I'm sorry you're going through this situation. Workplace harassment is serious and it sounds like you made the right decision for your mental health. Just wanted to add a few practical tips based on what others have shared: When you call EDD (or use one of those callback services mentioned), have all your documentation ready before the call - dates, specific incidents, any attempts you made to resolve it. Write out a timeline so you don't forget important details during the interview. Also, since you mentioned the harassment was affecting your mental health, if you end up seeing a doctor or counselor about stress/anxiety from this situation, keep those records too. While it won't qualify you for disability as someone mentioned, it could serve as additional evidence that the workplace conditions were genuinely harmful. The waiting period is stressful, but stay consistent with your certifications and work search activities. Even if the determination takes weeks, you want to show EDD you're following all the requirements during this time. Wishing you the best with this process - harassment cases can be challenging but you seem to be taking all the right steps!

I've been in a similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. When I had my determination interview, the EDD representative was actually quite thorough and fair - they asked detailed questions but seemed genuinely interested in understanding the situation rather than just denying the claim. A few things that helped my case: 1. I created a simple spreadsheet with dates, times, what happened, and who was present for each incident 2. I saved any text messages or emails related to scheduling/work that showed the hostile environment 3. I was very specific about how the harassment interfered with my ability to do my job (customers complaining about the yelling, being unable to concentrate, etc.) The key phrase EDD looks for is whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under those circumstances. Since you tried addressing it directly with the owner multiple times and there was no higher authority to report to, that really strengthens your case. Also, don't be discouraged if it takes a while to get through to someone - the wait times are brutal but the actual representatives I've dealt with have been professional and understanding. Document everything now while it's fresh in your memory!

I just wanted to share my recent experience since it might help with your situation! I went through SDI verification about 2 months ago and had almost identical issues - paystub with "THIS IS NOT A CHECK" and only partial SSN showing. What ended up working perfectly was submitting both documents (paystub and W-2) together with a brief explanatory note, exactly like others have suggested. But here's what I wish someone had told me - make sure to keep copies of everything you submit and note the submission date/time. EDD's online system can be glitchy sometimes, and having that documentation saved me when I had to call and verify they received my documents. Also, if you submit through SDI Online, you should get an email confirmation - if you don't receive that within a few hours, definitely follow up. The whole process took about 8 business days from submission to approval once I sent both documents together. The "THIS IS NOT A CHECK" language was never an issue at all. Good luck with your dad's claim - you're doing all the right things by being thorough with the documentation!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now with my mom's SDI claim! She's been so stressed about whether her paystub will be accepted because it also has that "THIS IS NOT A CHECK" text and only shows partial SSN. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring - it sounds like submitting both the paystub and W-2 together is definitely the way to go. I'm planning to follow the advice about combining them into one PDF with a cover note explaining why we're including both documents. One question for those who've been through this - did you submit the documents through SDI Online or mail them in? I'm wondering if one method tends to be faster or more reliable than the other. My mom is anxious to get this resolved quickly since she's been unable to work due to her condition. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - it's so helpful to see that this is a common issue and that there are clear solutions!

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim 5 weeks ago and the silence is deafening! One thing I learned from others here is to definitely verify your doctor actually sent the paperwork AND to the correct fax number. I called my doc's office three times before they finally confirmed they had submitted it. Also, try calling EDD right at 8am when they open - I've had better luck getting through early morning. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're counting on that money. Stay strong and keep pushing! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the wait is absolutely nerve-wracking when you really need the money! I'm currently waiting on my claim too (7 weeks now) and here's what I've learned from this community: definitely call your doctor's office to confirm they sent the paperwork and got a confirmation. Then check your SDI Online account for any updates or missing documents. The early morning calling strategy seems to work best for reaching EDD - set an alarm for 7:55am and be ready to redial constantly when they open at 8am. Also keep track of everything (dates, who you spoke to, reference numbers) because it helps when you finally get through to someone. The system is frustrating but don't give up! We're all rooting for each other here 💪

I'm an employment attorney who handles UI appeals. A few important things you should know: 1. Benefits exclusivity: You can't receive UI and SDI for the same period. That's firm. 2. Time frames: If you win your appeal, you can receive UI benefits for periods when you were able and available for work (before your disability). 3. Documentation needs: Bring crystal clear documentation to your hearing showing: - When you became disabled (medical certification date) - Your first SDI payment date - Any work search efforts during the UI claim period 4. After disability: You'll need to reopen your UI claim after your disability ends. Do this immediately when your doctor releases you to work. The most common mistake I see is poor preparation for the appeal hearing. Be organized with your dates and documentation. Speaking with an EDD representative before your hearing can help clarify exactly what you need to bring.

I went through something very similar recently! The key thing to understand is that you can absolutely get backpay for the UI weeks before your disability started - those are completely separate time periods. When I had my appeal hearing, I made a timeline showing exactly when I filed UI, when I was denied, when my disability began, and which weeks I was requesting payment for. The judge appreciated having everything laid out clearly. One thing that helped me was calling EDD a few days before my hearing to confirm they had received my SDI start date information. I also brought printed screenshots from my UI Online account showing my certification history up until my disability began. The transition back to UI after disability can be tricky - make sure to call them the day your doctor clears you to return to work. Don't wait! I learned that the hard way and had a gap in benefits while they reactivated my claim. Good luck with your appeal! It sounds like you have a solid case since you were properly unemployed and looking for work before your health issues began.

Once your doctor submits the medical certification for your SDI claim, you should check your SDI Online account daily. If there are any issues, they'll show up in your account before you get a letter in the mail. Watch for status changes from "pending" to either "processing" or "additional information needed." Also, one technical detail: make sure you properly end your UI claim when you start SDI. There's a specific process for this. You need to stop certifying for UI benefits once your disability begins. If you continue certifying for UI while on SDI, the system will flag it as potential fraud, even if you're not actually receiving UI payments due to the appeal. Your SDI benefits will be based on the same base period as your UI claim was, so your weekly amount should be similar to what your UI would have been (though calculated slightly differently).

I went through something very similar when I was pregnant with my second child. The good news is that you can absolutely file for SDI while your UI appeal is pending - they're handled by different departments within EDD and won't interfere with each other. A few practical tips from my experience: - When filling out the SDI application online, there's a section asking about other EDD claims. Be completely honest about your pending UI appeal. - Make sure your OB-GYN is very specific about your disability start date on the DE 2501 form. With high-risk pregnancy complications like yours, they should have clear documentation. - Consider asking your doctor to include a note about your work restrictions (like no lifting, need for frequent breaks, etc.) to strengthen your case. The processing time for SDI can be 2-4 weeks, but pregnancy disability claims often move faster than other types. Since you need income ASAP and your doctor says you need to be on disability immediately, don't wait - apply today if possible. Your health and your baby's health are the priority here. Keep all your documentation organized because EDD might ask for clarification about the timeline between your job loss and when your disability began. Good luck!