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I've been reading through all these amazing strategies and wanted to share what just worked for me this morning! After weeks of failed attempts, I finally got through using a combination of tips from this thread. I called at 7:54 AM (going even earlier based on the success stories here) and used the immediate hang-up/redial method when I got the busy signal. It took about 35 redials, but I finally got into the queue around 8:12 AM. While on hold, I also sent an email to sdi@edd.ca.gov with "URGENT - Week 3 of Failed Contact Attempts" as the subject line and attached a log of all my call attempts. The key breakthrough was when I asked the first rep to transfer me to a "tier 2 specialist" - something I learned from reading the comments here. The specialist was able to resolve my claim issue in about 20 minutes! For anyone still struggling: persistence really does work, document everything, and don't be afraid to ask for higher-level help once you get through. This community's advice literally saved my sanity. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - we're all stronger together in fighting this broken system! 💪🙏
Amina, this is so inspiring! Your success story gives me hope after feeling completely defeated by this system. The 7:54 AM timing and 35 redials shows just how persistent you have to be, but it's amazing that it actually worked! I love the "tier 2 specialist" tip - I had no idea that was even an option but it makes total sense that they'd have more authority to actually solve problems. The email strategy with the urgent subject line while on hold is brilliant too. I'm definitely going to try your exact approach tomorrow morning. It's incredible how this community has become like a support group helping each other navigate this bureaucratic nightmare. Your detailed breakdown is going to help so many people - thank you for taking the time to share! 🙏✨
I'm in the exact same boat and this thread has been a lifesaver! After reading everyone's strategies, I'm going to try the 7:54 AM calling approach combined with the email documentation method tomorrow. The tier 2 specialist tip is something I never knew about - definitely asking for that if I get through to someone who can't help. It's both heartbreaking and comforting to see how many of us are struggling with this broken system. We shouldn't need a PhD in phone warfare just to access our benefits! But seeing all these success stories gives me hope that persistence really does pay off. Quick question for those who've gotten through - when you ask for a tier 2 specialist, do you need to give a specific reason or can you just say the first person couldn't resolve your issue? Also, has anyone tried the callback feature recently or is that still basically non-existent? Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and keeping each other motivated. This community support means everything when dealing with such a frustrating system! 💙
Hey Rami! From my experience trying to navigate this system, you can usually just say something like "the previous representative wasn't able to resolve my issue, could I please speak with a tier 2 specialist or supervisor?" You don't need a super specific reason - they understand that some issues require higher-level authority. As for the callback feature, I tried it a few times last week and it was either "unavailable" or I never actually got a callback. Seems like that's still pretty broken unfortunately. One thing I'd add to all the great strategies here - if you do get through, ask the rep for their direct extension or best time to reach them for follow-ups. Some people have mentioned getting direct numbers which can be a huge help if you need to call back about the same issue. Good luck with the 7:54 AM approach tomorrow! The persistence stories here are really keeping me motivated too. We've got this! 🤞
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - been on SDI for a shoulder impingement since December, went back to my construction job 3 weeks ago thinking I was ready, but the overhead work and heavy lifting brought all the pain flooding back. Just like you, my doctor now agrees I returned too early. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea about the recurrence claim process or the 60-day rule. Since I'm at 21 days back at work, sounds like I'll need to file the recurrence claim too. The advice about getting your doctor to use specific language like "premature return to work" or "therapeutic work trial" is exactly what I needed to hear. One thing I'm curious about - did anyone have issues with their employer when they had to leave again so quickly? My foreman wasn't thrilled when I told him I need to go back on disability, and I'm worried it might affect my job security when I'm actually ready to return for good. Any advice on handling that side of things would be really appreciated. Thanks for starting this thread - it's amazing how many of us are going through the exact same experience!
I can definitely relate to the employer concern! When I had to go back on disability after my brief return, I was worried about the same thing. What helped me was being upfront with my supervisor about it being a medical decision - I explained that my doctor felt I had returned too early and that continuing to work could cause permanent damage. Most reasonable employers understand that it's better to take the time to heal properly than risk a more serious long-term injury that could keep you out even longer. I also made sure to get documentation from my doctor stating that this was a medical necessity, not just me giving up. It might be worth having an honest conversation with your foreman about the medical reality of your situation - emphasize that you want to come back when you can actually perform the job safely and effectively long-term. Some employers are more understanding than they initially seem, especially in physical jobs where they've probably seen this kind of thing before.
I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! I've been dealing with chronic lower back pain and was on SDI for about 5 months. Tried to return to my job at a shipping warehouse last month, but after only 18 days the pain became absolutely unbearable again - especially with all the bending and lifting. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring. I had no idea about the recurrence claim process and was panicking thinking I'd have to start completely over with a new claim. It sounds like since I'm just past the 14-day mark, I'll need to file the recurrence claim through SDI Online. The advice about getting your doctor to document this as a "premature return to work" or "therapeutic work trial" is pure gold - I'm definitely going to ask my doctor to use that exact language. I kept a mental note of which specific tasks made my pain worse (the heavy package lifting and being bent over sorting belts were the worst), so I can help my doctor document those details too. @Elijah Knight - please keep us updated on how your recurrence claim progresses! Your situation sounds so similar to mine and I know a lot of us here are rooting for you. Thanks for being brave enough to share your story - it's helping so many people realize they're not alone in this struggle.
Thank you so much Ruby! It's both comforting and heartbreaking to know so many of us are going through the same thing. The back pain from warehouse work is no joke - those repetitive bending and lifting motions really do a number on you. I'm so glad this thread is helping people understand their options with recurrence claims. I actually just heard back from EDD today and my recurrence claim was approved! It took exactly 12 business days from when I submitted everything. My doctor used the "therapeutic work trial" language that several people suggested, and I think that really helped. My weekly benefit stayed at $1,580 and I didn't have to serve another waiting period. Hang in there - the process does work and you're definitely not alone in this struggle. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for prioritizing your health!
I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar nightmare right now. My doctor's office filled in a return-to-work date on my last extension even though I specifically told them to leave it blank, and now my payments are completely frozen. Reading through everyone's advice here is giving me hope though! I'm definitely going to try the highlighting approach and calling first thing in the morning. It's so frustrating that such a small mistake can completely derail everything. Has anyone had success getting their doctor's office to actually understand why this matters so much? I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall when I try to explain it to them.
Welcome to the community, Ava! I totally feel your frustration - it's maddening when something so "simple" can completely mess up your benefits. What worked for me was bringing a printed copy of the EDD guidelines to my doctor's office and sitting down with the office manager to explain exactly how their "helpful" date entry was actually harmful. I also asked them to flag my file so that anyone filling out future forms would know to leave that field blank. Some offices are just on autopilot and don't realize the downstream effects. If you're still hitting a wall, you might consider asking if there's a specific staff member who handles disability paperwork - sometimes getting to the right person makes all the difference. Hang in there!
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My doctor's office has done this THREE times despite me explaining the issue each time. What's really helped me is creating a one-page "cheat sheet" that I give them every time I need an extension form filled out. It has the specific field circled in red with "LEAVE BLANK - DO NOT FILL" written next to it, plus a brief explanation of why. I also started asking to speak directly with whoever will be filling out the form, not just the receptionist. It's extra work but it's saved me from more delays. Also, pro tip: if you do have to resubmit corrected paperwork, ask EDD for the confirmation number when you fax it - that way you have proof they received it if there are any issues later!
Hey Yuki! I'm pretty new to this too and just went through my first wage reporting experience last week. One thing that really saved me was having my employer's info ready (like their name, address, and phone number) because sometimes the system asks for it during the process. Also, if you work multiple jobs, you'll need to report wages from ALL of them - learned that the hard way! The good news is once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions here - this community is super helpful! 🙂
Thank you Carmen! That's really helpful about having employer info ready - I definitely wouldn't have thought to prepare that ahead of time. And good to know about reporting ALL jobs, that could have been a costly mistake! It's so reassuring to hear from someone who just went through this recently. Makes me feel less anxious about the whole process 😊
Hey Yuki! Just wanted to add that I literally just finished reporting my wages about an hour ago. One thing that caught me off guard was that the system automatically logs you out after being idle for just 15 minutes, so make sure you have everything ready before you start! I had to re-enter everything twice because I got distracted looking for paperwork 🤦♀️ Also, if you get any kind of confirmation number at the end, screenshot it or write it down - it's super useful if you need to reference your submission later. You're gonna do great though, and everyone here has given you amazing advice!
Oh wow, thank you for that heads up about the 15-minute timeout! That would have definitely caught me off guard too. I'm already picturing myself scrambling to find my pay stubs while the system logs me out 😅 Great tip about screenshotting the confirmation number - I'm definitely the type to forget to write it down and then panic later. Really appreciate you sharing your fresh experience, it helps so much to hear from someone who literally just went through it!
Kayla Morgan
I've been in a similar situation and it's so frustrating! One thing that really helped me was being super proactive with both sides. When I called my doctor's office, I specifically asked them to walk me through what information they need from me to complete the form properly, and I also asked for the name of the person who would be handling it so I could follow up directly with them. For EDD, I found that calling first thing in the morning (like right at 8 AM when they open) gave me the best chance of getting through. Also, make sure to ask EDD for a specific timeline on when they expect to process the new form once it's received - having that info helped me know when to follow up. The whole process took me about 3 weeks total, but staying on top of both ends really made the difference. Don't give up - you'll get through this! 💪
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Amy Fleming
•This is exactly the kind of step-by-step approach I needed to hear! I love how you got specific about asking for the person's name who would handle it - that's such a smart way to cut through the bureaucracy. The 8 AM calling tip is gold too, I've been trying random times throughout the day with no luck. Having a timeline from EDD is brilliant because then you know if they're actually processing it or if it got lost in the system again. Three weeks sounds totally reasonable compared to the months some people wait. Thanks for the encouragement and the detailed game plan! 🙏
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Alexis Renard
I'm going through this exact same situation right now and it's such a headache! Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful though. I think the key takeaway is that you really have to be your own advocate and stay on top of everyone involved. I'm definitely going to try that early morning calling strategy and see if my doctor's office has someone who specializes in disability paperwork. It's wild that we have to become experts in navigating this system just to get the help we need, but it sounds like persistence really does pay off. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess!
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