Ugh, I feel your pain. The whole system is a mess. Hang in there, and don't be afraid to be a squeaky wheel. Good luck!

I went through the exact same nightmare last year! Here's what finally worked for me: I kept detailed records of every interaction with ID.me (screenshots, case numbers, etc.) and then filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Within 48 hours, I got a call from an ID.me escalation team who manually reviewed and restored my account. Also, while you're waiting, try calling EDD at exactly 8:00 AM - I literally set multiple alarms and hit redial until I got through. The wait was brutal but I eventually got a human who helped me submit a paper application as a backup. Don't give up - the system is broken but there are ways around it!

UPDATE: I tried several of your suggestions! Used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to a real person after 25 minutes (compared to weeks of failed calls). The agent said there was a "payment verification flag" on my account due to a mismatch between my last employer's wage report and my claim. She removed the flag while I was on the phone and said I should receive ALL my back payments within 5-7 business days! I'm cautiously optimistic but this is the first real progress in months. Will update again when/if the money hits my account. Thank you all for the helpful advice!

I'm so relieved to hear you finally got through and found out what the issue was! This gives me hope for my own situation. I've been dealing with something similar - my SDI claim was approved 6 weeks ago but no payments yet. After reading all these responses, it sounds like these hidden "flags" and verification issues are way more common than they should be. It's absolutely ridiculous that approved claims can sit in limbo for months while people struggle financially. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service and also contact my assembly member's office. Thank you for sharing your update - please let us know when those back payments actually arrive!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress right now! I went through something similar in 2024 and it's absolutely maddening how poorly EDD handles pregnancy disability transitions. A few things that helped me: 1. Document EVERYTHING - screenshot your online account showing your active claim and the pending payment status 2. If you can't get through by phone, try faxing a letter to EDD explaining the situation and requesting they review your claim (include your claim number and SSN) 3. Contact your state assembly member's office - they have EDD liaisons who can sometimes intervene faster than going through normal channels The most important thing is don't panic about the money - you ARE entitled to those benefits and you will get them, even if there's a delay. I know that doesn't help with immediate bills, but this really is just a bureaucratic mess-up that can be fixed. Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to put notes on your account explaining the situation so if you have to call again, the next rep will understand what's happening. Good luck mama, you've got this! 💪

I just want to add that if you're still having trouble getting through to EDD after trying the suggestions here, you might also consider reaching out to a local disability rights organization or legal aid clinic. Many of them have experience dealing with EDD disability claim issues and can sometimes advocate on your behalf or provide guidance on next steps. Also, make sure you're keeping records of all your attempts to contact EDD - dates, times, reference numbers if you get any automated confirmations. This documentation can be really helpful if you end up needing to file an appeal later (though hopefully it won't come to that!). The system is definitely broken when it comes to pregnancy disability transitions, but you're not alone in this and there are people who can help. Hang in there - this will get resolved! ❤️

Thanks for the response. I haven't called yet, but I'm dreading it. Any tips on what I should have ready before I make the call?

Hey Aisha, I went through something very similar last year. The "blocked period" thing is usually either a system error or they're waiting for additional documentation they forgot to tell you about. When you do call (and yes, prepare for a long wait), ask them specifically to check if there are any pending requirements or flags on your account. Sometimes they put holds on accounts for random reviews and don't notify you properly. Also, if the first person you talk to can't see why you were blocked, ask them to escalate to someone who has access to more detailed account information. Don't hang up until you get a clear explanation of what caused the block and what steps you need to take to fix it. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Just to follow up on what others have mentioned - since your claim involves back pain, which can sometimes be a red flag for EDD (unfortunately they scrutinize these claims more closely), make sure your doctor has provided very specific information about: 1. Diagnosis (hopefully with imaging results referenced) 2. Functional limitations (specifically what work activities you cannot perform) 3. Treatment plan 4. Estimated recovery time or need for accommodations If all of this information was included with your medical certification, you're much less likely to face delays. In my experience, degenerative disc disease claims with proper documentation typically process within the standard timeframe. Also, once you're approved, remember that you'll need to complete certification forms every two weeks to continue receiving benefits. These will be available in your SDI Online account. Setting a calendar reminder for certification periods can help you avoid payment interruptions.

As someone who went through the SDI process for a work injury last year, I wanted to add that you're doing everything right by having all your documentation submitted upfront. One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple log of my symptoms and limitations during the waiting period - it came in handy later when I had to do my biweekly certifications. Also, since you mentioned your savings will only last about a month, you might want to look into whether your employer offers any short-term disability benefits that could bridge the gap during the waiting period and processing time. Some employers have policies that supplement SDI or provide coverage during the unpaid waiting period. The good news is that if you're approved, your benefits will be retroactive to your first day of disability (minus the 7-day waiting period), so you won't lose out on those weeks even if processing takes a bit longer than expected. Hang in there - the financial stress is real, but it sounds like you have all the right pieces in place for a smooth approval!