I'm dealing with this exact same lockout issue right now! Been stuck for 4 days and it's incredibly stressful when you're depending on these benefits. Thank you to everyone who shared their strategies - I had no idea there were so many different approaches to try. The early morning calling strategy from @Luca Russo sounds promising, and I'm definitely going to test the browser cache clearing trick from @Mateo Gonzalez. The assemblymember option from @Aisha Mahmood is brilliant too - I never thought about reaching out to elected officials for help with this. It's absolutely ridiculous that we need to become system-hacking experts just to access our own benefits, but this community is a lifesaver for sharing real solutions. Going to try multiple approaches tomorrow and will update if anything works! Stay strong everyone! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the EDD lockout situation is absolutely maddening! I've been following this thread and wanted to share another approach that worked for my sister last month. She contacted her local state senator's office (in addition to the assemblymember suggestion) and they actually have a dedicated EDD liaison who was able to unlock her account within 48 hours. You can find your state senator at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Also, if you're comfortable with it, try calling the EDD technical support line at 1-855-327-7057 - sometimes they can help with login issues even if it's not technically their department. The key is being super polite and explaining that you just need to access your benefits. Hang in there, and definitely try that early morning calling strategy - it really seems to be the most consistent method! 🤞

I had the exact same E324 error last week! What finally worked for me was using a different browser entirely (switched from Chrome to Firefox) and making sure I wasn't using any browser extensions or ad blockers. Also double-check that you're entering your SSN exactly as it appears on your card - no dashes or spaces. The EDD system is super picky about formatting. If all else fails, the phone number for SDI is 1-800-480-3287, but yeah, expect to wait on hold for hours. Hope this helps!

I've been dealing with E324 errors for the past two weeks and finally got through yesterday! Here's what worked for me: I disabled ALL browser extensions (especially privacy/security ones), used an incognito/private window, and made sure my browser was fully updated. Also, I noticed the system seems more stable between 6-8 AM PST. One thing that really helped was having all my documents ready as PDFs beforehand - the system times out if you take too long uploading files. Don't give up! It's frustrating but you'll get through eventually.

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago and I was just as panicked! Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like everyone has given you really solid guidance. Just wanted to add that when your doctor submits that supplemental certification, make sure they're specific about WHY you need the extension - not just that you do. In my case, my doctor initially wrote something vague like "patient needs more recovery time" and EDD came back asking for more detail. The second submission included specifics about my healing progress and complications, and it went through without any issues. Also, one thing that helped reduce my anxiety was setting up text alerts in my SDI account so I'd get notified immediately when there were any updates to my claim status. That way I wasn't constantly logging in to check. Sounds like you're on the right track with getting your doctor to submit today - that timing should work perfectly to avoid any payment gaps!

I'm so glad to see this thread and that you got your doctor to submit the form! I went through almost the exact same situation about 4 months ago - surgical complications that extended my recovery way beyond what was originally expected. One thing I wish someone had told me: if your extension gets approved but your recovery ends up taking even longer than the new estimated date, don't panic about doing another extension. The process is the same - your doctor just needs to submit another supplemental certification. I ended up needing three extensions total because of infection complications, and each one was processed smoothly once I understood the system. Also, I noticed you mentioned your condition is getting worse - make sure your doctor documents any new symptoms or complications that have developed since your original claim. EDD sometimes questions extensions if the medical picture seems inconsistent, so having clear documentation of how your condition has evolved really helps. Wishing you a smooth extension process and hoping your recovery goes better than expected from here on out!

I'm so sorry your family is dealing with this stressful situation. As someone who has navigated SDI appeals before, I want to emphasize a few crucial points that others have touched on: First, definitely call EDD immediately using the timing strategies mentioned (right at 8 AM, mid-week). When you call, have a list ready of specific questions: the exact reason for disqualification, whether any additional forms like DE 2501 were sent, what address they have on file, and the original notice date for appeal deadline calculation. Second, even if you've missed the 30-day deadline, don't panic. Your mom's cognitive issues from her mental health condition are legitimate grounds for a "good cause" late appeal exception. The fact that organizing paperwork is part of her disability symptoms works strongly in your favor. Third, I'd suggest contacting her psychologist immediately to discuss updating the certification language. EDD often flags cases where the medical language remains identical month after month. The doctor should provide detailed functional assessments showing specific limitations like difficulty with concentration, memory, executive functioning, and yes - managing complex paperwork and bureaucratic processes. Finally, start gathering documentation now while you're trying to reach EDD. Get her complete medical records, have the psychologist prepare a detailed letter about functional limitations, and document how her cognitive symptoms affect daily tasks like mail management. This situation is fixable, but time is critical. You're being a great advocate for your mom by seeking help here and taking action quickly.

I'm really sorry to hear about your mom's situation - dealing with unexpected SDI disqualifications is incredibly stressful, especially when mental health conditions are involved. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you have a solid plan forming. One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you do get through to EDD, ask them to put a "hold" or "pending review" status on the case while you're gathering appeal documentation. Sometimes they can temporarily pause any further action on the disqualification while you're actively working to resolve it. This might buy you a little extra time if you're close to deadlines. Also, consider reaching out to your local disability rights organization or legal aid society. Many offer free consultations for SDI appeals, and they're often very familiar with the specific documentation EDD requires for mental health conditions. They might be able to review your appeal paperwork before submission to make sure everything is as strong as possible. You're doing everything right by acting quickly and gathering information. The combination of your mom's consistent medical certification plus the cognitive issues affecting her ability to manage paperwork should create a strong foundation for either a timely appeal or good cause exception. Keep us updated on how the call with EDD goes - this community is really supportive and many of us have been through similar battles with the system.

I completely understand how overwhelming this situation can be - being injured, dealing with financial stress, and trying to navigate multiple systems at once is incredibly difficult. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you have a solid plan forming. A few additional tips from someone who's helped others through similar situations: 1) When you apply for SDI online, save screenshots of every page as you complete it. Sometimes the system glitches and you'll want proof of what you submitted. 2) Ask your doctor's office to give you a copy of the medical certification they submit to EDD. This way you can see exactly what they wrote and follow up if needed. 3) Consider setting up direct deposit for your SDI benefits if possible - it's faster than waiting for checks in the mail. 4) Keep a simple calendar marking when you applied, when your doctor submitted paperwork, and any other key dates. This helps if you need to call EDD later. The fact that you already have an attorney for the workers comp case puts you ahead of many people in this situation. They should be able to coordinate the eventual repayment to EDD once your workers comp is resolved. Hang in there - this process is tough but you're taking all the right steps!

I went through almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago - warehouse injury, workers comp stalling, desperate for income. Here's what I wish someone had told me from the start: Apply for SDI immediately, don't wait any longer. The 7-day waiting period starts from when your disability began (your injury date), not when you apply. So you're already past that hurdle. When I applied, EDD asked a few standard questions about the workers comp case: the claim number, insurance company name, date of injury, and whether benefits had been paid or denied. Just answer honestly - they're used to this situation. One thing that helped me was calling my doctor's office before applying to make sure they could submit the medical certification within 24-48 hours. Some offices are really slow with this, and it can delay your whole claim. Also, when workers comp finally did approve my case 4 months later, the repayment process to EDD was actually pretty straightforward. My attorney handled most of it, and I just had to sign some paperwork. The key is that you get to keep any difference if your workers comp benefit is less than what SDI paid you. You're doing everything right by getting an attorney and exploring SDI. Don't let the workers comp company's delays keep you from getting the help you need right now. Good luck!