This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same duplicate account nightmare right now - have an old UI account from 2018 and my new SDI claim is stuck because of it. I've been getting the runaround for 2 weeks with the same "we'll escalate it" promises. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like I need to stop accepting vague responses and start demanding specifics. Going to call tomorrow and ask for: 1) Priority Processing Request due to financial hardship, 2) Identity Verification department specifically, 3) Escalation ticket number, and 4) Rep's name and ID number. Thank you all for sharing your strategies - finally feel like I have a real action plan instead of just hoping they'll eventually fix it!

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Been stuck in the duplicate account loop for over 2 weeks. I have an old UI account from 2020 and my current SDI claim can't process because of the conflict. Every time I call, they give me the same "we'll escalate it and merge the accounts within 24 hours" line, but nothing ever happens. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about requesting Priority Processing or specifically asking for the Identity Verification department. I'm definitely going to try the approach that worked for Lucy and demand specifics instead of accepting vague promises. It's so frustrating that we have to become experts on their internal processes just to get our legitimate claims processed! Thank you everyone for sharing what actually worked.

Okay, hear me out. What if you made a TikTok about your EDD struggles? I've seen people get traction and even responses from companies that way. Could be worth a shot! 🤷‍♂️

OP, I feel for you! EDD errors are so frustrating. One thing that helped me was calling their dedicated appeals line (1-800-300-5616) rather than the regular customer service number. They usually have shorter wait times and the staff is specifically trained on appeal issues. Also, make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING - your original claim forms, the incorrect notice, your appeal, etc. If your partner's job loss is recent, definitely mention that in any follow-up communications as it strengthens your hardship case. The good news is that most appeals with documentation errors like yours do get resolved in your favor, it just takes patience. Hang in there! 💪

A quick follow-up on the "insufficient recovery period" issue. The EDD typically requires one of two things when you have multiple disability claims: 1. At least 60 days of regular work between disabilities, OR 2. Medical certification that clearly establishes the new disability is unrelated to the previous one Since you mentioned working continuously for 19 months between claims, you clearly meet the first requirement. The issue may be that this information isn't clearly documented in their system. Sometimes the claims examiners don't have complete wage data in front of them during initial review. I'd recommend gathering documents that prove your continuous employment during that 19-month period (pay stubs, employment verification letter, etc.) and having those ready if they request them. Also, try to get the exact start and end dates of your previous claim so you can specifically reference those dates in any communications with EDD.

I'm going through something very similar right now! Filed my SDI claim 3 weeks ago for anxiety/depression and they keep asking about a workers comp claim I had in 2022 for a back injury. Completely different issues, different doctors, different everything! The frustrating part is they scheduled my phone interview but spent 80% of the time on the old claim instead of my current mental health situation. My psychiatrist submitted all the forms correctly and on time, but they're still "investigating" something from 2+ years ago. What's really stressing me out is that I can see in my SDI Online account that they've requested additional medical records from my old orthopedic doctor (who I haven't seen since 2022!) instead of focusing on my current treatment. Meanwhile my rent is due next week and I'm running out of savings. Has anyone had success explaining to them over the phone that these are completely separate medical issues? I've tried calling but can never get through. This whole process is making my anxiety so much worse!

guys i think i figured it out. if you press 2, then 4, then 1, then 3 when you call, you can sometimes get through to a real person. it took me like 50 tries but i finally got someone yesterday

I feel for everyone going through this nightmare. I've been waiting 2 weeks myself and it's incredibly stressful. One thing that helped me was filing a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner's office online. It doesn't guarantee faster results, but it creates an official record of the delay. Also, if you're really desperate for food or utilities, look into local emergency assistance programs - many churches and nonprofits have funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment. Don't give up, and definitely try that phone menu trick that Angelina shared. We shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops, but until the system gets fixed, we have to work with what we've got. Hang in there! 💙

I'm going through almost the exact situation right now! What worked for me was having the current doctor note in the medical certification that patient will be transferring to another facility. Then when my husband did transfer, I called EDD immediately (took forever to get through) and they sent a supplemental form for the new doctor to complete. As long as there's no gap in medical certification, there shouldn't be a gap in payments either. Good luck with everything!

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's accident! As someone who works in medical administration, I can tell you that changing doctors during an SDI claim is actually pretty common and the system is designed to handle it. The key is to be proactive about communication with EDD. When you file initially, make sure the current doctor includes a note about the expected transfer in the medical certification. Also, I'd suggest calling EDD's SDI line (1-800-480-3287) right after you submit the initial claim to put a note in your husband's file about the anticipated doctor change - this can help prevent automatic holds on payments later. The medical continuity is what matters most, not which specific doctor is treating him. You're doing the right thing by not waiting any longer!