I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm dealing with something very similar - currently 6 months pregnant and just discovered EDD is only going to give me $73/week because they're using my base period from when I was working a minimum wage retail job. I've been at my current corporate job since March 2024 making way more, but none of those wages count towards my claim. Reading everyone's experiences here has been so helpful! I had no idea about form DE 2501W or that you could withdraw and refile later. @Zadie Patel your explanation about the base period calculation was especially clear - I finally understand why my recent wages aren't being counted. I'm definitely going to start the withdrawal process. My due date is in August 2025, so if I withdraw now and refile in August, my March 2024+ wages should be included in the calculation. Has anyone had experience with withdrawing this early in pregnancy? I'm worried about the timing but $73/week won't even cover my parking at work, let alone actual living expenses! Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories - it's made me feel so much less alone in dealing with this broken system.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for anyone dealing with EDD's confusing base period calculations! Just wanted to add a few quick tips based on what I've learned from my own SDI claim: 1. When you submit form DE 2501W, include a brief letter explaining why you're withdrawing (base period issue). This creates a paper trail and shows it's legitimate. 2. Calculate your potential new benefit amount BEFORE withdrawing. Use your highest quarter earnings from your new base period and multiply by 0.6-0.7 to estimate weekly benefits. 3. If you're worried about timing with potential bed rest, consider talking to your doctor about the withdrawal/refiling timeline. They can help you understand your medical situation and plan accordingly. 4. Keep detailed records of all wages from your current job - pay stubs, tax documents, etc. You'll need these when you refile. The system is definitely frustrating, but don't let EDD's outdated base period rules trap you into accepting poverty-level benefits when you've been paying into the system at your current wage level. You've got this! 💪

That's awesome that you got through to EDD and got it sorted out! Really glad the rep was helpful and put that note on your account. Wishing you a speedy recovery with your back injury - slipped discs are no joke. Take care of yourself and don't rush back to work before you're ready. The SDI benefits should help take some financial pressure off while you heal properly.

This is such a perfect example of why it's so important to share these kinds of experiences in the community! Your situation started out scary but you handled it exactly right - filing the SDI claim immediately and not certifying for UI while disabled. It's really reassuring to hear that EDD was actually helpful when you got through to them. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar boat: the key takeaway is that having both claims in the system isn't the problem, it's trying to collect from both simultaneously that causes issues. Hope your back heals up quickly and completely!

my cousin just had this same problem!!! she ended up not doing the work cuz her doc wouldnt sign off on it. said somethin about liability issues if she approved work during recovery period. maybe depends on what kinda birth u had?

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who navigated this recently. I was on SDI after my delivery and ended up doing some freelance graphic design work (also 1099). Here's what worked for me: 1. Got written approval from my OB first - she was actually supportive since it was just computer work from home 2. Called EDD using that Claimyr service (totally worth the fee btw) and spoke to a rep who walked me through the partial benefit calculation 3. Kept detailed records of every hour worked and dollar earned 4. My benefits were reduced but not eliminated - ended up being worth it financially The key thing the EDD rep told me was that as long as the work doesn't interfere with your recovery and your doctor approves it, part-time remote work during pregnancy disability is generally okay. Just be 100% transparent about reporting income. One warning though - make sure you understand how it might affect your PFL transition. I had to provide extra documentation when I switched over, but it wasn't as bad as some people make it sound. Good luck mama!

I've been having the exact same issue! The callback system worked perfectly for me last month, but this week it's been a total disaster. I answer within the first ring and just hear silence or a dial tone. Really frustrating when you're already dealing with disability claim stress. I noticed it seems to happen more during busy hours (10am-2pm), so I'm going to try Amelia's suggestion about calling early morning. Has anyone had luck getting through to report this as a technical issue to EDD directly?

I'm experiencing this too and it's incredibly frustrating! I've been trying to get through for my disability claim review for over a week now. The callback system used to be such a lifesaver, but lately it's been completely unreliable. I'll get the callback notification, answer immediately, and then just dead air or it hangs up on me. I'm wondering if this is related to increased call volume or if there's a genuine technical problem on their end. Has anyone tried using the online contact form as an alternative? I know it's slower, but at this point I'm willing to try anything. This whole situation is adding so much unnecessary stress to an already difficult process.

Yo estube en la misma situasion. Lo que ise fue buscar un grupo de Facebook de jente con problemas del EDD y encontre a alguien que me ayudo. Hay muchas personas dispuestas a compartir sus experiencias.

Te entiendo perfectamente, @Keisha Williams. Pasé por algo similar hace unos meses. Una cosa que me funcionó fue llamar a la línea principal del EDD (1-800-480-3287) y cuando me preguntaron el idioma, presioné 2 para español. Sí hay agentes que hablan español, pero son pocos y la espera es brutal. También te recomiendo que cuando finalmente logres hablar con alguien, pídeles que pongan una nota en tu expediente de que necesitas servicio en español. Esto debería ayudar en futuras llamadas. Otra opción es contactar a tu asambleísta local - muchas veces tienen personal que puede hacer llamadas en tu nombre al EDD. ¡No te desanimes, sí hay solución!