I went through this exact same confusion when I was on SDI earlier this year! The difference between UI and SDI certification really isn't explained well anywhere. One thing I'd add is that you can also check your claim balance and payment history in the SDI Online portal even if you don't see certification options - this helped me keep track of where I was in my claim period. Also, if your recovery ends up being shorter than the 10 weeks your doctor estimated, make sure to contact them to close your claim early. I made the mistake of not doing this and it created some complications later. The whole system really needs better user guidance, but at least now you know you're not missing anything important!

One thing that might help ease your worries is to take a screenshot or photo of your SDI Online account showing that there's no certification option available. This way, if there are ever any questions later about whether you missed a certification deadline, you have documentation that the option simply wasn't there. I learned this trick from dealing with other government benefit systems - always document what you're seeing (or not seeing) in case you need to prove it later. Also, make sure your contact information is up to date in your account, especially your mailing address and phone number, since that's how they'll reach you for any continued claim forms or other important notices.

Hassan, I've been in a similar situation and understand how stressful this can be. Based on what Wesley shared about the glitch affecting late March to mid-April certifications, it sounds like you're caught up in a known system issue. Here's what I'd recommend: 1) Keep certifying every two weeks even without payments - this ensures you won't lose benefits when the issue is resolved, 2) Try the "Contact EDD" messaging feature in your online account as an alternative to calling, 3) Document everything with screenshots of your certifications and account status, and 4) If you're facing financial hardship, consider requesting expedited payment. The backpay should come through once they fix the glitch, but staying proactive with multiple contact methods gives you the best chance of getting this resolved sooner. Hang in there - you're definitely not alone in this! 💪

Hassan, I went through something very similar earlier this year! The key things that helped me were: 1) Using the "Ask EDD" feature in your online portal - I got a response in about 5 days vs never getting through by phone, 2) Screenshotting every single certification page before submitting (saved me when they claimed I never certified), and 3) Setting up text/email alerts in your account settings so you don't miss any updates. The glitch Wesley mentioned explains a lot - I had friends affected by the same timeframe. Keep certifying no matter what, document everything, and try multiple contact methods. The backpay will come through! This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating EDD's chaos. You've got this! 💪

Update: I had my hearing this morning and it went better than expected! The judge was very understanding about my late filing once I explained my depression and showed the medical records. She specifically said the documentation was helpful since it showed I had "good cause" for missing the deadline. Now they'll review the actual reason for my disability claim denial, and I should hear back in 7-10 business days. Fingers crossed! Thank you all for the advice and support - it really helped me prepare and feel less anxious going in!

So glad to hear your hearing went well! That's such a relief after all the stress you were going through. The fact that the judge understood your situation and accepted the medical documentation is really encouraging. It sounds like bringing those specific records was definitely the right call. Waiting 7-10 days is going to feel like forever, but you've done everything you can at this point. Hoping you get good news soon - you've been through enough already and deserve to have this resolved in your favor. Keep us posted when you hear back!

I went through this exact same transition about 6 months ago and can confirm what everyone is saying - definitely use February 29th as your last worked date! One thing I wish someone had told me is to screenshot or print out your final SDI payment confirmation before applying for UI. When I had my phone interview, the EDD rep asked for specific details about my disability claim end date and benefit amounts, and having that info handy made the conversation go much smoother. Also, don't panic if there's a 1-2 week gap between your last SDI payment and your first UI payment - that seems to be normal processing time. You sound like you're being really thorough about this, which is smart. The transition can feel overwhelming but you've got all the right information now!

I'm currently going through a similar situation - my disability benefits end in a few weeks and I'm preparing to apply for UI. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I wanted to add that when I spoke with my doctor about the work release, they mentioned being very specific about any ongoing limitations. Even though I'm cleared to return to work, I still have some restrictions that might affect certain types of jobs. Has anyone dealt with having work restrictions during their UI claim? I'm wondering if that complicates the "able and available for work" requirement or if EDD is understanding about medical limitations as long as you can still perform work in your field.

Plot twist: the payments were inside us all along 🤣

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got approved last Tuesday but still waiting on that first payment. It's so nerve-wracking when you're counting on that money. I've been refreshing my bank account like every hour 😅 From what I'm reading here, sounds like 2-3 weeks is normal but some people wait longer. Really hoping we both get our payments soon! Keep us posted on how it goes.