Hi Mateo! I just went through this exact situation a couple months ago - also 36 weeks pregnant when I filed and my employer submitted paper forms too. The anxiety is SO real, especially when you're that close to your due date! From my experience, paper forms typically add about 2-3 weeks to the processing time, but the good news is your benefits will definitely be backdated to your May 14th filing date. I filed in early March and my employer mailed their form about a week later. It took roughly 18 calendar days from when they mailed it until I saw my status change from "waiting period" to "processing." A few things that helped me stay sane during the wait: - Asked my HR for the tracking number when they mailed it (they used certified mail) - Called EDD at exactly 8 AM after 2 weeks to confirm they received the form - Checked my SDI account every morning instead of obsessively throughout the day The rep I spoke to confirmed that pregnancy disability claims do get some priority since they're time-sensitive. Given that you filed May 14th and your due date is June 8th, you should absolutely have everything approved in time - even with the paper processing delays. One thing to double-check with your employer tomorrow: make sure they're using the current version of the DE 2503 form (should say 2024 or 2025 revision date). I've seen people get delayed because their employer used an outdated form version. Hang in there! The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but you filed early enough that you should be totally fine. Keep us posted on how it goes! 💙

Hey Mateo! I'm a newcomer here but wanted to chime in since I just went through this exact process with my pregnancy disability claim about 6 weeks ago. The paper form submission anxiety is SO real - I was checking my account multiple times a day and driving myself crazy! From my experience, it took exactly 19 calendar days from when my employer mailed the DE 2503 until my status changed to "processing." The key thing that saved my sanity was getting the certified mail tracking number from my HR department - I could see exactly when EDD received it and start counting from there. A couple things that might help: - Follow up with your employer tomorrow to confirm they actually mailed it (mine "forgot" the first time 🙄) - Ask for tracking info if they used certified/priority mail - The waiting period status is just the standard 7-day waiting period, not waiting for documents - Your benefits will 100% be backdated to May 14th regardless of processing delays Given your timeline (filed May 14, due June 8), you're in great shape even with paper processing. I filed way later than you did and still got everything sorted before my maternity leave started. The EDD rep I eventually spoke to mentioned they do prioritize pregnancy claims since they're time-sensitive. Try not to stress too much - easier said than done when you're 36 weeks pregnant, I know! But you filed early and did everything right. The money will come through in time. Hang in there mama! 💕

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!

I'm new here and going through my first SDI claim - this thread is exactly what I needed! My claim ends next week and I've been losing sleep wondering about that final day payment. It's so frustrating that something this basic isn't clearly explained anywhere on the EDD website. From what everyone's saying, it sounds like I will get paid through my end date as long as I'm still disabled that day. Quick follow-up question though - when you do your final certification, do you mark that you're "able and available" for the end date if you're planning to return to work the next day? I don't want to accidentally mess up my final payment by answering incorrectly. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone!

I'm really glad I found this thread! I'm currently on SDI and my claim ends in a few weeks, so I was having the exact same worry about whether that final day gets paid. It's such a relief to see multiple people confirm that yes, you DO get benefits for the end date listed on your claim. The EDD phone system is absolutely impossible to get through to - I've tried calling so many times and either get disconnected or sit on hold for hours. It's frustrating that such basic information isn't clearly spelled out on their website. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who went through this recently. Knowing that I'll get that final day's payment (about $192 based on my weekly amount) really helps with planning my budget for the transition back to work. This community is honestly more helpful than EDD customer service!

I'm glad to hear your brother is going to be okay! One last piece of advice: make sure he understands that SDI and workers' compensation are two different programs. Since the accident happened outside of work, he's applying for SDI. If he tells EDD it was a work injury, they'll direct him to workers' comp instead and it will delay everything. Also, once he starts feeling better, if his doctor approves him for modified/light duty but his employer can't accommodate those restrictions, he can still continue receiving SDI benefits until he's cleared for full duty or his benefit period ends.

Just wanted to add that your brother should also make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING - the application, medical records, correspondence with EDD, etc. I learned this the hard way when EDD lost my paperwork and I had to resubmit everything. Also, if he has a smartphone, he can actually upload documents directly through the SDI Online portal which is way faster than mailing them. The photo upload feature works pretty well for medical forms and paystubs. Hope your brother heals up quickly!

Update: My card arrived today! It was definitely in a very plain white envelope that looked like junk mail, so I'm glad you all warned me to watch for it. I've activated it and set up the automatic transfer to my regular bank account. Thanks everyone for all your helpful advice!

Congrats on getting approved and receiving your card! Just wanted to add a few tips I learned the hard way: 1) Download the BofA Prepaid mobile app to easily check your balance and transaction history, 2) If you ever need cash, stick to BofA ATMs to avoid fees - other ATMs can charge $2-3 per withdrawal, and 3) Keep the card activation paperwork because it has important phone numbers you might need later. Also, even though you set up automatic transfers, it can take 1-2 business days for the money to show up in your regular account, so plan accordingly for urgent expenses. Glad everything worked out for you!