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EDD SDI payment authorized but missing for 3 weeks - automated system shows no record

I've been on disability since mid-December after a pretty serious back injury. My claim was initially denied because my employer reported incorrect wage information, and it took nearly 2.5 months to get everything straightened out. According to my online account, my payment was finally authorized on January 8th, 2025, but here I am 3 weeks later with NOTHING showing up on my BofA card or in the mail. When I call the automated system and enter my SSN, it says "no payment records found matching this SSN" which is terrifying because the online system clearly shows the payment was approved! I've called EDD about 40 times but can't get through to anyone. I contacted my state Senator's office two weeks ago but they're moving super slow. I'm about to be evicted and have no idea what to do next. Has anyone dealt with this twilight zone situation where a payment shows as authorized online but then disappears into thin air?

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.

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@CosmicCadet You've really captured what makes this whole situation so frustrating. I'm new to this community but have been lurking and reading similar stories, and it's honestly shocking how many people go through this exact same nightmare. The fact that there can be so many different technical failures that all result in the same outcome - authorized payments that just vanish - really shows how poorly designed the system is. What bothers me most is that EDD clearly knows these issues exist (like the January system update @Jungleboo Soletrain mentioned but) they don t'proactively communicate with claimants or have better processes to catch these problems before people are left hanging for weeks. When you re'already dealing with a disability and can t'work, the last thing you need is to become a detective trying to figure out why your approved benefits disappeared. This thread has been incredibly educational for me as someone who might need to navigate this system someday. I m'bookmarking all the specific questions to ask representatives and the Claimyr suggestion. It s'sad that we need these workarounds, but I m'grateful people like you and others here share this knowledge to help each other out.

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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.

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@Anastasia Ivanova This is exactly why I joined this community too! Reading through @Kendrick Webb s journey'from desperation to resolution really shows the power of collective knowledge. What struck me most is how the solution came from multiple angles - @TillyCombatwarrior providing the practical tool to get through, @Jungleboo Soletrain offering the technical expertise to know what to ask for, and others sharing their own experiences to validate that this isn t an isolated'problem. As someone new to navigating disability benefits, this thread has been incredibly eye-opening. The fact that there are so many hidden failure points in the system - and that EDD doesn t proactively communicate'about them - really highlights why peer support is so crucial. Without communities like this, people would be left to figure out these complex technical issues on their own while dealing with financial emergencies. I m also bookmarking'this thread as a troubleshooting guide. The combination of specific questions to ask, tools to use, and warning signs to watch for could literally be the difference between someone getting their benefits quickly versus waiting weeks while facing eviction. Thanks to everyone who contributed their knowledge and experience to help others navigate this broken system.

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EDD SDI claim denied after transitioning from UI - wrong form mistake?

I'm at my wit's end with this EDD situation. I was on unemployment for 2 months after getting laid off, but then my chronic back condition flared up badly (herniated disc) making me unable to work or continue job searching. My doctor advised me to file for SDI, which I did about 3 weeks ago. Just got a denial letter saying I'm "still eligible for UI benefits" and therefore can't receive SDI. But I CAN'T work right now - that's the whole point! I think I might have checked something wrong on the DE 2501 form. Has anyone successfully transitioned from UI to disability benefits? Did I use the wrong form or miss some special process? My doctor submitted all the medical certification paperwork correctly. Now I'm stuck with no income and medical bills piling up. Any advice on appealing this or fixing whatever I did wrong would be greatly appreciated.

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

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SDI stands for State Disability Insurance, which is California's short-term disability program. When people talk about "disability" in California, they're usually referring to SDI. It's different from the federal SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) program, which is for long-term or permanent disabilities. SDI is for temporary disabilities lasting up to 52 weeks. Hope that clears things up!

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oh ok thx for explaining!! i get it now!

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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.

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So glad Claimyr worked for you! I was skeptical about using a third-party service at first, but sometimes you just need to get through to an actual person who can fix these system issues. The fact that they put notes in your file is huge - that should help prevent future confusion between departments. Definitely keep that appeal filed though, just in case there are any hiccups with the new application. Fingers crossed this gets resolved quickly for you!

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This is such great news! Your experience really highlights how important it is to get that UI claim properly closed before SDI can process anything. I'm dealing with a similar back injury situation and was about to make the same mistake of just filing for SDI without closing my UI claim first. Thanks for sharing your update - it's giving me hope that there's actually a clear path through this bureaucratic maze. Definitely going to try Claimyr if I can't get through the regular phone lines. Hope your new application goes smoothly!

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EDD SDI overpayment after appeal - do I have to repay $7,500 for legitimate disability claim?

I'm freaking out right now. I went on SDI in January 2025 due to severe anxiety/depression that was directly related to my workplace (hostile environment, manager harassment). My doctor fully supported this and completed all medical certification forms. I received about $7,500 in disability benefits over 3 months before finding a new job with a much better environment that accommodates my mental health needs. Here's the nightmare situation: my former employer somehow challenged my SDI claim (I didn't even know they could do this?!) claiming I wasn't actually disabled but just 'dissatisfied' with my job. I just got a notice yesterday that they won their appeal, and now EDD is saying my ENTIRE SDI claim was invalid and I owe back all $7,500! My doctor genuinely certified my condition. I followed all the rules. My medical records clearly document everything. There was no misrepresentation - just EDD initially approving my claim and now reversing their decision because my ex-employer disputed it. Do I really have to pay this all back? The letter mentions I can file my own appeal within 20 days. Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm absolutely devastated - I don't have $7,500 sitting around to repay them!

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!

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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.

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SDI Payment Delay: Haven't Received Disability Check in Weeks - What to Do?

Hey everyone, I'm really frustrated. I haven't received my disability payment yet and it's been a while. Has anyone else experienced delays with their payments recently? I'm starting to get worried and could use some advice on what to do next.

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.

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This is really good to know, thanks for sharing! Do you know any specific orgs to look into?

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It varies by area, but try searching for 'disability emergency assistance' + your city name. United Way is also a good place to start!

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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.

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Will EDD pay my final SDI days after returning to work?

Quick question about the final days of my SDI claim. I've been on disability for almost 4 months due to my back surgery, and my claim officially ends next Tuesday. My doctor cleared me to return to work tomorrow (Monday). I'm confused about whether I'll still receive payment for those last two days of my claim period (Monday and Tuesday) since I'll be reporting wages for Monday? Does anyone know if EDD automatically stops SDI payments once you report wages, or will they still pay me for the remaining certified days on my claim? I'm worried about losing those final days of benefits since my paycheck won't arrive for another two weeks and I'm really tight on money right now.

Update: I was able to reach an EDD representative this morning! They confirmed what everyone here said - I'll get a partial payment for Monday (if my wages are less than my benefit) and a full payment for Tuesday. They said the most important thing is to report my return-to-work date accurately and enter my estimated wages for Monday, even though I won't actually receive the paycheck for a couple weeks. Thanks everyone for the help!

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Great to hear you got through to them! How long did you have to wait on hold? Last time I called it was over 2 hours...

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I actually ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Got connected in about 15 minutes! Totally worth it since I've been stressing about this all weekend.

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Glad you got it sorted out! This is such a common confusion point when returning from disability. For anyone else reading this thread, the key things to remember are: 1) Report your actual return-to-work date, not when you'll get paid, 2) Enter the gross wages you earned that day, and 3) You'll still get paid for any remaining claim days where you don't work. The partial payment calculation can be confusing but EDD handles it automatically once you report correctly. Hope your transition back to work goes smoothly!

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