UPDATE: I got through to EDD this morning using that Claimyr service someone suggested (took 20 minutes instead of days of trying). The rep confirmed I should withdraw the SDI claim and file for PFL instead. She also mentioned that school employees with "reasonable assurance" of returning DO face additional scrutiny but PFL can still be approved with strong medical documentation. My wife's starting the PFL application today and we've scheduled an appointment with a benefits counselor at the regional center next week to discuss additional options. Thank you all for the help and guidance! Will update when we hear about the PFL claim.

So glad you were able to get through to EDD and get on the right track! Just wanted to add - when you're working with your son's psychiatrist on the medical certification, ask them to specifically mention things like safety risks, need for constant redirection, inability to be left alone, etc. EDD looks for concrete examples of why supervision is medically necessary, not just the diagnosis itself. Also, if your son has an IEP or 504 plan at school that documents his needs, include copies of those too - it helps show the consistency of his condition across different settings. Rooting for you both!

Ive been dealing with EDD for months now. heres a pro tip: document EVERYTHING. Every call, every letter, every email. You never know when youll need that info.

I went through the exact same thing last month! Got transferred between SDI and PFL like 5 times before someone finally helped me. Here's what worked: when you call the PFL line, immediately press 0 to try to get to a human instead of going through the automated menu. If that doesn't work, try calling the main EDD number (1-800-300-5616) and specifically ask them to transfer you to PFL corrections department. Also, if you have any paperwork from your original PFL filing, have that ready - they'll need your case number and SSN to pull up your file. Don't give up, it's frustrating but you'll get through eventually!

This happened to me too! Turns out there was a glitch in their system that was misreading certain doctor's office addresses. Might be worth asking if that's still an ongoing issue when you get ahold of someone.

I went through this exact same thing a few months ago! The letter they sent me said my doctor's NPI number was invalid, but when I checked with my doctor's office, everything was correct on their end. Turns out the EDD system had some kind of data entry error. I ended up having to fax them a copy of my doctor's current medical license and practice information directly. It took about 2 weeks to get sorted out, but they eventually corrected it and processed my claim. Don't let it stress you out too much - it's frustrating but definitely fixable!

Has anyone else noticed that the website is down like every other day? How are we supposed to certify if we can't even access the system? 🤦‍♂️

Pro tip: if you're having trouble certifying online, try using a different browser or clearing your cache. Sometimes that fixes weird glitches in the system.

Has anyone tried faxing their documents instead of mailing? I heard it might be faster but idk if that's just an urban legend at this point 🤔

I'm in the exact same situation! Sent my docs in mid-February and still nothing. The waiting is killing me because I really need these benefits. I've been checking my UI Online account obsessively but there's been zero updates. Starting to think they just throw these documents in a black hole somewhere 😅 Has anyone had luck with uploading documents online instead of mailing? I'm wondering if I should try that route too just to cover all my bases.