So happy to see your update with good news! This thread is going to be really helpful for anyone else dealing with the same situation. The step-by-step process you followed should be bookmarked - calling the doctor immediately, using a service to actually reach EDD, and making sure the right form gets submitted before the deadline. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops for something that should be straightforward, but at least now others will know exactly what to do. Hope your sciatica continues to improve and you can get back to work when you're truly ready!

This is such a great success story and resource! As someone who works in healthcare administration, I see patients struggle with SDI extensions all the time. Your step-by-step approach is exactly what I recommend to patients: 1. Don't wait - contact your doctor immediately when you realize you need an extension 2. Be specific about the form needed (DE 2525XX for extensions) 3. Use services like Claimyr if you can't get through to EDD directly 4. Make sure everything is submitted BEFORE your current period ends The fact that you got the EDD rep to note the incoming extension in your file was brilliant - that's what prevents payment gaps. I'm definitely sharing this thread with colleagues who help patients navigate disability claims. Hope your sciatica improves soon and thanks for taking the time to update everyone!

I've been experiencing this exact same "system exception" error for the past week! Like many others here, I'm also a disability claimant with time-sensitive documentation that needs to be submitted. It's really concerning that this seems to be predominantly affecting disability accounts - that can't be a coincidence. I've tried all the standard troubleshooting (multiple browsers, clearing cache, different devices, incognito mode) with no luck. What's particularly frustrating is that I can't even get through to customer service to report the issue or get an estimated timeline for resolution. I'm keeping detailed records of every attempt with timestamps and screenshots, and I'd encourage everyone else to do the same. If this causes us to miss important deadlines through no fault of our own, we'll need that documentation for appeals. Has anyone considered filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or reaching out to disability advocacy groups? This feels like a systematic issue that's disproportionately impacting people who rely on these services for their basic needs. We shouldn't have to jump through hoops or pay third-party services just to access our own accounts! 😤

I'm a newcomer here but I've been lurking and reading through everyone's experiences - I'm dealing with the exact same "system exception" error for the past 2 days! I'm also a disability claimant and it's really alarming to see how many of us are affected by this same issue. Based on what I'm reading, it definitely seems like there's a pattern here targeting disability accounts specifically. I've already started documenting everything with screenshots and timestamps after seeing the advice from @Jamal Wilson and others. I think the suggestion from @StarSurfer about contacting the Department of Fair Employment and Housing is brilliant - we need to escalate this beyond just EDD's broken customer service. I'm also going to reach out to my local disability advocacy center tomorrow to see if they can help amplify this issue. Has anyone tried creating a shared document or spreadsheet where we can all log our experiences? It might help establish the scope of this problem if we ever need to file group complaints or prove this is a systematic issue affecting disabled Californians' access to essential services. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and solutions - this community is a lifesaver when the actual system fails us! 🙏

I went through something similar a few months ago. When you call, just be straightforward about it - tell them it was a one-time payment from your employer to help with living expenses, not regular wages or benefits. They'll probably ask if it's taxable income (it likely is) and whether you expect any more payments like this. The key is being honest and having your documentation ready. Also, heads up - they might adjust your benefits for that certification period, but it shouldn't affect future weeks as long as it was truly a one-time thing. Hope this helps!

I went through almost the exact same thing a few months back! When I called EDD, I just explained it as "supplemental assistance from my employer during a difficult time" - they understood pretty quickly. The rep asked me if it was a regular occurrence (it wasn't) and whether I had any documentation showing what it was for. I had an email from HR explaining it, which helped a lot. They did reduce my benefits for that one certification period, but everything went back to normal after that. Just be honest and clear about what it was - they deal with these situations more often than you'd think. You've got this! 💪

I'm going through something similar - been waiting about 2 weeks myself. One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of every attempt I made to contact them (dates, times, what happened). Also, try calling right at 8 AM when they open - I've heard that's when you have the best shot at getting through. If you haven't already, make sure to check that all your paperwork was submitted correctly through your online account. Sometimes there are missing documents or signatures that aren't obvious. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is when you're counting on those payments!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - 17 days is way too long to be waiting without any communication! I went through a similar situation last year and here's what finally worked for me: I started calling at exactly 8:00 AM every single day (set multiple alarms), and I also sent messages through my online EDD account every few days asking for status updates. The key is being persistent but polite. Also, double-check that your claim wasn't flagged for identity verification - that's a common reason for delays that they don't always notify you about clearly. If you're really struggling financially, look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs while you wait. Don't give up - the squeaky wheel really does get the grease with EDD, even though it shouldn't have to be this way. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Hi Anumol! You may be eligible for CA SDI benefits using the Alternative Base Period (ABP) since you don't have earnings in the standard base period but will have recent W2 earnings and contributions. Here's what you need to know: **Eligibility Requirements:** - You need at least $300 in SDI contributions during the ABP (your most recent 4 completed quarters) - Since you started in July '25 and are due in Dec '25, you should meet the contribution requirement **How to Apply:** 1. You cannot file online initially for ABP - you'll need to call EDD at 1-800-480-3287 2. Request that they process your claim using the Alternative Base Period 3. They'll need to manually review your recent earnings and contributions 4. Have your pay stubs ready showing SDI deductions **Timeline:** - Apply 4 weeks before your due date or when you stop working due to pregnancy - ABP claims take longer to process since they require manual review **Important:** Make sure your doctor completes the medical certification form properly, as pregnancy claims require specific documentation about your disability period. Good luck with your claim and congratulations on your pregnancy!