One more important thing to consider: if you're currently collecting UI while actually being unable to work due to pregnancy complications, this could potentially be considered misrepresentation. When you certify for UI, you're declaring that you're able and available for work. I recommend being proactive about this. Contact EDD and explain the situation - that you misunderstood the programs and need to switch from UI to SDI. They can help you make this transition properly and potentially avoid any overpayment or penalty issues. For your SDI claim, make sure your healthcare provider clearly documents your pregnancy-related limitations. Be aware there's a 7-day waiting period for SDI (no benefits paid for the first week). After delivery, the transition from pregnancy disability to PFL should be fairly straightforward with the right documentation. You'll need to have your doctor complete a DE 2501 form to establish your pregnancy disability claim.

As someone who's been through a similar situation, I want to echo what others have said - you really need to switch to SDI ASAP if your doctor has you on bed rest. I made the mistake of staying on UI too long during my pregnancy complications and it created a huge mess with EDD later. The good news is that since you were working and paying into the system until recently, you should definitely qualify for SDI and then PFL after delivery. The benefit amounts are typically much better than UI too - I was shocked at how much more I received on disability compared to unemployment. One tip: when you call EDD to make the switch, be honest about the timing and that you realize you may have been on the wrong program. They're usually more helpful when you're upfront about mistakes rather than trying to hide them. Also, make sure your doctor fills out the DE 2501 form completely - any missing info will delay your claim. You're going to be a great mom and this benefits stuff will all work out! Focus on taking care of yourself and the baby first, everything else is just paperwork that can be sorted out.

Pro tip: Try applying super early in the morning or late at night. Less traffic on the site, might have better luck getting through. Worked for me!

I had the exact same E324 error last week! What finally worked for me was using a different browser entirely (switched from Chrome to Firefox) and making sure I wasn't using any browser extensions or ad blockers. Also double-check that you're entering your SSN exactly as it appears on your card - no dashes or spaces. The EDD system is super picky about formatting. If all else fails, the phone number for SDI is 1-800-480-3287, but yeah, expect to wait on hold for hours. Hope this helps!

Ugh, I've been there before. It's so frustrating! Make sure you have all the details about the check ready when you call - like the date, amount, and any reference numbers. Also, be prepared to explain why you couldn't cash it. Good luck!

I had a similar issue a few months ago! The bank told me it was because there was a security feature on the check that their scanner couldn't read properly. When I called EDD, they were actually pretty helpful - they cancelled the old check and sent me a new one within about 10 business days. The key is to have your claim number ready and be specific about the error you got when trying to cash it. Also, ask them to put a note in your file about the issue in case it happens again. Hope this helps!

Plot twist: what if the payment actually went through but your bank is holding it for some reason? Might be worth giving them a call too.

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! My payment was supposed to hit yesterday and nothing. I've been checking my account obsessively. From what I've gathered reading through these comments, it sounds like calling early in the morning or checking with your bank might be the way to go. Has anyone heard if there's been any system-wide issues this week that might be causing delays? Really hoping this gets sorted out soon because rent is due! 😰

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! My disability claim ended in September, I did PFL for 6 weeks, and now I need to extend my disability again. Like you, my doctor submitted all the medical paperwork and I can see in my SDI Online account that it shows the extension, but there's that confusing "file extend claim form" message with no link anywhere. After reading all these responses, it sounds like the DE 2501 form is definitely what we need to submit. I'm planning to download it from the EDD website tomorrow and include a detailed cover letter explaining the timeline (SDI → PFL → SDI extension for same condition). The tip about writing "EXTENSION - SAME CONDITION" in big letters at the top is brilliant - I definitely don't want them thinking this is a new claim with another waiting period! Has anyone had luck with the fax option vs mailing? I'm worried about mail delays but also want to make sure it gets processed correctly. Also wondering if I should try calling first or just go ahead and submit the form since my doctor's certification is already in the system.

I just went through this exact same nightmare situation a few months ago! The "file extend claim form" message with no visible link is such a common EDD glitch when you transition from PFL back to SDI. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Download the DE 2501 form directly from edd.ca.gov/forms/ (don't wait for a link that may never appear) 2. Write "EXTENSION - SAME CONDITION AFTER PFL" in bold at the top 3. Include a cover letter with your timeline: original SDI dates → PFL dates → extension request dates 4. FAX it instead of mailing - I got processed in 8 days vs weeks for mail 5. Keep calling at 8am sharp with your fax confirmation ready The key thing is that even though your doctor submitted their part, EDD still needs YOUR certification (the DE 2501) to complete the extension. It's a two-part process that they don't explain clearly anywhere. Once both pieces are in, payments usually resume within 7-10 business days. Don't panic about the gap in payments - as long as you get everything submitted properly, they should backpay you to when your PFL ended. The system is frustrating but this situation is definitely fixable! Hang in there and get that form submitted ASAP.