I just went through this same process a few weeks ago at 32 weeks! I was torn between paying my doctor's $30 fee or doing it online myself. I ended up choosing the online route and I'm so glad I did - it was approved in exactly one week! Here's what I learned: The online application really isn't as scary as it seems. It took me about 15-20 minutes to complete, and you can save your progress if you need to step away. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employer details, and the exact dates (last day worked, first day of disability) ready before you start. The most important part is what everyone else mentioned - staying on top of your doctor's office! I called them the morning after I submitted my online claim to let them know they'd be getting an electronic request. They actually appreciated the heads up and completed their part within 2 days. Skip the $25 fee and file online tonight. You'll save money and probably get your benefits faster. The peace of mind of knowing your application is already in the system is worth it! Best of luck with your bedrest - make sure to rest up for that little one! 💙

Hey there! I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through this exact situation at 30 weeks with my second baby. After reading all these responses, I'm definitely in the "file online yourself" camp! I made the mistake of paying the $20 fee with my first pregnancy thinking it would be faster, but it actually took 3 weeks because my doctor's office sat on the paperwork. This time around, I filed online on a Tuesday night, called my OB's office Wednesday morning to give them a heads up about the electronic certification, and they completed it by Friday. I was approved the following Monday - so 6 days total! The online system really is straightforward, and honestly at 31 weeks with complications, you probably don't want to be making extra trips to the doctor's office just to drop off paperwork and fees. Plus, once you file online, you can track the status and see exactly where things stand. One extra tip: when you call your doctor's office tomorrow, ask them how long they typically take to complete electronic certifications. Mine told me 2-3 business days, which helped me know when to follow up if I didn't see movement on my claim status. Save the $25 and use it for something fun during bedrest - maybe some new books or cozy pajamas! You've got this mama! 💪

This is why we need blockchain and decentralized finance. No more trusting these corrupt middlemen with our money. 🚀🌕

I'm so sorry this happened to you! Same thing happened to my neighbor last month - unauthorized wire transfer from her Money Network account. She ended up having to file a police report in addition to the dispute with Money Network. The police said they're seeing more of these cases lately, especially targeting people who receive government benefits. For switching to paper checks, you can do it through the EDD website or by calling them (good luck getting through though). It took about 2-3 weeks for my neighbor's switch to go into effect. In the meantime, definitely keep all your documentation and consider freezing your credit just in case they got other personal info. Hang in there - you're not alone in this! 🙏

Hey OP, just wanted to say hang in there. I know it's tough, but you're not alone in this. We're all in the same boat, trying to navigate these choppy waters. Keep your chin up! 💪

I'm going through something similar right now - filed my claim about 10 days ago and radio silence. What's really frustrating is that you can't even get a straight answer about typical processing times when you do manage to get someone on the phone. I've been checking my online account obsessively but the status just says "pending" with no other details. At least we're all suffering together I guess 😅 Let me know if you find anything that works!

Have you checked your online account? Sometimes they update info there before sending notices. Might give you a clue about whats going on

@Toot-n-Mighty I went through something similar a few months ago! The key is having your documentation organized before you contact them. Make sure you have: - Original medical records with clear dates - Any appointment confirmations/receipts - Photos of any documentation they might have missed Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to document the conversation in your file. That way if you have to call back, the next person can see what was discussed. Don't give up - I know it's frustrating but you've got this! 💪 And definitely try that assemblyman tip from @Giovanni Rossi if the regular channels don't work. Sometimes you need that extra push to get things moving.

One more thing - when you log into SDI Online using your existing account, check to make sure your contact information and payment preference is current. EDD often defaults to using your old debit card information from UI claims unless you specifically update it to direct deposit for your SDI claim. You'll need to update this separately within the SDI Online system, even if you already had direct deposit set up for unemployment.

Just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! You're right to be confused - the whole system is pretty unclear about this. Your existing ID.me account from unemployment will work perfectly for disability claims. When you log into the Benefit Programs Online portal, you'll see both UI Online and SDI Online options. Click SDI Online to access your disability claim info. The deposit to your old EDD card is probably your first SDI payment - they automatically use the same payment method from your previous claim unless you change it. Once you're in SDI Online, definitely switch to direct deposit if you prefer that over the debit card. The key thing is don't create a new ID.me account - that'll just cause headaches!