I work for a disability advocacy organization and we've been seeing this exact issue A LOT lately. The ID.me system has been having major problems with their driver's license verification database. Here's what I recommend based on what's been working for our clients: 1. Submit that paper application immediately - don't wait! Paper applications are actually processing faster than online ones right now due to all the ID.me issues. 2. When you contact ID.me support, specifically mention "false positive driver's license match" - this helps them route your ticket to the right department. 3. If you have an old passport or state ID card, try using that instead for ID.me verification as a workaround. 4. Keep detailed records of every interaction - dates, names, reference numbers, etc. This helps if you need to escalate later. The good news is that EDD/SDI is aware this is a widespread technical issue and they're working on fixes. In the meantime, the paper route is your best bet for getting benefits processed without delay. Don't let the bureaucracy discourage you - you deserve these benefits! 💪

I went through this exact same nightmare about 6 months ago! The ID.me driver's license error is SO common right now - you're definitely not alone. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I submitted the paper application right away (which ended up being approved faster than online would have been anyway), AND I also filed a complaint with my state assembly member's office. They have a constituent services team that specifically helps with EDD/SDI issues, and they were able to get my ID.me account sorted out within a week. Also, just a heads up - when you do get through to someone at SDI, ask them to put a note in your file about the ID.me technical issue. That way if there are any delays or complications later, there's documentation that this wasn't your fault. The whole system is frustrating but hang in there - you'll get through it! 🤞

Just adding my experience to this super helpful thread! I got my claim date adjustment letter about 3 weeks ago and was initially terrified - thought for sure I'd messed something up or was going to lose benefits. But after reading similar discussions online and calling EDD, it turned out they had corrected some quarterly wage data that actually increased my weekly benefit amount by $45! What really helped me was logging into my EDD portal before calling and taking screenshots of my claim details - benefit year dates, weekly amount, etc. Then after the adjustment I could easily compare what had changed. Made the phone conversation with the rep much clearer too since I had specific questions about the differences. The rep explained that these adjustments happen all the time when their system finds additional wage records or corrects employer-reported data. She said it's actually a good thing because it means you're getting the accurate benefits you've earned based on your complete work history. One tip that worked for me - I called at exactly 8:02am on a Wednesday and got through in about 20 minutes. Way better than the 2+ hour holds I'd experienced calling during midday! Don't stress about it @PixelPrincess - sounds like you're in good company with all of us who've been through this. Most likely it's either neutral or actually good news for you! 🤞

Just wanted to add my experience to help ease everyone's minds! I got a claim date adjustment letter about two months ago and had the exact same panic reaction as everyone here - immediately thought I was in trouble or had made some huge mistake on my application. Turns out it was actually really good news! They found wage records from a part-time job I had in early 2023 that somehow didn't get included initially. The adjustment ended up extending my benefit year by about 5 weeks and increased my weekly amount by $22. What really surprised me was how straightforward the phone call was once I got through. The rep was super patient and explained that these adjustments are completely routine - their systems are constantly cross-referencing wage databases to make sure people get the full benefits they've earned. My advice: definitely check your online portal first like others have suggested, then call for confirmation. I used the 8am strategy and got through in about 25 minutes. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions - the reps deal with these adjustment calls constantly and are usually happy to explain exactly what changed and why. Hang in there @PixelPrincess! Based on everything I've seen in this thread, you're most likely looking at neutral or positive news. These letters just sound way scarier than they actually are! 💙

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this, Donna. I went through something similar earlier this year and the anxiety was terrible. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through my EDD account so I'd get notified immediately if there were any status changes or requests for additional info. 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 know everyone's saying to call, but I actually had better luck with the "Ask EDD" feature on their website. It took about 3 days to get a response, but at least I got some clarity on what was holding up my case. The waiting is absolutely brutal, but most people I know eventually got their payments sorted out. Keep checking your account daily and don't lose hope! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress, Donna! I was in a similar situation a few months ago and it was absolutely nerve-wracking. Here are a few things that helped me get my disability payments sorted out: First, make sure to screenshot or print everything from your online account - sometimes info disappears or changes. Second, try calling right at 8:01 AM when they open, and if you can't get through, try again exactly at lunch time around 12:30 PM when some staff come back from break. Also, check if you have any outstanding medical forms - sometimes doctors forget to submit follow-up paperwork that EDD needs. I ended up having to get my doctor's office to resend some certification forms that got lost in their system. It took about 7 weeks total but I did receive all my back payments once everything was straightened out. The waiting is horrible but hang in there - most people do eventually get their payments! 💙

I went through this same transition last year! Just wanted to add a few things that helped me avoid issues: 1. Keep ALL your paperwork from both UI and SDI - I had to reference my UI claim dates when there was a question about my SDI timeline 2. Take screenshots of your last UI certification and the date you stop certifying - this saved me when EDD questioned whether I had properly ended my UI claim 3. Ask your doctor to put the START DATE of your disability on the medical form, not just sign it - mine initially just signed without specifying when my disability began and it caused a delay 4. If you have any saved sick/vacation time from your old job, that might affect your SDI calculation, so mention it when you file The pregnancy-induced hypertension should definitely qualify you for early disability before the standard 36-week mark. Wishing you a healthy rest of your pregnancy and hoping your claim goes smoothly! The EDD process is stressful enough without pregnancy complications on top of it.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who also transitioned from UI to pregnancy disability! I was laid off in January and found out I was pregnant in March while still on unemployment. When I developed gestational diabetes at 26 weeks, my doctor put me on disability immediately. A few things that really helped me: - I called EDD the day before I planned to stop certifying for UI to confirm the exact process. The rep walked me through everything and noted my account that I was transitioning to SDI - Make sure your doctor dates your disability to start on a Sunday if possible - EDD processes benefit weeks Sunday to Saturday, so this helps avoid any weird partial week calculations - I kept a simple spreadsheet tracking my last UI certification date, my disability start date, and all the key dates. Sounds nerdy but it helped when I had to reference things later The transition was actually smoother than I expected once I got all the dates straight. Your pregnancy-induced hypertension should definitely qualify you for early disability - that's a legit medical condition that prevents you from working, not just normal pregnancy discomfort. Hang in there! The paperwork stress is the worst part, but once it's processed you'll have one less thing to worry about. Focus on your health and your baby! ❤️

I'm dealing with the same frustrating issues! After reading through all these suggestions, I'm definitely going to try the early morning/late night approach and test different browsers. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a whole strategy guide just to submit basic paperwork, but I really appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked for them. One thing I wanted to add - I noticed that when I get those session timeout errors, sometimes if I go back to the previous page (don't refresh, just hit the back button) and then forward again, it lets me continue where I left off instead of starting over. Doesn't work every time, but it's saved me from re-entering everything a few times. Also, for anyone else dealing with this - I started taking screenshots at every step of the process, not just the error messages. That way if I do get through to a human eventually, I can show them exactly where in the process things keep breaking down. Hang in there everyone! This system is clearly broken but we shouldn't have to give up on benefits we're entitled to. Keep trying different approaches and times - something will eventually stick! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I just went through the exact same nightmare last month and finally got my claim submitted after trying literally everything. Here's what ultimately worked for me: 1. Use Firefox in private/incognito mode - clear ALL cookies and cache first 2. Try submitting between 5-7 AM or after 11 PM when traffic is lowest 3. Fill out your application in a Word doc first, then copy/paste everything in one session to avoid timeouts 4. If you get the spinning wheel of death, DON'T refresh - open a new tab, log back in, and your progress might still be there The most important thing: if the online system keeps failing, mail your paperwork certified mail as a backup! The EDD accepts mailed applications and at least you'll beat the deadline. I ended up doing both - kept trying online AND mailed everything just in case. Also, document every error with screenshots and timestamps. I had to escalate to a supervisor eventually and having that proof made all the difference. Don't give up - the system is completely broken but your benefits are worth the fight! You've got this! 💪