Quick update check: Has the payment appeared on your card yet? If it's been more than 3 business days and still nothing, you should definitely contact EDD to make sure everything is properly set up with your Bank of America card.

So glad to hear your payment finally came through! This is exactly why I always tell people to expect 1-3 business days after the EDD website shows "paid" status. The anxiety while waiting for that first payment is absolutely brutal, especially when you have bills due. For future reference, you can also check your payment status through the Bank of America EDD app - sometimes it updates a few hours before you actually see the funds available. Welcome to the SDI system and hopefully your future payments will be more predictable now that you know the timing!

The whole system is SO UNFAIR for pregnant women!!! I've had friends who worked for counties, school districts, and federal jobs and ALL of them struggled with maternity leave compared to private sector friends. One of my friends even quit her county job at 6 months pregnant and got a corporate job JUST to get better maternity benefits!! Can you believe that?? In 2025 we're still forcing women to choose between careers and starting families. Makes me SO ANGRY.

I'm in a similar situation! Just started with my city government 6 months ago and found out I'm pregnant. Like you, I had no idea about the SDI exemption when I took the job. From what I've learned so far, definitely explore that inactive claim option that Ethan mentioned - it sounds like you might have a real shot since you're within the 18-month window! Also, I'd suggest documenting everything when you call EDD. Write down the rep's name, date, and exactly what they tell you in case you need to reference it later. The rules seem to have so many exceptions that even HR departments don't know about them all. Fingers crossed we both find some better options than just the basic county leave!

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much better now understanding that I don't need to certify weekly like with unemployment, but I should watch for a possible continued claim form in the mail. I've marked my calendar for when my claim period ends and will talk to my doctor about an extension if my recovery takes longer than expected. I'll definitely keep all documentation and stay on top of any mail from EDD. This community is amazing - you've saved me so much stress and confusion!

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me during my SDI claim - if you're worried about missing important mail from EDD, you can sign up for Informed Delivery through USPS. It sends you daily emails with images of the mail you're getting that day, so you'll know if something from EDD is coming. Really helped me stay on top of things when I was dealing with my own disability claim. Also, don't hesitate to call your doctor's office if you have questions about whether you'll need an extension - they can give you a better sense of your recovery timeline. Hope your healing goes smoothly!

Based on my experience working with many clients in similar situations, hardship forms are currently taking 45-60 days to process. The department that handles these requests is separate from regular disability claims processing, and they're significantly understaffed following budget cuts in 2024. In the meantime, I suggest taking these steps: 1. Send a follow-up through SDI Online's message center specifically asking for confirmation that your hardship request was received and is in review. 2. Request that they place a temporary hold on collections while your hardship request is pending - they should do this automatically, but it's worth confirming. 3. If you have any change in financial circumstances (worse or better), submit an updated hardship form with the new information. 4. If it's been more than 45 days, you can request to speak with a supervisor when you call, as they sometimes have the ability to expedite reviews. Hang in there - the process is frustrating but they do eventually respond to everyone.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my hardship form about 4 weeks ago for a $3,200 overpayment and still haven't heard anything back. It's so stressful not knowing what's happening, especially when you're already dealing with financial hardship. Reading everyone's experiences here at least helps me understand this is normal (even though it shouldn't be). I've been calling but like you said, it's impossible to get through. The anxiety of waiting is almost worse than the actual overpayment itself. Hope we both get good news soon!

lol welcome to EDD hell. grab a seat, we'll be here a while 💀

I'm going through the exact same thing! My claim has been pending since December and it's driving me crazy. I've been reading through all these suggestions and they're super helpful. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy and reach out to my assembly member. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get what we're entitled to, but at least we're not alone in this struggle. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips!