I went through this exact same transition about 6 months ago and can confirm what everyone is saying - definitely use February 29th as your last worked date! One thing I wish someone had told me is to screenshot or print out your final SDI payment confirmation before applying for UI. When I had my phone interview, the EDD rep asked for specific details about my disability claim end date and benefit amounts, and having that info handy made the conversation go much smoother. Also, don't panic if there's a 1-2 week gap between your last SDI payment and your first UI payment - that seems to be normal processing time. You sound like you're being really thorough about this, which is smart. The transition can feel overwhelming but you've got all the right information now!

I'm currently going through a similar situation - my disability benefits end in a few weeks and I'm preparing to apply for UI. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I wanted to add that when I spoke with my doctor about the work release, they mentioned being very specific about any ongoing limitations. Even though I'm cleared to return to work, I still have some restrictions that might affect certain types of jobs. Has anyone dealt with having work restrictions during their UI claim? I'm wondering if that complicates the "able and available for work" requirement or if EDD is understanding about medical limitations as long as you can still perform work in your field.

Plot twist: the payments were inside us all along 🤣

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got approved last Tuesday but still waiting on that first payment. It's so nerve-wracking when you're counting on that money. I've been refreshing my bank account like every hour 😅 From what I'm reading here, sounds like 2-3 weeks is normal but some people wait longer. Really hoping we both get our payments soon! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Bruh, EDD is straight up ghosting you 👻 Time to slide into their DMs (aka blow up their phone lines) 📞💯

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's incredibly stressful when your disability payments just stop without explanation. A few things that have helped me and others I know: First, definitely call the SDI phone line (1-800-480-3287) as soon as possible. I know the hold times are brutal, but getting a human on the line is crucial. When you do get through, ask them to check for any "stops" or "holds" on your claim and get specific details about what triggered it. Also, log into your SDI Online account if you haven't already - sometimes there are pending issues or required actions that don't get mailed but show up there. Look for anything under "Inbox" or "Notifications." One thing that's not obvious: sometimes your doctor needs to submit updated medical certification, and EDD doesn't always send clear notices about this. If your original certification period is ending, that could be why payments stopped. Document everything - dates of calls, names of representatives you speak with, reference numbers. This will help if you need to escalate or file an appeal later. Hang in there - these issues usually get resolved, it just takes persistence and patience (I know, easier said than done when you're depending on these payments). Keep us updated on how it goes!

That's a great tip about checking the exact formatting! We did move about 8 months ago, so it's possible something got entered differently on the unemployment claim versus what was on file for disability. We'll double-check this.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! My wife transitioned from UI to SDI and now back to UI, and we're having the same Bank of America verification issues. What's really frustrating is that she's been using the same EDD card for over a year with no problems, and suddenly after filing the new UI claim, BofA says her information doesn't match. I called EDD yesterday and the representative told me this happens because when you file a new claim (even if it's the same benefit type you had before), it creates a completely new account in their system. Sometimes the personal information from your old claim doesn't transfer over correctly to the new one. The EDD rep suggested I request what they call a "benefit verification letter" that shows all the correct information on file, then take that to Bank of America. Has anyone tried this approach? I'm hoping it might be faster than waiting for a completely new card.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my paper forms 8 days ago and the uncertainty is driving me crazy. My doctor also insisted on paper forms because he said he could provide more detailed medical documentation that way. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - sounds like 3-4 weeks is pretty standard for paper claims, but the stories about lost paperwork are terrifying! I'm definitely going to call at the 2-week mark to confirm they have my claim. One thing I'm wondering - for those who got their claims approved, did you receive any kind of confirmation text or email when it was processed, or is it just the mail notices? Also planning to sign up for that USPS Informed Delivery service someone mentioned - at least then I'll know when something from EDD is coming. Thanks for posting this question, it's so helpful to know others are in the same boat!

I just went through this exact same process 2 months ago! My doctor also insisted on paper forms and I was freaking out about the timeline. Here's what actually happened: I mailed my forms on a Tuesday, EDD received them Friday (confirmed via tracking), and I got my debit card exactly 26 days after they received it. The waiting was absolutely brutal, especially not being able to check status online like everyone else. But the backpay was worth it - I got everything from my disability start date minus the 7-day waiting period, so my first payment was pretty substantial. My advice: definitely call at the 2-week mark to confirm they have your paperwork (I wish I had done this earlier), and try calling first thing in the morning around 8am for shorter wait times. Also, don't panic if you don't get the Notice of Computation - mine never came but the debit card showed up anyway. You've got this! The wait is awful but you'll get through it.