Here's what you need to know about disability payments: 1. Processing time: It typically takes 2-4 weeks for initial processing, but can be longer depending on your case complexity. 2. Paperwork: Make sure ALL your forms are filled out correctly. Any mistakes can cause major delays. 3. Medical evidence: Ensure your doctor has submitted all necessary medical records. 4. Follow up: Don't be afraid to call and check on your claim status regularly. 5. Back pay: Remember, you'll usually get back pay from the date of your disability onset. 6. Online account: Create an online account to check your claim status 24/7. 7. Be patient: Unfortunately, delays are common. Budget accordingly if possible. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim about 8 weeks ago and still waiting. What I've learned from calling (took me literally 50+ attempts to get through) is that they're incredibly backlogged. The rep told me to expect 10-14 weeks total processing time, which is way longer than what they advertise online. One thing that helped me was setting up the online account - at least I can see that my claim is "in progress" rather than wondering if it disappeared into the void. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you submitted your doctor's "first report of injury" form. Apparently a lot of people miss that one and it causes huge delays. Hang in there - I know how stressful it is when bills are piling up! 💪

As someone who's been through the SDI appeals process twice as a freelancer, I wanted to add that you should also request a copy of your entire claim file from EDD before your hearing. Sometimes there are internal notes or documents that show exactly why they made their decision, and you can address those specific points directly. You can request this through their records department - it takes about 10 business days but it's free and can give you valuable insight into their reasoning. Also, if your appeal goes to a hearing, don't be intimidated - the Administrative Law Judges are generally much more knowledgeable about freelance work than the initial claims processors. Stay strong and keep us posted on how it goes!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Also a freelancer (marketing consultant) and got denied for the same ridiculous reason. What's especially frustrating is that I've been paying into SDI for over 5 years as a self-employed person - that's literally what the system is for! One thing I learned from my research is that you should also include any recurring client relationships in your appeal documentation. Even if you don't have traditional "employment," showing that you have clients who regularly hire you can help establish that pattern of work they're looking for. I'm gathering emails from my regular clients showing our ongoing working relationships. Also wanted to mention - while you're waiting for your appeal, make sure you're still doing your physical therapy or whatever treatment your doctor recommended. They sometimes ask for updated medical records during the process, and you want to show you're actively working toward recovery. The whole system seems designed to exhaust people into giving up, but don't let them wear you down!

lol welcome to the club 🤡 been waiting 3 months here

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 16 days and counting with no payment. The stress is real! 😰 I've tried calling multiple times but like everyone else, can't get through. Going to try @Ruby Garcia's tip about calling right when they open tomorrow. Also going to check my online account again for any messages I might have missed after reading @Lucy Taylor's comment about identity verification issues. This whole situation is just awful - we're already dealing with being unable to work and then they make us jump through hoops just to get the help we're entitled to. Hoping we all get our payments soon! 🤞

i had disability last year and my first payment took like 6 weeks! but then after that they came regularly. sometimes the first one just takes forever for some reason. hang in there!

I'm going through something similar right now! Been waiting 3 weeks for my first SDI payment and it's so stressful not knowing what's going on. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like there's definitely something holding up your claim that's not showing in your online account. One thing that helped me was checking if I had any old mail from EDD that I might have missed - sometimes they send notices to your mailing address instead of the address on file with your employer. Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to check if your Social Security number matches exactly what's on file with your employer's payroll system. A friend of mine had a delay because her employer had her SSN with dashes and EDD had it without dashes. Keep trying to call right at 8 AM - I've heard that's really the best time. Don't give up! A month without pay is ridiculous and they need to fix this ASAP.

So glad to hear your extension went through smoothly, Harper! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're planning ahead for future extensions, it's worth asking your doctor's office about their typical turnaround time for these forms. Some offices process them same-day if you bring it up during an appointment, while others might need a few days. Also, if you're seeing a specialist for your condition, make sure they're the one filling out the form rather than your primary care doctor, since EDD sometimes questions extensions when they come from doctors who aren't directly treating the specific condition. Hope your recovery continues to go well!

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I went through this exact situation last month. My disability benefits were ending and I was super stressed about the extension process. Here's what I learned: definitely contact your doctor's office at least 2 weeks before your current end date - don't wait until the last week like I almost did! My orthopedist's office was really familiar with the Supplemental Certificate form and handled everything electronically. The key thing that helped me was asking the office staff to confirm they received confirmation from EDD after submitting it. They actually keep track of submission confirmations which gave me peace of mind. Also, if you have any complications or your condition changes, make sure your doctor includes those details in the form - it helps justify the extension. The whole process took about 4 days from when my doctor submitted it to when I saw the updated end date in my online account. Hang in there, Harper - sounds like you're already on the right track!