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To answer your follow-up questions: 1. Yes, you absolutely should continue certifying for benefits while your appeal is pending. If you win the appeal, they can only pay for periods you properly certified for. 2. For escalating to a supervisor: When you reach an agent, politely but firmly state that you have documentation proving you submitted the required paperwork and request a supervisor review your case. Use the phrase "I'd like to formally request a supervisor review due to documented submission of verification materials." 3. For PFL timing: Ideally you should resolve the SDI issue first, but if your baby comes before it's resolved, you should still submit your PFL claim. Make a note in the additional information section explaining that your SDI claim is under appeal. 4. The online upload feature was added in late 2024, so it should be available, but sometimes it doesn't appear for claims with certain status codes. If you don't see it, faxing is the next best option (much better than mailing). Lastly, document EVERYTHING - every call attempt, every person you speak with, confirmation numbers, etc. This documentation can be crucial for your appeal.
Quick update on the online upload feature - it's actually under 'Contact SDI' not under forms. You choose 'Send a message' then select 'Claim Information' as the category, then you can attach files with your message. Make sure to include your claim ID number in the message too. Also, for your PFL after having your baby - that should be filed as a NEW claim, not as a continuation of your disability claim. The system is confusing because pregnancy disability can transition to PFL bonding, but in your case (since your disability is for your leg, not pregnancy complications), you'll file a separate PFL claim when the time comes. It's all handled by the same department but processed differently.
u might want to check if ur eligible for calfresh (food stamps) and also look at rental assistance programs. theres smthing called the Housing Is Key program in cali that helps with rent when ur in a crisis. might take a while to get approved but could help eventually
Thanks for mentioning these options. I'll definitely apply for CalFresh this week - haven't thought about that. I was making decent money before my injury so I never considered assistance programs, but at this point I need all the help I can get. I'll also look into that housing program. My landlord is already making noise about eviction so I need to figure something out fast.
Update us on what happens!!! So many people face this EXACT situation and EDD does NOTHING to help!! The whole 52-week limit is arbitrary and cruel - how can they expect people to magically recover from major surgery in exactly 52 weeks???
I understand the frustration, but the 52-week limit actually exists because SDI is designed as short-term income replacement, not long-term disability. For conditions lasting beyond a year, the federal SSDI program is intended to take over. The problem is the gap between these systems - SSDI takes months or years to approve while SDI ends abruptly at 52 weeks regardless of individual circumstances.
UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning after 2 hours of calling! The representative confirmed they received my doctor's extension paperwork but it's in a processing backlog. She said the "final payment" label was automatically generated by their system because it reached my original return-to-work date, but it doesn't mean my benefits are actually terminated. She manually added a note to my claim and said I should see the extension reflected in my account within 7-10 business days. Fingers crossed it actually happens! Thanks everyone for your help.
Great news! Glad you were able to get through. This is exactly what happened with my claim too - it's just their automated system that isn't smart enough to recognize pending extensions. Make sure to keep an eye on your account and if nothing changes in 10 days, call again.
Has anyone had their doctor submit extension papers but then EDD denies it? I'm in a similar situation but worried they'll say no even though my doctor says I need more time...
Extensions can be denied if the medical documentation doesn't adequately support the need for continued disability. Make sure your doctor provides detailed information about why you cannot return to your regular work duties. For PPD specifically, they need to document the permanent limitations and ongoing treatment plan. If denied, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of the denial notice.
UPDATE: My claim just reappeared in the system with APPROVED status! It was exactly 4 days from when it disappeared. You all were right - it seems to be part of their normal processing. For anyone else experiencing this, just be patient and keep checking. The first payment is already being processed too! Such a relief!
Great news about your claim being approved! For future reference for anyone reading this thread later: if your claim disappears for more than 7 business days, that's when you should start trying more aggressively to contact EDD. The normal "disappearing" period during processing is typically 2-6 days. Also, remember that pregnancy disability claims through SDI are different from Paid Family Leave (PFL) which you'll need to file separately after your recovery period if you want bonding time with your baby. The two programs have different claim processes.
Sofia Morales
so did u fix it??? im curious what worked cuz i might be applying for disability soon too
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
Yes! I used Claimyr to reach EDD first (took about 25 mins instead of hours of redial). The EDD rep confirmed my correct address and gave me a reference number to use when calling BofA. Then I called BofA early the next morning (7:01am!) and the wait was only 15 minutes. They're sending a replacement card to my correct address with expedited shipping! Should have it by Friday. The EDD reference number really helped convince them to help me quickly.
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