I've been through this exact situation! Was stuck in identity verification hell for 8 weeks last year. A few things that finally helped me break through: 1) Contact your state assemblyperson's constituent services office - they have direct contacts at EDD and can escalate your case, 2) Make sure you submitted the DE 1326C form (Identity Verification form) - this is often the missing piece that keeps cases stuck, 3) Try calling the SDI Technical Support line at 1-800-480-3287 early in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - better chance of getting through. Also, while you wait, look into your county's General Relief program and local food banks for emergency assistance. The financial stress while waiting is brutal, especially when you're already dealing with medical issues. Keep certifying every two weeks no matter what - you'll get all the back pay once it's resolved. Don't give up, the system is broken but you will eventually get through it!

I went through this identity verification nightmare last year and it was absolutely maddening! What finally worked for me was submitting a complaint through the California Department of Insurance (they oversee SDI) - not just EDD. You can file it online and they actually have authority to push EDD to resolve cases faster. Also, document EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, confirmation numbers for document uploads. When you do get through to someone, ask them to add detailed notes to your case file about what's missing or what the hold-up is. And yes, definitely contact your state rep's office - mine got my case resolved in 2 weeks after I'd been waiting 2 months. The stress of not knowing when you'll get paid while dealing with medical issues is just cruel. Hang in there, you WILL get through this and they WILL pay you back for all the weeks once it's sorted out!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Just went through a legal name change and trying to navigate all the government systems is such a headache. From what I've researched, you'll definitely need your certified copy of the name change decree from the court, plus your updated Social Security card and driver's license. When you do get through to EDD (fingers crossed!), make sure to ask them to put a note in your file about the name change so if you have to call back, the next agent will see what's going on. I've heard it can take 1-2 weeks for the system to fully update once they process it. Stay strong - we'll get through this bureaucratic maze eventually! 💪

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago! Here's what worked for me: Call EDD at 8:00 AM sharp when they open - that's your best shot at getting through. Have ALL your documents ready: certified name change court order, new Social Security card, updated driver's license, and any other ID with your new name. When you finally get someone on the phone, be super clear that you need to update your name for a PFL application specifically. They might try to transfer you between departments, but insist on staying with one person who can handle the whole process. Also, ask for confirmation that your name change won't affect any previous work history or earnings records - that was my biggest worry. The whole update took about 10 business days to fully process in their system. Don't give up, you've got this! 🙌

anyone else notice how the first ppd extension goes thru easy but if u need a second one they make it super hard?? my doctor had to submit the paperwork 3 times for my second extension!!

UPDATE: I certified for the missed periods and got an email saying my payment was processed! Should be in my account in 1-2 days. Thanks everyone for your help - I would've been lost without this advice.

That's great news that you got through to EDD and have some breathing room with the grace period! For what it's worth, I went through a similar extension process last year for anxiety/depression and it was approved without any issues once my therapist submitted the paperwork. The key thing that helped me was making sure my doctor included specific language about how my condition was "continuing from the original claim" rather than describing it as a new episode. It sounds like you're on the right track now - wishing you the best with your recovery and hope the extension goes smoothly!

I'm so glad you were able to get through to EDD and get some clarity on your situation! The 5-day grace period is definitely a game-changer - I wish I had known about that when I was dealing with my own disability extension last year. Just wanted to add that when you do get your psychiatrist to submit the paperwork, make sure they include specific details about your functional limitations and how your symptoms are preventing you from returning to work. EDD really likes to see concrete examples rather than just general statements about depression. Also, keep copies of everything for your records - sometimes paperwork gets "lost" in their system. You're doing all the right things by being proactive about this. Take care of yourself and don't feel guilty about needing this time to recover properly!

i just remembered they send them out electrilcally now to save paper. checked my email and found a notification from january that it was available online. might wanna check ur email too if u havent already lol

Just wanted to add for anyone else who might be searching for this - if you're having trouble finding the "Forms and Certificates" section in your SDI Online account, try looking under "History" first and then "Forms" from there. The navigation can be a bit confusing. Also, make sure you're logged into the SDI portion specifically, not just the regular EDD unemployment portal. I made that mistake initially and couldn't find anything until I switched to the correct section.