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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 🤞

Hey Yuki! Just wanted to add that I literally just finished reporting my wages about an hour ago. One thing that caught me off guard was that the system automatically logs you out after being idle for just 15 minutes, so make sure you have everything ready before you start! I had to re-enter everything twice because I got distracted looking for paperwork 🤦‍♀️ Also, if you get any kind of confirmation number at the end, screenshot it or write it down - it's super useful if you need to reference your submission later. You're gonna do great though, and everyone here has given you amazing advice!

Hey there! Just wanted to chime in as another newcomer who's still figuring this all out. I actually tried to report my wages for the first time last week and made the classic mistake of not having all my documents organized beforehand - ended up timing out like LordCommander mentioned! 😭 One thing I learned is to also check if your employer reported your wages correctly on their end, because sometimes there can be discrepancies. My friend had an issue where her employer's report didn't match what she submitted and it caused a whole mess. Also, if you're getting any kind of workers comp or disability payments, make sure you know how to report those too - the categories can be confusing at first. This thread has been so helpful though, I'm bookmarking it for future reference! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences 🙏

I went through this exact same situation last year! Made a stupid error on my recertification and was absolutely freaking out about missing payments. Here's what I learned: EDD actually has a pretty good system for handling these mistakes. I ended up using their online correction form (if you log into your account, look for "Report Changes" or something similar) and also called the next morning. Got through around 9:30 AM and the rep fixed everything in like 10 minutes. My payment was only delayed by 3 days total. The key is acting fast - don't wait around hoping it'll fix itself. Also, if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling on a Tuesday or Wednesday, seems like Mondays and Fridays are the worst. You'll be fine, just stay on top of it!

Hey there! I totally understand the panic you're feeling right now - I've been in your shoes before. A couple months back I made an error on my recertification form and thought my world was ending lol. But honestly, EDD handles these mistakes way more often than you'd think. What saved me was calling early (like 8:15 AM) and being super polite to the rep. They were able to pull up my case, see the mistake, and fix it right there on the call. The whole thing took maybe 15 minutes once I got through. My payment ended up being delayed by just 2 days. Also pro tip - if you get disconnected while on hold (happened to me twice 😭), don't give up! Keep trying. The system is frustrating but the people on the other end genuinely want to help. You're going to be okay! ❤️