Just wondering - do seasonal state employees have different SDI rules than regular state employees? I thought some state workers have a different disability system (like CalPERS or something?). Maybe check with your HR department too?

Just wanted to add that as a state employee, you might also want to look into whether your agency offers any additional leave benefits beyond SDI. Some state departments have supplemental disability programs or allow you to use accrued sick leave to supplement your SDI benefits (which typically pay about 60-70% of your wages). Also, since you mentioned you're 28 weeks along, you'll want to think about the transition from pregnancy disability to postpartum recovery (which can be 6-8 weeks depending on delivery type) and then potentially to Paid Family Leave for bonding time. Planning this timeline now while you're getting everything set up can help ensure there are no gaps in coverage. Good luck with everything, and I hope your pregnancy goes smoothly despite the complications!

Update: Just wanted to let everyone know I finally got through to EDD this morning! The agent said there was a "processing flag" on my account because my doctor submitted the extension paperwork a few days late (even though it was still before my original end date). They've cleared the flag and I should receive all my backpay within 48 hours. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

So glad you got this resolved! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my extension was approved but I haven't seen any payments in 2 weeks. Your post gives me hope that it's just a processing issue. Quick question - when you called, did you use the 1-800-480-3287 number that Justin mentioned? And any tips for actually getting through? I've been trying for days but keep getting the busy signal.

One more important thing - your SDI claim is completely separate from any personal injury claim you have against the other driver. Receiving SDI benefits won't reduce your settlement. However, you should tell your personal injury attorney that you're applying for SDI benefits, as they need to know about all sources of income related to your injury for their calculations. Also, prepare for the possibility that you might need to extend your SDI claim depending on your recovery time. Initial SDI claims typically cover up to 52 weeks, but your doctor will need to continue certifying your disability periodically throughout your recovery. Mark your calendar for when recertifications are due to avoid any interruptions in benefits.

I just want to add that when you apply online through SDI Online, make sure you have all your employment history for the past 18 months ready - including that Instacart gig work you mentioned. Even though it was recent and brief, you'll need to report all income sources. Also, don't let the online application intimidate you if some questions seem confusing. You can always call for help or even submit it incomplete and provide additional info later. The most important thing is getting your claim started ASAP since you're already 3 weeks from when your doctor certified you can't work. One last tip: take screenshots of everything you submit online and keep copies of all documents. EDD systems can be glitchy and having your own records will save you headaches if anything gets lost in their system.

guys. i finaly got through after 6 MONTHS of no payments. heres what worked for me: 1. call at exactly 8:01 am 2. press 1, then 2, then 4 when prompted 3. if u hear music, hang up and try again 4. repeat until u get the 'all lines r busy' message 5. THEN call again immediately it took me 43 tries but i finaly got through. good luck everyone!

Similar situation here - my payments stopped about 2 weeks ago with zero warning. I've been checking my account daily and there's literally nothing there explaining why. The worst part is not knowing if it's a technical glitch or if there's actually an issue with my claim. Has anyone had success with the automated phone system, or do you really need to speak to a live person to get answers?

UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! I used Claimyr this morning and got connected to an EDD agent in about 25 minutes. Turns out my claim was held up because my employer reported a different last day worked than what I put on my application (I had included paid sick days in my calculation). The agent fixed it right on the call and said my payments should start processing within 48 hours. Thank you so much to everyone who offered advice - I would still be pulling my hair out without your help!

Congratulations Diego on getting your claim resolved! Your experience is a perfect example of why this community is so valuable. For anyone else reading this thread who's struggling with similar issues, Diego's success story shows that persistence pays off and there are legitimate resources available to help navigate the EDD system. The fact that it was just a simple date discrepancy that was holding everything up for over a month really highlights how important it is to actually speak with an agent rather than just relying on the online portal status. Thanks for sharing your update - it gives hope to others dealing with the same frustrating situation!