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Just a heads up - there's a difference between SDI pregnancy claims and Paid Family Leave (PFL). Make sure you're applying for the right program. SDI is for your own disability (including recovery from childbirth), while PFL is for bonding with the baby. I'm confused why you'd be filing a claim before giving birth for bonding leave... are you sure you're applying for the right program?
She's applying for SDI, not PFL. Pregnancy disability (SDI) can begin before birth - typically 4 weeks before the due date, or earlier with medical complications. PFL bonding leave would come after the pregnancy disability period ends.
Here's what I recommend for your appeal based on my experience as an out-of-state claimant: 1. Call and request a copy of your claim file through a formal information request - this will show exactly what they received/didn't receive 2. For your appeal package, include: - Appeal form DE 1000M - Cover letter explaining the timeline of events - COPIES (not originals) of ALL documentation - New doctor's certification if your original is more than 30 days old - Recent paystubs showing CA employment - Color copy of your ID - Multiple proofs of address (utility bill AND lease/mortgage) 3. Send your appeal via certified mail with return receipt 4. For certification, call the out-of-state unit (916-464-0500) and press option 6, then request paper certification forms Don't worry - they WILL backpay you to your original claim date once approved!
Quick clarification on the overpayment penalties: The 3-year disqualification period typically begins on the mailing date of the determination, not from your benefit year. Check the decision letter for the specific dates. Important: If your overpayment was classified as "willful misrepresentation" (fraud), that's different from a simple overpayment. Fraud penalties can potentially impact other benefit programs. That said, in practice, I've rarely seen SDI claims denied due to UI overpayments unless there was a major fraud case involved. The programs are separately funded as others have mentioned.
the whole system is rigged anyway. they make everything confusing ON PURPOSE so they can deny benefits to people who actually need them. i had a legitimate injury last year and they still tried to deny my claim saying i didnt provide enough medical evidence even though my doctor sent in all the forms twice!!
UPDATE: I just submitted my SDI application online! It was actually much easier than I expected. My doctor already submitted his certification (I confirmed with his office). I carefully reviewed that old overpayment letter and it doesn't mention anything about fraud - it just says there was an overpayment because I "received benefits I wasn't eligible for" during certain weeks when I had partial income. So I'm hopeful this won't affect my disability claim. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'll update again once I hear back from EDD about my claim status.
Has anyone tried going to an actual EDD office in person? I know they don't typically handle SDI claims in the unemployment offices, but I'm wondering if that might be a way to at least talk to someone who could help navigate the system?
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at EDD today! For anyone with the same problem, I ended up using that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and it actually worked. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a discrepancy between the dates on my doctor's certification and what my employer reported as my last day worked. The rep was able to fix it right away and said my payments should start processing within 48 hours. Thank you all for your help and suggestions! This forum was a lifesaver when I was feeling completely stuck.
That's excellent news! Thanks for updating us. The date discrepancy is actually a pretty common issue with SDI claims. Glad you were able to get it resolved and that your payments will be processed soon. Having that direct conversation with a representative can make all the difference.
After you get this resolved, you should also request reasonable accommodations under ADA for your condition. If your migraines are severe enough to qualify for disability, they would also qualify for workplace accommodations. This could include things like: - Attending important meetings remotely instead of in-person - Modified lighting in your workspace - Flexible scheduling - Private area to rest if a migraine occurs at work Your employer is required to work with you on reasonable accommodations once you return from disability. This could prevent similar situations in the future.
Update: I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended and got through to EDD this morning! The representative said attending one mandatory meeting to preserve my job status would NOT affect my disability benefits as long as: 1. I'm not performing regular job duties 2. It's a one-time occurrence (not regular work) 3. The duration is brief She noted it in my file as an approved exception. I also got a note from my doctor stating this single meeting is medically acceptable but that I remain unable to perform regular work. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help with this!
Annabel Kimball
Another thing to consider - have you enrolled in Informed Delivery through USPS? Sometimes EDD sends requests for additional information through regular mail rather than electronically, especially for identity verification issues. I've seen many cases where people miss these letters and their claims stay pending indefinitely.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•I didn't know about Informed Delivery. I'll sign up today. I haven't received any mail from EDD but it's possible something got lost or delivered to the wrong address.
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Charity Cohan
After you speak with your HR about the last day worked and check for any mail, if your claim is still pending, I'd strongly recommend getting through to a live person. They're the only ones who can look at your specific claim and tell you exactly what's causing the delay. Let us know what you find out!
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•Update: I spoke with my HR and they confirmed the last day worked was correct. I also checked my mail and found nothing from EDD. I ended up using Claimyr this morning and finally got through to a representative! The issue was that my doctor had entered my surgery date incorrectly (off by one digit), which created a mismatch. The EDD rep was able to update it on the spot and said my payments should start processing within 5 business days. I'm so relieved! Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions.
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