I went through a name change with EDD about 6 months ago after getting married. Here's what I learned: definitely call right when they open at 8 AM - I tried calling later in the day multiple times and could never get through. When you do reach someone, be patient because they'll need to put you on hold while they access the name change system (apparently it's a separate system from their main one). The rep told me it typically takes 2-3 weeks to process, but mine actually took closer to 4 weeks. Make sure you don't update your name anywhere else (like with your bank or employer) until EDD confirms the change is complete, otherwise it can cause issues with your benefit payments. Also, keep checking your EDD online account because sometimes the name updates there before you get the official letter. The whole process is definitely a pain, but it's doable if you're persistent. Hang in there!

I'm going through a similar situation right now! Reading through all these responses is so reassuring - it's nice to know I'm not the only one struggling with EDD's phone system. I've been putting off calling because I was dreading the wait times, but seeing that people have actually gotten through gives me hope. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM calling strategy and make sure I have all my documents organized first. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is exactly what I needed to see today!

Wow, this thread is incredibly comprehensive and helpful! As someone who just started dealing with EDD SDI for the first time (my claim has been in "pending medical certification review" for 5 days now), reading through all these experiences and strategies has been both educational and reassuring. The 8:01 timing trick is such a clever discovery - it makes perfect sense that waiting just 60 seconds would help avoid the massive rush of everyone calling exactly at 8:00 AM. I'm definitely going to try this tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work, Lucas's Tuesday 2:30 PM strategy sounds like a great backup plan. The last day worked discrepancy issue that both Mohamed and Kyle experienced is something I never would have thought to check for. I'm going to call my HR department today to verify what date they submitted versus what I put on my claim form. It's incredible that such a small detail can cause weeks of delays. What really stands out to me is how much difference being specific with your questions makes. Instead of just asking "what's the status of my claim," asking directly about date discrepancies and medical certification flags seems to get much better results from the agents. Thank you to everyone for sharing these strategies and creating such a supportive community. It makes dealing with this frustrating system so much more manageable when you have real solutions from people who've actually gotten through it!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently on day 9 of "pending medical certification review" for my pregnancy disability claim, and reading through everyone's strategies gives me so much hope. The 8:01 timing trick is genius - I can't believe I never thought about how everyone probably hits redial at exactly 8:00 AM. I'm definitely trying this tomorrow morning along with Lucas's Tuesday afternoon backup strategy. I also called my HR department today after reading about the last day worked discrepancy issues that Mohamed and Kyle experienced. Turns out there WAS a mismatch! I had reported my last day as the Friday I went out on leave, but HR submitted the Thursday before because that was my last "productive work day" (their words). I'm hoping this might be exactly what's holding up my claim. The tip about being super specific with questions when you finally get through is so smart too. Instead of just asking what's wrong, I'm going to ask directly about checking for date discrepancies and any medical certification flags. Thank you to everyone for sharing these real solutions! This community support makes such a difference when you're dealing with a system that feels designed to frustrate you into giving up. I'll definitely update once I get through!

I've been struggling with the exact same issue for the past week and this thread has been a lifesaver! After reading through everyone's experiences, I'm realizing that what I thought was just a simple password problem might actually be one of several deeper system issues. I've been making the classic mistakes - using Safari, trying password resets immediately without waiting, and never clearing my browser's saved passwords. The IP flagging issue that Gabriel mentioned is particularly eye-opening - I never would have considered that my home network could be the problem. I'm going to start with a systematic approach based on everyone's suggestions: first, clear all EDD-related saved passwords, then try Chrome incognito mode with the mobile site (m.edd.ca.gov), and if that doesn't work, I'll try Angel's secret recovery pathway through the "Create New Account" page. The weekend timing strategy also makes total sense - I'll try Saturday morning when the servers aren't overloaded. What strikes me most is how this community has essentially created the comprehensive troubleshooting guide that EDD should have provided but didn't. Between browser compatibility, network issues, system migrations, identity verification requirements, and timing strategies, you've all mapped out solutions for practically every scenario. Thanks to everyone for sharing your hard-earned knowledge - this gives me so much more confidence that there's actually a path forward! I'll report back on what works. 🙏

I've been dealing with EDD account lockouts for months and this thread is absolutely incredible! Reading through everyone's solutions, I'm kicking myself for not finding this sooner. I've been doing everything wrong - using Edge browser, trying password resets every few minutes, and never considering network/IP issues. What really blows my mind is Angel's tip about the hidden recovery pathway through the "Create New Account" page - that's like finding a secret door that bypasses all the usual roadblocks! And Gabriel's point about IP flagging explains so much - I bet that's exactly what happened to my home network after weeks of failed attempts. I'm going to try a combination approach: first clear all saved passwords and try the Chrome incognito + mobile site method this weekend when servers are less loaded, then use Angel's secret recovery pathway if needed. The assembly member office suggestion is also brilliant for when all else fails. This community has basically created the EDD troubleshooting bible that should exist officially but doesn't. Between browser compatibility, timing strategies, network switching, identity verification, and hidden recovery pathways, we've covered every possible angle. You all are amazing for sharing these hard-won solutions! 🙌 Has anyone tried combining multiple approaches at once, or is it better to space them out to avoid confusing the system further?

Hey Makayla! I'm pretty new to this community too, but I just wanted to reach out because I'm literally going through the exact same thing right now. I filed my SDI claim this past Tuesday and I'm also staring at that "pending processing" status, refreshing way too often and feeling that same anxiety about upcoming bills. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful though - it sounds like we're both still well within that normal 7-12 business day processing window that everyone keeps mentioning. And honestly, having our doctors submit the paperwork so quickly seems like a huge win based on what people are saying here. I know it doesn't make the waiting any easier when you're worried about rent, but at least we're not going through this alone! I'm definitely going to follow the advice about setting up those notifications and trying to check only once a day (though let's be real, that's going to be tough 😅). Fingers crossed both our claims process smoothly over the next week. Keep us posted on how it goes - I'll probably be checking this thread just as obsessively as my SDI account! Sending you good vibes and hoping you get that approval notification soon! 🤞💙

Hey Makayla! I'm also pretty new to this community but wanted to jump in because I literally just went through this exact same situation about a month ago. I totally understand that mix of anxiety and frustration when you're staring at "pending processing" while bills are piling up! The good news is you're actually in a really strong position. Having your doctor submit the certification the very next day is HUGE - I've seen people in this community waiting weeks or even months for that step alone. Once that paperwork is in the system, you've already cleared the biggest potential bottleneck. From my experience, first-time claims with clean documentation typically process within 7-10 business days. Mine took exactly 8 business days from filing to getting that sweet "paid" notification. The money hit my EDD debit card about 2 days after that. A few things that helped me stay somewhat sane during the wait: - Set up email/text notifications in your SDI Online account so you get alerts the second anything changes - Try to limit checking to once a day (I know it's nearly impossible when you're stressed about money!) - Remember that "pending processing" just means you're in their normal queue - it's not a red flag Since you're on day 4-5, you're still well within the normal timeframe. If you're really worried about rent, consider giving your landlord a heads up about the situation - many are understanding about disability benefit delays, especially if you can show them your pending claim. You're doing everything right so far. If you don't see movement by day 10-12, that's when I'd start making those dreaded phone calls. Hang in there! 🤞

I've been reading through this entire thread and wow, what an incredibly helpful resource! I'm currently on SDI for a workplace injury and my employer has been making similar hints about my position, so this information is invaluable. @Elijah Brown - I hope your doctor appointment on the 18th went well and you got the medical clearance you were hoping for! Based on everything everyone has shared here, it really sounds like you have all the right information to navigate this transition successfully. One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful for others in similar situations - I recently spoke with a representative at my local One-Stop Career Center (part of the workforce development system) and they mentioned they have specific programs to help people transitioning back to work after medical leave. They can help with resume updates, job search strategies, and even have partnerships with employers who are understanding about hiring people returning from medical leave. It might be worth connecting with these resources early in the process so you're ready to hit the ground running once you get your UI benefits approved. The more prepared you are to actively job search, the smoother the UI certification process seems to be based on what everyone has shared. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread - this kind of peer support and shared knowledge is exactly what people need when navigating these complex benefit transitions!

I'm in a very similar situation right now and this thread has been such a lifesaver! Been on SDI since February for a back injury and just got the dreaded "position review" email from my employer yesterday. Reading everyone's experiences here has given me so much hope and practical guidance. The consistent advice about timing seems crucial - waiting for complete medical clearance AND making sure SDI is fully closed before applying for UI. I'm definitely going to follow the steps everyone has outlined here. @Elijah Brown - how did your doctor appointment on the 18th go? I'm really hoping you got that medical release you were waiting for! Your situation has been so helpful to follow and I'm sure many of us are rooting for you. One thing I've started doing based on the advice here is creating a "transition binder" with all my medical records, employer communications, and benefit documentation organized and ready. I'm also updating my resume and starting to research job opportunities in my field so I can jump right into active job searching once I'm cleared. Has anyone had experience with how EDD handles cases where the disability was partially work-related? My injury happened at work but I'm on regular SDI rather than workers comp due to some technicalities with timing. Just wondering if that might affect the UI application process at all. Thanks to everyone who has shared their stories and advice - this community support has been incredible during such a stressful time!