I'm a benefits counselor, and while your sister won't qualify for SDI without California work history, there's an important detail to consider regarding her mental health conditions. If her anxiety and depression are severe enough to be disabling on their own (separate from the pregnancy), she might qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unlike state disability, these federal programs don't require recent work in a specific state - they look at overall work history (SSDI) or financial need (SSI). The catch is these programs typically have a 5-month waiting period and a more stringent definition of disability. They require conditions that prevent substantial work and are expected to last at least 12 months. The application process is also lengthier than state disability. A disability attorney could help evaluate if this is a viable option in her situation.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned when I moved to California while pregnant two years ago. While it's true that SDI requires California work history, I discovered a few additional resources that might help your sister: 1. Emergency assistance programs - Many counties have one-time emergency funds for pregnant women in crisis situations. In Riverside County, try contacting the Community Action Partnership. 2. Food banks and pantries - Organizations like Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino can help stretch the grocery budget while she gets other assistance set up. 3. Utility assistance - If money gets tight, programs like LIHEAP can help with electricity/gas bills during pregnancy. 4. Church and community organizations - Even if she's not religious, many churches in the Inland Empire have benevolence funds specifically for pregnant women and new families. The most important thing is to apply for everything simultaneously rather than waiting. Medi-Cal should be her first priority since it covers all pregnancy-related medical care. I hope things work out for your sister!

Hey Michael! I was in a similar situation last year - mailed my SDI application and felt completely lost without a reference number. Here's what worked for me: Call the SDI customer service line at 1-800-480-3287 first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp). Have your Social Security number and the approximate date you mailed your application ready. Even without a reference number, they should be able to look up your application by SSN. Also, if you have a copy of your mailed application or any receipts from certified mail, keep those handy. The wait times are brutal, but don't give up - persistence is key with EDD! You got this! 💪

I feel your frustration! I went through this exact same thing a few months back. Here's what I learned: EDD processes mail applications in batches, so even though they received it 3 weeks ago, it might not be entered into their system yet. When you do get through on the phone (and you will eventually!), ask them to check if your application has been "scanned into the system" - that's the magic phrase. Also, don't panic about the timeline - SDI applications can take 14-21 business days just for the initial review, and that clock doesn't start until it's actually in their computer system. Keep your chin up and keep calling! 📞✊

Pro tip: Contact your local state representative's office. They often have liaisons who can help navigate EDD issues. I did this and got my problem resolved in 2 weeks after months of getting nowhere on my own.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Filed the wrong type of claim and now it's a total mess with EDD. The overpayment notice is so frustrating when you haven't even received the money they claim you were overpaid. I've been documenting everything - dates, times, who I spoke with, reference numbers. Also trying the early morning call strategy but man, it's rough getting through. Definitely going to look into contacting my state rep's office based on the advice here. Hang in there, we'll get through this bureaucratic nightmare! 💪

Thanks for all the help! I'll definitely gather all that documentation. Really appreciate everyone's advice here!

I'm so glad you found this community helpful! Your situation sounds really stressful, but it looks like you're on the right track now. Just wanted to add - when you do get through to EDD (whether through Claimyr or regular phone), make sure to ask them to put a note in your file about the OSDI/NY withholding situation. That way if there are any follow-up questions or delays, the next person you speak with will already have context. Also, don't forget to get your doctor's certification for the surgery recovery ASAP if you haven't already - that's usually the piece that takes the longest to get sorted out. Good luck with your claim! 🤞

Thank you for the detailed advice! I'll start documenting everything better and will call that Division of Workers' Comp number tomorrow. I had no idea there were resources like that available. This whole system is so confusing to navigate.

As someone who went through a similar situation with a workplace back injury, I can share what worked for me. The key is being persistent but strategic. Here's what I learned: 1. **Keep detailed records** - I created a simple spreadsheet tracking every call, email, and interaction with dates and names 2. **Call the insurance company at different times** - I found early morning (8-9 AM) had shorter hold times 3. **Ask for supervisor escalation** - If the first person can't help, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or claims manager 4. **Get everything in writing** - Follow up phone calls with emails summarizing what was discussed The 90-day rule that Anastasia mentioned is real, but most claims should be decided much faster. In my case, once I got through to the right person, they discovered my employer had submitted incomplete medical records. Once that was fixed, approval came within a week. Don't give up - you're entitled to these benefits, and the squeaky wheel really does get the grease in this system. The financial stress is real, but going the SDI route for a clear workplace injury could create more problems down the line.