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wait i just remembered something - is your back injury from work??? if it happened at work even partly you should be on workers comp not SDI!!! that pays way more and lasts longer!
I'm in a similar boat - my SDI is ending next month and I'm still not cleared for work. One thing that's helped me is reaching out to 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they connect you with local resources for emergency financial assistance, food banks, and utility help. Some counties have specific programs for people in the gap between state disability and other benefits. Also, if you haven't already, apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and see if you qualify for any utility assistance programs through LIHEAP. Every bit helps when you're trying to stretch what little savings you have left. The application process for these is way faster than SSDI. Hang in there - this gap period is brutal but there are people and programs out there to help bridge it.
Thank you for mentioning 211 - I had no idea that service existed! I'm definitely going to call them today. The CalFresh suggestion is really smart too, I hadn't thought about applying for food assistance but you're right that every bit helps right now. It's reassuring to know there are others going through this same awful gap period and that there might be some local resources I haven't discovered yet.
This is such a relief to see! I'm a newcomer here and currently dealing with the exact same situation - my first SDI payment has been pending for 8 days now and I was starting to panic. Reading through everyone's experiences really helps calm my nerves. It sounds like these delays are unfortunately pretty common right now, especially for first payments. I'm going to try some of the suggestions mentioned here like double-checking my SDI Online messages and maybe using that Claimyr service if it goes much longer. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is so helpful for people navigating this stressful process!
Welcome to the community! I totally understand that panic feeling - I was in your exact shoes just a couple weeks ago with my first SDI payment. It's scary when you're depending on that money and it just doesn't show up when expected. The good news is that everyone here has been super helpful and it sounds like these delays really are just part of the system right now unfortunately. Definitely try checking those SDI Online messages first since that's free, and keep track of your business days. Hopefully yours comes through soon! Feel free to update us on how it goes.
I'm new here and going through my first SDI experience too. This thread is incredibly helpful - I've been waiting 6 days for my first payment and was starting to worry something was wrong with my claim. It's reassuring to know these delays seem to be the norm right now, though obviously frustrating when you're counting on that money. I've checked my SDI Online messages and banking info multiple times like others suggested, so I guess it's just a waiting game. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines and experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in this!
Hey Ethan! I just joined this community too and I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm on day 4 of waiting for my first SDI payment and was getting really anxious about it. Reading everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - it sounds like 6-12 business days is unfortunately pretty normal right now for first payments. The fact that so many people have eventually gotten their payments (even if delayed) is really reassuring. Hang in there - from what I'm reading it seems like patience is unfortunately the main thing we can do right now. Hopefully both of ours come through soon!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My automatic payments stopped coming about 10 days ago with no explanation. What's really frustrating is that I can't even get a straight answer from anyone about what's causing the delay. I've been checking my UI Online account obsessively but there's nothing new there. It's like we're all just stuck in limbo waiting for EDD to figure their stuff out. Really hoping someone here has found a solution that actually works.
I feel your pain! The lack of communication from EDD is probably the most frustrating part. Have you tried reaching out through multiple channels at once? Sometimes hitting them from different angles (phone, online messaging, even social media) can get their attention faster. Also, if you haven't already, try logging in at different times of day - sometimes the system updates overnight and you might catch new information early in the morning.
I'm so sorry you're going through this - I know exactly how stressful it is when bills are piling up and you're not getting the payments you were promised. One thing that helped me when I had a similar issue was creating a paper trail by sending messages through the UI Online portal AND following up with certified mail to document everything. Also, check if there are any local EDD offices near you that do walk-ins - sometimes showing up in person can get faster results than phone calls. In the meantime, if you're really struggling with bills, contact your utility companies and creditors to explain the situation - many have hardship programs or will work with you on payment plans while you sort this out with EDD. Don't lose hope, this will get resolved!
This is really solid advice! I especially like the idea about creating a paper trail - documentation is so important when dealing with government agencies. The certified mail tip is brilliant because it creates an official record that they received your inquiry. I've also heard that some people have had luck reaching out to their local state assembly member's office - they often have staff dedicated to helping constituents navigate issues with state agencies like EDD. It might be worth a shot if the other methods don't work out. Hang in there, these delays are unfortunately common but they do get resolved eventually!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My doctor cleared me to return Monday and I've been sitting here staring at my certification form for the past hour trying to figure this out. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful - sounds like the consensus is clear that I should certify through today (Sunday) since Monday is my official return date. It's honestly mind-boggling how EDD makes something this straightforward so confusing on their website. I was terrified of accidentally committing fraud or losing out on benefits I'm entitled to. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread should honestly be pinned somewhere because I bet tons of people run into this same confusion when doing their final certification!
You've got it exactly right! Since your doctor cleared you to return on Monday, Sunday (today) should be your last day of disability that you include in your certification. I'm new to this community too and was in the same boat just a few weeks ago - staring at that form wondering if I was going to mess everything up! This thread really is a goldmine of information. I ended up following the advice here (certify through the day before your return date) and everything went smoothly. Just make sure to submit it today and keep a screenshot of your confirmation like others mentioned. You're so close to being done with this whole process - don't let EDD's confusing instructions stress you out when you've already got the right answer!
I just went through this exact same situation last month and can definitely confirm what everyone else is saying - you certify through your last day of disability (6/9), NOT your return-to-work date (6/10). I was equally confused when I first saw the certification form, but the rule is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it: disability benefits cover you up until the day before you're cleared to return to work. I made the mistake of calling EDD to ask about this and spent 2 hours on hold just to get the same answer that's already been given here multiple times. Save yourself the headache and just submit with 6/9 as your final day. I did mine correctly and got my final payment within about 5 business days with no issues. Also, definitely submit it today like others have mentioned - don't wait! I learned from reading forums like this that any delay in submitting your final certification can cause unnecessary complications with your final payment. You've got all the information you need now, so go ahead and get it done!
Raj Gupta
I feel your pain, OP. The EDD is like trying to nail jello to a wall. Keep at it and don't let them wear you down!
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Esmeralda Gómez
•Thanks for the encouragement. It definitely feels that way sometimes!
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Owen Jenkins
I had a similar issue last month when I missed their callback. What worked for me was logging into my EDD account online and looking for a "Contact EDD" or "Ask EDD" option where you can send a message explaining that you missed the call and need to reschedule. I also tried calling the 1-800-300-5616 number right at 8 AM when they open - it took about 30 tries but I finally got through. Don't lose hope, they will eventually connect with you again!
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Yuki Nakamura
•This is really helpful advice! I didn't know about the "Ask EDD" option online. I've been so focused on calling that I forgot to check if there were other ways to reach them through my account. Thanks for sharing what worked for you - gives me hope that I can get this sorted out!
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