I've been through this exact nightmare! Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of trying: First, make sure you're not using any password managers or autofill - type everything manually. Second, try accessing the site from a library computer or friend's device to rule out any issues with your specific setup. Third, check if you have any pending identity verification requirements in your account - sometimes the system throws generic error codes when it actually needs additional documentation from you. I also discovered that clearing your DNS cache can help (on Windows: open command prompt as admin and type "ipconfig /flushdns"). The EDD system is incredibly temperamental, but don't let it discourage you from getting the benefits you deserve. If nothing else works, consider visiting a local EDD office in person - sometimes that's the only way to get real help with technical issues. Keep us posted on what ends up working! 💪

I've been dealing with EDD login errors on and off for the past year, and here's what I've learned from trial and error: The most important thing is to make sure your account isn't locked due to too many failed login attempts - if you've been trying repeatedly, you might need to wait 24 hours before trying again. Also, try accessing the site using your mobile browser instead of desktop - I've noticed the mobile version sometimes works when the desktop site doesn't. Another weird trick that's worked for me: log out of ALL other government websites (like IRS, DMV, etc.) before trying EDD - sometimes there are session conflicts between different state systems. If you're still stuck, document everything - screenshot the error codes, note the exact time you tried, and what browser you used. This info will be super helpful when you do get through to a human rep. The system is frustrating but don't give up - your benefits are worth the hassle! 🙏

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I just went through the exact same thing with my extended maternity SDI - the sudden stop in payments with no warning about needing to certify is such a shock when you're already dealing with recovery and a new baby. From my experience, after you submit that continuation certification form, it usually takes about 3-5 business days for the payment to process and show up in your account. Since you completed it this morning, I'd expect to see something by Wednesday or Thursday of next week. And unfortunately yes, you'll need to certify every two weeks for the remainder of your extended period - it's totally different from the initial automatic payments. I wish they made this clearer upfront! One thing that really helped me was immediately checking my EDD portal after certifying to see when my next certification window opens, then setting multiple phone reminders. The windows are usually about 2 weeks apart but the exact dates can vary slightly. Hang in there - the payment should come through soon and once you get into the rhythm of the bi-weekly certifications, it becomes more manageable. You've got this! 💙

I'm new to this community but going through something very similar! My maternity SDI just got extended for 6 weeks due to c-section complications, and like everyone else here, I had no idea about the certification requirements until my payments suddenly stopped. Reading through all these responses has been SO helpful - I had no idea about the direct SDI phone number (1-800-480-3287) or the tip about calling right at 8am. The screenshot idea for certification confirmations is brilliant too! It's honestly shocking how poorly EDD communicates these changes. You'd think when they approve an extension, they'd clearly explain that the payment process completely changes. Instead we're all left scrambling and stressing about money when we should be focusing on recovery. For anyone else dealing with this - you're definitely not alone! This thread has shown me there are so many of us going through the exact same confusing process. Hoping everyone gets their payments sorted out quickly! 🙏

Pro tip from someone who's been through this multiple times with irregular income: When you're gathering all those W-2s, also grab any 1099s you might have received. Film industry workers often get both W-2s AND 1099s depending on how different productions classified you (employee vs contractor). EDD wants to see ALL income sources during your base period, not just W-2 income. I learned this the hard way when they initially denied my claim because I only sent W-2s but had significant 1099 income that pushed me into a higher benefit tier. Also, if any of your employers went out of business or you can't locate a W-2, you can use your final paystub from that job - it shows your year-to-date earnings and SSN. Good luck with getting this sorted before your trip!

Hey Diego! I went through this exact same verification process last month and here's what worked for me: For SSN proof, your W-2s are perfect since they show your full SSN. You definitely need ALL W-2s from your base period - even those short 3-week gigs matter because EDD calculates your benefit based on your highest quarter, and those smaller amounts could push you into a higher benefit bracket. Quick action items for your timeline: 1) Gather every W-2 and 1099 from 2024, 2) Create a numbered list with employer names and earnings as a cover letter, 3) Write your claim ID on every single page, 4) Send via certified mail to the Rancho Cordova address mentioned above. Since you're traveling next week, I'd also recommend uploading digital copies through your EDD online portal if that option is available for your claim type - sometimes that processes faster than mail. The film industry's multiple employer situation is super common and they're used to it, just make sure everything is organized clearly so there's no confusion!

Just wanted to check back - were you able to get through to EDD? Did they confirm your benefits are still valid?

So glad you got confirmation from EDD! That must be such a huge weight off your shoulders. I've been following your situation and was really worried for you. It's awful what your employer did, but at least your disability benefits are secure. Focus on your surgery and recovery now - the employment law stuff can wait until you're feeling better. Wishing you a smooth surgery and quick healing! 💪

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar boat - just got the same request from EDD and was totally overwhelmed. Reading through everyone's experiences and tips has made me feel way less alone in this mess. Special shoutout to @KaiEsmeralda for that incredibly detailed guide - you're amazing! One thing I'm curious about: has anyone had success with submitting everything at once versus breaking it up into smaller batches? I'm worried about file size limits but also don't want to flood them with separate emails. Also, for those who've been through this - how long did it typically take for them to review everything once submitted? Thanks again everyone for sharing your experiences. This community is a lifesaver! 🙏

I just went through this exact process last month! Here's what worked for me: Upload everything through your EDD online account portal if possible - it's way more reliable than email. I organized my paystubs chronologically (oldest to newest) and created one master PDF with clear page breaks between months. For your photo ID, scan both front and back on the same page so they can see it's all one document. Make sure the scan is high quality - they rejected my first attempt because the text was too blurry. Pro tip: Create a simple cover letter listing exactly what you're submitting (12 months paystubs from X date to Y date, photo ID, etc.) with your claim number at the top. This helps them process it faster. The whole review took about 3 weeks for me. Don't panic if you don't hear back right away - they're swamped but they will get to it. Keep copies of everything and screenshot your submission confirmations! You got this! The process sucks but once it's done, it's done. 💪