


Ask the community...
yall ever think about how much easier this would be if EDD just had a decent app? like come on, its 2023, get with the program EDD 🙄
For real! An app would make everything so much simpler. But knowing EDD, they'd probably make it more complicated somehow 😅
I'm going through something similar right now! My extension has been pending for 3 weeks and I can't get anyone on the phone either. One thing that helped me was reaching out to my local assembly member's office - they have a constituent services team that can help with EDD issues. Also, try calling the main EDD number (1-800-480-3287) and when you get to the menu, press 1-2-1 really fast. Sometimes that gets you through to a person faster than going through all the prompts. Keep us posted on what works for you - we're all in this together! 💪
OP, how long has your account been locked? If its been more than 24 hours, you def need to call them directly.
I had the exact same issue last month! My account got locked after I mistyped my password a few times. Here's what worked for me: I called the EDD disability line first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The rep was super helpful - she unlocked my account right away and gave me a temporary password to get back in. Make sure you have your SSN and any recent claim numbers handy when you call. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 💪
wait i just remembered something!! my cousin was on disability for back problems and then got diagnosed with something completely different while still on disability and they let her file a new claim without going back to work. So maybe its possible if the condition is totally different???
Yes, that's exactly the distinction I was trying to explain. If EDD determines this is a substantially different medical condition (not just a continuation or worsening of the previous one), they may approve a new claim without the return-to-work requirement. The key is proper documentation from the medical provider that clearly establishes this as a new disabling condition with a specific onset date. In this case, the traumatic grief response following the death of a spouse is quite different from the original condition, even if some symptoms overlap.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through, and it's completely understandable that your mental health has deteriorated significantly. From what I've read here and my own experience with EDD, you may have a strong case for filing a new claim. The key is having your psychiatrist document that your current condition is substantially different from your original anxiety/depression claim. Grief-related depression and trauma response can be medically distinct from general anxiety/depression, especially when there's a clear triggering event. A few things that might help your case: - Have your psychiatrist specifically note the onset date of your worsened symptoms (around your husband's passing) - Document new symptoms you didn't have before (panic attacks, severe insomnia, etc.) - Get a detailed letter explaining how this trauma has created a new disabling condition - File as soon as possible since there are time limits I'd also suggest contacting a disability advocate or attorney who specializes in EDD cases if you can. Many offer free consultations and can help navigate the system when situations are this complex. Take care of yourself during this incredibly difficult time.
This is really helpful advice, especially about getting a disability advocate involved. I hadn't even thought about that option, but it makes sense for a situation this complicated. Do you happen to know how to find advocates who specialize in EDD cases? I'm worried about making mistakes in the application process since so much seems to depend on exactly how the medical documentation is worded.
One more thing to keep in mind with pregnancy disability claims - make sure you understand how your pregnancy disability claim will transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) after delivery if you're planning to use that benefit as well. Typically, pregnancy disability covers 4 weeks before delivery and 6-8 weeks after (depending on delivery type), then you can transition to PFL for bonding time. You'll need to file a separate claim for the PFL portion, and there's specific timing for that application. Just something to plan for while you're waiting for your current claim to process.
Thank you SO much for mentioning this. I completely forgot I'll need to transition from SDI to PFL after delivery. Do I need to contact my doctor again for the PFL portion? Or is that a separate process?
For PFL bonding benefits, you don't need a doctor's certification. You'll need to provide documentation showing your relationship to the child (usually birth certificate or hospital documentation). The EDD has a specific process for transitioning from pregnancy disability to PFL - when you're nearing the end of your pregnancy disability period, you'll receive information about filing for PFL. Just don't wait until the last minute to submit it to avoid gaps in payment.
Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else going through this - I had a very similar situation where my employment end date changed after I'd already filed my SDI claim. Like others mentioned, changing the effective date was absolutely the right call and didn't cause any delays beyond normal processing time. One tip that helped me: I created a simple timeline document with all my important dates (last day of work, effective date of disability, expected delivery date, etc.) and kept it handy for any phone calls with EDD or my doctor's office. It really helped when I needed to reference specific dates quickly. Also, if you're dealing with Kaiser for the medical certification, you can check the status of your request through their secure messaging system. They usually respond within 24-48 hours about whether they've sent your paperwork to EDD. Much faster than calling and waiting on hold! Wishing you the best with your claim processing and congratulations on your upcoming baby! 🎉
Jenna Sloan
GUYS I JUST FOUND OUT THERES A SECRET MENU OPTION THAT GETS YOU TO A REAL PERSON FASTER!!! Just keep pressing 0# over and over when you call. You're welcome 😎
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Sasha Reese
•I tried this and it just disconnected me 😠Thanks for getting my hopes up
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Muhammad Hobbs
•Keep in mind that hacks like these don't always work with all phone systems. It's good to have a backup plan!
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GalacticGuru
I had this exact same issue a few months ago! The "account linked to another email" error is super common with the EDD/ID.me integration. What worked for me was actually creating a completely new ID.me account with a slightly different email (like adding a period or number) and then linking that fresh account to EDD. I know it sounds backwards, but their system sometimes gets confused with existing accounts. Also, make sure you're not logged into any other government sites when you try - that can mess with the verification process. Hope this helps!
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Charlie Yang
•This is really helpful advice! I never would have thought about creating a new ID.me account with a slightly different email. The system integration issues between EDD and ID.me seem so common - it's frustrating that we have to find these workarounds just to access basic services. Thanks for sharing what worked for you!
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