I'm really sorry you're dealing with this, Donna. I went through something similar earlier this year and the anxiety was terrible. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through my EDD account so I'd get notified immediately if there were any status changes or requests for additional info. Also, if you haven't already, try logging in at different times of day - sometimes the system updates overnight and you might catch new information early in the morning. I know everyone's saying to call, but I actually had better luck with the "Ask EDD" feature on their website. It took about 3 days to get a response, but at least I got some clarity on what was holding up my case. The waiting is absolutely brutal, but most people I know eventually got their payments sorted out. Keep checking your account daily and don't lose hope! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress, Donna! I was in a similar situation a few months ago and it was absolutely nerve-wracking. Here are a few things that helped me get my disability payments sorted out: First, make sure to screenshot or print everything from your online account - sometimes info disappears or changes. Second, try calling right at 8:01 AM when they open, and if you can't get through, try again exactly at lunch time around 12:30 PM when some staff come back from break. Also, check if you have any outstanding medical forms - sometimes doctors forget to submit follow-up paperwork that EDD needs. I ended up having to get my doctor's office to resend some certification forms that got lost in their system. It took about 7 weeks total but I did receive all my back payments once everything was straightened out. The waiting is horrible but hang in there - most people do eventually get their payments! 💙

I went through this same transition last year! Just wanted to add a few things that helped me avoid issues: 1. Keep ALL your paperwork from both UI and SDI - I had to reference my UI claim dates when there was a question about my SDI timeline 2. Take screenshots of your last UI certification and the date you stop certifying - this saved me when EDD questioned whether I had properly ended my UI claim 3. Ask your doctor to put the START DATE of your disability on the medical form, not just sign it - mine initially just signed without specifying when my disability began and it caused a delay 4. If you have any saved sick/vacation time from your old job, that might affect your SDI calculation, so mention it when you file The pregnancy-induced hypertension should definitely qualify you for early disability before the standard 36-week mark. Wishing you a healthy rest of your pregnancy and hoping your claim goes smoothly! The EDD process is stressful enough without pregnancy complications on top of it.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who also transitioned from UI to pregnancy disability! I was laid off in January and found out I was pregnant in March while still on unemployment. When I developed gestational diabetes at 26 weeks, my doctor put me on disability immediately. A few things that really helped me: - I called EDD the day before I planned to stop certifying for UI to confirm the exact process. The rep walked me through everything and noted my account that I was transitioning to SDI - Make sure your doctor dates your disability to start on a Sunday if possible - EDD processes benefit weeks Sunday to Saturday, so this helps avoid any weird partial week calculations - I kept a simple spreadsheet tracking my last UI certification date, my disability start date, and all the key dates. Sounds nerdy but it helped when I had to reference things later The transition was actually smoother than I expected once I got all the dates straight. Your pregnancy-induced hypertension should definitely qualify you for early disability - that's a legit medical condition that prevents you from working, not just normal pregnancy discomfort. Hang in there! The paperwork stress is the worst part, but once it's processed you'll have one less thing to worry about. Focus on your health and your baby! ❤️

I'm dealing with the same frustrating issues! After reading through all these suggestions, I'm definitely going to try the early morning/late night approach and test different browsers. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a whole strategy guide just to submit basic paperwork, but I really appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked for them. One thing I wanted to add - I noticed that when I get those session timeout errors, sometimes if I go back to the previous page (don't refresh, just hit the back button) and then forward again, it lets me continue where I left off instead of starting over. Doesn't work every time, but it's saved me from re-entering everything a few times. Also, for anyone else dealing with this - I started taking screenshots at every step of the process, not just the error messages. That way if I do get through to a human eventually, I can show them exactly where in the process things keep breaking down. Hang in there everyone! This system is clearly broken but we shouldn't have to give up on benefits we're entitled to. Keep trying different approaches and times - something will eventually stick! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I just went through the exact same nightmare last month and finally got my claim submitted after trying literally everything. Here's what ultimately worked for me: 1. Use Firefox in private/incognito mode - clear ALL cookies and cache first 2. Try submitting between 5-7 AM or after 11 PM when traffic is lowest 3. Fill out your application in a Word doc first, then copy/paste everything in one session to avoid timeouts 4. If you get the spinning wheel of death, DON'T refresh - open a new tab, log back in, and your progress might still be there The most important thing: if the online system keeps failing, mail your paperwork certified mail as a backup! The EDD accepts mailed applications and at least you'll beat the deadline. I ended up doing both - kept trying online AND mailed everything just in case. Also, document every error with screenshots and timestamps. I had to escalate to a supervisor eventually and having that proof made all the difference. Don't give up - the system is completely broken but your benefits are worth the fight! You've got this! 💪

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Just went through a legal name change and trying to navigate all the government systems is such a headache. From what I've researched, you'll definitely need your certified copy of the name change decree from the court, plus your updated Social Security card and driver's license. When you do get through to EDD (fingers crossed!), make sure to ask them to put a note in your file about the name change so if you have to call back, the next agent will see what's going on. I've heard it can take 1-2 weeks for the system to fully update once they process it. Stay strong - we'll get through this bureaucratic maze eventually! 💪

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago! Here's what worked for me: Call EDD at 8:00 AM sharp when they open - that's your best shot at getting through. Have ALL your documents ready: certified name change court order, new Social Security card, updated driver's license, and any other ID with your new name. When you finally get someone on the phone, be super clear that you need to update your name for a PFL application specifically. They might try to transfer you between departments, but insist on staying with one person who can handle the whole process. Also, ask for confirmation that your name change won't affect any previous work history or earnings records - that was my biggest worry. The whole update took about 10 business days to fully process in their system. Don't give up, you've got this! 🙌

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare while trying to recover from your back injury! As someone new to this community, I'm honestly appalled by how widespread EDD fraud seems to be based on all these responses. I wanted to add one more important step that hasn't been mentioned yet - consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. They handle complaints about government benefit programs and can sometimes get faster responses from agencies like EDD when there's federal oversight involved. Also, when you visit the EDD office tomorrow, ask them specifically about their "account takeover" protocols - this sounds like a classic account takeover situation where someone gained access to your existing account rather than creating a fraudulent new one. They should have specific procedures for these cases that might be different from regular fraud claims. The fact that someone was able to drain $28,000 from the system using your identity for 14 months while you were actively working shows massive system failures on EDD's part. You shouldn't have to become an expert in fraud recovery just to get benefits you legitimately need and have earned through years of contributions. Everyone here has given you such incredible advice - you're going to be amazingly well-prepared for tomorrow's visit! Please keep us updated on your progress, and I'm sending positive thoughts for both resolving this mess quickly and for your recovery. You've got this!

This is absolutely heartbreaking and I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare while trying to recover from your back injury! As someone new to this community, I'm genuinely shocked by how many people have shared similar experiences here - it really shows there are serious systemic problems with EDD's security that need immediate attention. Reading through all the incredible advice everyone has given you, I'm amazed by how supportive and knowledgeable this community is. You've gone from a panic-inducing discovery to having a comprehensive action plan that covers everything from fraud reporting to media contacts to federal oversight agencies. One small additional thought - when you're at the EDD office tomorrow, consider asking them to walk you through exactly what security measures they're implementing to prevent this from happening to you (or others) again. It's not enough for them to just fix your current situation - they should be able to explain what systemic changes they're making to prevent these account takeovers in the future. The fact that someone could collect $28,000 in benefits under your name for 14+ months while you were actively working and paying into the system shows incredible negligence on their part. You shouldn't have to become a fraud expert just to access benefits you've legitimately earned. You're going to do great tomorrow - you're so well-prepared now thanks to everyone's advice here! Please keep us all updated on how it goes. Sending you strength for dealing with this bureaucratic mess and hopes for a speedy recovery from your injury. You've got this! 💪