Have you tried reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes they can help push things through when you're stuck dealing with state agencies.

Oh no, missing those callbacks is the worst! I had a similar situation last year. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely try uploading your updated doctor's note through the online portal like others mentioned - that might handle your return-to-work date change without needing to talk to anyone. If that doesn't work, I found that calling exactly at 8:00 AM on Tuesday or Wednesday gave me the best chance of getting through. Also, make sure your voicemail isn't full in case they try calling you back again. Sometimes they do try a second time within a week. Don't stress too much - your claim won't disappear just because you missed one callback. Keep us posted on how it goes!

@OP - Just wanted to follow up - did you get this sorted out? One other thing to keep in mind is that if you paid SDI taxes through your paycheck (most CA employees do), then part of your benefits aren't taxable because you already paid tax on that money. It's only the employer portion and any amount exceeding what you contributed that's federally taxable. That's another thing an EDD rep can help clarify if you can get through to one.

There is a lot of misinformation in the comments. California SDI is generally NOT federally taxable. One exception is if you were receiving unemployment income and then became disabled and began receiving disability income -- in that case the income is a substitute for unemployment income and is federally taxable. This is all explained on the EDD web site. https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/sdi_faq_for_1099g

Claimyr is definitely a useful tool if you find yourself stuck with long wait times for agencies like the disability office. It provides a way to connect directly, which can save a significant amount of time and frustration. However, it's important to balance the convenience it offers with its cost. Paying $20 may not be feasible for everyone, especially in financial distress. Using the service will depend on how you value your time and current financial situation. Also, while Claimyr can help facilitate communication, there's no guarantee it will speed up the resolution of your specific issue, as that's dependent on the agency's processes. It's always a good idea to explore all available options, including those listed by other community members here, to find the most effective solution for your situation.

I went through something similar last year and it was incredibly stressful. Here's what helped me get through it: First, definitely keep trying to call - early morning right when they open (usually 8 AM) tends to have shorter wait times. I also had luck calling during lunch hours when fewer people might be calling. Second, if you have any local disability advocacy groups or legal aid societies in your area, they often have direct contacts or know the best ways to navigate the system. Some even offer free assistance. Third, document everything - dates you called, reference numbers, who you spoke with. This creates a paper trail that can be helpful if you need to escalate. Lastly, don't hesitate to contact your state assemblymember or senator's office. They have caseworkers specifically for situations like this and can sometimes get answers when individual calls don't work. I know it's frustrating when you're depending on these payments. Hang in there - most of these delays do get resolved, it just takes persistence. Let us know how it goes!

Quick warning though - make sure you're actually on SDI and not some other type of disability insurance. If you have private disability insurance or disability through your employer (like short-term disability), those might have different tax implications. Only the state program (SDI) has the tax-free benefit.

Just wanted to add that if you're still unsure about your specific situation, you can always double-check by logging into your EDD online account. It should clearly show whether your payments came from the SDI program or another source. I was in a similar boat last year - had both UI and SDI at different times and was confused about which forms I needed. The online account breakdown really helped me sort it out. Also, if you used a tax preparer before, they're usually pretty familiar with CA disability benefits and can confirm you don't need to report SDI income.

So happy to see your update with good news! This thread is going to be really helpful for anyone else dealing with the same situation. The step-by-step process you followed should be bookmarked - calling the doctor immediately, using a service to actually reach EDD, and making sure the right form gets submitted before the deadline. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops for something that should be straightforward, but at least now others will know exactly what to do. Hope your sciatica continues to improve and you can get back to work when you're truly ready!

This is such a great success story and resource! As someone who works in healthcare administration, I see patients struggle with SDI extensions all the time. Your step-by-step approach is exactly what I recommend to patients: 1. Don't wait - contact your doctor immediately when you realize you need an extension 2. Be specific about the form needed (DE 2525XX for extensions) 3. Use services like Claimyr if you can't get through to EDD directly 4. Make sure everything is submitted BEFORE your current period ends The fact that you got the EDD rep to note the incoming extension in your file was brilliant - that's what prevents payment gaps. I'm definitely sharing this thread with colleagues who help patients navigate disability claims. Hope your sciatica improves soon and thanks for taking the time to update everyone!