I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! It's so frustrating when the system creates these roadblocks. From reading everyone's advice here, it sounds like the key is being really persistent with multiple approaches. I'm going to try the early morning calling strategy - seems like 8am sharp is the magic time when you might actually get through to a human. The idea about contacting your assembly member's office is brilliant too - I had no idea they could help with EDD issues. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it's really helpful to know I'm not alone in this bureaucratic nightmare! 🙏

I'm new to this community but dealing with a very similar EDD account nightmare! Reading through all these responses is both helpful and depressing - it's clear this is a widespread issue with their system. I'm particularly interested in trying the early morning calling strategy that several people mentioned. Has anyone had success with the online chat feature on their website, or is that just as useless as everything else? Also, for those who got through to a rep and had accounts merged - did you need any specific reference numbers from your old account, or were they able to find everything just with your CDL and SSN? Thanks for all the detailed advice everyone, this thread is a goldmine of information!

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked - got connected to a rep in about 20 minutes. Turns out there was a problem with my medical certification. My doctor submitted it, but they used an older version of the form that didn't have all the required information. The EDD rep said they sent a request for updated info to my doctor's office TWO WEEKS AGO but nobody told me! I immediately called my doctor and they're submitting the correct form today. The rep said once they receive it, I should get paid within 2-3 business days. Fingers crossed! For anyone else waiting on payments - definitely try to get through to someone on the phone. There might be an issue you don't know about.

This is such a common issue unfortunately! I went through something similar last year and the stress of waiting for that first payment while bills pile up is absolutely awful. One thing that helped me was documenting everything - keep records of when you certified, when you called, what your doctor's office told you, etc. Sometimes EDD will ask for this information later. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're checking your SDI Online account daily. Sometimes they'll post messages or requests for additional information that aren't obvious at first glance. Look under any "Messages" or "Correspondence" sections. Really glad you got through and found out what the actual problem was! It's so frustrating that they don't proactively notify you when there are issues with your claim. Hope you get paid soon!

I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now - been waiting 5 weeks for my PFL payments and it's causing serious financial stress. What's really helped me so far is keeping a detailed spreadsheet of every interaction (calls, online checks, etc.) with dates and reference numbers. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to check if your employer submitted the necessary forms correctly - sometimes the delay is on their end, not EDD's. I found out my HR department had submitted incomplete paperwork which was holding everything up. One more tip: try calling right when they open at 8am. I've had better luck getting through earlier in the day. The afternoons are a nightmare. Stay strong, we'll get through this bureaucratic mess! 💪

Just wanted to share what finally worked for me after being stuck in PFL payment limbo for 6 weeks! I ended up doing a combination of things: 1. Called my state assembly member's office (found them through the CA gov website) - they have a constituent services team that handles EDD issues 2. Filed a complaint with the EDD ombudsman office online 3. Started calling EDD at exactly 8:01 AM every day using the trick of pressing 1-2-1 quickly when the menu starts Within 2 weeks of doing all three, I got a call back from an actual EDD specialist who found the issue (missing medical certification that nobody had told me about) and fast-tracked my payments. Got everything within 5 business days after that. The key seems to be creating multiple pressure points at once. Don't just rely on one approach. Also, document EVERYTHING with dates and names - it really helps when you finally get someone on the phone. Hope this helps someone else avoid the nightmare I went through! This system is broken but there are ways to work around it if you're persistent enough. 🙏

I'm going through this exact same situation right now - 2 weeks since my SDI application after knee surgery and it's like I exist in EDD's text system but not their website! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I'm planning to try the assembly member approach that Keisha mentioned since that seems to have the fastest turnaround time. One thing I wanted to add based on my research - if you're using a VPN or have strict privacy settings on your browser, that can sometimes cause the "no record found" error even when your claim exists. I found this buried in their technical FAQ. Try disabling any VPNs and allowing all cookies for the EDD site before logging in. It's a long shot but worth trying since it takes 30 seconds. Also, for anyone keeping track of their attempts to contact EDD - document EVERYTHING with dates and times. If you end up needing to request retroactive payments later, having a detailed log of your attempts to resolve the issue will help your case significantly.

This whole thread is like reading my own horror story! I've been stuck in this exact same EDD black hole for 3 weeks now after applying for SDI following back surgery. The "you don't exist" error while simultaneously receiving text confirmations is absolutely mind-boggling - it's like being gaslit by a government computer system. What's really struck me reading through everyone's experiences is how many different potential causes there are for this issue: browser problems, VPN interference, medical certification errors, system upgrades not syncing properly, claims stuck in verification queues... It's clear EDD's systems are held together with digital duct tape and prayers. I'm going to implement a combination approach based on all the great advice here: 1. Try the assembly member route first since Keisha had such quick success 2. Call my local EDD office using Zainab's specific terminology 3. Double-check browser settings and disable my VPN as Katherine suggested 4. Verify with my doctor that all paperwork was submitted correctly The most frustrating part is that we're all dealing with legitimate disabilities and surgeries, yet we have to become part-time detectives just to access the benefits we've paid into. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this community support means more than you know when you're feeling completely lost in the system!

I'm not in your exact situation but wanted to share that when I had an overpayment issue while applying for disability, the EDD representative told me they're required to inform you in writing before they start taking money from your disability payments. You should receive a notice explaining the offset amount at least 10 days before it takes effect. Also, if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling right when they open at 8am or during lunch hours around 12-1pm. I had better luck those times. And definitely ask to speak to a supervisor if the first person you talk to says they can't help - sometimes the regular reps don't know about all the hardship options available. Good luck with everything and congratulations on your baby! The stress of dealing with EDD while pregnant is the worst, but it sounds like you're being really proactive about handling this.

I went through this exact situation in 2023! EDD did take money from my SDI pregnancy payments, but I was able to get it reduced by calling ahead of time. Here's what worked for me: 1. Called the overpayment collections line (1-800-676-5737) about 2 weeks before filing my SDI claim 2. Explained that I was pregnant and would be my family's only income during leave 3. Asked specifically for a "financial hardship reduction" 4. They reduced my offset from 25% to 15% and put a note in my file The key was calling BEFORE filing my SDI claim and being very clear about my financial situation. I also mentioned that I had been making consistent payments on my payment plan (which sounds like you have too!). One tip - when you call, have your overpayment notice handy with all the account numbers. And don't hang up if they say "nothing can be done" - ask to speak with a supervisor or someone in the hardship department. It took me 3 calls but I eventually got someone who could help. You've got this! The fact that you're planning ahead shows you're on the right track. Wishing you the best with your pregnancy and hoping EDD cooperates! 💕