I'm dealing with this exact same issue! Just tried to submit my disability claim and got the "driver's license already in use" error. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I was freaking out thinking something was seriously wrong. Sounds like it's probably an old claim from 2020 that's still showing as active in their system. Definitely going to try calling at 8 AM sharp tomorrow and ask them to check for any lingering claims. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - makes me feel so much less alone in this EDD nightmare! 🙏

I'm having the exact same problem right now! Just got that frustrating "driver's license already in use" error when trying to file my new disability claim. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and reassuring - I was starting to think there was something seriously wrong with my account. It sounds like this is a pretty common EDD system glitch where old claims don't get properly closed out. I had a brief disability claim back in 2019 that I'm pretty sure was resolved, but it must still be lingering in their system. Definitely going to try the 8 AM calling strategy tomorrow and specifically ask them to check for any old claims under my license number. Thank you all so much for sharing your stories and solutions - this community support means the world when dealing with EDD's broken system! 🙏

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!

I'm currently going through this same paper form process and the anxiety is real! My doctor also insisted on paper forms (seems to be a common theme here), and I mailed mine about a week and a half ago. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both helpful and nerve-wracking - the 3-4 week timeline seems consistent, but those stories about lost paperwork are terrifying! I'm definitely going to follow the advice about calling at the 2-week mark to confirm they have my claim. It's frustrating that we can't check status online like people who file digitally, but at least the backpay from the disability start date should help make up for the wait. Thanks for posting this question - it's so reassuring to know others are dealing with the same paper form delays and uncertainty!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just mailed my paper disability forms last week and the waiting without any online tracking is absolutely nerve-wracking. My doctor also insisted on the paper route, saying something about being able to provide more detailed medical documentation. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and anxiety-inducing - it sounds like 3-4 weeks is pretty standard for paper claims, but those stories about lost paperwork are definitely scary! I'm planning to call EDD at the 2-week mark to confirm they have my claim in their system, and I'll try that 8am timing tip someone mentioned. The backpay from the disability start date should help make the wait worthwhile, but man, the uncertainty is tough when bills are piling up. Thanks for posting this - it's so comforting to know others are dealing with the same paper form delays!

I've been through this exact nightmare with EDD! What finally worked for me was creating a super clear document that showed two columns: "Work Performed" with dates from years ago, and "Residual Payments Received" with current dates. I literally drew arrows between them to show the connection. I also included a simple definition at the top: "Residuals are delayed compensation for work completed in [year], similar to receiving royalty payments from a book written years ago." The key breakthrough was when I got transferred to someone who actually understood entertainment industry work. Don't give up on the phone calls - ask specifically to speak with someone familiar with residual payments or non-traditional employment. Some EDD staff have training on this stuff, you just have to find them! Also, if you have any contracts or pay stubs from the original work, include copies to prove when the actual work was done. Hang in there - it's frustrating but totally worth fighting for your benefits! 💪

This is such a common problem with EDD and it's incredibly frustrating! I went through something similar with backend points from a film I worked on. What really helped me was putting together a "Residuals Explanation Package" that included: 1) A one-page letter explaining that residuals are deferred compensation for completed work, 2) Copies of my original work contract showing completion dates, 3) Bank statements highlighting the sporadic nature of payments, and 4) A simple timeline showing the gap between work completion and payments. I also made sure to use the phrase "deferred compensation for past services" in all my communications - it seems to click better with EDD staff than just saying "residuals." Don't let them wear you down! You earned those benefits and you deserve them. The appeals process can be slow but it's worth it. Stay organized and keep fighting! 💪

I've been through this exact same thing multiple times! It's incredibly frustrating and honestly feels disrespectful when you've been waiting on hold forever. A few things that have helped me: 1) Try calling different regional offices if possible - some are less busy than others, 2) Ask to speak to a supervisor immediately if you sense the call going south, and 3) Consider filing a formal complaint through their website if this keeps happening. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these agencies. Also, if you have any disability advocacy organizations in your area, they sometimes have direct contacts that can bypass the main phone lines. Don't let them wear you down - you have every right to get the help you need! 🙏

Oh wow, this is so frustrating! I've been dealing with SDI issues myself lately and the whole system just seems broken. Getting hung up on is the absolute worst - like you finally get through after waiting forever and then CLICK. 😤 I've found that sometimes it helps to call different times of day. Early morning (like 8 AM sharp) tends to work better, or sometimes late afternoon when it's less busy. Also, if you do get someone rude or unhelpful, don't be afraid to politely ask for their supervisor right away. One thing that's helped me is keeping a little notebook with all my case details, dates, and who I talked to each time. That way when I do get through, I can quickly reference everything instead of fumbling around. It also helps if you need to escalate later. Hang in there - you're not alone in this struggle! The system is definitely not user-friendly but don't give up on getting what you're entitled to. 💪