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! 💪

oof, been there done that. its a total nightmare. sending good vibes your way, hope you get it sorted soon! 💪

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! It's incredibly frustrating. In addition to what others have mentioned, you can also try visiting your local EDD office in person with your ID and Social Security card. They were able to help me reset everything on the spot. Just be prepared to wait - I got there early and still spent about 3 hours there, but it was worth it to finally get access back. Good luck! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress right after having your baby! I went through the exact same thing in January 2025. The payment stoppage after delivery is completely routine - EDD needs to verify your delivery info to determine if you're continuing on disability or transitioning to paid family leave. Since you submitted through the online portal this morning, you should expect to see movement in about 5-7 business days based on current processing times. The good news is they will backpay you for any missed payments, so you won't lose any money - it's just the cash flow timing that's stressful. A few tips that helped me: 1) Call your utility companies now to explain the EDD processing delay - most have policies for this exact situation, 2) Double-check with your OB's office that they submitted your updated medical certification with the correct delivery date/method, 3) Keep checking both your SDI online account AND your bank account, as sometimes the payment appears before the portal updates. This whole process is so poorly designed for new parents, but you're doing everything right. The payment will come through! Congratulations on your little one! 💕

I'm currently dealing with this exact same situation! Had my baby 4 days ago via C-section and my SDI payments stopped immediately after delivery. I submitted the birth information through the online portal yesterday and have been anxiously checking my account every few hours since then. Reading through all these experiences has been such a huge relief - I was starting to panic that I had done something wrong or that there was an issue with my claim! It's so reassuring to know that 5-7 business days seems to be the current standard processing time and that this payment stoppage is completely routine. The financial timing is definitely stressful though - I have several bills due next week that I was counting on this payment for. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to call my utility companies and credit card company tomorrow morning to explain the EDD processing delay and request extensions. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and timelines. It's helping me stay calm during what's already such an overwhelming time with a newborn. The fact that so many new moms are dealing with this exact same bureaucratic hassle really shows how much the system needs improvement! Fingers crossed we all see our payments processed by early next week. Congratulations to all the new mamas here - we've got this! 💕

I've been through this exact situation! Was stuck in identity verification hell for 8 weeks last year. A few things that finally helped me break through: 1) Contact your state assemblyperson's constituent services office - they have direct contacts at EDD and can escalate your case, 2) Make sure you submitted the DE 1326C form (Identity Verification form) - this is often the missing piece that keeps cases stuck, 3) Try calling the SDI Technical Support line at 1-800-480-3287 early in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - better chance of getting through. Also, while you wait, look into your county's General Relief program and local food banks for emergency assistance. The financial stress while waiting is brutal, especially when you're already dealing with medical issues. Keep certifying every two weeks no matter what - you'll get all the back pay once it's resolved. Don't give up, the system is broken but you will eventually get through it!

I went through this identity verification nightmare last year and it was absolutely maddening! What finally worked for me was submitting a complaint through the California Department of Insurance (they oversee SDI) - not just EDD. You can file it online and they actually have authority to push EDD to resolve cases faster. Also, document EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, confirmation numbers for document uploads. When you do get through to someone, ask them to add detailed notes to your case file about what's missing or what the hold-up is. And yes, definitely contact your state rep's office - mine got my case resolved in 2 weeks after I'd been waiting 2 months. The stress of not knowing when you'll get paid while dealing with medical issues is just cruel. Hang in there, you WILL get through this and they WILL pay you back for all the weeks once it's sorted out!

For anyone finding this thread later, this is a really common issue with EDD SDI claims - whether pregnancy-related or other disability types. The April/May payment gaps often happen due to quarterly review processes. Always keep an eye on your claim, and if payments suddenly stop, don't wait - take immediate action to contact EDD. Address changes are also one of the most common triggers for payment delays.

I'm so relieved to see this thread because I'm going through something very similar! I'm 28 weeks pregnant and my SDI payments just stopped completely after 3 weeks of regular payments. I also moved recently (different story - had to move in with my parents due to financial stress) and updated my address through the online portal. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like the address change probably triggered a review. I've been calling EDD for over a week with no luck getting through. Definitely going to try that Claimyr service mentioned here. It's such a nightmare dealing with this when you're already dealing with pregnancy complications and financial stress. Thank you Emily for posting about this and everyone for the helpful advice!