I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Been waiting almost 6 weeks for my first SDI payment and getting nowhere with the regular customer service line. @Harper Thompson thank you for sharing that SDI-specific number - I'm definitely going to try 1-800-480-3287 tomorrow morning. One thing I learned from my experience so far is to document everything - every call, every rep you speak with, reference numbers, etc. It's helped me keep track of the conflicting information I've been getting. Also, if anyone is considering that claimyr service @Emma Olsen mentioned, I'd love to hear more success stories before spending the $20. Hang in there @Savannah - we'll figure this out! 🤞

Just wanted to jump in and say I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Been waiting 7 weeks for my SDI payments and it's beyond frustrating. I actually tried that claimyr service @Emma Olsen mentioned last week and it DID work - got connected to a rep in about 45 minutes instead of the usual hours of busy signals. Worth the $20 for my sanity honestly. @Harper Thompson thanks for dropping that SDI-specific number! Had no clue there was a separate line. Definitely trying 1-800-480-3287 first thing Monday morning. One tip I learned from a friend who works in disability advocacy - if you're getting nowhere with phone calls, try reaching out to your assembly member's office. They have caseworkers who specifically handle EDD issues and can sometimes get things moving when regular channels fail. Found my rep's contact info on the CA legislature website. Stay strong everyone - this system is broken but we'll get through it! 💪

That's fantastic news! So glad you were able to get through and get some movement on your claim. It's such a relief when you finally reach someone who can actually help. The 17 attempts at 8 AM definitely paid off! Hopefully this gives others in similar situations some hope - persistence really does make a difference with EDD. Thanks for updating us on the outcome, and I hope those payments come through quickly for you both!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely amazed by how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is here! I just started dealing with my own EDD SDI claim last week after a surgery, and I was already feeling anxious about the whole process after hearing so many horror stories. PrinceJoe, your journey from complete desperation to success is incredibly inspiring - it really shows that persistence pays off even when the system seems completely broken! The practical strategies shared throughout this thread are invaluable: the 8 AM calling technique, financial hardship expedite options, contacting assembly members, asking about the ARTU queue, and even the Claimyr service suggestion. I'm bookmarking this entire discussion as my go-to guide in case I hit any roadblocks. It's remarkable how this community provides more actionable, real-world advice than any official EDD resource. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space where people can share experiences and help each other navigate this challenging system. Hopefully my claim goes smoothly, but if not, I know exactly where to turn for help!

My dr. Won't even extend past 2 months. I have a feeling they don't want to fill out additional paperwork which is exactly what is needed to extend my benefits. If they won't certify after me sending my thorough message, I'm going to my primary. I'm entitled to time off if I haven't fully recovered. It's not my problem it's a lot of paperwork. Maybe do some OT?

This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! As someone who might need to apply for SDI in the future due to a chronic condition, I had no idea that medical facilities could have these arbitrary time limits that override a doctor's medical judgment. It's deeply concerning that so many people are facing this same issue with larger medical groups prioritizing administrative convenience over patient care. What strikes me most is how much preparation and self-advocacy is required just to maintain benefits you're legitimately entitled to. Having to research backup specialists, prepare documentation, and essentially become an expert in healthcare navigation while dealing with a disability seems overwhelming. But reading everyone's practical solutions - from contacting specialists early to preparing all medical records in advance to getting clinic policies documented in writing - gives me a roadmap for what to expect. The community knowledge shared here is invaluable. It's unfortunate that we need these workarounds, but knowing about options like urgent care for bridge certification, independent disability evaluation specialists, and services like Claimyr for reaching EDD could make the difference between maintaining benefits and facing financial hardship during recovery. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - you're helping people prepare for and navigate these challenges before they become crises!

OP, any luck yet? Keep us posted!

I actually had the exact same e324 error when trying to set up my PFL claim last month! What finally worked for me was going into my ID.me account and making sure ALL my personal information matched EXACTLY what was on file with EDD - down to middle initials, address formatting, everything. Even tiny discrepancies can trigger that error. Also try logging out of both accounts completely, waiting about 30 minutes, then logging back in. The system seems to need time to sync sometimes. Hope this helps and congrats on your new family members! 🎉

I actually had a similar situation happen to me a few months back, and what saved me was creating an online account with Bank of America first before calling. If you go to bankofamerica.com and register using your SSN and card details (even though the physical card is lost, you might still have the number written down somewhere), you can often manage some things online including requesting a replacement. This sometimes bypasses the phone system entirely. Also, if you do need to call, try using the automated system to say "lost or stolen card" - it usually routes you to a different queue that tends to be faster than general customer service. And definitely keep receipts or screenshots of any expedited shipping fees they charge you, as sometimes EDD will reimburse those if you file a request explaining the hardship situation. Hope this helps and you get it sorted soon!

Lost disabilities money card and ent card