I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My claim was approved almost 3 weeks ago but still no Money Network card. It's absolutely maddening when you're approved for benefits but can't actually access them. Reading through all these comments has been so helpful though - I had no idea about calling Bank of America directly to check if the card was even issued! That glitch Sean mentioned where EDD approves the claim but never sends the card request to BoA could totally be what's happening. I'm definitely calling BoA at 1-866-692-9374 first thing tomorrow morning with my SSN and claim number ready. It's somewhat reassuring to know so many others have dealt with this (though I wouldn't wish it on anyone). Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips - gives me hope there's actually a way to resolve this nightmare! 🙏

I just went through this exact nightmare myself! What finally worked for me was discovering that EDD has a "live chat" feature on their website that's way easier to get through to than the phone lines. You have to log into your UI Online account and look for the "Contact EDD" option. The wait times are still long but at least you don't have to keep redialing. When I finally got through, they told me there was a system error that prevented my card from being issued and they had to manually trigger it. Got my card 5 days later! Also, pro tip: screenshot everything and keep detailed notes of who you talk to and when. This whole process is so broken but you WILL get your money eventually. Hang in there! 💪

I'm a newcomer to this community but have been lurking and reading posts about EDD benefits. This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm actually in a somewhat similar situation - I've been on SDI for the past 2 months after a workplace injury and my spouse was just diagnosed with a serious illness that will require ongoing care. Reading through all these real-world experiences has given me so much clarity about how SDI and PFL work as separate benefit entitlements. The consistent advice about applying 1-2 weeks before SDI ends, ensuring the DE 2501F form is completed thoroughly, and keeping detailed care records seems like the roadmap to success. @StellarSurfer - I hope your mom's stroke recovery is going well and that your PFL application process has been smooth. It sounds like you had all the right information to move forward confidently. For anyone else who might find this thread in the future, the collective wisdom here seems to be that these benefit transitions are definitely possible and the system is designed to handle overlapping family care needs. Having this community share their actual experiences is so much more valuable than trying to decode the official EDD website alone!

I'm new to this community but have been following discussions about EDD benefits for a while. This thread has been absolutely incredible - I wish I had found it months ago when I was struggling to understand the difference between SDI and PFL! I'm currently on SDI after a surgery in January and my elderly grandmother recently had a medical emergency that will require extended care. Reading everyone's experiences here has completely clarified that SDI and PFL are separate benefit entitlements even though they come from the same fund we contribute to through payroll. The consistent advice throughout this thread is so valuable: apply for PFL 1-2 weeks before SDI ends to avoid gaps, ensure the DE 2501F form is filled out completely by the doctor, and keep detailed records of care needs. It's amazing how many people have successfully navigated this exact transition! @StellarSurfer - I hope your application went smoothly and that both you and your mom are doing well. This thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for anyone dealing with overlapping disability and family care situations. The real-world experiences shared here are infinitely more helpful than trying to decipher the official EDD website. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their stories - it's making a real difference for people like us navigating these challenging circumstances!

This thread is a goldmine! 🏆 As someone who's been lurking in EDD hell for months, I'm blown away by all the actionable advice here. I had no clue about the separate SDI number (1-800-480-3287) or that you could download the DE 1000A directly from their website - I've been sitting here waiting for them to mail it like a chump! 🤦‍♀️ The "Ask EDD" online form tip is genius too. It's wild that we've basically created our own EDD survival guide in the comments section because their actual system is so useless. Definitely trying the SDI line first thing Monday morning. Thank you all for sharing your battle-tested strategies - this community is literally saving people's sanity and potentially their appeals! 💪

Just wanted to jump in as someone who's been through the EDD appeals process recently! All the advice here is spot on - definitely call that SDI-specific number (1-800-480-3287) that someone mentioned earlier, and don't wait for them to send you the form! I made that mistake initially and almost missed my deadline. One thing I'd add: when you do get the DE 1000A form (whether downloaded or mailed), make sure to read the instructions super carefully. I almost messed up my appeal by not including all the required documentation. Also, consider sending it both certified mail AND fax if possible - I've heard mixed stories about things getting "lost" in their system. The fact that we need a whole support group just to navigate basic government services is ridiculous, but I'm so glad this community exists! Rooting for you OP - don't give up! 🤞

Has anyone else noticed that the EDD website is down like, all the time? How are we supposed to submit stuff online if their system is always busted? 🤦‍♂️

Hey Donna! I just went through this same process a few months ago and totally understand the confusion. Here's what worked for me: First, download the DE 2501 from the EDD website (when it's actually working lol). Fill it out completely - don't leave any sections blank, even if they seem irrelevant. For the DE 2525XX, call your doctor's office ahead of time and let them know you'll need this form filled out. Some offices are familiar with it, others aren't, so giving them a heads up helps. Also, I'd recommend submitting everything via certified mail so you have proof they received it. The whole process took about 3-4 weeks for me once I submitted everything correctly. You got this! 💪

I went through something similar with my back injury last year. The key is getting your doctor to submit that updated medical certification (DE 2501 form) as soon as possible - don't wait until the last minute! I made that mistake and had a 2-week gap in benefits while they processed everything. Also, if you're in construction like me, make sure your doctor is very specific about your work restrictions in the certification. They need to clearly state that you cannot perform your regular job duties, not just that you're "recovering." EDD scrutinizes construction workers more closely since they assume we can do light duty (even when we can't). One more tip - if your doctor's office is slow with paperwork, offer to pick up the completed form yourself and submit it directly to EDD. That saved me time when I needed my extension processed quickly.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with my shoulder injury. One thing that helped me was calling EDD's SDI line early in the morning (like 8:00 AM sharp when they open) - I had much better luck getting through than calling later in the day. Also, when you talk to your orthopedist about the updated certification, ask them to be really detailed about your limitations. Mine wrote something like "patient cannot lift over 5 lbs, cannot work overhead, cannot operate heavy machinery" which was way more specific than just saying I needed more recovery time. The more detailed they are about why you can't do construction work, the better. Good luck - the whole process is stressful but it sounds like you're getting good advice here!