Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I've scheduled an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to get the DE 2501 form completed. Based on your suggestions, I'll file for SDI immediately after getting that certification, and then indicate I'm unable to work on my next UI certification. I'm still nervous about a potential gap in payments, but it sounds like that's just part of the process. I'll update this thread after I go through the transition in case it helps someone else.

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow! One small tip that helped me - when your doctor fills out the DE 2501, make sure they're specific about your functional limitations (like the 30-minute sitting/standing restriction you mentioned). The more detailed they are about how your scoliosis affects your ability to work, the smoother your SDI approval tends to go. Also, keep copies of everything - the medical form, your SDI application confirmation, and your final UI certification. Having that paper trail saved me when I had questions about my case later. You're doing the right thing by getting all the info first instead of just winging it!

Hi Jennifer! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation. The 34-day wait is really concerning, especially when you've already submitted all the required forms. A few suggestions that might help: - Try calling the SDI customer service line early in the morning (around 8 AM) when wait times are usually shorter - If the system shows you submitted the 2593 form but still says it's needed, there might be a technical glitch - document this with screenshots - Consider reaching out to your local assembly member's office - they often have staff who can help with EDD issues - Keep all your confirmation numbers and submission receipts handy The timing you mentioned about early April submissions taking until mid-late May does align with what others have reported with the new system rollout. It's frustrating but unfortunately common right now. Don't give up - you won't lose your benefits for system delays that aren't your fault. Keep advocating for yourself and consider escalating if you don't get answers soon. Hang in there! 💪

This might sound weird, but have you tried faxing your forms? Sometimes the old school methods work better with these outdated systems lol

Hey Landon! I went through something similar earlier this year - had a 5-week gap in payments while they processed my continuing claim. The frustrating part is they don't tell you what's happening behind the scenes. A few things that helped me: - Called first thing in the morning (8 AM sharp) - seemed to have shorter wait times - Asked specifically about the status of both forms (DE2525 and DE2593) when I finally got through - Requested they put notes in my file about the call The good news is that when it finally got resolved, I received all the back payments in one lump sum. It's stressful waiting, but don't lose hope! The system is slow but it usually works out in the end. Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞

Yo estube en la misma situasion. Lo que ise fue buscar un grupo de Facebook de jente con problemas del EDD y encontre a alguien que me ayudo. Hay muchas personas dispuestas a compartir sus experiencias.

Te entiendo perfectamente, @Keisha Williams. Pasé por algo similar hace unos meses. Una cosa que me funcionó fue llamar a la línea principal del EDD (1-800-480-3287) y cuando me preguntaron el idioma, presioné 2 para español. Sí hay agentes que hablan español, pero son pocos y la espera es brutal. También te recomiendo que cuando finalmente logres hablar con alguien, pídeles que pongan una nota en tu expediente de que necesitas servicio en español. Esto debería ayudar en futuras llamadas. Otra opción es contactar a tu asambleísta local - muchas veces tienen personal que puede hacer llamadas en tu nombre al EDD. ¡No te desanimes, sí hay solución!

Just wondering - do seasonal state employees have different SDI rules than regular state employees? I thought some state workers have a different disability system (like CalPERS or something?). Maybe check with your HR department too?

Just wanted to add that as a state employee, you might also want to look into whether your agency offers any additional leave benefits beyond SDI. Some state departments have supplemental disability programs or allow you to use accrued sick leave to supplement your SDI benefits (which typically pay about 60-70% of your wages). Also, since you mentioned you're 28 weeks along, you'll want to think about the transition from pregnancy disability to postpartum recovery (which can be 6-8 weeks depending on delivery type) and then potentially to Paid Family Leave for bonding time. Planning this timeline now while you're getting everything set up can help ensure there are no gaps in coverage. Good luck with everything, and I hope your pregnancy goes smoothly despite the complications!