I'm brand new to this community and just found this thread while anxiously searching for information about SDI paper extension processing times! My doctor submitted my extension paperwork yesterday after my recovery from shoulder surgery got complicated, and I'm already feeling that familiar stress about timing. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring - the consistent 10-14 business day timeline for paper forms gives me realistic expectations, even though it's definitely longer than I hoped for since my current benefits end in about 10 days. My doctor's office also refused to do online certification, claiming they have "internal protocols" that require paper submissions - seems like we're all dealing with the same frustrating excuses! I'm definitely going to try that 8:02 AM calling strategy next week to confirm EDD received my forms and ask them to add a note to my account. I'm also setting up those text alerts right now based on everyone's recommendations. It's such a relief to find this supportive community - the anxiety about potential payment gaps during recovery is overwhelming, but knowing that others have successfully navigated this process and shared so many practical tips makes me feel much more confident. Thank you all for creating such a helpful space for people dealing with this nerve-wracking waiting period!

I'm completely new to this community and just submitted my SDI paper extension forms two days ago after my doctor said my recovery from ACL surgery will take longer than expected. Finding this thread has been such a relief - I was starting to panic about processing times and had no realistic expectations! The consistent 10-14 business day timeline everyone mentions is definitely nerve-wracking since my current benefits end next week, but at least now I know what to realistically expect instead of just worrying endlessly. My doctor's office also refused to do the online certification, saying they have a "standard policy" for paper forms only - it's frustrating that we're all stuck with the slower process because of their preferences! I'm definitely going to try that 8:02 AM calling strategy early next week to confirm EDD received my forms and ask them to add a note to my account. I'm also setting up those text alerts right now based on everyone's advice here. The anxiety about potential payment gaps while recovering is so real, but this community has given me so much practical information and emotional support. It's incredible how many people are going through the exact same stressful situation! Thank you all for sharing your experiences and tips - it makes this whole waiting process feel much less overwhelming knowing we're all in it together! 🤞

This is such a valuable discussion! I'm new to this community but have been following the thread closely as I'm considering a similar situation myself. What really strikes me is how much preparation seems to make the difference between success and frustration with EDD. The contrast between @Sadie Benitez's 3-week approval and @Aaron Lee's months-long battle really shows how important it is to get all your documentation perfect upfront. A few additional thoughts based on what I've learned here: 1. The medical necessity angle seems absolutely crucial - documenting the rashes, back pain, and functional limitations will be key to distinguishing this from purely cosmetic surgery in EDD's eyes. 2. The US Consulate notarization tip is brilliant and something I never would have thought of. That extra layer of official US verification could really help with credibility. 3. Having multiple US medical providers supporting the necessity (PCP, dermatologist, maybe even a physical therapist documenting mobility issues) creates a strong paper trail that EDD can easily verify. @Avery Flores - your proactive approach is really smart. Starting this research 4 months ahead gives you time to build that documentation trail and coordinate with all the providers. The fact that you're thinking through banking, translation, and employer coordination shows you're approaching this methodically. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this thread is going to help so many people navigate this complex process!

This is such a comprehensive and helpful discussion! I'm new here but have been researching SDI claims for medical procedures, and this thread is exactly what I needed to find. What really stands out to me is how much the success stories have in common - thorough preparation, multiple layers of US medical documentation, and getting everything translated and notarized properly upfront. It seems like EDD is actually willing to approve foreign medical provider claims, but they want bulletproof documentation to do it. @Avery Flores - your situation with the excess skin causing rashes and back pain is clearly medically necessary, not cosmetic. The fact that you're planning this so far in advance and asking all the right questions shows you're setting yourself up for success. One small addition to all the great advice here: you might want to take timestamped photos showing the progression of your skin issues over time, not just when they flare up. Having visual documentation of the ongoing medical problem could strengthen your case even further. The collective knowledge in this thread about US Consulate notarization, certified translations, employer coordination, and EDD's specialized units for complex cases is incredible. This should definitely be a reference guide for anyone considering medical treatment abroad while needing SDI benefits. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - both the success stories and the cautionary tales. This kind of real-world advice is so much more valuable than trying to decipher EDD's official documentation alone!

Did anyone ever get this resolved? I'm having the exact same issue right now with my March claim and getting nowhere with EDD. I've wasted hours on hold only to get disconnected!

I'm dealing with a similar Section 1254 issue right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on what I'm reading, it sounds like the key is getting through to an SDI Claims Specialist rather than a general rep. @Aisha Ali - congratulations on getting it resolved! Can you share any other tips for getting through to the right department? I've been calling the main disability number but maybe there's a more direct line to SDI specialists? Also wanted to mention that I found the actual text of Section 1254 in the California Unemployment Insurance Code online, and it does clearly state that this provision should apply when filing a new claim before the old benefit year expires. It's frustrating that their own system doesn't automatically catch this! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just got off the phone with an EDD rep who insisted I need the DE 2500A form, but like everyone else here, I only see DE 2500E in my SDI Online inbox. I was starting to panic thinking I had missed something or my account was glitched. This thread has been such a lifesaver - it's clear this is a widespread communication problem between EDD's phone reps and their online system. It's honestly frustrating that so many people have to go through this same confusion, but I'm grateful for this community helping each other navigate EDD's mixed-up terminology. I'm going to complete the DE 2500E form in my inbox right now instead of calling back and waiting on hold for hours. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and making this less stressful for newcomers like me!

As someone who just went through this exact confusion last month, I can confirm what everyone else is saying - the DE 2500E is the right form to complete! I made the same mistake of calling EDD multiple times trying to find the "A" form that the rep mentioned, only to realize later that the "E" form in my inbox was actually the notification that leads you through the continuation process. The terminology is so inconsistent between their phone system and online portal. One thing I'd add is to make sure you complete it as soon as possible - I waited a few days thinking I needed to find the "right" form first, and that just added unnecessary stress. The 20-day deadline comes up faster than you think! Glad you got it sorted out though - hopefully EDD will eventually fix this communication gap that seems to trip up every single person going through continuation.

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!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this while trying to recover from SPD - that condition is absolutely brutal! I went through something similar with wage miscalculation on my SDI claim last year. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed log of every call attempt, message sent, and any reference numbers they gave me. When I finally got through to a representative, having all those details made the conversation much more productive and they could see I'd been trying to resolve it for weeks. Also, regarding your SPD recovery - have you looked into whether you might qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits for bonding time once your baby arrives? It's a separate program from SDI with its own benefit period, so even if your SDI is maxed out, you might have additional weeks available under PFL. Just something to keep in mind for planning ahead. I really hope the reconsideration process goes smoothly for you and you get that backpay quickly. The stress of financial uncertainty while dealing with pregnancy complications is just awful. Hang in there!