I had this exact same issue last month! What finally worked for me was using Edge browser (I know, I know, but hear me out) and making sure JavaScript was enabled. Also try disabling any browser extensions temporarily - sometimes they interfere with government sites. The EDD website is notoriously finicky but these steps got me through. If you're still stuck after trying the browser fixes, you might want to try filing during off-peak hours like super early morning (5-7 AM). Good luck!

I've been dealing with EDD website issues for weeks now! What's been working for me lately is using Safari on my iPhone instead of my laptop. For some reason the mobile version seems more stable. Also, if you have two-factor authentication set up, make sure your phone has good signal when you're trying to file - I got locked out twice because the verification texts were delayed. Another trick: save your progress frequently if the site lets you, because it times out super quick. Hope you get through soon!

I went through this exact situation 6 months ago and it was absolutely devastating at the time. EDD withheld my entire PFL payment for an overpayment I didn't even know about until they took my money. Here's what worked for me: I submitted the DE 1446W hardship waiver AND immediately called to request a payment arrangement while the waiver was being processed. The key is to be very detailed about your baby expenses - formula, diapers, medical copays, childcare if you're planning to return to work, etc. I also included a letter from my pediatrician stating that financial stress could impact my ability to care for my newborn. It took about 6 weeks, but my hardship waiver was approved and they released the held payments. Don't give up - they do approve these waivers, especially for new parents. The system is definitely broken, but there are ways to work within it. Document everything and keep pushing!

I'm going through this nightmare right now too! Just had my son 5 weeks ago and EDD is holding ALL my PFL payments because of some overpayment from unemployment I got during COVID. I had absolutely no idea they could just take money from a completely different program - it feels like theft when you're counting on that money for basic baby needs. Reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful though. I'm definitely going to try the DE 1446W hardship waiver form and the Claimyr service to actually get through to someone. It's so frustrating that we have to fight this hard just to get benefits we're entitled to, especially when we're already exhausted new parents. Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences and tips - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess and that there might actually be a way out!

anyone else notice that the unemployment website is always "under maintenance" when you actually need to use it? 🙄

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been waiting 3 weeks for any kind of confirmation that they received my income verification docs. What's really frustrating is that there's no way to know if the documents actually uploaded properly or if they're just sitting in some digital queue somewhere. I've been checking my account daily but it still shows "pending review" with no timeline. Has anyone had success with the suggestion to fax documents as a backup?

As someone new to this community and the SDI system, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! Reading about @Serene Snow's experience with the duplicate receipt numbers really opened my eyes to the kinds of issues that can come up during the extension process. I'm currently preparing for what might be my first SDI claim, and all the practical advice shared here - from keeping detailed logs and taking screenshots to using the most recent receipt number and following up with healthcare providers - is exactly the kind of real-world guidance you can't find in the official EDD materials. The recommendation about Claimyr is also going straight into my notes for future reference. It's so reassuring to see how this community rallies around each other with practical solutions and emotional support during what can be incredibly stressful times. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and help others navigate this complex system!

As someone who just went through a very similar situation last month, I can absolutely relate to the panic you felt! I had the exact same thing happen - submitted my extension, got a receipt number, then two days later the system prompted me again and gave me a completely different number. I was convinced I'd somehow messed up my original submission. Here's what I learned after finally getting through to an EDD representative: the system sometimes generates these duplicate notifications when your current benefit period is close to ending, even if you've already submitted your extension request. It's basically a failsafe to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, but it creates unnecessary confusion for us claimants. The key things that worked for me were: 1) Giving my doctor both receipt numbers with clear explanations of which came first, 2) Having them use the most recent one for their certification submission, and 3) Following up within 24 hours to confirm they'd submitted everything correctly. My extension was approved without any delays, and I learned that your place in the processing queue is based on your FIRST submission date, not the second one. The stress is so real when your savings are running low - I completely understand that anxiety. But this duplicate receipt issue is actually pretty common and doesn't indicate you did anything wrong. You're going to be okay!