Hey OP, just a heads up - sometimes they'll try to rush you off the phone. Don't let them! Make sure all your questions are answered before hanging up. And always get the name of who you talked to, just in case you need to reference the call later.

Also, if you're calling about an extension, try calling early in the morning (like right when they open) or later in the afternoon. I've found the wait times are usually shorter then. And if you get disconnected, don't give up! It happened to me twice before I finally got through. The whole process took about 15 minutes once I actually got someone on the line, so it's not as bad as it seems once you're talking to a real person.

I had the exact same issue a few months back! After trying everything (different browsers, clearing cache, etc.), I discovered my antivirus software was blocking some of the EDD site's security features. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus/firewall and see if that helps. Also, make sure JavaScript is enabled - EDD's site relies heavily on it. If you're still stuck after your call, try accessing the site through a VPN sometimes that bypasses weird regional connection issues. Keep us posted on what the agent tells you!

I went through this exact same nightmare a couple weeks ago! What finally worked for me was a combination of things: First, I had to completely log out of my EDD account on ALL devices (including my phone), then clear not just my browser cache but also cookies and stored passwords for the EDD site specifically. After that, I waited about 2 hours before trying to log back in. Turns out my account had some kind of session conflict that was preventing new logins. Also, double-check that you're using the correct URL - there are some phishing sites that look identical to the real EDD login page. The real one should be edd.ca.gov. If none of that works, definitely mention to the agent that you've tried multiple browsers and cleared cache - they have some backend tools they can use to reset your account status that regular users can't access. Good luck and let us know how the call goes!

My condition wasn't work-related (I got injured outside of work), so workers' comp wouldn't apply. But I appreciate the advice about emphasizing I had no intent to defraud during my appeal. I genuinely thought I was doing the right thing by applying for unemployment when I lost my job. I'll make sure to stress that point.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the EDD system can be incredibly confusing and unforgiving. I went through something similar a couple years ago with a different medical condition. Here's what I learned that might help: For the SDI backdating, don't give up after the first rejection. I had to submit THREE separate written requests with increasingly detailed medical documentation before they finally approved my backdate. Make sure your doctor's letter is very specific about when your condition began, how it prevented you from working, and why you couldn't have known to file for SDI initially. For the UI overpayment appeal, focus on these key points: 1) You had no knowledge of the SDI program, 2) You were acting in good faith trying to support yourself, 3) You have medical evidence proving you were genuinely unable to work. I also included a statement from my doctor explaining that my condition affected my cognitive ability to understand complex benefit systems. The appeals process took about 6 months for me, but I ultimately got the overpayment waived and my SDI claim backdated. Don't let them intimidate you - you have rights, and honest mistakes happen all the time with these programs. Document EVERYTHING and keep fighting!

I had my hearing in March for a similar issue (voluntary quit vs discharge) and interestingly it only took 17 days to get my decision! But then I have a friend who had his hearing the week after mine and he waited almost 9 weeks. I think it depends on which judge you get and how complicated your case is. Some judges are apparently known for quick decisions while others take forever. Did you happen to catch your judge's name? Some people in my local unemployment group keep track of which judges are faster with decisions.

I'm going through something similar right now - had my hearing 4 weeks ago and still waiting! It's so nerve-wracking not knowing when the decision will come. From reading everyone's experiences here, it seems like anywhere from 4-8 weeks is pretty normal for 2025, which is somewhat reassuring but still frustrating when you're in the middle of it. I've been checking my UI Online account obsessively but nothing yet. The financial stress of waiting is probably the worst part - you can't really plan anything when you don't know if/when benefits will start. Hoping we both hear something soon! 🤞

Great news that you got through! Make sure to fill out that form completely and provide all documentation they request. The 4-6 week timeframe is fairly accurate in my experience, though sometimes they can resolve it faster if your case is straightforward. One more tip - after you mail in your reconsideration form, keep checking your SDI Online account for updates. Sometimes they'll post status changes there before sending official mail notifications. And don't hesitate to follow up if you haven't heard anything after 3-4 weeks. Good luck, and I hope your physical recovery goes smoothly as well!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this while trying to recover from SPD - that condition is absolutely brutal! I went through something similar with wage miscalculation on my SDI claim last year. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed log of every call attempt, message sent, and any reference numbers they gave me. When I finally got through to a representative, having all those details made the conversation much more productive and they could see I'd been trying to resolve it for weeks. Also, regarding your SPD recovery - have you looked into whether you might qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits for bonding time once your baby arrives? It's a separate program from SDI with its own benefit period, so even if your SDI is maxed out, you might have additional weeks available under PFL. Just something to keep in mind for planning ahead. I really hope the reconsideration process goes smoothly for you and you get that backpay quickly. The stress of financial uncertainty while dealing with pregnancy complications is just awful. Hang in there!