Congratulations on getting your first payment so quickly! That's really encouraging to hear. For others reading this thread, I wanted to add that if you're ever having trouble with delayed payments, you can also check your payment history through your EDD online account. It usually shows when payments are processed even before they hit your bank account. Also, if you're getting paper checks instead of direct deposit, you can actually switch to direct deposit even after your claim is approved - just call EDD or update it through your online account. It can save you a lot of time on future payments. Hope your ankle surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through the SDI process twice - once for surgery and once for pregnancy. The timing really does vary, but direct deposit is definitely the way to go. I've noticed that payments tend to process faster at the beginning of the week (Monday/Tuesday approvals seem to hit accounts by Wednesday/Thursday). One thing I wish I had known the first time: keep track of your certification dates! Your doctor needs to submit updated medical certifications periodically to keep your benefits going. If they're late with the paperwork, your payments can get delayed even if you're still disabled. I'd recommend following up with your doctor's office a few days before each certification is due. Also, don't be surprised if your first payment amount looks different than expected - it might include backpay from when your waiting period ended. Good luck with your ankle surgery!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation with my chronic migraines! My retail job requires me to be on my feet for 8+ hour shifts under fluorescent lighting, which triggers severe episodes. My manager keeps scheduling me for closing shifts even though I've explained that the late hours and stress make my migraines much worse. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - I had no idea that voluntarily quitting wouldn't automatically disqualify me from SDI! I've been forcing myself to work through debilitating headaches because I thought leaving would mean losing all financial support. My neurologist has been documenting my condition for over a year and recently recommended I take extended time off to try a new preventive treatment plan. She's also noted that my current work environment is a major trigger and likely preventing my condition from improving. One thing I'm wondering about - has anyone dealt with a condition that's episodic rather than constantly disabling? My migraines come and go, but when I have them I literally cannot function. I'm worried EDD might not understand that even though I have "good days," the unpredictable nature of severe migraines makes it impossible to maintain regular employment. Thanks to everyone sharing their stories - you're helping those of us realize we don't have to destroy our health just to keep a paycheck coming in!

I went through this exact same situation with chronic lower back pain from a manufacturing job! My employer kept refusing ergonomic accommodations and proper lifting equipment, so I finally had to quit when my doctor said continuing would risk permanent spinal damage. The good news is that quitting absolutely does NOT disqualify you from SDI - I was approved within 2 weeks of applying. What matters is that you have a legitimate medical condition that prevents you from working, not how your employment ended. A few things that made my process smooth: - Applied online 3 days after my last day of work - My doctor was extremely detailed on the DE 2501 about specific limitations (no lifting over 15 lbs, no prolonged standing/sitting, no twisting motions) - I was completely honest about leaving for health reasons - Had all my PT and medical records organized beforehand The 7-day waiting period is unpaid, but after that my benefits started right away. It's not a huge amount but enough to cover basics while focusing on recovery through physical therapy. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about prioritizing your health over a job that's causing harm. The SDI system exists exactly for situations like yours where an employer won't accommodate medical needs and continuing work would worsen your condition. Your 3-month recovery plan with your doctor's support sounds very legitimate - you should have no issues getting approved!

I completely understand how overwhelming this situation can be - being injured, dealing with financial stress, and trying to navigate multiple systems at once is incredibly difficult. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you have a solid plan forming. A few additional tips from someone who's helped others through similar situations: 1) When you apply for SDI online, save screenshots of every page as you complete it. Sometimes the system glitches and you'll want proof of what you submitted. 2) Ask your doctor's office to give you a copy of the medical certification they submit to EDD. This way you can see exactly what they wrote and follow up if needed. 3) Consider setting up direct deposit for your SDI benefits if possible - it's faster than waiting for checks in the mail. 4) Keep a simple calendar marking when you applied, when your doctor submitted paperwork, and any other key dates. This helps if you need to call EDD later. The fact that you already have an attorney for the workers comp case puts you ahead of many people in this situation. They should be able to coordinate the eventual repayment to EDD once your workers comp is resolved. Hang in there - this process is tough but you're taking all the right steps!

I went through almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago - warehouse injury, workers comp stalling, desperate for income. Here's what I wish someone had told me from the start: Apply for SDI immediately, don't wait any longer. The 7-day waiting period starts from when your disability began (your injury date), not when you apply. So you're already past that hurdle. When I applied, EDD asked a few standard questions about the workers comp case: the claim number, insurance company name, date of injury, and whether benefits had been paid or denied. Just answer honestly - they're used to this situation. One thing that helped me was calling my doctor's office before applying to make sure they could submit the medical certification within 24-48 hours. Some offices are really slow with this, and it can delay your whole claim. Also, when workers comp finally did approve my case 4 months later, the repayment process to EDD was actually pretty straightforward. My attorney handled most of it, and I just had to sign some paperwork. The key is that you get to keep any difference if your workers comp benefit is less than what SDI paid you. You're doing everything right by getting an attorney and exploring SDI. Don't let the workers comp company's delays keep you from getting the help you need right now. Good luck!

I've been dealing with EDD SDI issues for months and learned a few things that might help. First, like others mentioned, there's no direct Chico number - everything goes through the central system now. But here's what I discovered: if you call the main SDI line (1-800-480-3287) and get the busy signal, try calling back immediately. Sometimes it cycles you through faster on the second attempt. Also, I found that Wednesday mornings around 10 AM actually had shorter wait times than right at 8 AM opening - seems like everyone tries at 8 and clogs the system. When you do get through, have your claim number, SSN, and a list of specific questions ready so you don't have to call back. The online portal through Benefit Programs Online is definitely worth setting up too - you can check your claim status and upload documents without the phone hassle. Don't give up, the system is frustrating but you'll eventually get someone who can help!

I work at a nonprofit that helps people navigate government benefits, and I see this issue constantly. Here's my honest take: the EDD phone system is overwhelmed and understaffed, which is why so many people struggle to get through. A few additional strategies that have worked for our clients: 1) Try calling on Thursday or Friday afternoons around 2-3 PM - counterintuitive but sometimes less busy. 2) If you speak Spanish, the Spanish line (1-866-658-8846) often has shorter wait times even if you're bilingual. 3) Document everything - dates you called, how long you waited, reference numbers if you get any. This helps if you need to escalate later. 4) Your local state assembly member's office can sometimes intervene on constituent services issues if you've been trying for weeks without success. The system shouldn't be this difficult, but unfortunately persistence is key. Don't give up - your claim matters and you deserve to get the help you're entitled to!

As a newcomer who just went through this exact process two weeks ago, I wanted to add my experience to this incredibly helpful thread! My disability claim was ending and my doctor (also old-school and prefers paper) needed to file an extension for my ongoing recovery from surgery. After reading similar advice online, I called the EDD Disability line at 1-800-480-3287 early in the morning around 8:15 AM. The first rep said no, but I called back the next day and got someone different who was much more helpful. When I explained that my surgeon needed adequate time to conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine my functional capacity before my benefits expired, she immediately agreed to expedite the DE 2525XX form. The key phrases that seemed to work were "medical necessity," "avoid gap in medically necessary benefits," and "thorough evaluation of functional limitations." She also put a note in my file and gave me a reference number for the early form request. The form arrived in 4 business days via priority mail, and my doctor had it completed and submitted with a week to spare. My extension was approved with no payment interruption whatsoever. What really helped was having all my information ready when I called - claim number, doctor's contact info, and a clear explanation of why the early form was medically necessary. Also, calling right when they opened seemed to get me connected to more experienced and helpful representatives. Don't give up after the first "no" - persistence really does pay off with EDD!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm dealing with this exact situation right now - my disability claim expires in 2 weeks and my doctor also prefers paper forms. After reading through everyone's experiences, I feel so much more prepared to tackle this process. The consistency in advice is really striking: call early in the morning (8 AM), use specific language about "medical necessity" and "thorough evaluation," don't give up after the first "no," and have backup plans ready. I'm planning to call the EDD Disability line tomorrow morning with all my information organized, and if that doesn't work, I'll have my doctor's office try the Medical Provider Helpline at 1-855-342-3645. What really stands out to me is how much the specific wording matters - framing it as needing adequate time for proper medical evaluation rather than just asking for the form early seems to be the key. I'm also going to ask for the rep's name and reference number if I get someone helpful, based on the great suggestions here. Thank you especially to @Mikayla Davison for starting this discussion and to everyone who shared their detailed experiences and timelines. This community is proving to be such a lifeline for navigating these bureaucratic challenges while dealing with health issues. I'll definitely update with my results to help future people in similar situations!