I actually had to do this last year when I got divorced and went back to my maiden name. One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure you update your name with Social Security FIRST before calling SDI. They cross-reference everything and if there's a mismatch, it can delay the process. Also, if you're changing back to a previous name (like maiden name), they might ask for additional documentation showing the connection. The rep I spoke to was actually pretty helpful once I got through - she walked me through everything step by step. Hang in there, it's not as scary as it seems! 💪

One thing that helped me was calling multiple numbers if the main SDI line was busy. Sometimes the general EDD number can transfer you to disability services and the wait times can be shorter. Also, if you have to mail documents, I'd recommend using certified mail with tracking so you have proof they received everything. The peace of mind is worth the extra few dollars! And definitely keep calling back if you don't hear anything within their promised timeframe - sometimes things get lost in their system and a follow-up call can get things moving again.

I'm in almost the exact same situation! My doctor also went the paper route (said something about being able to include more comprehensive medical details), and I mailed my forms last Monday. The waiting without being able to check online is torture! Based on everyone's responses here, I'm planning to call EDD next Monday (will be my 2-week mark) to confirm they have my paperwork in the system. The stories about lost claims are scary but it sounds like most people do eventually get through the process. Really hoping we both get our debit cards in the next few weeks - the backpay should help make up for this stressful waiting period! Thanks for posting this, it's so comforting to know others are dealing with the same paper form delays.

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!

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like you have a good chance of continuing your existing claim for intermittent benefits, but the key is acting quickly and getting the right documentation. I'd recommend: 1. Contact your doctor ASAP to discuss the DE 2525XX form and make sure they understand this needs to be clearly connected to your December surgery 2. Don't formally close your current SDI claim when you return to work - keep it active 3. Consider using that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get through to an actual EDD rep to confirm the process The fact that multiple people here have successfully done this gives me hope for your situation. The conflicting experiences seem to come down to timing (setting it up before vs after closing the claim) and documentation quality. Since you're planning ahead, you should be in good shape. Keep us posted on how it goes - your experience could help others in similar situations!

As someone who recently went through a similar situation with my wrist surgery, I can confirm that intermittent SDI benefits are definitely possible! The key is coordination and timing. Here's what worked for me: 1. I spoke with my doctor about the intermittent treatment plan BEFORE my scheduled return to work date 2. My doctor completed the DE 2525XX form specifically mentioning that the ongoing PT was "medically necessary continuation of treatment for the original surgical condition" 3. I called EDD (yes, it took forever to get through) and informed them I would be returning to work but needed intermittent benefits for treatment days The process was actually smoother than I expected once I had the right paperwork. For my situation, I was getting PT twice a week for about 6 weeks, missing either half days or full days depending on the appointment schedule. EDD calculated my benefits based on the exact hours missed. One thing I learned: keep detailed records of every appointment and exactly how many hours you miss. EDD will ask for this information when you certify for benefits. Also, make sure your employer is aware of the situation - mine was actually relieved that I had the SDI coverage for those days rather than having to use sick time or unpaid leave. The whole process took about 2 weeks from when I submitted the supplemental form to when I received my first intermittent payment. Definitely worth pursuing rather than filing a completely new claim!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My first SDI payment processed last Monday (7 business days ago) for a rotator cuff injury and I'm still waiting for the debit card. The anxiety is killing me - especially since I can see $2,100 just sitting there in my account but can't touch it. I finally got through to Bank of America this morning using the 8 AM tip someone mentioned here, and they confirmed my card was mailed 5 days ago, so hopefully it arrives Monday or Tuesday. What's really frustrating is that nowhere in the SDI approval process does it clearly explain this delay. When you're already stressed about being unable to work and medical bills piling up, the last thing you need is wondering when you'll actually get your benefits! For anyone else waiting - I also discovered you can call your local EDD office directly (not the main number) and sometimes they can at least give you more specific timing information. The whole system really needs better communication about these delays upfront.

I went through this exact same stressful situation about 8 months ago when I started SDI for a workplace injury. The waiting period between seeing "paid" and actually getting the card is absolutely brutal - you're already dealing with the stress of being injured and unable to work, and then you can't even access your own benefits! What helped me was creating a checklist of actions: 1) Call BofA at exactly 8 AM (1-866-692-9374) to confirm mailing date, 2) Check with all neighbors about misdelivered mail, 3) Contact your landlord/creditors to explain the medical situation - most are surprisingly understanding about disability benefit delays, 4) Consider a small loan from family/friends since you know the money is definitely coming. The card typically arrives 7-10 business days after first payment processing, so you should see it very soon. Once you get it, immediately set up direct deposit through the BofA app so future payments go straight to your bank account. This whole experience really highlights how poorly EDD communicates these delays to people who are already in vulnerable situations. Hang in there - you're almost through the worst part!

Just joining this community as a newcomer dealing with my own EDD nightmare! This thread has been absolutely invaluable - I'm currently on day 8 of waiting for my SDI payment after certification and was starting to think I was the only one experiencing this. Reading about @Aisha Khan's experience with the random eligibility review that EDD never bothered to notify her about is both reassuring and infuriating. It's 2025 and we're dealing with a system that operates like it's stuck in the stone age! The fact that 5% of claims get randomly selected for review with zero communication to claimants is just unacceptable. I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy that worked for @Aisha Khan. To all the other newcomers dealing with similar delays (@CosmicVoyager @Amara Okafor @Vince Eh @Malik Johnson @Fatima Al-Qasimi @Nick Kravitz) - it's oddly comforting to know we're not alone in this broken system! Thank you all for sharing your real experiences and creating this supportive community. It's honestly more helpful than anything I've found on EDD's official website. Will definitely update once I manage to get through to them!

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to say how incredibly helpful and eye-opening this entire thread has been! I'm currently dealing with my first SDI claim (filed 2 weeks ago for a wrist injury) and had absolutely no idea about these random payment reviews or the complete lack of communication from EDD. Reading through @Aisha Khan's experience - going through 2 weeks of stress and anxiety only to discover it was just a random eligibility review that EDD never bothered to notify her about - is both relieving and absolutely maddening. The fact that 5% of claims get flagged for these reviews with ZERO notification to claimants in 2025 is just inexcusable. It's honestly shocking how many people here have similar stories of unexplained payment delays. @Carmen Lopez's experience of needing 27 calls over 2 days just to reach someone, @Andre Dupont dealing with doctor paperwork issues that EDD never communicated, and now all these other newcomers (@CosmicVoyager @Jade O'Malley @Kai Santiago and others) facing the same broken system - it really shows how widespread this problem is. I'm definitely bookmarking the 8am calling strategy for when I inevitably need it. Thank you all for sharing your real-world experiences and creating this supportive space where we can actually get useful information that EDD fails to provide. This community is already proving more valuable than their entire official website!