As someone who's been following this community for a while, I wanted to jump in because this situation is unfortunately way too common. @Kendrick Webb I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved! Your experience really highlights how broken the system can be - having an authorized payment just disappear into limbo for 3 weeks is unacceptable, especially when people are facing eviction. What really strikes me is how many different technical issues can cause this same problem. Reading through everyone's responses, it seems like there are so many potential failure points in the system - identity verification flags, payment processing errors, employer disputes, system updates, etc. It's like a minefield that disabled people have to navigate while they're already dealing with health issues and financial stress. The fact that @Jungleboo Soletrain mentioned the January 2025 system update is really concerning. If EDD knew they were implementing changes that could cause payment delays, they should have communicated that to claimants and had better support processes in place. Instead, people like you are left to figure it out on their own while facing eviction. Thanks to everyone who shared solutions like Claimyr and specific questions to ask representatives. This thread is going to be really valuable for other people who find themselves in similar situations.

This whole thread is such a perfect example of why we need this community. @Kendrick Webb's situation - having an approved payment just vanish for 3 weeks while facing eviction - is absolutely maddening, but the collective knowledge everyone shared here is incredible. From @Hattie Carson mentioning address flags to @TillyCombatwarrior sharing the Claimyr solution to @Jungleboo Soletrain's detailed breakdown of the technical issues and what specific questions to ask - this is exactly the kind of peer support that makes the difference between someone giving up and actually getting their benefits. What really stands out to me is how many different system failures can cause the same "authorized but missing" problem. It's like EDD has created this complex maze where payments can get stuck at multiple different points, but they don't give claimants any visibility into where things went wrong or how to fix it. The fact that the automated phone system showed "no payment records" while the online account showed authorization is particularly cruel - it makes people think their benefits were never approved in the first place. I'm bookmarking this entire thread as a resource. The step-by-step troubleshooting advice and specific questions to ask representatives could save someone weeks of stress and financial hardship. Thank you all for turning what started as one person's nightmare into a comprehensive guide for others who might face the same issue.

Based on your follow-up questions, I wanted to clarify a few things: 1. Regarding payment during appeal: Technically, the overpayment is still due while under appeal. However, you can request a temporary hold due to financial hardship or set up a minimal payment plan ($10-20/month) to show good faith while your appeal is pending. 2. Legal representation: While not required for the initial appeal, if it moves to an Administrative Law Judge hearing, having representation is beneficial. As someone mentioned, check for legal aid services in your area. 3. Documentation strategy: Focus on having your doctor specifically address why your condition prevented you from working at THAT job. Mental health disabilities are legitimate disabilities under SDI, but the documentation needs to be explicit about how your condition prevented you from performing your specific job functions. Keep us updated on your progress. Many appeals are successful with proper documentation!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of everything else you've been through! As someone new to this community but familiar with mental health struggles in toxic work environments, I want to emphasize that your condition sounds completely legitimate and you deserve those benefits. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you gather your medical documentation for the appeal, make sure your doctor specifically addresses the timeline. Since your anxiety/depression was directly related to your workplace, having clear documentation that shows when symptoms started, how they worsened due to the hostile environment, and why leaving that specific job was medically necessary could be crucial. Also, if you have any documentation about the workplace harassment (emails, HR complaints, witness statements, etc.), include those too. They help establish that your condition wasn't just "job dissatisfaction" but a legitimate medical response to an abusive situation. You've got this! The fact that your doctor is willing to provide additional documentation shows they believe in your case. Don't let your former employer's tactics intimidate you - they're probably hoping you won't appeal.

PSA: If you're really in a bind, some food banks and community orgs offer emergency assistance for folks waiting on disability payments. Might be worth checking out if you're struggling.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - it's been almost 4 weeks since my last payment and I'm getting really stressed about rent and bills. The waiting and uncertainty is honestly the worst part. I tried calling every day last week but like others said, either can't get through or get disconnected after waiting forever. Has anyone had luck with faxing documents or sending certified mail? I'm wondering if that might get more attention than just calling.

wait i'm confusted... is SDI the same as disability? or is that something else? i thought those were diffrent things??

Update: I tried the Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through to EDD this morning! The representative explained that I needed to formally close my UI claim before SDI could process my claim. They helped me file the appropriate forms and said I should submit a new SDI application with updated medical documentation. They also put notes in my file about the situation. They said I should still file an appeal for the denial just to be safe, but that the new application with the UI claim properly closed should go through more smoothly. Thank you everyone for your help! Will update when I hear more.

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm new to this community and currently on SDI for a shoulder injury. Reading through Romeo's situation and everyone's responses has really helped me understand how the return-to-work process works with SDI. The key takeaways about reporting wages earned (not when you receive payment) and getting partial benefits for your return day if wages are less than your daily benefit amount are so valuable. It's reassuring to see that EDD does handle these transitions fairly, even if the process isn't always intuitive. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge - this is exactly the kind of practical guidance that makes navigating disability benefits so much easier!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm currently on SDI for a wrist injury and was actually wondering about this exact scenario since my doctor mentioned I might be able to return to work part-time soon. Reading through Romeo's experience and everyone's detailed explanations has really clarified how the partial payment system works. The distinction between reporting wages earned versus when you actually receive the paycheck is something I never would have considered - that could have really tripped me up! It's also reassuring to see that EDD does pay for remaining claim days even after you return to work. Thanks Romeo for sharing your situation and follow-up, and thanks to everyone else for the thorough explanations. This community is incredibly valuable for understanding these complex benefit systems!