California Disability

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Can't reach California Disability? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.

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Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.

Using Claimyr will:

  • Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
  • Skip the long phone menu
  • Call the correct department
  • Redial until on hold
  • Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
  • Give you free callbacks if the EDD drops your call
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Ask the community...

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  • DO answer questions and support each other.
  • DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
  • DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)

Will attending one mandatory work meeting jeopardize my EDD SDI benefits?

I've been on EDD disability since January due to severe chronic migraines that make regular work impossible. My doctor has certified me through May, but my employer just called saying there's a mandatory department restructuring meeting next Tuesday that will determine job assignments and seniority rankings for the next year. They're insisting I attend in person (2 hr meeting) or I'll lose my seniority and possibly my position altogether. I'm terrified this will mess up my disability claim - will EDD consider this as "returning to work" even though it's just one meeting? I don't want to risk losing my benefits when I'm genuinely still unable to work regularly. Has anyone dealt with something similar? I can probably make it through one meeting with medication but definitely can't return to regular work yet.

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.

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Thank you for this advice! I hadn't even considered ADA accommodations. I'll definitely look into this for when I return to work. The remote meeting option would have solved this whole problem.

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did u call EDD yet? what did they say??

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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!

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EDD denied my disability claim with 'interstate claim' issue - need help with appeal

I'm completely stressed about my SDI claim situation. I've been on medical leave since January 2025 for a severe back injury that required surgery. I applied for CA disability benefits right away since I've been living and working in California for the past 8 years. The problem is my employer's headquarters is in Nevada, though I work 100% remotely from my home in Sacramento. EDD initially denied my claim saying I had 'no reported wages' in California. I immediately sent them my last two years of W2s showing I earned over $89,000 annually, and I've paid California state taxes on all of it. When I called to follow up, the rep told me this would be an 'interstate claim' and then a specialist denied me citing Sections 602 and 603. Here's the crazy part - when I called back and explained that I think I qualify under Section 602(2) Base of Operations and 602(4) Residence of Employee, the specialist literally said 'Hmm... I think you're right' and told me they'd talk to their supervisor. They called back later suggesting I file an appeal! I'm terrified about this appeal process. What if the judge denies it even though the specialist admitted I was right? The benefits in Nevada would be about 40% less than what I'd get in California, and for fewer weeks too. Has anyone gone through an SDI appeal hearing? What should I include in my appeal letter? Should I include proof I paid CA taxes on my income? The specialist mentioned something about meeting with a judge virtually. Any advice before I submit this appeal would be so appreciated!

This happened to my sister!!! EDD is a nightmare!!! She never even got her money and gave up after three appeals!!!! The system is BROKEN!!!!

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I'm sorry about your sister's experience, but it's important not to discourage someone who has a legally valid claim. The OP's situation is different - they have clear qualifying factors under Sections 602/603, and even had a specialist acknowledge they were right. While the system isn't perfect, many appeals are successful when the facts and law support the claimant.

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Update: I just got off the phone with EDD using the Claimyr service someone recommended above. It actually worked! I got through to a senior specialist who reviewed my case and agreed that I should qualify under CA law since my base of operations is here and I'm a resident who pays CA taxes. She's escalating it to her supervisor to see if they can reverse the decision without going through the full appeal process! I'll still prepare the appeal just in case, but there's hope this might get resolved faster. Thanks everyone for all your helpful advice!

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That's fantastic news! This is exactly why it sometimes pays to keep pushing before the formal appeal. When you have a case where the law is clearly on your side, sometimes you just need to find the right person with authority to fix the mistake. Please come back and let us know what happens with the supervisor review!

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Can't cancel UI claim to start SDI after hospitalization - stuck in bureaucratic limbo

I'm at my wit's end dealing with this nightmare situation between EDD UI and SDI! My medical situation changed dramatically last month when I was hospitalized with severe pneumonia that developed into ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). I had been on unemployment since February, but now my doctor says I'll be unable to work for at least 3-4 months while I recover. The SDI office told me I need to cancel my active UI claim before they can process my disability claim, but I can't get through to anyone at UI to cancel it! Every time I call, I'm on hold for 3+ hours before getting disconnected. I've sent multiple messages through my UI online account but haven't received any response in 2 weeks. I can't afford to wait much longer without income. My savings are almost gone, and I have medication costs that weren't covered by insurance. Has anyone successfully navigated canceling UI to start SDI? Is there a specific department or phone number I should be trying? The regular EDD number just puts me in an endless queue.

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.

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This doesn't work!!! I tried sending messages and they just ignore them. The only way is to get someone on the phone trust me

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I actually did send a message through UI Online about 2 weeks ago, but haven't received any response. I'll try sending another one with the specific details you mentioned. Should I keep trying to call while waiting for a response to the written request?

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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.

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Thank you for all the detailed advice. I'm going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning and also send another message through UI Online with all the details you mentioned. My doctor has been great about documenting everything, so I have all the medical documentation with clear start dates for my disability. I'll update here if I make any progress!

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EDD disability payment missing from Monday - not showing online or on BofA card?

Has anyone else noticed their EDD SDI payment that was supposed to come through yesterday (Monday) is totally missing? I've been receiving biweekly payments since my claim started in February, and they've always been super reliable. I checked my EDD account online and there's no payment processing or history showing for yesterday at all. My Bank of America EDD card also doesn't show any pending deposits. I'm starting to get a bit concerned since my rent is due on Friday and I was counting on this payment. Is anyone else experiencing this delay? Is there some kind of EDD holiday or system issue happening?

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.

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You're RIGHT! I just checked my EDD account again and it shows the payment was processed today at 9:43am but it's still not showing on my BofA card. At least now I know it's definitely coming. Thank you for this tip!!!

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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!

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Nice! Still waiting on mine but good to know they're moving through the backlog. This whole system is so stressful when you're depending on the money.

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Can I switch from EDD unemployment to disability after approval? Got $520/week but wrong program

I made a HUGE mistake and feel so stupid right now. My doctor told me to apply for disability due to my severe back injury (herniated disc) but I accidentally filed for unemployment instead. I already had my phone interview, and just got my award letter saying I'll get $520 weekly. But when I talked to my doctor yesterday, he said this was completely wrong - I can't work AT ALL right now so I shouldn't be on unemployment since I'm not 'able and available' for work. Has anyone ever switched from unemployment to disability after being approved? Can EDD just transfer my application or do I have to cancel everything and start over with SDI? I'm really worried because I need the income ASAP and can't afford delays. My pain meds are making it hard to think clearly so any help would be appreciated!

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!

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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.

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i tried that clamer thing once and it actually worked! got thru to edd in like 10 mins after trying for DAYS on my own

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