Thanks for posting this question! I'm actually in a similar situation right now - just got my pink letter yesterday and trying to figure out the best approach. From reading everyone's responses, it sounds like being proactive with the doctor's office is key. @Ezra Bates, your breakdown was super helpful! I'm definitely going to try the hand-delivery approach that @Sarah Ali mentioned. Has anyone had issues with doctors not understanding what they need to fill out, or do they usually know the drill with these EDD forms?

Been there! 😊 Just went through this whole pink letter ordeal last month. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - if your doctor's office has an online patient portal, try messaging them through that too. I sent a message explaining the urgency and attached a photo of the form, and they actually prioritized it because they could see exactly what needed to be done. Also, don't forget to check that your doctor filled out the "return to work" section correctly if that applies to your situation - mine initially missed that part and it delayed everything by another week. The whole process is frustrating but you'll get through it! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Anyone else feel like theyre drowning in paperwork? 😩 I've been dealing with this overpayment issue for months and its taking a toll on my mental health tbh

I'm going through the same thing right now! Just wanted to add that when you do get through to an agent, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify anything you don't understand. I made the mistake of just saying "yes" to everything the first time I called because I was so relieved to finally talk to someone. Ended up having to call back because I wasn't clear on the next steps. Also, if the first agent seems unhelpful or rude, politely end the call and try again - different agents can give totally different experiences. You got this! 💪

One more important tip: If your claim is ending earlier than originally estimated by your doctor, it's especially important to notify EDD. While stopping certification is the primary mechanism, having documentation that you properly notified them of early return can prevent complications if there's ever an audit or review of your claim. Also, make sure to keep your doctor's release form in your personal records for at least three years.

Just went through this process myself two months ago! Here's what worked for me: I called EDD early in the morning (around 7:30 AM) on a Tuesday and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The representative told me that while you CAN just stop certifying, it's much better to formally notify them. She helped me update my claim status over the phone and gave me a confirmation number. I also followed up by sending a message through SDI Online with all my details like others mentioned. Haven't had any issues since! The key is calling early and being persistent - don't give up after one try.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of caring for a newborn! I just went through something similar a few months ago. One thing that might help while you're waiting to call EDD - check if you received any mail from them that might have gotten lost in the shuffle. Sometimes they send important notices by mail even when you filed online, and with a new baby it's easy for mail to pile up unnoticed. Also, when you do call tomorrow, ask them to email you a confirmation of whatever they tell you or any actions they take on your account. I learned this the hard way when I had to call back multiple times and different reps gave me different information. Having that email trail saved me so much frustration later. The waiting is absolutely the worst part, but everyone here is right that you'll get your backpay once it's resolved. Try to hang in there - you're doing everything right, the system is just being difficult as usual!

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Filed my DE 2501FP three weeks ago after my disability ended and haven't heard anything back. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful - I had no idea there were so many potential issues that could cause delays. One thing I wanted to add that helped me while waiting: I called my local Assembly member's office and they have a constituent services team that can sometimes help with EDD issues. They can't speed up the process, but they were able to confirm that my claim was "in the system" and being processed, which gave me some peace of mind during the waiting period. Also, if you're really struggling financially during the gap, some counties have emergency assistance programs for new parents. It's not much, but it might help cover groceries or utilities while you wait for EDD to get their act together. Hang in there - from everything I'm reading here, it sounds like most people do eventually get their benefits with full backpay, even if the wait is longer than it should be!

@Melissa Lin - I had the exact same E318 error when my license was expired! The system definitely checks license validity as part of their identity verification process. Here's what worked for me: I called the DMV and got a temporary license number/confirmation that I could use while waiting for my physical card. You can also try using your renewal confirmation receipt number in place of the new license number. If that doesn't work, you might need to wait for the physical card to arrive. In the meantime, try calling SDI directly and explaining the situation - sometimes they can manually verify your identity and help you complete the registration over the phone. Good luck!

@Melissa Lin I actually went through something very similar recently! The E318 error is almost certainly related to your expired license. The SDI system does real-time verification with DMV records, so when your license shows as expired in their database, it triggers that error even if you've already renewed it. A few things that might help while you wait for your new card: - Check if your DMV renewal receipt has a temporary license number you can try using - Some people have had luck using their old license number but updating the expiration date to match their renewal - You could also try registering with a different form of ID if you have one (passport, state ID, etc.) The frustrating part is that it can take a few days for the DMV and SDI systems to sync up even after you get your new card. I ended up having to wait about a week after getting my renewed license before the error cleared up. Hang in there - you're definitely not alone in this struggle!