One thing that helped me in a similar situation was getting a letter from my workers' comp doctor specifically stating that I was still under their active care when the pregnancy complications began. This helped establish the timeline and showed there was no gap in my medical treatment/disability status. Also, if you have any email communications with your employer about your return-to-work status or job accommodation requests before the pregnancy complications started, include those too. It shows your clear intent to return to the workforce. The EDD reviewers often don't understand the complexity of overlapping medical conditions - you really have to spell it out for them step by step. Don't assume they'll connect the dots themselves!

I went through almost the exact same situation last year! I was on workers' comp for a back injury, got pregnant during that time, then developed severe hyperemesis gravidarum at 18 weeks that made it impossible to return to my job as a warehouse supervisor. EDD initially denied my SDI claim with the same "left labor force" reasoning. What really helped my successful appeal was getting a detailed timeline letter from my workers' comp case manager showing that I was still actively engaged in return-to-work planning when the pregnancy complications started. I also had my OB write a letter explaining that my pregnancy condition was completely separate from my work injury but equally disabling. The appeal took about 6 weeks to process, but I eventually got approved and received all my back pay. Don't give up - you have a strong case! The key is showing that continuous thread of medical disability without any voluntary departure from employment. Your construction site coordinator role requiring physical activity actually strengthens your case since it's clear the pregnancy complications genuinely prevent you from performing your job duties.

I had this exact same issue last month! What finally worked for me was using Edge browser (I know, I know, but hear me out) and making sure JavaScript was enabled. Also try disabling any browser extensions temporarily - sometimes they interfere with government sites. The EDD website is notoriously finicky but these steps got me through. If you're still stuck after trying the browser fixes, you might want to try filing during off-peak hours like super early morning (5-7 AM). Good luck!

I've been dealing with EDD website issues for weeks now! What's been working for me lately is using Safari on my iPhone instead of my laptop. For some reason the mobile version seems more stable. Also, if you have two-factor authentication set up, make sure your phone has good signal when you're trying to file - I got locked out twice because the verification texts were delayed. Another trick: save your progress frequently if the site lets you, because it times out super quick. Hope you get through soon!

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Guess ill wait a bit longer before I start freaking out lol. Might try that calling service if I get desperate enough.

Hey OP, I totally get the anxiety - waiting for disability benefits when you really need them is incredibly stressful. Just went through this myself last year. 3 weeks is still within the normal range, though I know that doesn't make the waiting any easier when bills are piling up. A few things that helped me: First, definitely create an online account if you haven't already - sometimes status updates show up there before you get anything in the mail. Second, gather all your paperwork now so you're ready if they ask for additional documentation (they probably will). And third, if you're really struggling financially while waiting, reach out to local social services - many have emergency assistance programs that can help bridge the gap. The system is frustratingly slow, but hang in there. Most people do eventually get approved, it just takes way longer than it should. Sending good vibes your way! 🤞

anyone else notice that the unemployment website is always "under maintenance" when you actually need to use it? 🙄

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been waiting 3 weeks for any kind of confirmation that they received my income verification docs. What's really frustrating is that there's no way to know if the documents actually uploaded properly or if they're just sitting in some digital queue somewhere. I've been checking my account daily but it still shows "pending review" with no timeline. Has anyone had success with the suggestion to fax documents as a backup?