whatever u do, DON'T ignore this!! my friend did and ended up owing thousands 😱 deal with it now before it snowballs

I went through something similar about 6 months ago! Turned out their system had a bug that was automatically adding years to recovery dates. The rep I spoke with said it was happening to a bunch of people. The good news is they were able to fix it retroactively once I explained the situation. Just make sure to ask them to put a note in your file about the system error so it doesn't happen again. Also, if you have any medical documentation showing your actual recovery timeline, have that ready when you call - it helped speed up my case resolution.

Update us once you've filed your SDI claim. The first payment typically arrives within 14 days after your claim is approved, and it can be retroactive to your disability start date (minus the 7-day waiting period). Just remember that SDI only replaces about 60-70% of your wages, capped at a maximum weekly benefit amount of $1,620 in 2025.

I'm so sorry this happened to you - what a nightmare situation to deal with while you're already struggling with your health. I went through something similar with my lupus flare last year. My employer also gave me verbal assurances about medical leave but then tried to claim I was a "no-show" when I couldn't return as quickly as expected. Here's what I learned: Document EVERYTHING from this point forward. Those text messages from your supervisor are gold - screenshot them and back them up. Also, when you see your rheumatologist tomorrow, ask them to include specific details in the medical certification about how your RA symptoms (joint pain, fatigue, mobility issues, etc.) prevent you from performing your job duties. Don't just let them write "rheumatoid arthritis" - EDD needs functional limitations spelled out clearly. One thing I wish someone had told me: keep copies of all your SDI paperwork and track every interaction with EDD. If there are any issues with your claim, having that paper trail is crucial. Also, don't let your employer's poor handling of this situation discourage you - you have legitimate medical reasons for being unable to work, and that's what SDI is designed for. Good luck with your claim! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Pro tip: call right when they open. I got through after only 30 minutes on hold that way.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 5 weeks ago and it's been stuck on "pending" the whole time. The stress is unreal when you're depending on those benefits to cover basic expenses. I've tried calling at different times but always get that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volumes. Has anyone had luck with the early morning calling strategy? I might try setting an alarm for 7:55am tomorrow to call right when they open.

Ugh, this is so relatable! The exact same thing happened to me last month. I sent everything in certified mail with tracking, and then got another verification letter like they never received anything. When I called, they said there was a "processing delay" and my documents were "still being reviewed" even though it had been weeks. It's like they have no communication between departments. Definitely call them and be persistent - sometimes you have to explain the same thing to 3 different people before someone actually looks at your file properly. So frustrating when you're already dealing with being unable to work! 😔

This is so frustrating but unfortunately super common! I went through something similar last year. Here's what I learned: when you call, ask them to check if your documents were scanned into their system properly. Sometimes they receive them but there's a scanning error or they get misfiled. Also ask for the specific reason code for why verification is needed again - sometimes it's just an automated letter that went out by mistake. If they truly don't have your docs, definitely send them again but consider using both certified mail AND their online portal if available. Keep copies of everything and document every phone call (date, time, agent name, what they told you). The whole system is a mess but persistence usually pays off eventually. Hang in there! 💪

Ugh, I feel for you. I'm in the same boat and it's so stressful. Hang in there!

I went through the exact same thing last year - filed and heard absolutely nothing for over a month. What finally worked for me was sending a certified letter to their main office with copies of all my documents and a timeline of when I filed. I also contacted my local assemblyperson's office (they have caseworkers who specifically help with EDD issues). The assemblyperson's office was able to get someone at EDD to actually look at my case within a week. Don't give up - you ARE entitled to these benefits and sometimes you just need to make enough noise to get their attention. Keep detailed records of every attempt you make to contact them too.