This is so relatable! 😭 I'm going through the exact same thing - my PFL claim has been "pending" for 6 weeks now and I've called probably 200+ times. The automated system just hangs up on you half the time! What's really frustrating is that we NEED this money to care for our babies, but they make it nearly impossible to get. I've tried everything - calling at different times, using different phone numbers, even had my partner call. Nothing works. I'm definitely going to look into that Claimyr service @Chloe Anderson mentioned. At this point $20 seems like a bargain if it actually gets me through to a human being. This system is absolutely broken and it's hurting families when we're most vulnerable. Thanks for posting this - at least we know we're not alone in this nightmare! 💪

Just joined this community after going through the exact same ordeal! 😤 My SDI claim has been stuck in "pending" status for 2 months now, and like everyone else, I can't get through to anyone. It's absolutely maddening that we have to fight tooth and nail just to get benefits we've already paid into. I've tried all the usual tricks - calling first thing in the morning, using different phone numbers, even having family members call on my behalf. The system is clearly overwhelmed and outdated. Thanks @Nia Jackson for that comprehensive list of tips! I'm definitely going to reach out to my state rep - never thought of that before. And @Chloe Anderson, I'm seriously considering that Claimyr service too. At this point, $20 is a small price to pay for my sanity and to actually get the help I need. It's so frustrating that we have to deal with this stress while caring for newborns. The EDD really needs a complete overhaul. We shouldn't have to become detectives and use third-party services just to access our own benefits! Hang in there everyone - hopefully sharing strategies and supporting each other will help us all get through this nightmare! 💪👶

That's fantastic news! So glad it worked out quickly for you. 36 hours is pretty typical from what I've seen. Thanks for posting the update - it's really helpful for others who might be in the same situation wondering about timing. Hope things are looking up for you now after that long 4-month wait!

Congrats on finally getting your approval! That 4-month wait sounds absolutely brutal. I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 2.5 months for my disability claim to get approved and it's been such a stressful process. Really encouraging to hear that yours finally went through and the payment showed up quickly on your existing card. Did you have to do anything special to get them to finally approve it, or did it just eventually work its way through their system? I'm trying to figure out if there's anything I can do to speed mine along.

This happened to me too! Turns out there was a glitch in their system affecting claims extended within certain dates. Keep bugging them and eventually they'll sort it out. Took me about 3 weeks of pestering them tho 😩

I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: Try accessing your portal from a different browser or device - sometimes the form doesn't load properly on certain browsers. Also, check under different sections like "Forms" or "Documents" rather than just the main dashboard. If that doesn't work, I'd recommend doing what @Ava Rodriguez suggested and send a secure message through your portal. Be super specific - include your claim number, extension dates, and mention that your doctor already approved the extension but the continued benefits form isn't appearing. One more thing - if you have any paper documents from your doctor or EDD about the extension, scan and attach those to your message. It helps show you're not just making stuff up. The whole system is absolutely broken but don't give up! You've got this! 💪

Great to see you got everything submitted so quickly! Just wanted to add one more tip - if you need to extend your disability beyond the initial 6 weeks your doctor estimated, make sure to have them submit a continuation claim (DE 2525C) before your current certification period expires. Don't wait until the last day because there can't be any gaps in coverage. Also keep all your medical records and documentation organized in case EDD requests additional proof later. Hoping for a smooth approval process for you!

As someone who's been through the SDI process a few times, I wanted to add that you should also notify your employer about your disability claim even though it's not work-related. They can't legally retaliate against you for filing, and some employers have supplemental disability policies that might provide additional benefits. Also, make sure you understand that SDI benefits are taxable income - they don't withhold taxes automatically, so you might want to set aside some money for tax season or request voluntary withholding when you file. The ankle fracture should be pretty straightforward for approval since it's an obvious physical limitation that prevents you from performing normal work duties. Good luck with your recovery!

I'm currently going through my first SDI extension for anxiety and panic disorder, and reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and eye-opening. The whole process feels so unnecessarily complicated when you're already struggling with mental health issues. A few things I've learned that might add to the great advice already shared: **Alternative contact method:** If calling EDD at 8:00/8:01 AM doesn't work, try using their callback feature if it's available. You can request a callback and they'll call you when an agent is free - this saved my sanity because waiting on hold was triggering my anxiety attacks. **Doctor communication tip:** I found it helpful to email my psychiatrist's office a summary of what forms I needed and why, along with the EDD provider information, BEFORE my appointment. This gave them time to review everything and come prepared rather than being caught off guard during the visit. **Mental health specific consideration:** For those of us with mental health conditions, it might be worth asking your doctor to be extra detailed about functional limitations in their assessment. Things like concentration difficulties, social anxiety, panic attacks, etc. that might not be obvious but directly impact work ability. The support in this community has been incredible to read through. It's so validating to know others understand how overwhelming this process becomes when you're already dealing with mental health challenges. We shouldn't have to fight this hard for benefits we've earned, but at least we can help each other navigate the maze. Hang in there everyone - your recovery matters more than their bureaucracy! 💙

I'm going through this exact situation right now with my anxiety/depression claim, and I totally understand the panic you're feeling! The combination of mental health struggles and EDD's confusing processes is absolutely overwhelming. Here's what I've learned that might help: **Getting the DE 2525XX form:** - The form isn't automatically mailed - you have to request it from EDD - Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open (much shorter wait times) - Check SDI Online portal under both "Forms" and "Correspondence" - sometimes it appears there - Your doctor can also call EDD's provider line directly to request it **Dealing with your psychiatrist:** - Tell them about billing code DI-310 - they can bill EDD around $85 for completing disability paperwork - Offer to pre-fill all the patient information sections so they only handle the medical parts - Consider bringing the form to your appointment and asking them to complete it while you wait - If they're still difficult, ask for a detailed treatment letter on their letterhead as backup **Timeline:** Submit everything at least 2 weeks before your benefits end if possible. Mental health claims sometimes take longer to process than physical disability claims. The stress you're feeling is so valid - this system feels designed to exhaust us into giving up. But you've paid into this system and deserve support while you recover. Don't let their bureaucracy make you feel like you're asking for too much. Hang in there! Your mental health recovery is the priority right now. 💙