To answer your question about the Oakland office - there isn't a separate public number for specific offices. All calls go through the main EDD disability line (1-800-480-3287). For other assistance programs, you might want to look into: 1. CalFresh (food assistance) 2. Housing assistance through your county's social services 3. Emergency rental assistance programs 4. LIHEAP for utility bill help Call 211 in your area for referrals to local programs that might be able to help while you're waiting for EDD to resolve your issues. They can connect you with resources specific to your situation.

Great news that you got through! Make sure to fill out that form completely and provide all documentation they request. The 4-6 week timeframe is fairly accurate in my experience, though sometimes they can resolve it faster if your case is straightforward. One more tip - after you mail in your reconsideration form, keep checking your SDI Online account for updates. Sometimes they'll post status changes there before sending official mail notifications. And don't hesitate to follow up if you haven't heard anything after 3-4 weeks. Good luck, and I hope your physical recovery goes smoothly as well!

EDD's rules can sometimes be flexible for unusual situations, but trying to navigate them is incredibly frustrating. When my partner had a complicated disability claim, we could NOT get through to anyone helpful on the phone for weeks. I eventually used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep in about 15 minutes. The website shows exactly how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The rep we spoke with was actually super helpful and explained exactly what documentation we needed for our unusual situation. For something as complicated as long COVID with cognitive issues, I'd definitely recommend speaking directly with EDD rather than trying to guess what they'll accept.

Has anyone mentioned Unemployment Insurance to you? If he was laid off, he might have qualified for UI while looking for work. Though I'm not sure if you can get UI and then switch to SDI later... the rules get really confusing when benefits overlap.

Your claim status will automatically update after your doctor's form is processed. The SDI system uses your wage data from the base period (which is different from regular unemployment). For claims filed in 2025, they look at wages earned approximately from January 2023 through December 2024, depending on exactly when you filed. The wage data comes directly from your employer's quarterly reports to EDD - you don't enter it yourself. Once your claim is approved, you'll see your weekly benefit amount calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings during that period. You can verify if your doctor's form was received by clicking on "View Medical Provider Form Receipt" in your SDI Online account. This will at least confirm if it's in their system.

I forgot to mention - if there's a discrepancy in your wage data (like if you worked for multiple employers or had a job change), you can submit a request for reconsideration AFTER your claim is processed. But for now, you just need to wait for the medical certification to be approved.

To address your specific question about the interstate claim situation: The EDD website is technically correct about interstate claims, but there's an important distinction. The example they give is about someone who moved TO California after earning wages in another state. In your case, you moved FROM California TO Oregon, which is the reverse scenario. For SDI specifically: - If you've been working in California since January 2025 and became disabled while working here, you should be eligible for CA SDI regardless of your previous state of employment. - Your employer should have started reporting your wages to California when you moved here. - Make sure your employer has your correct California address in their system. The key document for your SDI claim is the DE 2501 (Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits) and your doctor's certification. If those are filed correctly with your California information, you should be able to establish a valid SDI claim even though you recently moved to the state.

omg i had a similar issue last year!! so frustrating!!! when i finally got thru to someone they told me that for SDI its based on where u were working when u got sick, not how long. so if u got sick while working in cali u should be ok for disability!! its the UI later that might get complicated with the base period stuff, but cross that bridge when u come to it!

not to be a downer but the system is RIGGED against us. my cousin lost her appeal even with all the right documentation because the employer straight up LIED during the hearing. make sure you interrupt and correct them if they state wrong dates!!! dont be polite - this is your money and benefits at stake!!!

Update: I used Claimyr today and actually got through to EDD! The representative confirmed that my SDI claim is valid and separate from the UI issue, which is a huge relief. She also added detailed notes to my file about the timeline of events. I've gathered all my documentation including text messages with my boss showing I never refused work during February or March. I've also got a new letter from my doctor confirming my bed rest started specifically on March 15th due to pregnancy complications. The phone hearing is scheduled for next week. I'm still nervous but feeling much more prepared now. Thank you all for your advice and support!