I've been lurking on this thread because I'm dealing with similar EDD form issues! Reading through everyone's experiences has been super helpful. Just wanted to add that when I called EDD yesterday about my forms, the rep told me they've been having technical issues with their email system lately - apparently a lot of people are getting forms that aren't displaying properly. She said the best thing to do is call and let them know you received forms via email but can't access them properly. They can either read you the questions over the phone or send physical copies. Just make sure to mention the specific form numbers (DE 2517 and 4365DI in your case) so they can pull up the right ones. Also, if you do end up waiting on hold, don't give up! I was on hold for almost 2 hours but the rep was really helpful once I got through. Sometimes persistence really pays off with EDD. Hope this helps and good luck getting it sorted out! 🤞

This is such a timely post! I'm actually going through the same thing right now with my disability claim. Got those exact same forms (DE 2517 and 4365DI) in my email last week and was totally stumped on how to handle them. After reading through all these comments, I'm definitely going to try calling at 8 AM sharp tomorrow and ask for a reference number. The tip about EDD having email system issues makes so much sense - I thought I was going crazy trying to figure out why the forms looked so weird! @Logan Greenburg have you had any luck getting through to them yet? I'm curious to hear how it goes if you try any of these suggestions. This community is awesome for sharing real experiences instead of just the official runaround we usually get! Thanks everyone for all the practical advice - feeling way less stressed about this whole process now 🙏

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. Here's what really helped me: 1) Get your doctor to be as specific as possible about your limitations - don't just say "can't work," but explain exactly what you can't do (lifting, sitting, standing, etc.). 2) Submit everything at once if possible - piecemeal submissions seem to slow things down. 3) Keep detailed records of every phone call, including date, time, and who you spoke with. 4) If you get denied initially, don't panic! Appeals are super common and often successful if you have good documentation. The whole thing took about 6 weeks for me, but I know that varies a lot. Hang in there - it's definitely worth pushing through the bureaucracy!

Just wanted to add something that really helped me during my application process - don't underestimate the importance of timing when you submit everything. I made the mistake of submitting my initial application on a Friday afternoon and it seemed to get lost in the shuffle over the weekend. When I called to follow up the next week, they couldn't even find it in their system! Had to resubmit everything. Now I always submit important stuff early in the week, preferably Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Also, if you're working with multiple doctors or specialists, try to coordinate with them so all your medical documentation has consistent dates and information. I had one doctor list my injury date differently than another, and that caused a 2-week delay while they sorted it out. Small details like this can really make a difference in how smoothly your case moves through the system.

Update us once you've filed your SDI claim. The first payment typically arrives within 14 days after your claim is approved, and it can be retroactive to your disability start date (minus the 7-day waiting period). Just remember that SDI only replaces about 60-70% of your wages, capped at a maximum weekly benefit amount of $1,620 in 2025.

I'm so sorry this happened to you - what a nightmare situation to deal with while you're already struggling with your health. I went through something similar with my lupus flare last year. My employer also gave me verbal assurances about medical leave but then tried to claim I was a "no-show" when I couldn't return as quickly as expected. Here's what I learned: Document EVERYTHING from this point forward. Those text messages from your supervisor are gold - screenshot them and back them up. Also, when you see your rheumatologist tomorrow, ask them to include specific details in the medical certification about how your RA symptoms (joint pain, fatigue, mobility issues, etc.) prevent you from performing your job duties. Don't just let them write "rheumatoid arthritis" - EDD needs functional limitations spelled out clearly. One thing I wish someone had told me: keep copies of all your SDI paperwork and track every interaction with EDD. If there are any issues with your claim, having that paper trail is crucial. Also, don't let your employer's poor handling of this situation discourage you - you have legitimate medical reasons for being unable to work, and that's what SDI is designed for. Good luck with your claim! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Pro tip: call right when they open. I got through after only 30 minutes on hold that way.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 5 weeks ago and it's been stuck on "pending" the whole time. The stress is unreal when you're depending on those benefits to cover basic expenses. I've tried calling at different times but always get that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volumes. Has anyone had luck with the early morning calling strategy? I might try setting an alarm for 7:55am tomorrow to call right when they open.

guys. GUYS. i literaly just got off the phone with them after 2 months of trying. heres the secret: call the spanish line and press 2 for english. way less wait time. your welcome 😎

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 5 weeks and counting in "pending" status. It's so stressful not knowing when (or if) it'll get resolved. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips, especially @Chloe Taylor for that comprehensive breakdown. I'm going to try the early morning calling strategy and also look into contacting my state rep. This whole situation really highlights how broken the system is. Hoping we all get through this soon! 🤞