I'm so sorry your father is dealing with this situation. The ITIN/SSN barrier for SDI benefits is incredibly frustrating, especially when he's been paying into the system for years. A few additional resources that might help: - Many hospitals are required by law to offer charity care programs - don't just ask at the billing office, specifically request to speak with a "financial counselor" or "patient advocate" - Legal aid organizations sometimes have workers' rights clinics that can review if the SDI deductions were proper and explore options for recovery - Some community health centers have sliding scale fees for follow-up care that might be much cheaper than regular doctor visits Also, document everything - keep copies of all his pay stubs showing SDI deductions, medical records, and any correspondence. This documentation could be valuable if policies change in the future or if there are legal avenues to pursue. The system is definitely broken when hardworking taxpayers like your father can't access benefits they've been paying for. I hope he has a full recovery and that some of the community resources others have mentioned can provide some relief during this difficult time.

I'm really sorry your father is going through this difficult situation. The ITIN/SSN requirement for SDI is unfortunately one of those policy gaps that affects many hardworking people who contribute to the system but can't access benefits when they need them most. Based on what others have shared, I'd also suggest looking into: - Worker centers in your area - organizations like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network often have resources for workers regardless of status - Credit union hardship programs - some credit unions offer emergency loans or assistance programs for medical situations - GoFundMe or similar crowdfunding - sometimes community support through online fundraising can help bridge the gap during recovery Since your dad has been with the same employer for 7 years, that's actually a huge asset in terms of job security and potentially accessing employer-specific benefits that others might not have mentioned yet. The fact that he's been paying into SDI for so long really highlights how unfair this situation is. While it doesn't help immediately, keeping detailed records of those contributions could be important if there are future policy changes or legal challenges to this system. I hope your father heals well and that some combination of the resources people have shared here can provide some relief during his recovery period.

I'm going through something similar right now - submitted all my docs in person at the local office and still got hit with a disqualification. It's incredibly frustrating when you feel like you've done everything right. From what I've learned lurking in this community, the appeal process seems to be a waiting game but people do get through it. Make sure you keep detailed records of every interaction and document you've submitted. The system might be broken, but don't give up - you paid into this and you deserve those benefits. Hang in there! 🙏

I've been following this thread and wanted to share something that helped me during my SDI identity verification nightmare. After getting my initial disqualification, I realized that the EDD often doesn't properly link documents submitted in-person to your case file - it's like their internal systems don't talk to each other properly. When I wrote my appeal letter, I included a sworn declaration (you can find templates online) stating exactly when, where, and to whom I submitted my documents, plus I attached new copies of everything again. I also requested my case file through a FOIA request to see what they actually had on record - turns out they were "missing" half my docs. The whole process took about 10 weeks total, but the appeal was successful. Don't lose hope - their system is broken but appeals do work if you're thorough and persistent! 🙏

idk if this helps but I had a similar issue. turned out there was a glitch in my account that was fixed after I called. took forever to get through tho 😫

I had this exact same issue a few weeks ago! Here's what ended up working for me: Go to your UI Online account and click on "Claim History" instead of looking in your inbox. Sometimes the certification form shows up there even when it's not in your messages. Also, try using a different browser or device - I found mine when I switched from my phone to my laptop. If all else fails, you can actually certify over the phone by calling the EDD phone number (1-866-333-4606) and using their automated system. It's not ideal, but it works if you're running out of time before your deadline. Don't panic - there are ways to get this sorted! 🙏

As someone who's been through the EDD disability process multiple times, I want to emphasize how crucial it is to be completely transparent about your work history when filing. Connor did the right thing by calling EDD directly - that phone call documentation could be invaluable if any questions arise later. One thing I'd add is to also inform your employer's HR department about your disability claim timeline, especially since you worked that one day in between. Sometimes there can be discrepancies between what you report and what your employer reports to EDD, which can trigger unnecessary investigations. Keep all your medical records organized and make sure your doctor is aware that this needs to be documented as a continuous condition. The EDD system is getting better, but it's still important to cross your t's and dot your i's!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - hurt my wrist at work, went back too early, and now it's worse than before. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so helpful! Connor, I'm glad you got it all sorted out by calling EDD directly. That gives me hope that I can get mine figured out too. Pedro's point about notifying HR is something I hadn't considered - definitely going to do that tomorrow. It's amazing how this community shares such practical advice that you just don't find anywhere else. Thanks everyone for being so generous with your knowledge!

You can also try updating your contact info through the UI Online portal at edd.ca.gov. Log into your account and look for "Contact Information" or "Profile Settings." Sometimes phone number updates work through there without having to call. Worth trying before spending hours on hold! If that doesn't work, then definitely follow Fatima's advice about calling early morning.

Just wanted to share my experience - I was able to update my phone number through the EDD website! Log into your UI Online account at edd.ca.gov, go to "Profile" and then "Contact Information." I was worried it wouldn't work based on what others said, but it actually let me change it right away. Definitely try this first before calling - could save you hours of waiting on hold! If the online method doesn't work for some reason, then you'll know you need to call, but at least you tried the easy way first.