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I'm currently going through this same situation and wanted to share what I've learned from calling EDD multiple times. The payment suspension during DE 2546 exams is unfortunately standard procedure - they won't resume payments just from confirming your appointment. You have to wait for the actual exam AND the processing of results. However, I did find one potentially helpful option: if you can demonstrate severe financial hardship, some EDD reps said they might be able to process a partial payment while you wait. It's not guaranteed and seems to vary by who you talk to, but worth trying. I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning when wait times are shorter. Also, make sure to bring not just your medical records to the exam, but also a detailed list of how your condition specifically prevents you from working. The examining doctors often focus on functional limitations rather than just the diagnosis itself. Document things like how long you can sit/stand, lifting restrictions, concentration issues, etc. The whole process is incredibly stressful when you're already dealing with a disability, but from what I'm reading here, most people do get approved if their condition is legitimate. Hang in there and keep pushing through the system!
This is really helpful advice about documenting functional limitations! I hadn't thought about making a specific list of how my back injury affects my daily work activities. That's a great point about the doctors focusing on what you can't do rather than just the diagnosis itself. I'm going to write down everything - how long I can sit before the pain gets unbearable, my lifting restrictions, even how the pain medication affects my concentration. Thanks for the tip about calling early morning too - I've been trying to get through at random times and the wait has been brutal. It's encouraging to hear that most people with legitimate conditions do get approved. This whole process feels designed to make you give up, but I'm going to keep pushing through like you said!
I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too and it's incredibly stressful! My DE 2546 exam is scheduled for next week and I've been without payments for almost two weeks already. What's helped me cope with the financial pressure is reaching out to local community resources - some food banks, utility assistance programs, and even my landlord about a temporary payment plan. One thing I learned from my doctor's office is that they can provide a "bridge letter" - basically a detailed update on your current condition and treatment plan specifically written for the EDD examining physician. It's different from regular medical records because it's tailored to address disability determination criteria. My doctor said this sometimes helps the EDD doctor understand the full scope of ongoing limitations. Also, if you haven't already, try contacting your local disability rights organization. They sometimes have advocates who can help navigate the EDD system or at least provide guidance on what to expect. The uncertainty is the worst part of this whole process, but reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope that we'll get through this!
That's such a smart idea about the "bridge letter" from your doctor! I never would have thought to ask for something specifically tailored for the EDD examining physician. I'm definitely going to ask my doctor about that when I see her next week. The community resources tip is really practical too - I've been so focused on the EDD side that I hadn't thought about reaching out for temporary help with utilities and food. It's reassuring to know there are people like disability rights advocates who might be able to help navigate this confusing system. Thanks for sharing these resources - it helps to know we're all supporting each other through this stressful process!
I'm dealing with something similar right now - had shoulder surgery in October and then needed emergency gallstone removal in December. What really helped me was getting my second surgeon to explicitly state on the DE 2501 that this was a "separate and unrelated medical condition requiring additional disability time beyond the original claim period." My claim specialist at EDD told me that exact wording helps their system process it correctly as a supplemental certification rather than just an extension. Also, don't forget to keep doing your bi-weekly certifications even during the transition - I almost missed one because I thought my claim was "on hold" but it's not, it just gets extended with new dates. The whole process took about 8 days from when my doctor submitted the form to when I saw the updated end date in my account. Hope this helps and wishing you a speedy recovery from both surgeries!
That's incredibly helpful wording to use! I'm definitely going to ask my OB/GYN to include that exact phrase about it being a "separate and unrelated medical condition" on my DE 2501 form. It sounds like that specific language makes all the difference in how EDD processes it. And thank you for the reminder about continuing the bi-weekly certifications - I was wondering about that! I would have probably assumed the claim was paused or something. It's reassuring to hear your whole process only took 8 days. Fingers crossed mine goes as smoothly. Did you have any issues with the transition between your two different recovery periods, or did your benefits continue seamlessly once the supplemental certification was approved?
Another thing to watch out for - make sure your OB/GYN dates the DE 2501 form correctly! My doctor accidentally put the wrong date on mine (used the date she filled it out instead of my actual surgery date) and EDD kicked it back for correction. Cost me an extra week of processing time. Also, if you're still having trouble reaching EDD by phone, try calling right when they open at 8am PST. I've had better luck getting through in that first hour before the lines get completely jammed. And definitely follow up if you don't see movement on your claim within 7-10 business days after submitting the supplemental form. Sometimes these get stuck and need a gentle nudge from a representative. The system works, but you have to stay on top of it!
This is such good advice about the dating issue! I can totally see how that mistake could happen - doctors are so busy they probably just automatically put the current date without thinking about it. I'll make sure to double-check that my OB/GYN puts December 9th (my actual hysterectomy date) and not tomorrow's date when she fills out the form. The 8am calling tip is also really smart - I've been trying to call in the afternoons when I assume everyone else is probably calling too. I'll set an alarm and try first thing Monday morning if I need to follow up. Thanks for sharing your experience with the processing times too - it's helpful to know what's normal vs when I should be concerned and call to check on things!
Anyone else feel like they're stuck in a kafka-esque nightmare dealing with EDD? It's like, the more you try to verify your identity, the less real you become 🤣🤡
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been stuck on the id.me verification for 3 days. One thing that helped me get a bit further was clearing my browser cache and cookies before trying again. Also, make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might interfere with the process (like ad blockers). Still haven't gotten through completely, but at least I'm making some progress now. We shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops, but unfortunately that's the reality we're dealing with. Hang in there! 🤞
Thanks for the browser tips! I'm new here but dealing with the same id.me nightmare. Going to try clearing my cache right now - never thought of that. It's crazy how we have to become tech support experts just to access our own benefits 🙄 Did you end up having to do the video call verification too, or were you able to get through with just the document uploads?
I'm currently going through this exact situation! I'm 24 weeks pregnant and was just approved for SDI due to incompetent cervix and preterm labor scares. Here's what I learned from my recent experience: 1. File your claim online immediately - don't wait for your doctor's office to handle it 2. Make sure your OB includes your exact cervical measurements on the DE 2501 (mine was 1.8cm when normal is 3-4cm) 3. List all your hospitalizations with dates - this strengthens your case significantly 4. Be very specific about your job duties that you can't perform (standing, lifting, walking, etc.) My claim was approved within 10 days and I received my first payment about 2 weeks after filing. The weekly amount was around 60% of my regular wages, which has been a lifesaver. One thing that really helped me was joining some online bed rest support groups - the isolation is real, but connecting with other moms going through similar situations has made a huge difference for my mental health. Your health and baby's safety come first. Don't feel guilty about needing this time off - pregnancy complications are legitimate medical conditions that absolutely qualify for disability benefits. Sending you strength during this challenging time!
Thank you so much for sharing your recent experience - it's incredibly helpful to hear from someone who just went through this! Your cervical measurement details are exactly what I needed to know. My last measurement was 2.1cm, so sounds like we're in similar situations. I'm definitely going to make sure my doctor includes all those specifics on the DE 2501 form. It's such a relief to hear your claim was approved so quickly and that you're getting the financial support you need. I'll definitely look into those online bed rest support groups too - I hadn't thought about that resource but the isolation is already getting to me after just a few days. Thank you for the reminder that this is a legitimate medical condition. Sometimes I feel like I should just "push through" but my doctor has been very clear that bed rest is essential for my baby's safety. Wishing you the best for the rest of your pregnancy!
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation! As someone who went through a similar experience with pregnancy complications requiring bed rest, I want to reassure you that you absolutely qualify for SDI benefits. Your thin cervix and hospitalizations are definitely legitimate medical conditions that prevent you from working - this is completely separate from regular maternity leave. The key is getting your doctor to be very specific on the DE 2501 form about why you can't perform your job duties (no standing for long periods, no lifting, etc.). A few things that helped me: - Apply through SDI Online as soon as possible - don't wait for your next appointment - Make sure your OB includes specific cervical measurements and hospitalization dates - Keep detailed records of everything you submit - Set up notifications so you know if they need additional documentation The 7-day waiting period plus processing time means your first payment will likely come 2-3 weeks after filing, but it's typically 60-70% of your regular wages. This financial support will take some pressure off so you can focus on staying healthy for you and your baby. Take care of yourself - bed rest is boring and isolating, but it's so important for your little one's safety. You're doing the right thing by prioritizing your health! Feel free to ask if you have other questions as you go through the process.
Dylan Mitchell
i had surgery in october and my payment situation was a complete mess. they paid me for some days, not others, then sent an overpayment notice?? took months to sort out. good luck lol
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Zoe Kyriakidou
•Oh no, that sounds awful! Did you ever get it resolved correctly? I'm worried about getting hit with an overpayment notice too.
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Max Knight
•Yeah eventually got it sorted but it took like 4 months and multiple appeals. The overpayment was because they counted some days twice in their system - total nightmare. Just keep all your paperwork and document everything. If you get any weird notices don't panic, just appeal immediately.
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Mila Walker
I went through something similar last month! You should definitely get paid for March 2-7 since those were days you were still disabled before returning to work. The payment will be prorated at 6/7 of your weekly benefit amount. From my experience, it took about 2 weeks for the partial week payment to show up after I submitted my final certification - longer than regular payments but it did come through. Make sure you keep checking your payment history online and don't worry if it seems delayed, that's normal for partial weeks according to what I've seen in this community.
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Keisha Jackson
•Thank you so much for sharing your recent experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through this exact situation. Two weeks for the partial payment doesn't sound too bad compared to what others have mentioned. I'll definitely keep monitoring my payment history online and try to be patient. Did you have to do anything special when you submitted your final certification, or was it just a matter of making sure the return-to-work date was correct?
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