I went through something similar a few months ago. When you call, just be straightforward about it - tell them it was a one-time payment from your employer to help with living expenses, not regular wages or benefits. They'll probably ask if it's taxable income (it likely is) and whether you expect any more payments like this. The key is being honest and having your documentation ready. Also, heads up - they might adjust your benefits for that certification period, but it shouldn't affect future weeks as long as it was truly a one-time thing. Hope this helps!

I went through almost the exact same thing a few months back! When I called EDD, I just explained it as "supplemental assistance from my employer during a difficult time" - they understood pretty quickly. The rep asked me if it was a regular occurrence (it wasn't) and whether I had any documentation showing what it was for. I had an email from HR explaining it, which helped a lot. They did reduce my benefits for that one certification period, but everything went back to normal after that. Just be honest and clear about what it was - they deal with these situations more often than you'd think. You've got this! 💪

Hi Anumol! You may be eligible for CA SDI benefits using the Alternative Base Period (ABP) since you don't have earnings in the standard base period but will have recent W2 earnings and contributions. Here's what you need to know: **Eligibility Requirements:** - You need at least $300 in SDI contributions during the ABP (your most recent 4 completed quarters) - Since you started in July '25 and are due in Dec '25, you should meet the contribution requirement **How to Apply:** 1. You cannot file online initially for ABP - you'll need to call EDD at 1-800-480-3287 2. Request that they process your claim using the Alternative Base Period 3. They'll need to manually review your recent earnings and contributions 4. Have your pay stubs ready showing SDI deductions **Timeline:** - Apply 4 weeks before your due date or when you stop working due to pregnancy - ABP claims take longer to process since they require manual review **Important:** Make sure your doctor completes the medical certification form properly, as pregnancy claims require specific documentation about your disability period. Good luck with your claim and congratulations on your pregnancy!

I'm going through something similar - been waiting about 2 weeks myself. One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of every attempt I made to contact them (dates, times, what happened). Also, try calling right at 8 AM when they open - I've heard that's when you have the best shot at getting through. If you haven't already, make sure to check that all your paperwork was submitted correctly through your online account. Sometimes there are missing documents or signatures that aren't obvious. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is when you're counting on those payments!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - 17 days is way too long to be waiting without any communication! I went through a similar situation last year and here's what finally worked for me: I started calling at exactly 8:00 AM every single day (set multiple alarms), and I also sent messages through my online EDD account every few days asking for status updates. The key is being persistent but polite. Also, double-check that your claim wasn't flagged for identity verification - that's a common reason for delays that they don't always notify you about clearly. If you're really struggling financially, look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs while you wait. Don't give up - the squeaky wheel really does get the grease with EDD, even though it shouldn't have to be this way. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Just to add some clarity: per the EDD website, "State Disability Insurance (SDI) benefits are not subject to federal income tax. However, if you are required to report the SDI benefits you received on your California state tax return, you will receive a Form 1099-G." Most standard W-2 employees don't need to report SDI on their state returns, which is why most people never receive a 1099-G for their disability benefits.

I went through this exact same situation last year! I was panicking because I couldn't find any tax documents for my SDI pregnancy benefits from 2023. After doing a ton of research and calling around, I learned that California SDI benefits (including pregnancy disability) are NOT federally taxable, which is why you don't receive a 1099 form. It's actually a nice surprise since most income sources are taxable! Just make sure you keep good records of the payments you received in case you ever need them for other purposes, but you can file your 2024 taxes without worrying about reporting the SDI pregnancy benefits. Hope this helps ease your stress like it did mine!

Just saw your update about finding the email in your spam folder - that's great! Make sure you respond with exactly what they're asking for, and be very specific. If they asked about employment dates, provide the precise dates with documentation if possible. Also, call them tomorrow after submitting the information to confirm they received it and ask how long until processing. Sometimes a follow-up call can move things along faster once you've provided the missing information.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - applied for SDI in early February and still stuck on "pending" status. One thing that helped me was setting up email notifications in the SDI Online portal if you haven't already done that. Go to your account settings and make sure all notification options are checked. Also, I've found that calling around 2-3 PM sometimes has better luck than the morning rush - fewer people seem to call during lunch hours. The wait times are still brutal but I've gotten through twice that way. Keep us posted on how it goes with the employment dates clarification!