Here's what you need to know about disability payments: 1. Processing time: It typically takes 2-4 weeks for initial processing, but can be longer depending on your case complexity. 2. Paperwork: Make sure ALL your forms are filled out correctly. Any mistakes can cause major delays. 3. Medical evidence: Ensure your doctor has submitted all necessary medical records. 4. Follow up: Don't be afraid to call and check on your claim status regularly. 5. Back pay: Remember, you'll usually get back pay from the date of your disability onset. 6. Online account: Create an online account to check your claim status 24/7. 7. Be patient: Unfortunately, delays are common. Budget accordingly if possible. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim about 8 weeks ago and still waiting. What I've learned from calling (took me literally 50+ attempts to get through) is that they're incredibly backlogged. The rep told me to expect 10-14 weeks total processing time, which is way longer than what they advertise online. One thing that helped me was setting up the online account - at least I can see that my claim is "in progress" rather than wondering if it disappeared into the void. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you submitted your doctor's "first report of injury" form. Apparently a lot of people miss that one and it causes huge delays. Hang in there - I know how stressful it is when bills are piling up! 💪

guys, i think we need to organize and do something about this. whos up for a protest at the state capitol? 👊

I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now - filed my SDI claim about 6 weeks ago and still radio silence. What's really frustrating is that I can't even get a straight answer about where my claim stands in the process. I've been checking my online account religiously but it just says "pending" with no timeline. Has anyone had luck with contacting their local assembly member's office? I've heard they sometimes have better connections to get answers from EDD than we do as regular folks trying to call in.

To address your follow-up question about informing EDD of your layoff: Yes, you should accurately report your employment status and last day of work when filing. This won't affect your SDI eligibility if you've paid into the system, but it helps them process your claim correctly. Also, keep track of all communication with EDD. Document who you speak with, when, and what was discussed. This can be invaluable if there are any issues with your claim later.

Just want to add one more piece of advice from someone who went through this exact scenario - don't panic about the timing! I was laid off while dealing with a chronic condition and was terrified about losing everything. Here's what I wish I'd known: Your SDI eligibility is locked in based on your work history, not your current job status. As long as you've been paying into SDI through payroll deductions, you're covered. I filed for SDI about 2 weeks after my layoff (once my doctor confirmed I couldn't work) and had no issues. The COBRA vs Covered California decision can wait a bit - you have 60 days to elect COBRA from your qualifying event. Use that time to compare costs and see what your SDI benefit amount will be. Sometimes the Marketplace plans are way better financially, especially with the lower income from disability benefits. Stay strong - the system actually does work once you navigate through all the paperwork and waiting periods!

Update on what worked for me: after creating my SDI Online account and still seeing nothing after a week, I called my doctor's office to check if they had received any requests from EDD. Turns out EDD HAD contacted them for additional information, but the doctor's office hadn't responded yet. Once they sent in the additional info, my claim started processing. Maybe check with your doctor to see if something similar happened?

That's fantastic news! I'm so glad you found out what was holding up your claim. This is exactly why I always recommend checking with your doctor's office - they often receive requests from EDD that the claimant never knows about. Once they send in that additional documentation, your claim should start moving through the system much faster. Keep checking your SDI Online account over the next few days, and hopefully you'll see some progress soon. Thanks for updating us - this will definitely help other people who find themselves in the same situation!

As someone who's been through the SDI appeals process twice as a freelancer, I wanted to add that you should also request a copy of your entire claim file from EDD before your hearing. Sometimes there are internal notes or documents that show exactly why they made their decision, and you can address those specific points directly. You can request this through their records department - it takes about 10 business days but it's free and can give you valuable insight into their reasoning. Also, if your appeal goes to a hearing, don't be intimidated - the Administrative Law Judges are generally much more knowledgeable about freelance work than the initial claims processors. Stay strong and keep us posted on how it goes!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Also a freelancer (marketing consultant) and got denied for the same ridiculous reason. What's especially frustrating is that I've been paying into SDI for over 5 years as a self-employed person - that's literally what the system is for! One thing I learned from my research is that you should also include any recurring client relationships in your appeal documentation. Even if you don't have traditional "employment," showing that you have clients who regularly hire you can help establish that pattern of work they're looking for. I'm gathering emails from my regular clients showing our ongoing working relationships. Also wanted to mention - while you're waiting for your appeal, make sure you're still doing your physical therapy or whatever treatment your doctor recommended. They sometimes ask for updated medical records during the process, and you want to show you're actively working toward recovery. The whole system seems designed to exhaust people into giving up, but don't let them wear you down!