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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- Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
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- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
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EDD SDI payments stopped after transitioning from pregnancy to postpartum disability - normal?
I've been receiving pregnancy disability since January 5th and everything was going smoothly until now. I got my first two payments without any issues (around $1250 each), but this week nothing showed up in my account. I gave birth last Thursday and submitted the proper notification through SDI Online that same day letting them know I delivered. Is this payment gap normal when transitioning from pregnancy disability to postpartum recovery? Do I need to complete any additional forms now that I've had the baby? Or should I just keep waiting? My rent is due next week and I'm starting to get anxious about this payment delay. Anyone else experience something similar after delivery?
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IHSS provider disabled - need workaround to reach EDD SDI rep after ID.me issues
I'm completely stressed trying to file a disability claim for my sister who's an IHSS caregiver. She injured her back last week after falling down the stairs while caring for her client (lifting them wrong I think). The doctor put her on disability for at least 8 weeks, but we're hitting a wall with EDD. She made it through the ID.me verification after HOURS of trying (that system is a nightmare!), but now the SDI Online system is saying she needs to speak with an EDD representative before her claim can be processed. Something about her IHSS income needing special verification? We've been calling the main SDI number (1-800-480-3287) for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT. Either get disconnected, told to call back later, or stuck on hold until the office closes. I've tried calling right when they open at 8am and still nothing! Does anyone know if there's a special number for IHSS workers filing disability? Or any tricks to actually get through to a real person? She's starting to panic about bills since she has no income coming in now. Any advice appreciated!
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have you tried going to an actual EDD office in person? sometimes thats easier than phones. My brother did that for his unemployment and got help same day
Unfortunately, SDI is handled differently from unemployment. The in-person EDD offices generally only handle unemployment insurance claims, not disability. SDI is primarily managed through the phone system and online portal. It's one of those frustrating government divisions of responsibility that makes little sense to us citizens!
oh that sucks! didnt know they were different systems. government stuff is so confusing
UPDATE: We finally got through! For anyone with a similar issue - we used the Claimyr service that someone recommended here and it actually worked. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 30 minutes. The issue was exactly what someone here mentioned - because she's an IHSS provider, they needed to manually verify her wages. The representative was able to process everything and said her claim should be approved within 7-10 days. They also confirmed she still has to serve the 7-day waiting period before benefits start, but at least the claim is moving forward now. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
Great news! Did they mention anything about retroactive payment for the days after the waiting period but before the claim was processed? Make sure she continues to certify for benefits every two weeks once her claim is approved, even if she's still waiting for the first payment to arrive.
Yes! They said benefits would be retroactive to the day after her 7-day waiting period ended, even though the claim processing took longer. I've set calendar reminders for her certification dates too. Thanks again for all your help!
Switching from UI to SDI for upcoming craniotomy surgery - urgent timeline questions
I've been on unemployment since losing my job in February 2025 and just found out I need a craniotomy in 21 days. My doctor says recovery could take 6-8 months minimum. I'm completely lost on how to transition from UI benefits to disability. Do I apply for SDI now or wait until after surgery? Will I lose my UI benefits immediately if I apply for SDI? I've been certifying for UI weekly and don't want to mess anything up or have a gap in income. Also, will the 7-day waiting period for SDI start before or after my surgery date? This is all so overwhelming on top of preparing for major brain surgery...
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Thank you all so much for the advice. I've made a checklist based on everything you've shared: 1. Continue UI certification honestly until surgery 2. Apply for SDI about a week before surgery (April 8-9) 3. Register for SDI Online through my existing BPO account 4. Make sure my doctor submits the DE 2501 with proper diagnosis codes ASAP after surgery 5. Understand there's a 7-day waiting period where I won't get paid 6. Follow up with my doctor's office to confirm they submitted paperwork 7. Keep that Claimyr service info in case I need to contact EDD directly Is there anything I'm missing? This has been incredibly helpful during such a stressful time.
That's a great checklist! One small addition - you might want to download and review the DE 2501 form yourself before your doctor fills it out, just so you understand what information they'll need to provide. It can help you have a more informed conversation with them about the requirements. You can find it on the EDD website. Wishing you a successful surgery and smooth recovery!
My sister had craniotomy last yr and it took her nearly 9 months to recover enough to work again but she had issues with her benefits the whole time. The EDD keeps sending her paperwork to reconfirm she was still disabled. Make sure ur doctor is willing to keep filling out forms every month or two becuz EDD will require it for long term disability cases. My sis got so frustrated with the whole system.
Oh that's good to know about ongoing paperwork! I'll definitely discuss that with my doctor at my pre-op appointment next week. I hope your sister is doing better now.
Monthly certifications for EDD SDI during pregnancy - is this normal?
I'm 14 weeks pregnant and my OB just told me she wants to certify my pregnancy disability claim MONTHLY instead of for the whole leave period. She said something about monitoring my condition more closely, but I'm freaking out about potential payment delays! Has anyone had their doctor do monthly certifications for SDI pregnancy disability? What happens if there's a gap between certifications? Will my payments stop and restart? I'm the only income source for our household right now (husband is in school), and we can't afford ANY payment interruptions. Anyone had experience with this situation?
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i had a high risk pregnancy last year and my doctor did monthly certifications. actually ended up being helpful because i needed to extend my disability longer than originally planned due to complications and we just adjusted the next certification instead of having to file a new claim or extension. Just make sure your doctor submits EARLY!
Since you mentioned you're the sole provider right now, I highly recommend documenting everything. Take screenshots of your SDI Online account showing received certifications, payment histories, etc. Also keep a log of when forms were submitted by your doctor. If a payment delay happens (which is common with monthly certifications), having this documentation makes it easier to resolve. When I had issues, the EDD agent I finally reached was able to fix things much faster because I had all the certification dates and confirmation numbers ready. Also, consider asking your doctor to note in your file why they're doing monthly certifications instead of the standard pregnancy disability period. This can help if you ever need to appeal a decision.
This is excellent advice! I'm going to start a dedicated notebook just for tracking all of this. My OB mentioned she's concerned about my blood pressure and potential gestational diabetes (family history), so I'll make sure that's documented too. Thank you so much for your help!
Can I quit my part-time pharmacy job due to pregnancy pain and still receive EDD SDI benefits?
Hi everyone, I'm in a tough situation and really need some advice. I'm 6 months pregnant and recently started a part-time position as a pharmacy technician after being on unemployment for about 2 months (was laid off from my full-time pharmacy job). The problem is that after just 3 days on this new job, I'm experiencing unbearable pain - both my feet are throbbing from standing all day and my carpal tunnel syndrome has flared up terribly in both hands from all the typing and prescription handling. I literally can't sleep at night from the pain. I'm thinking about quitting and wondering if I should apply for disability instead of going back to unemployment. Does anyone know: 1) If I quit due to pregnancy-related health issues, will I qualify for SDI? 2) Do I need specific documentation from my OB/GYN? 3) Will EDD investigate why I left this job or could it affect my claim? I'm stressed about making the right choice financially while also protecting my health and pregnancy.
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I wanted to add one more important point: Your SDI benefits will be based on your highest-earning quarter in your base period. Since you mentioned being laid off recently and only working part-time now, your benefit amount will likely be based on your previous full-time job's wages, not your current part-time position. This is actually good news financially. The current maximum weekly SDI benefit in 2025 is $1,580, though most people receive less based on their income. Just make sure all your wage information is accurate when you file your claim. Also, request your claim to start immediately after your last day worked - don't wait or there could be gaps in your income. The 7-day waiting period is unpaid, but benefits start after that.
Oh that's fantastic news about the benefit calculation! I was worried it would be based on just my part-time hours. Thank you so much for this information - it really helps with my decision.
THE EDD IS A COMPLETE DISASTER WITH DISABILITY CLAIMS!!!! I had to call FIFTY EIGHT TIMES last month to get someone on the phone about my disability claim that was stuck in pending!!! They make everything IMPOSSIBLE and half the agents don't even know their own rules!!! Make sure you keep COPIES OF EVERYTHING and get your doctor to be SUPER specific about why you can't work. They denied my first claim because the doctor didn't write enough details even though I literally couldn't walk!!!!
That sounds horrible! I'll definitely make sure my doctor is extremely detailed on the form. Did you eventually get approved after all that trouble?
Yes I finally got approved but it took almost 6 WEEKS and I had to have my doctor send in additional documentation!! Make sure your doctor specifically lists EXACTLY what job duties you can't do because of your condition. And don't trust what ONE agent tells you - always call back and confirm with someone else because they all say different things!!!
Liam Cortez
wait did u notify them through the "Report Returned to Work" button?? cuz thats wrong for giving birth!! my friend did that and got her benefits cancelled completely!!! you need the "Report Change in Disability" option!
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Nina Fitzgerald
AuthorOMG no I definitely used the "Report Change in Disability" option and entered my delivery date. At least I did that right!
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Savannah Vin
Just checking in - were you able to get this resolved? Did your doctor submit the postpartum certification?
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Nina Fitzgerald
AuthorYes!! Thank you all for the help. My doctor submitted the postpartum certification yesterday morning. I also managed to speak with an EDD rep (after using that Claimyr service someone suggested - totally worth it). They confirmed everything is now in order and said I should receive the delayed payment within 3 business days, plus my regular payments will resume after that. Such a relief!
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