I went through this exact same situation last year! The missing link issue is super common when transitioning from PFL back to SDI. What worked for me was calling the EDD disability line first thing in the morning (8am sharp) - that's when you have the best chance of getting through. When I finally connected, the rep explained that the system glitch happens because it can't automatically generate the extension link when you've had a PFL claim in between. They were able to email me the DE 2501 form directly and walked me through exactly how to fill it out. Also, make sure to include a cover letter explaining the timeline (original SDI -> PFL -> SDI extension) so they don't accidentally process it as a new claim. My payments resumed about 10 days after I faxed everything in. Hang in there - it's frustrating but definitely fixable!

I just went through this exact same nightmare situation a few months ago! The "file extend claim form" message with no visible link is such a common EDD glitch when you transition from PFL back to SDI. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Download the DE 2501 form directly from edd.ca.gov/forms/ (don't wait for a link that may never appear) 2. Write "EXTENSION - SAME CONDITION AFTER PFL" in bold at the top 3. Include a cover letter with your timeline: original SDI dates → PFL dates → extension request dates 4. FAX it instead of mailing - I got processed in 8 days vs weeks for mail 5. Keep calling at 8am sharp with your fax confirmation ready The key thing is that even though your doctor submitted their part, EDD still needs YOUR certification (the DE 2501) to complete the extension. It's a two-part process that they don't explain clearly anywhere. Once both pieces are in, payments usually resume within 7-10 business days. Don't panic about the gap in payments - as long as you get everything submitted properly, they should backpay you to when your PFL ended. The system is frustrating but this situation is definitely fixable! Hang in there and get that form submitted ASAP.

I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! What finally worked for me was calling EDD directly and explaining the ID.me situation. They were able to put a note on my file and process my claim through their alternative verification process. The number is hard to get through to, but keep trying early in the morning (like 8:01 AM sharp). Also, if you have any physical documents like your SSN card, birth certificate, or previous tax returns, have them ready - they might ask you to mail or fax copies. Don't lose hope, there are ways around this ID.me mess!

I just went through this exact same issue last month! Here's what finally worked for me: I called the EDD disability line at 1-800-480-3287 and pressed 1 for English, then 4 for disability, then 0 to speak to a rep. When I explained my ID.me was suspended, they transferred me to their technical support team who was able to bypass the ID.me requirement and let me file over the phone. It took about 2 hours total (including hold time) but they processed everything right then and there. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number, previous employer info, and medical documentation ready before you call. The key is being persistent and explaining that the ID.me suspension is preventing you from filing your claim. Don't give up - there are definitely workarounds!

I recommend keeping copies of EVERYTHING you submit to EDD. Take photos of completed forms before sending them in. If you're faxing, keep the confirmation page. If submitting online, take screenshots of the confirmation page. This has saved me multiple times when EDD claimed they never received something I sent.

I went through something similar during my disability leave last year. The key thing to remember is that EDD has different timelines for different types of medical recertification. Since you mentioned switching doctors in August, that likely triggered an initial review cycle. Now at the 5-6 month mark, you're probably hitting their standard recertification schedule for your type of condition. One thing that helped me was calling my doctor's office first to give them a heads up that the form was coming, so they could prioritize it when it arrived. Many medical offices are familiar with these EDD forms and can turn them around quickly if they know it's urgent. Also, if your doctor's office has a patient portal, you might be able to upload the form there for faster processing. Don't stress too much about it - this really is routine maintenance for longer-term claims. Just make sure to submit it within their deadline and you should be fine.

I'm so glad you posted about this and didn't fall for it! I actually work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate disability benefits, and we see these phishing attempts ALL THE TIME. The scammers have gotten really good at timing these emails right after people file claims - they're basically preying on people when they're most vulnerable and anxious about their benefits. A few additional red flags for anyone reading this: legitimate EDD will NEVER ask you to "verify your identity" through email links, and they definitely don't use urgent language like "Your account will be suspended" or "Immediate action required." Real government communications are usually pretty boring and bureaucratic in tone. Also want to echo what others said about the ca.gov domain - that's the golden rule. If it doesn't end in .ca.gov, delete it immediately. I tell all my clients to bookmark the official EDD website and only access their accounts that way. You did everything right by questioning it and calling EDD to verify. Hope your recovery goes smoothly and your claim gets processed without any real issues!

I went through something similar last year when I filed my SDI claim after my accident. Got one of those fake ID.me emails about 5 days after mailing in my paperwork and almost clicked it because I was so stressed about everything. Luckily my sister warned me it was probably a scam. What really bothers me is how these scammers know exactly when people are most vulnerable - right after filing when you're dealing with medical issues, worried about money, and desperately waiting for any communication from EDD. They're absolutely predatory. For anyone else dealing with this: the real EDD process is painfully slow but very predictable. You file your paper claim, wait 2-3 weeks for an acknowledgment letter BY MAIL, then wait some more. No surprise emails, no urgent requests, just boring government bureaucracy at its finest. If you get anything that feels "fast" or "urgent" from EDD, it's probably fake. Stay strong during the waiting period - I know it's nerve-wracking but you'll get through it!

Ugh, I feel your pain. The whole system is a mess. Hang in there, and don't be afraid to be a squeaky wheel. Good luck!

I went through the exact same nightmare last year! Here's what finally worked for me: I kept detailed records of every interaction with ID.me (screenshots, case numbers, etc.) and then filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Within 48 hours, I got a call from an ID.me escalation team who manually reviewed and restored my account. Also, while you're waiting, try calling EDD at exactly 8:00 AM - I literally set multiple alarms and hit redial until I got through. The wait was brutal but I eventually got a human who helped me submit a paper application as a backup. Don't give up - the system is broken but there are ways around it!