This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with SDI! I'm currently on disability for chronic back pain and have been dreading the day this happens to me. Reading through all these experiences, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) This is normal fraud prevention that happens every few months, 2) Call immediately using the 304# extension after your verification number, 3) Don't wait the full 14 days if you can avoid it, and 4) Have all your info ready when you call. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of real-world advice is exactly what people need when navigating EDD's confusing system!

As someone who's been through this process multiple times, I wanted to add a few additional tips that might help others facing this situation: 1) Keep detailed records of your certification dates and payment dates - it helps when you're on the phone with EDD to have exact dates ready 2) If you're certified but haven't received payment after 5 business days, don't wait any longer - call immediately. The reps can see exactly where your claim is in the system 3) Be persistent but polite with the phone reps. They deal with frustrated people all day, so being kind can actually help get your issue resolved faster 4) Consider setting up direct deposit if you haven't already - it can speed up payment processing once your claim is approved The whole system is definitely frustrating, but knowing what to expect and being proactive about calling really does make a difference. Glad to see @Jessica got her payment sorted out!

am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we still use debit cards for this?? why cant they just do direct deposit like a normal job smh

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My payment was processed last week and still no card. Reading through these comments, it sounds like this is unfortunately pretty common. I'm going to try checking the Bank of America EDD website like Eva suggested to see if there's any tracking info. Also might bite the bullet and pay for one of those calling services since getting through to EDD directly seems impossible. This whole system really needs an overhaul - the stress of waiting for money you're entitled to is just awful. Hang in there, we'll get through this! 💪

wait i just remembered something - is your back injury from work??? if it happened at work even partly you should be on workers comp not SDI!!! that pays way more and lasts longer!

I'm in a similar boat - my SDI is ending next month and I'm still not cleared for work. One thing that's helped me is reaching out to 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they connect you with local resources for emergency financial assistance, food banks, and utility help. Some counties have specific programs for people in the gap between state disability and other benefits. Also, if you haven't already, apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and see if you qualify for any utility assistance programs through LIHEAP. Every bit helps when you're trying to stretch what little savings you have left. The application process for these is way faster than SSDI. Hang in there - this gap period is brutal but there are people and programs out there to help bridge it.

Has anyone tried contacting their local representative about SDI issues? I've heard sometimes they can help push things along.

I'm going through something similar right now! One thing that helped me was requesting a detailed breakdown of my payment calculation. You can do this through your online account or by calling (if you can get through). They should be able to show you exactly how they calculated your benefit amount and what deductions were taken. Sometimes there are things like overpayments from previous claims or adjustments that aren't immediately obvious. Also, make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING - every form you submit, every correspondence, dates of phone calls, etc. This documentation becomes super important if you need to escalate or appeal later.

I'm going through this exact same verification process right now and wanted to share what I've learned from my experience so far. When I got that letter, I immediately panicked thinking I'd done something wrong by reporting the freelance income! After talking to a few people who've been through this, here's what I gathered for my submission: - Tax return with Schedule C (this seems to be the most important document) - All 1099-NEC forms from clients - 6 months of bank statements showing freelance payments - A one-page summary letter listing the type of work, typical monthly income range, and doctor's estimated return date I submitted everything through SDI Online about a week ago and I'm still waiting, but the representative I spoke with said 2-3 weeks is typical for mixed income verifications. The key thing she emphasized was to respond quickly and include your husband's EDD Customer Account Number on every single page. You absolutely did the right thing reporting everything upfront - I've heard that trying to hide freelance income can lead to much bigger problems down the road. The verification is just their standard process since they can't contact a "boss" to verify self-employment like they do with regular jobs. Hang in there!

Adding onto this - does anyone know how to submit form 2503 for yourself online? I wanted to use SDI online, but it said the employer must register in California and file quarterly payroll taxes at least once with the EDD in order to register to use SDI online. Since I just recently became self-employed (sole proprietor) after my W-2 job, I'm not registered in CA. This is making me think I will need to submit everything through the mail. If anyone knows, appreciate any input. Thanks in advance!