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Guys I think I cracked the code. If you press 2, then 4, then 1, then 3 when calling, you get to a different queue. I got through in 20 minutes yesterday!
I'm in the exact same boat! Filed my extension paperwork in early September and still haven't heard anything back. It's been almost 2 months now and I'm starting to panic about my bills. I've tried calling but like everyone says, it's impossible to get through. Really hoping someone here has some good news or at least knows what the typical timeline is supposed to be. This whole process is so stressful when you're already dealing with a disability 😔
I'm in a very similar situation - started my disability claim in December 2024 for a knee replacement and it runs through March 2025. My income is around $52,000 so I should definitely qualify for the 90% rate. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like we should see the increase automatically starting with the first full week of January, but I'm definitely going to call EDD just to confirm my claim will be updated properly. The conflicting information about whether it's automatic or not is making me nervous! Has anyone actually received any official documentation from EDD about this change yet?
I haven't received any official documentation from EDD yet either, which is frustrating given how big of a change this is. I'm in a similar income bracket and my claim also spans the transition period. From what I've gathered here, it seems like the safest approach is to assume it will be automatic but still call to verify, especially since there's conflicting info about base periods and automatic updates. The fact that multiple people are saying different things about the implementation makes me think EDD itself might not have fully communicated the details to all their staff yet. Let me know what you find out when you call - I'm planning to try reaching them next week too!
I'm also on disability that started in late 2024 and extends into 2025, so this thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on all the information shared here, I'm planning to monitor my first few payments in January closely. It sounds like the consensus is that the 90% rate should apply automatically for those of us earning under $63k, but there might be some initial processing delays. I'm going to screenshot my current benefit amount so I can easily compare when the new payments come through. Really appreciate everyone sharing their research and experiences - this kind of major policy change deserves way better communication from EDD directly!
btw dont forget you need to certify for unemployment every 2 weeks!!! sdI is different its like once a month i think? i missed my first ui certification deadline cuz i didnt know lol
Great question! I went through this exact transition about 8 months ago. Yes, you can definitely switch from SDI to UI once your doctor releases you - they're completely separate programs with different funding sources, so using SDI doesn't affect your UI eligibility. A few key things I learned the hard way: 1. Get your doctor's release in writing stating you're cleared for work WITHOUT restrictions - this is crucial 2. Apply for UI the same day your SDI ends, but expect a 2-3 week processing delay for first payment 3. Be prepared for a significant income drop - UI pays much less than SDI (I went from $1,100/week to $520/week) 4. Start your job search immediately since UI requires active work search documentation The good news is the wage base periods are calculated differently, so your SDI usage won't impact your UI qualification. Just make sure you have some savings to cover that gap period between benefits. The transition is doable, just requires some planning!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Submitted my medical forms 10 days ago and still showing as pending. It's so frustrating not knowing if they even received them properly. I've been checking the portal obsessively every day 😅 From what I'm reading here, it sounds like this is unfortunately pretty normal for EDD. Definitely going to try some of the suggestions mentioned - especially checking spam folder and using the online messaging system. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it helps to know we're not alone in this!
Sean Doyle
Honestly, I've had better luck reaching out to my state representative's office. They can sometimes cut through the red tape.
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Zara Rashid
•This! 👆 My rep's office got my issue resolved in a week after months of EDD silence.
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Chloe Martin
Just went through this process last month! Here's what really helped me: **Before the call:** - Have your Social Security card, driver's license, and any EDD correspondence handy - Write down your claim number in BIG letters (you'll need it multiple times) - Prepare a one-sentence summary of why you're calling - Clear your schedule - these calls can take forever **During the call:** - Be super patient but persistent - If the first agent can't help, politely ask to speak with a specialist - Take detailed notes with timestamps - Ask for a reference number for your call **Key questions to ask:** - What's the current status of my certification? - Are there any outstanding issues or missing documents? - What are the next steps and realistic timelines? - Can you email me a summary of what we discussed? The biggest game-changer for me was asking them to walk through my account step-by-step while I was on the phone. Found issues I never knew existed! Good luck! 🍀
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Philip Cowan
•This is incredibly helpful! The tip about asking them to walk through your account step-by-step is genius - I never would have thought of that. Definitely saving this for when I make my call. Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙏
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