weeks - they seem to prioritize cases that have been waiting longer. Don't give up on calling either though - try right at 8am when they open, that seems to be the best time to actually get through!
I'm dealing with something similar - filed my SDI claim about 2.5 weeks ago and it's been radio silence since then. My online account shows the weekly benefit amount I'm supposed to get, but no actual payments have come through yet. It's really nerve-wracking because I'm relying on this to cover my basic expenses while I'm unable to work. I've tried calling multiple times but either get disconnected or the hold times are just impossible. Has anyone had better luck with specific times of day for calling? I'm also thinking about trying the online contact form, but I'm not sure how long their response times are for that. Really hoping we both get some movement on our claims soon! 🤞
guys im in the same boat.filed in december, radio silence since then. this whole situation is giving me mad anxiety. how r we supposed to survive while they take their sweet time??
Two months is way too long! I went through something similar last year. Here's what finally got things moving for me: 1. Call the EDD disability line at 8am SHARP - they open at 8 and that's your best shot at getting through 2. When you get the automated menu, press 1-2-4 (that usually gets you to a human faster) 3. Have your Social Security number, claim number, and the exact dates you filed ready 4. Ask them to check if your claim is "pending" or if there's a "stop payment" flag 5. Request they email you a summary of your call Also, check if your doctor submitted the medical certification form properly - that's a common holdup. I had to bug my doctor's office twice because they "forgot" to send it. Don't give up! The system is broken but you deserve your benefits. Keep calling every day if you have to.
Dananyl Lear
I went through something similar with my back injury last year. The key is getting your doctor to submit that updated medical certification (DE 2501 form) as soon as possible - don't wait until the last minute! I made that mistake and had a 2-week gap in benefits while they processed everything. Also, if you're in construction like me, make sure your doctor is very specific about your work restrictions in the certification. They need to clearly state that you cannot perform your regular job duties, not just that you're "recovering." EDD scrutinizes construction workers more closely since they assume we can do light duty (even when we can't). One more tip - if your doctor's office is slow with paperwork, offer to pick up the completed form yourself and submit it directly to EDD. That saved me time when I needed my extension processed quickly.
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Aria Khan
•This is really helpful advice, especially about being specific with work restrictions! I hadn't thought about picking up the form myself - that's a great tip. My doctor's office can be pretty slow with paperwork so I'll definitely ask to pick it up directly. Thanks for mentioning the scrutiny around construction workers too - I'll make sure my orthopedist is very clear that I absolutely cannot perform any of my regular duties yet.
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Emily Sanjay
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with my shoulder injury. One thing that helped me was calling EDD's SDI line early in the morning (like 8:00 AM sharp when they open) - I had much better luck getting through than calling later in the day. Also, when you talk to your orthopedist about the updated certification, ask them to be really detailed about your limitations. Mine wrote something like "patient cannot lift over 5 lbs, cannot work overhead, cannot operate heavy machinery" which was way more specific than just saying I needed more recovery time. The more detailed they are about why you can't do construction work, the better. Good luck - the whole process is stressful but it sounds like you're getting good advice here!
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