
California Disability
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Ask the community...
Has anyone else been waiting forever for their SDI call? I've been trying to get through since yesterday morning and still haven't received a single call. It's been over 24 hours now. This automated system is seriously frustrating me. I feel like I'm just wasting my time at this point. Anyone else dealing with this or have any advice?
Just stressed about my disability payments stopping suddenly. I've been on SDI for 10 weeks and got an email saying I needed to recertify. I filled out everything right away since I'm still recovering from my back surgery and nowhere near ready to return to work. EDD sent me a text 10 days ago confirming they got my completed form and said they'd contact me if they needed anything else. But I was supposed to get paid today according to my regular payment schedule and nothing showed up! My doctor says he hasn't received anything from EDD either. Is this normal during recertification? Is my payment just pending or did I miss something? Do I need to do something to push this along? My rent is due next week and I'm starting to panic.
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been on SDI for 8 weeks and just got the recertification notice. Reading through all these comments is both helpful and terrifying - sounds like this delay is pretty normal but the stress is real when you're counting on that payment. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially @CosmicCruiser for the update that it worked out! Going to make sure my doctor's office has the right fax number on file before they send anything.
Hey everyone, I need some advice. I recently got an email about changes being made to my unemployment account. I immediately updated my personal information, including my email and password. I received confirmation that these changes were made, but I'm still seeing unauthorized activities on my account. Has anyone else dealt with this? What should I do next?
Is anyone else lowkey impressed by how quick these scammers are? Like, I can barely figure out how to update my own info sometimes 馃槀
Same thing happened to me last month! Even after changing everything, they were still getting in somehow. Turns out they had set up email forwarding rules in my account so they could see all my EDD correspondence. Make sure to check your email settings and look for any forwarding rules you didn't create. Also, enable two-factor authentication if EDD offers it. The whole process was a nightmare but I eventually got it sorted out. Don't give up!
I've got a complicated situation with both UI and SDI claims that's making me super stressed. Back during Covid, apparently there was some issue with a 'false statement' on my UI claim, but I never received ANY notification about the amount owed or penalties. Fast forward to now - I recently separated from my job (mutual agreement, employer won't contest UI). So I filed for unemployment and got scheduled for a phone interview. But then my health took a turn, and my doctor said I can't work right now and filled out SDI paperwork (she only does this by mail). While waiting for that to process, I kept certifying for UI as instructed. Here's where it gets messy: 1) I couldn't reach anyone at EDD to explain this timeline 2) During my UI phone interview, the rep told me to contact SDI since he couldn't see my disability claim (probably still being processed by mail) 3) The interview only covered why I left my employer - nothing about the old false statement penalty 4) My UI claim history shows NO benefits paid because of those old penalties from Covid. I have another interview this week and I'm panicking - will EDD take my SDI benefits to cover that old UI penalty? Can they even do that? I desperately need the disability money for medical expenses.
One more important point: if you're transitioning from UI to SDI, you should have stopped certifying for UI as soon as your doctor determined you weren't able to work. When you certify for UI, you're declaring you're able and available for work - which contradicts what's needed for SDI eligibility. This might be creating additional confusion in your claim. For your upcoming interview, make sure you clearly explain the timeline: when you filed UI, when your doctor determined you couldn't work, and when you started the SDI application process. This clarity might help prevent further complications.
I'm going through something similar right now and wanted to share what I've learned. EDD absolutely CAN take your SDI benefits to pay off UI penalties - it happened to my cousin last year. The key thing is getting proper documentation of what you actually owe and why. Since you never received notification about the false statement penalty, you have strong grounds for an appeal. I'd recommend calling EDD before your interview this week to get clarity on the penalty amount and ask them to mail you a detailed breakdown. Also, make sure to mention during your interview that you never received any written notice about the false statement issue - they're required by law to provide proper notification before assessing penalties. Don't give up hope - there are options available, but you need to be proactive about requesting the right paperwork and understanding your appeal rights.
So I've been on SDI since January for severe back issues, and my benefits are set to run out in June. The problem is my doctor JUST scheduled my spinal fusion for July 8th (first available slot). Talk about terrible timing! I'm panicking because I'll have no income during recovery if my SDI ends right before surgery. Has anyone successfully extended their disability benefits in a situation like this? My doctor says recovery will be at least 2-3 months where I can't work. Do I need to file a completely new claim or is there some extension process? Any advice would be super appreciated!
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I talked to my doctor today and she said she'll document that the surgery is a necessary progression of my current back issues. She's going to help me fill out the right paperwork next week. Really hoping this works out without a gap in payments - this surgery wasn't exactly in my financial plans for 2025 but I can't keep working with this pain. Will update once I hear back from EDD!
Just wanted to add that you should also ask your doctor about temporary disability accommodations through your employer if you have them. Some employers have short-term disability insurance that can help bridge gaps between SDI claims. Also, if you're union member, check if your union has any emergency assistance programs. I had to go through this exact situation last year with a knee surgery right after my SDI ended, and having multiple backup plans really helped. The key is starting the paperwork process early - don't wait until the last week of your current claim!
DeShawn Washington
Has anyone tried reaching out to them on social media? Sometimes companies respond faster when you call them out publicly.
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Mei-Ling Chen
I tweeted at them last week. Radio silence. 馃
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Sof铆a Rodr铆guez
I've seen some people get responses on Facebook, might be worth a shot
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Natalie Chen
I'm in the exact same boat - been waiting since Tuesday for my callback and nothing! It's beyond frustrating when you're dealing with a disability and need these benefits to survive. I've tried calling directly multiple times but just get stuck in an endless hold loop. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like this is a widespread issue and not just us being unlucky. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and tips here - at least we know we're not alone in this mess. Going to try some of the suggestions like calling early morning and checking my spam folder. Fingers crossed something works soon! 馃
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