I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare! As someone who works in disability advocacy, I see this exact confusion between SDI and PFL constantly - you're definitely not alone. The EDD's forms are intentionally confusing and their phone system is designed to discourage people from getting help. Here's what has worked for my clients in similar situations: 1. Try calling the SDI line at 1-800-480-3287 at exactly 8:00 AM - this line often has better response rates than the main PFL number 2. When you do get through, immediately ask for a "tier 2" specialist who handles claim reinstatements - don't let them transfer you around 3. Use these exact words: "I need to CANCEL my erroneously filed PFL claim and REINSTATE my SDI claim with retroactive benefits from January 22nd due to continued post-operative disability" The key legal point here is that you were still medically disabled when you accidentally filed PFL - your doctor's clearance date of March 15th proves this. EDD is required to honor the continuous disability period regardless of their confusing paperwork. If phone calls fail completely, submit a written request through your online EDD portal AND mail a certified letter to: EDD Disability Insurance Branch PO Box 989554 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9554 Document everything and don't give up - you're entitled to every penny of those missed benefits!

I'm a new mom who just went through a very similar situation last month! I accidentally filed PFL while still on SDI for postpartum recovery (not a C-section, but still disability leave) and it was absolutely terrifying when my payments stopped. Here's what worked for me after reading posts like this one: I used the Claimyr service that others mentioned - it really does work! I was skeptical too but got connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes after failing to get through on my own for 3 weeks. The key things that helped: 1. Called at exactly 8:00 AM using their service 2. Had ALL my paperwork ready - original DE 2501 form, both claim numbers, dates everything happened 3. Used the exact language someone suggested: asked to "cancel the erroneously filed PFL claim and reinstate my SDI claim with retroactive benefits" 4. Asked for a tier 2 specialist immediately 5. Got the agent's ID number and a confirmation number The whole call took about 45 minutes but they fixed everything that day! My SDI was reactivated within 48 hours and I received my backpay (about 5 weeks worth) within 10 business days. The agent told me this happens ALL the time with new parents because the forms are so confusing when you're sleep-deprived. Don't beat yourself up - this is EDD's fault for having such a terrible system design. You WILL get through this and you WILL get your money back. Your situation is completely fixable since you have the medical documentation. Hang in there mama - the stress is awful but there's light at the end of the tunnel! 💙

I feel your frustration! I went through the same runaround last year with my SDI claim. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the main number (1-800-480-3287) at exactly 8:01 AM on a Tuesday and pressed 1-2-1 to get to the disability line faster. When you get the automated message, don't hang up even if it says high call volume - just stay on hold. I also kept my claim number and social security number ready so I could get through the verification quickly. It took about 35 minutes on hold but I finally got through to someone who could actually help. The key is persistence and timing. Also, if you have any documents to submit, definitely use the online portal like others mentioned - it's way more reliable than trying to fax things. Hang in there!

I've been dealing with EDD SDI issues for months and learned a few things that might help. First, like others mentioned, there's no direct Chico number - everything goes through the central system now. But here's what I discovered: if you call the main SDI line (1-800-480-3287) and get the busy signal, try calling back immediately. Sometimes it cycles you through faster on the second attempt. Also, I found that Wednesday mornings around 10 AM actually had shorter wait times than right at 8 AM opening - seems like everyone tries at 8 and clogs the system. When you do get through, have your claim number, SSN, and a list of specific questions ready so you don't have to call back. The online portal through Benefit Programs Online is definitely worth setting up too - you can check your claim status and upload documents without the phone hassle. Don't give up, the system is frustrating but you'll eventually get someone who can help!

I went through something very similar! Error e324 is usually related to having multiple accounts in their system. Here's what worked for me: 1. Don't try to create any new accounts - this will make it worse 2. Call the EDD Disability Insurance line specifically (not the UI line) at 1-800-480-3287 3. Have ALL your information ready: SSN, both email addresses you might have used, any confirmation numbers from previous claims 4. Tell them you need to "consolidate duplicate accounts" and explain the disability filing deadline issue The key is being super clear that you have a legitimate disability claim but can't file due to their system error. They can extend your filing deadline if you can prove the technical issues prevented you from filing on time. I also recommend sending yourself emails documenting each attempt you make - screenshot the error, note the time/date. This creates a paper trail if you need to appeal later. Don't give up! The system is broken but there are people there who can help once you get through to the right person.

@Yuki Sato This is incredibly helpful! I've been banging my head against the wall for weeks. I didn't realize there was a specific disability insurance line - I've been calling the general EDD number this whole time. The tip about documenting everything with screenshots is brilliant too. I'm definitely going to try calling 1-800-480-3287 first thing Monday morning with all my account info ready. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed advice!

This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with extension timing! I'm currently on SDI and my period ends in a few weeks, so this thread came at the perfect time. It's really eye-opening to see how different people's experiences were - some got backdated with no issues while others had to call EDD dozens of times. The consensus is clear though: avoid the gap if you possibly can! For anyone else in a similar situation, it seems like the key points are: 1) Try to reschedule your appointment before your current period ends, 2) Make sure your doctor uses the DE 2525XX form for extensions, and 3) Have them document continuous disability if there is any gap. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences - it's so much more helpful than trying to decode EDD's confusing website!

I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago and can share what worked for me. I was in a similar panic because my disability period was ending on a Friday and my doctor couldn't see me until the following Tuesday. After reading horror stories about payment gaps and calling EDD multiple times, I decided to be proactive. I called my doctor's office and explained the urgency - that I needed the appointment before my disability period ended to avoid payment interruption. They were actually really understanding and squeezed me in during a lunch break slot. My doctor filled out the DE 2525XX extension form right there during the appointment, and I submitted it to EDD the same day. The whole process went smoothly with no payment gap at all. Looking back, I think the key was being upfront with the doctor's office about why the timing mattered so much. Most medical offices deal with workers' comp and disability paperwork regularly, so they understand these deadlines. Don't be afraid to explain your financial situation - they often have flexibility for urgent cases like this. Really glad you were able to get your appointment moved up to October 12th! That should give you plenty of buffer time before your October 14th end date.

I just went through this exact situation last month! I had forgotten to sign the medical release section of my SDI application for anxiety/depression and was so worried about delays too. Here's what worked for me: I used the "Convert paper application to online" feature that Clay mentioned - it's a game changer! You just need your original application ID number from any correspondence they sent you. The system automatically cancels your paper application when you complete the online conversion, so no duplicate claim issues. My doctor actually loved the electronic certification process - she said it was much faster than dealing with fax machines. She completed her part within 24 hours and I got email notifications at every step, which really helped with my anxiety about whether things were processing properly. One tip: make sure to complete the entire online application in one sitting. I learned this the hard way when I tried to save progress and come back later - some information didn't save correctly and I had to restart (but it only took about 20 minutes the second time). The whole thing processed in about 10 days once I switched to online. Hang in there - you're taking the right steps to get the help you need! Mental health is just as valid as any physical condition for disability benefits.

I'm also going through the SDI process for anxiety right now and this entire thread has been so incredibly helpful! Mary, I completely understand that overwhelming feeling when you're already dealing with severe anxiety and then the paperwork process adds even more stress on top of it. From reading everyone's experiences, it really sounds like the "Convert paper application to online" feature is your best bet. The fact that multiple people have confirmed it automatically cancels the paper application when you complete the online conversion takes away that duplicate claim worry completely. I wanted to add one thing that helped me - when I was preparing to do my online application, I gathered all my documents first (ID, employment info, doctor details) and wrote them down on a sheet of paper before starting. That way I wasn't scrambling to find information mid-application and could complete everything in one smooth session like Keisha recommended. Also, the email confirmations everyone mentioned are a lifesaver for anxiety. There's something so reassuring about having that paper trail showing each step is actually happening. You're being so proactive about getting the help you need, and that takes real strength when you're dealing with anxiety. Mental health conditions absolutely deserve the same support as physical ones. Wishing you a smooth process - please keep us updated on how it goes!