I understand your frustration with the phone system. An additional option is to send a formal written request to cancel your UI claim. You can do this through your UI Online account by selecting "Contact EDD" and then "Ask EDD." Choose the category "Unemployment Insurance Benefits" and then "Cancel Claim." In your message, include: - Your full name - Last 4 of SSN - Phone number - Clear statement that you need to cancel your UI claim in order to file for SDI - The date you became disabled (from your doctor's certification) While this method isn't as immediate as speaking to someone by phone, it creates a documented trail of your cancellation request. Make sure to take screenshots or print the confirmation of your message submission. Also important: after your UI claim is canceled, when you file for SDI, you'll need to explain the gap between your last day of work and the first day of disability. Be prepared to provide documentation about your unemployment period.

Yes, definitely continue calling while waiting for a response to your written request. Use multiple approaches simultaneously to increase your chances of success. One other important detail: once your UI claim is canceled and you apply for SDI, be aware that you may face questions about your ability to work during the transition period. The key difference between UI and SDI is that UI requires you to be able and available for work, while SDI requires you to be unable to perform your regular or customary work due to a medical condition. Make sure your doctor clearly documents the exact date your disability began, and be prepared to explain how your condition changed from being able to work (while on UI) to being unable to work (requiring SDI). Having clear medical documentation with specific dates will help prevent any issues with your claim.

For those still waiting, remember that Bank of America and EDD operate on different systems. Sometimes the payment will show as processed in your EDD account several hours before it appears on your BofA card. I recommend checking both systems separately. Also, if you've recently changed any information on your claim (address, doctor, work status), this can trigger additional review that might delay your payment beyond the current system maintenance issue. If that's the case, you might need to call in directly to resolve it.

UPDATE: My payment just posted to my BofA card! Looks like they're definitely processing them now. For anyone still waiting, hang in there - seems like they're coming through!

when i had back surgery i got a whole MESS of paperwork from the hospital. make sure ur doctor submits the right forms to edd. i had to bug mine like 3 times before they did it right!!! good luck!

Regarding your question about contacting EDD about the UI claim - yes, it's best practice to inform them of the mistake to avoid any potential issues down the road. This creates a record that you recognized the error before receiving benefits. If you use the Claimyr service I mentioned, be sure to tell the representative you need to speak specifically about canceling a UI claim that was filed in error due to disability. They'll connect you to the right department. Also, don't forget that with SDI, there's a maximum benefit duration of 52 weeks (unlike UI's 26 weeks). Make sure your doctor provides an estimated recovery time on the certification form so your claim is established for the appropriate duration.

I spent 20 years working with the CA disability system (before retiring) and here's what most people don't know: sometimes claims get "stuck" in the system because of a simple technical flag that no one is addressing. Your claim is likely sitting in someone's work queue but not being prioritized. The online messages rarely get prompt responses when they're backed up like they are now. If I were you, I'd: 1. Try that Claimyr service someone mentioned - getting a live person is essential 2. Contact your Assembly member (also great advice) 3. Have your doctor's office call the medical provider line (they have a separate number) And a tip: When you do reach someone, ask specifically if there are any "technical stops" or "review flags" on your claim. Those are the internal terms they use for issues that need manual review. Good luck with your recovery!

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning using Claimyr! Turns out there was an employer verification issue that wasn't showing up in my online portal. The rep said my employer hadn't responded to their request for information (typical of my company). She was able to override it since I had all my documentation and paystubs. My claim is now being processed and I should receive payment within 48 hours. Thank you all for the advice and support. I'm also following up with my Assembly member's office as a backup. This has been the most stressful part of my recovery.

did u ask ur doctor if u can do the SDI paperwork electronically??? mine submited online and my claim was approved in only 5 days!! so much faster!!

I didn't ask about electronic submission! That's smart. I'll have my husband call the doctor's office today to see if they can submit it that way instead of giving us the paper form.