This whole system is a joke. We pay into it our whole working lives and when we need it, we cant even access it. Time for a complete overhaul if you ask me.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - my claim has been pending for 3 weeks and I'm starting to panic about my bills. Reading through these comments is really helpful though. I'm definitely going to try calling right when they open tomorrow morning like some of you suggested. It's so stressful not knowing what's happening or if there's something wrong with my application. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it helps to know I'm not alone in this!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the online application because of the CA ID requirement, you can also submit a paper application (DE 2501) by mail or fax. Sometimes this is easier for military personnel with out-of-state licenses because you can include a cover letter explaining your situation along with all your supporting documents. The paper form has more space to detail your circumstances than the online system. You can download it from the EDD website or pick one up at any EDD office. Make sure to include copies (not originals) of your military ID, proof of CA residence, and recent pay stubs showing SDI withholding.

I'm also stationed at Camp Pendleton with an out-of-state license (North Carolina) and had to file for SDI earlier this year when I had surgery. What really helped me was calling the EDD military liaison office directly - they have a special line for active duty personnel that's less congested than the main number. The number is (800) 300-5616 and they're specifically trained to handle military situations with out-of-state IDs. They walked me through exactly what documents I needed and even flagged my application so it wouldn't get stuck in the identity verification queue. The whole process took about 2 weeks once I had everything submitted. Also, make sure you have your LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) showing the CA-SDI deduction - that was the key document they needed to verify my eligibility. Hope this helps and sorry to hear about your back injury!

Anyone else feel like the EDD is run by a bunch of 🤡🤡🤡? How hard is it to process claims efficiently in 2023? SMH

I went through the exact same thing a few months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: First, log into your UI Online account and check for any pending items or messages - sometimes they're buried in there. Then, make sure your ID.me verification is complete. If those are good, you'll need to get a tier 2 specialist on the phone. I know calling is a nightmare, but try calling right at 8 AM when they open. Keep hitting redial until you get through. When you do get someone, be super specific about your issue and ask to speak to a claims specialist if the first person can't help. Document everything - names, times, what they tell you. It took me about a week of persistent calling, but once I got the right person, they fixed it in one call. Don't give up! The system is broken but you can get through it. 💪

I've been dealing with EDD SDI for my own disability claim and found a few additional tips that might help: If you're still having trouble getting through on the main disability line (1-800-480-3287), try calling your local EDD office directly. Many people don't know that some local offices can help with disability questions too, not just unemployment. You can find your local office on the EDD website. Also, I noticed you mentioned your claim just shows "pending" - this is actually normal for the first few weeks after filing, especially if they're waiting for medical documentation. But since it's been over a month since your surgery, definitely keep pushing to speak with someone. One more thing - if your doctor submitted the certification electronically, ask them for the confirmation number or receipt. When you do get through to EDD, having that confirmation number can help them locate your medical forms faster in their system. Hope this helps and you get through soon! The waiting is so stressful when you're already dealing with recovery.

I went through the exact same situation last year after my knee surgery! Here's what finally worked for me: First, definitely use the 1-800-480-3287 number that others mentioned - it's the correct SDI line. But here's the trick I learned: instead of calling right at 8am when everyone else does, try calling at 7:58am. The system sometimes lets you in a couple minutes early and you'll be ahead of the 8am rush. Also, when you do get through the automated system, press 1 for English, then 2 for disability claims, then 1 again for claim status. Don't press 0 to speak to a representative right away - that often puts you in the longest queue. For your doctor's certification issue specifically: ask your doctor's office if they submitted it through the SDI Online portal or by fax. If they faxed it, there's a higher chance it got lost. The online submissions are more reliable but sometimes take longer to show up in your account. One last tip - if you've been waiting more than 4 weeks and your account still shows pending, that's when you should definitely push harder to speak with someone. Don't let them brush you off! Keep calling and mention that it's been over a month since filing. Good luck, and don't give up! I know how stressful it is when you're recovering and worried about bills.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! Had my baby in late November, developed complications requiring an extension, and my payments stopped in January too. I was starting to panic that I'd done something wrong with my paperwork. It's so helpful to understand that this is actually a common processing delay when EDD transitions your claim from pregnancy disability to regular SDI. I had no idea they essentially treat it as a new claim requiring additional medical review - that explains the frustrating gap in payments. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to try the SDI Online messaging system first thing Monday morning. It sounds way less stressful than the endless phone calls. And it's reassuring to know about Claimyr as a backup option if needed. The most important takeaway for me is to keep certifying every two weeks no matter what - seems like that's crucial for getting the full back pay once everything processes. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. Being a new mom is overwhelming enough without worrying about basic bills!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stressful situation! I went through something very similar last year when my maternity leave got extended due to complications. My payments also stopped abruptly and I was terrified something was wrong with my claim. What I learned is that California SDI does cover postpartum complications beyond the standard recovery period, but there's often a processing delay when your claim transitions from pregnancy disability to regular disability. It's frustrating because they essentially need to re-verify your eligibility with the new medical condition. A few things that helped me: - Keep certifying every two weeks no matter what (this is crucial for back pay) - Try contacting EDD through the SDI Online messaging system - I had better luck with that than calling - Make sure your doctor's documentation clearly states this is for complications beyond normal pregnancy recovery The good news is that once they process your extension, you should receive all the back pay for the weeks you were waiting. It took about 3 weeks for my payments to resume, but I got everything I was owed. Hang in there - you're definitely still eligible and this sounds like a typical processing delay rather than a problem with your claim!