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UPDATE: I talked to my doctor today, and she's recommending I take 6 weeks off work to adjust to my new medication and attend intensive therapy. She filled out the SDI paperwork, so I'm going to apply for disability benefits instead of unemployment. Once I'm cleared to return to work, if I still haven't found a job, I'll apply for UI then. Thank you everyone for your help and guidance!
Great decision on going with SDI first! That's exactly what I would have recommended based on your doctor's advice. Just a heads up - SDI applications can sometimes take a few weeks to process, so make sure you apply as soon as possible to avoid any gaps in coverage. Also, keep all your medical documentation organized because they might request additional paperwork during the review process. Your anxiety treatment is the priority right now, and having that financial support will help reduce stress while you focus on getting better. Wishing you a smooth recovery!
This is really helpful advice about the processing time! I'm definitely going to submit my SDI application tomorrow morning. I'm already feeling a bit less stressed knowing I have a clear plan now. It's such a relief to have supportive people in this community who actually understand what it's like to navigate these systems while dealing with health issues. Thank you for the encouragement about prioritizing my treatment - I really needed to hear that!
Quick update on the online upload feature - it's actually under 'Contact SDI' not under forms. You choose 'Send a message' then select 'Claim Information' as the category, then you can attach files with your message. Make sure to include your claim ID number in the message too. Also, for your PFL after having your baby - that should be filed as a NEW claim, not as a continuation of your disability claim. The system is confusing because pregnancy disability can transition to PFL bonding, but in your case (since your disability is for your leg, not pregnancy complications), you'll file a separate PFL claim when the time comes. It's all handled by the same department but processed differently.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare situation! Being pregnant with a broken leg and stuck out of state while EDD gives you the runaround sounds absolutely horrible. A few additional tips that might help: 1. If you have a smartphone, try using the EDD app - sometimes it's faster than the website for uploading documents and checking status updates. 2. Contact your state assembly member's office! They have constituent services that can sometimes intervene with EDD on your behalf. Even though you're temporarily in Nevada, you're still a California resident and taxpayer. 3. For the phone calls - try calling exactly at 8:00 AM, 12:01 PM (right after lunch), and 1:00 PM. Those seem to be the times when wait times are slightly shorter. 4. Document your injury and out-of-state status with photos if possible. Sometimes having visual proof of why you can't physically appear in person helps expedite things. The fact that you have delivery confirmation is huge - don't let them gaslight you into thinking you didn't submit the paperwork. Keep pushing and don't give up! Many of us here have been through similar battles with EDD and eventually got our benefits. You've got this!
Just wanted to add that when you're dealing with disability-related EDD issues, it's also worth reaching out to your State Disability Insurance (SDI) office directly. Sometimes there's a disconnect between what SDI has on file versus what the unemployment division sees. I had a similar mix-up where my employer was correctly reporting to SDI that I wasn't working due to disability, but somehow unemployment still thought I was getting wages. A quick call to SDI helped them sync up their records. Also, if you're getting any disability payments, make sure you have documentation showing those aren't wages from your employer - EDD sometimes gets confused between disability benefits and regular pay. Good luck with your appeal! 🍀
This is such valuable insight! I never would have thought about the disconnect between SDI and the unemployment division - that makes total sense why these mix-ups happen. The tip about documenting that disability benefits aren't wages is really smart too. Thanks for sharing your experience, this could save OP (and probably a lot of us) from going down the wrong rabbit hole!
Another thing that might help - if you have any text messages or emails from your supervisor/HR about your disability leave starting, screenshot those too! I had something similar happen and those informal communications actually carried a lot of weight with the appeals officer. Also, check if your company uses any payroll platforms like ADP or Workday - you can usually print out your own pay history directly from there which shows zero payments. Sometimes having the same info from multiple sources (your bank, employer letter, AND the payroll system) makes your case bulletproof. The more evidence the better! 💪
This is such a helpful thread! I'm currently going through something similar - been waiting almost 8 weeks for my SDI claim and just found out there's some "additional documentation" needed that nobody bothered to explain clearly. Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel less crazy for being so frustrated with this process. The fact that @Dominique Adams accidentally got better help at the WRONG building than most of us get through official channels just shows how broken the system is! I'm definitely going to try calling around to see if any local offices will accept forms in person like @Gael Robinson suggested. At this point I'm willing to drive anywhere if it means avoiding their mail processing black hole. Has anyone had luck getting through to EDD recently using their main phone line? I've been trying the 1-800 number for days but can never get past the automated system. Might have to look into that Claimyr service @Payton Black mentioned if I keep striking out. Thanks for sharing all these tips - this community is honestly more helpful than any official EDD resource I've found!
@Faith Kingston I feel your pain! 8 weeks is absolutely ridiculous for what should be a straightforward process. I m'still pretty new to navigating all this EDD chaos myself, but from reading through this thread it seems like persistence is key - even if it means getting creative like Dominique did by accidentally finding help at the wrong building! The phone system is definitely a nightmare. I ve'had better luck calling right when they open at 8am, but even then it s'hit or miss. That Claimyr service does sound intriguing if the regular channels keep failing us. It s'honestly both comforting and depressing to see how many of us are dealing with the exact same runaround. At least we can help each other figure out workarounds since EDD clearly isn t'going to make this easy! Hope you get some movement on your claim soon - keep us posted on what works for you!
Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been lurking on this subreddit for a while but finally created an account because this thread hit so close to home! I'm currently 4 weeks into waiting for my SDI claim and this is giving me major anxiety about what's coming next. @Dominique Adams - your story about accidentally getting help at the wrong building is both hilarious and infuriating at the same time! The fact that a random county receptionist was more helpful than the actual EDD system says everything about how broken this process is. Reading through all these experiences, it sounds like I should probably start mentally preparing for this supplemental form situation. @Louisa Ramirez thank you for breaking down the DE 2525XX form details - I'm saving this info for when (not if) I inevitably run into this same issue. The tip about hand-delivering forms instead of mailing them is brilliant! I'm definitely going to research which offices near me might accept that. At this point I'd drive 2 hours if it meant avoiding weeks of mail processing delays. Has anyone else noticed if the processing times have gotten worse this year? I keep seeing people mention the "new claim system updates in 2025" - wondering if that's causing extra delays for everyone or if it's always been this chaotic!
QuantumQuest
Honestly, at this point, I'm convinced carrier pigeons would be more efficient than the EDD's system 🐦📬 Maybe we should suggest that for their next upgrade lol
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Amina Sy
•LMAO 🤣 can you imagine? "Sorry, your claim is delayed. Our pigeon got lost over the Pacific.
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Oliver Fischer
•Don't give them ideas, they might actually try it 💀
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Bruno Simmons
I've been dealing with a similar situation for weeks now. One thing that helped me was calling first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM sharp) - the wait times are usually shorter then. Also, when you do get through, ask the agent to put a "priority flag" on your case for medical documentation. Some agents don't mention this option, but it can help move things along faster. Don't give up - I know it's exhausting but keep pushing!
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