When you apply online make SURE you save the receipt number they give you at the end!!! I didn't write mine down and then had trouble logging back in later. Also the SDI paperwork is different from unemployment so don't get confused if you've filed unemployment before.

To summarize what you should do: 1. Apply for SDI immediately on the EDD website (not unemployment) 2. Have your doctor complete the medical certification form (they can do it electronically or on paper) 3. Be aware of the 7-day waiting period, but you'll still get benefits for most of your month off 4. Expect 60-70% of your wages as your benefit amount 5. Have your ID and income information ready when you apply 6. Choose direct deposit for faster payment Since your medical leave is only for a month, make sure to follow up with your doctor and EDD promptly if there are any delays. Good luck with your recovery!

You should ask specifically for the Notice of Change. Sometimes they'll say \

Got it! I'll make sure to ask for the Notice of Change directly and get the rep's info. Thank you all so much for the helpful advice - I feel much more prepared to handle this now!

ya its real but super confusing! i thought i was being scammed to but its just edd being weird as usual lol. took like a week after i put in my bank stuff to get paid so be ready to wait

Just as an update for anyone finding this thread later - EDD has now published an official FAQ page about the Money Network and My Banking Direct partnership. You can find it on the main EDD website under "Payment Information." It confirms that this is their legitimate payment processing system for all disability and unemployment claims in 2025 going forward.

i wouldnt count on getting that money anytime soon EDD is so backed up right now just had a relative wait 4 MONTHS for their refund check and they had to call like every week to remind them

Quick update for those following this thread - I've helped several clients with this exact situation in my work. The most efficient approach is to send your request to BOTH the Appeals Board and the Overpayment Unit simultaneously. The current refund processing time is running about 4-6 weeks if you submit all documentation correctly. Also important: if your household income is below certain thresholds, you can request expedited processing due to financial hardship. Include a brief statement explaining your hardship situation and why you need the funds returned quickly. This can sometimes reduce the wait time to 2-3 weeks.

For anyone else reading this thread who may be in a similar situation, I want to clarify a few important points about disability appeals and payments: 1. When an appeal is granted, there is indeed a required manual intervention step. The Appeals Board decision has to be implemented by an EDD SDI specialist. 2. Your employer can appeal the ALJ's (Administrative Law Judge) decision, but they must do so within 20 days of the decision. This appeal would go to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (CUIAB). 3. For partial disability claims related to pregnancy accommodations, make sure your medical provider clearly documents work restrictions and reduced earning capacity on the DE 2501 form. 4. Post-appeal payments typically take 2-3 weeks to process once a specialist has reviewed your claim, though backlogs can extend this timeline. 5. If you're experiencing a hardship due to delayed benefits, specifically mention this when you speak with a representative - they have procedures for expediting payments in hardship cases. This information applies specifically to California's State Disability Insurance program and may differ from other states' disability programs.

FINAL UPDATE: The money arrived! Almost exactly 8 days after speaking with the specialist, all my back payments were deposited to my EDD debit card. Total was $5,890 for the weeks I had reduced hours. For anyone else dealing with post-appeal payment issues, definitely be persistent and try all the methods suggested in this thread. What ultimately worked for me was: 1. Using Claimyr to get through to a real person 2. Specifically mentioning I had an approved appeal waiting for payment processing 3. Having all my documentation ready (appeal case number, judge's name, dates of decision) Thanks again to everyone who offered advice! This community was so helpful when I felt completely stuck.