As someone who went through the SDI process recently, I can confirm this is definitely a scam. The timing is the biggest red flag - EDD doesn't move that fast on anything, especially not setting up online accounts for paper filers. When I filed my paper claim in January, it took almost 3 weeks before I got my first legitimate communication from EDD, and that was just an acknowledgment letter. The ID.me setup only happened when I manually created my SDI Online account weeks later. That sender email you mentioned (id-support@id.verify-benefits.com) is a classic phishing domain - real EDD emails always come from ca.gov addresses. Good catch on not clicking anything! One thing that helped me during the waiting period was signing up for USPS Informed Delivery so I could track when actual mail from EDD was coming. All legitimate SDI correspondence initially comes by postal mail for paper filers, not email. Might give you some peace of mind while you wait for your real claim updates.

I'm so glad you posted about this and didn't fall for it! I actually work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate disability benefits, and we see these phishing attempts ALL THE TIME. The scammers have gotten really good at timing these emails right after people file claims - they're basically preying on people when they're most vulnerable and anxious about their benefits. A few additional red flags for anyone reading this: legitimate EDD will NEVER ask you to "verify your identity" through email links, and they definitely don't use urgent language like "Your account will be suspended" or "Immediate action required." Real government communications are usually pretty boring and bureaucratic in tone. Also want to echo what others said about the ca.gov domain - that's the golden rule. If it doesn't end in .ca.gov, delete it immediately. I tell all my clients to bookmark the official EDD website and only access their accounts that way. You did everything right by questioning it and calling EDD to verify. Hope your recovery goes smoothly and your claim gets processed without any real issues!

Just wanted to say hang in there, OP. We're all in the same boat. This system is broken, but don't give up. You'll get your money eventually!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - applied 5 weeks ago and still waiting for my first payment. What's really helped me is setting up email alerts in my online account so I know immediately if they need any additional documents. Also, I've been calling the 1-800-480-3287 number every morning at exactly 8 AM when they open. It took me about 8 tries over two weeks, but I finally got through and they were able to tell me my claim was in the "medical review" stage. At least now I know what's happening instead of just wondering. Stay strong, we'll get through this eventually!

Hey OP, just a heads up - there was a system update last month that's been causing some delays. Might be why your claim is taking longer than usual. Hang in there!

I'm going through something similar right now! Filed my SDI claim about 5 weeks ago and still waiting. What I've found helpful is logging into the EDD online portal every few days to check for status updates - sometimes there are requests for additional documentation that don't get mailed out right away. Also, if you have an old claim to close, you can usually do that through the online system too under "Manage Claims." It's frustrating but from what I've read here and other places, 6-8 weeks seems to be the new normal unfortunately. Stay strong! 💪

Pro tip: if you can, submit everything online. It usually processes faster than paper forms.

I'm dealing with the same issue right now - filed my SDI claim about 6 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back. It's really stressful when you're already dealing with health issues and then have to worry about finances too. I've been checking my online account daily but the status hasn't changed from "pending review." Has anyone had success with visiting a local EDD office in person instead of just calling? I'm wondering if showing up might get better results than the phone runaround.

I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now - filed my SDI claim 5 weeks ago and still nothing but "processing" status. It's incredibly stressful when you're already dealing with a disability and then have to worry about finances on top of it. I've been following some of the advice here, especially the early morning calling strategy. One thing that helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track all my attempts to contact them - date, time, method, outcome. It's helping me stay organized and I think it'll be useful if I need to escalate this further. Sending good vibes your way, we'll get through this! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the waiting is absolutely brutal when you're already dealing with health issues and financial stress. I went through something similar about 8 months ago and ended up having success with a combination of strategies. First, I called right at 8:00 AM sharp (not 8:01, but literally at 8:00) and got through after about 15 tries over a week. When I finally got someone, they told me my claim was held up because they needed additional medical documentation that I had no idea was missing - nothing showed up in my online account about it! Also, I highly recommend reaching out to your local state assembly member's office. They have constituent services that can actually inquire about your case directly with EDD. It's free and they were able to get me an update within 48 hours. Just google "[your area] assembly member constituent services" and call them. Don't feel bad about using this resource - you pay taxes and this is literally what they're there for! Hang in there, and definitely document everything like others have suggested. You shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops, but unfortunately that's the reality right now. Rooting for you! 🤞