I'm really glad to hear you got through to someone at EDD! This whole situation highlights how broken the communication system is - it shouldn't take a third-party service just to speak with a representative about basic benefits. Your case is a perfect example of why we need better coordination between workers' comp and SDI systems. Too many people fall through the cracks when their work injury benefits get reduced but they still can't access disability support. Fingers crossed that your appeal goes smoothly now that you have the right forms and documentation. Please do keep us updated - your experience could really help others who find themselves in similar situations!

This is exactly why we need systemic reform of how these programs work together. I went through something similar two years ago when my workers' comp got disputed and reduced to practically nothing. The bureaucratic nightmare of trying to navigate between two different systems while you're injured and financially struggling is inhumane. What helped me was keeping a detailed log of every interaction - dates, times, names of representatives, reference numbers - everything. Also, if you have a workers' comp attorney, they often have contacts at EDD who understand these coordination issues better than the general customer service reps. The fact that there are provisions for partial SDI when workers' comp is reduced but most EDD staff don't know about them shows how poorly these systems communicate with each other. Really hoping your appeal works out - no one should have to face eviction because of bureaucratic gaps in the safety net.

I just want to add one more reassurance - I was in a very similar boat about 6 months ago and was SO stressed about potentially losing benefits because of employer confusion. What really put my mind at ease was learning that California designed these systems specifically so that working parents could access their full benefits regardless of how their employer handles things. The key thing to remember is that you've been paying into both SDI and PFL through your paychecks - these are YOUR benefits that you've earned. Your employer can't take that away from you just by calling their leave policy something confusing! Since you mentioned you're super stressed about losing thousands in benefits - don't be! You have a full year to claim PFL bonding, and it sounds like you're on the right track with getting your disability properly extended first. Just make sure you keep copies of all your paperwork and don't let your employer rush you back to work before you're medically ready. You deserve both the recovery time AND the bonding time with your baby!

I went through this exact situation and want to share what I learned! Your employer putting you on "company baby bonding leave" has absolutely NO impact on your eligibility for state PFL benefits. These are completely separate systems - one is your employer's internal policy, the other is a state benefit you've been paying for through payroll deductions. Here's what worked for me: I focused on getting my disability extended first (sounds like you're already on that), then filed for PFL immediately after my disability period ended. The 12-month window for PFL bonding is rock solid - you can use it anytime within that first year after birth. The tricky part is job protection if you decide to return to work and then take PFL later. While you'll still get the state benefits, your employer might not be required to hold your position for a second separate leave period. But that's a decision you can make later once you know your recovery timeline. Don't let your HR department's confusing language stress you out - these are YOUR benefits that you've earned! File that disability extension ASAP and then you'll have plenty of time to plan your PFL timing.

I've been in the same boat! What worked for me was calling the alternate number (1-800-480-3287) instead of the main SDI line. Also try calling right at 8am when they open - set multiple alarms and be ready to dial exactly at 8:00. Another trick is to press 0 immediately when you hear the menu options, sometimes it bypasses the automated system. If you do get through, ask the rep to put a note on your account about the call drops so they're aware of the technical issues. Hang in there!

I've been dealing with EDD for my disability claim too and it's absolutely maddening! What's worked for me is calling multiple numbers in rotation - sometimes one line is less busy than others. Also, if you have a smartphone, try using the speakerphone and just let it dial while you do other things. I've literally had it on redial for 3+ hours before getting through. Another tip: if you get disconnected while already in the queue, try calling back immediately - sometimes you'll get placed back in line faster. The system is broken but don't give up! Your benefits are worth the fight 💪

Just wanted to add my experience from last month - I had spinal fusion surgery and went through this exact same process. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed timeline of everything: - Date I stopped working - Surgery date - Date I filed SDI claim - Date doctor submitted medical certification - All communication with EDD This was super helpful when I had to call EDD to check on my claim status. Having all the dates ready made the conversation much smoother and the rep was able to quickly see where things stood. Also, don't forget that you can certify for benefits every two weeks once you're approved - mark those dates on your calendar! Missing a certification deadline can cause payment delays even after you're approved. One last thing - if your back surgery recovery takes longer than initially expected (which is pretty common), your doctor can submit additional medical certifications to extend your SDI. I ended up needing an extra 3 weeks beyond my original certification and the extension process was actually pretty straightforward. Recovery from back surgery is tough enough without the financial stress. Sounds like you've got a great plan now - file tonight, use some sick pay for immediate needs, and stay on top of your doctor's office. You'll get through this!

Just wanted to share something that might help with your immediate financial situation while waiting for SDI - if you have any credit cards with cash advance options, some banks are offering temporary hardship programs for medical situations. I had to use this after my surgery last year while waiting for disability payments. Also, don't forget to check if your employer offers any kind of emergency hardship fund or advance on future paychecks. Some larger companies have these programs but don't really advertise them - you have to ask HR specifically. One more thing - if you're a union member, many unions have emergency assistance funds for members dealing with medical situations. Worth checking if that applies to your situation. The combination of everyone's advice here sounds solid - file tonight, use some sick pay strategically, and stay on top of your doctor's office. The retroactive payment feature of SDI is really going to help once it kicks in. Hang in there!

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what worked! I followed the advice about creating a completely new email address and contacting ID.me specifically about a "merged identity verification" issue. The ID.me rep had to escalate to their specialized team, but they unlinked my driver's license from the old account. Then I used Claimyr to get through to an EDD specialist who was able to link my new ID.me account to my disability claim. The whole process took about 5 days but IT WORKED! All my back payments just hit my account this morning. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now with my disability claim after a car accident! Been stuck in the ID.me verification loop for over 2 weeks and it's absolutely maddening. Reading through all these responses gives me hope that there's actually a way out of this mess. @Mateo Warren your detailed update about what finally worked is a godsend - I'm going to follow your exact steps starting tomorrow. The tip about using "merged identity verification" terminology with ID.me seems crucial. It's insane that we have to become system experts just to access benefits we've already earned, but at least now I have a proven roadmap to follow. Has anyone else tried the Claimyr service? I'm a bit hesitant to pay for something that should be free, but if it actually gets me to someone who can fix this mess, it might be worth it. My medical leave ends in 3 weeks and I'm getting desperate!