As someone who just completed this transition last month, I wanted to share a few additional tips that really helped me: **Before your disability ends:** - Screenshot or download all your disability payment records - you might need them for your UI application - Start researching unemployment offices in your area in case you need in-person help - Consider reaching out to former colleagues/network contacts now to let them know you'll be job searching soon **During the transition:** - Apply for UI online early in the morning (6-7 AM) when the system is most stable - Have your employment history for the last 18 months ready - dates, employer addresses, and gross wages - Be prepared for identity verification - EDD has tightened security and may ask for additional documents **Managing the income drop:** - Contact your landlord/mortgage company BEFORE you miss payments to discuss options - Look into local utility assistance programs - many have funds specifically for people transitioning between benefits - Check if your local library offers free career services or computer access for job searching The whole process took about 2 weeks for me from application to first payment, but having everything prepared in advance made it much smoother. The income drop is tough, but temporary. You've got this, Fernanda! Focus on one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful advice! I'm facing a similar situation - my disability benefits end in a few months and I've been really anxious about the transition process. Reading through all these experiences has given me a clear roadmap of what to expect. The timeline everyone mentioned (getting medical clearance before the end date, filing UI the day after disability ends, preparing for the income drop) is incredibly valuable information that I haven't found anywhere else. I'm particularly grateful for the practical tips about documentation, the Claimyr service for reaching EDD, and the suggestion to apply early in the morning when the system is more stable. The mention of additional resources like CalFresh and local workforce development programs is also really helpful. It's reassuring to know that while the financial drop is significant, the transition is definitely doable with proper preparation. This community seems like an amazing resource for people navigating these challenging situations. Thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge and experience!

did you ever get it fixed? I am getting the same error message now.

I had this exact same issue last month! The ID.me verification completed fine, but then I couldn't get back into the EDD portal. What finally worked for me was waiting 24-48 hours after the ID.me verification before trying to access EDD again. Apparently there's some delay in their systems syncing up. Also try using an incognito/private browser window when you go back to the EDD site. Hope this helps!

I just wanted to add my support and share that you're absolutely taking the right steps by prioritizing your mental health. As someone who works in tech recruiting, I see far too many talented people burn out from toxic work environments like the one you described. One thing I'd suggest adding to your doctor conversation tomorrow is documenting any impact your condition has had on your ability to learn new technologies or adapt to changing requirements - these are core skills in tech that anxiety and depression can severely affect. I've seen developers struggle with imposter syndrome and anxiety around keeping up with rapid technology changes, which can be just as disabling as the inability to focus on coding itself. Also, when you're ready to eventually return to work, consider looking for companies that prioritize mental health and work-life balance. Many tech companies now offer mental health days, flexible schedules, and employee assistance programs. Your experience with burnout could actually be valuable in identifying healthier work environments. The Bay Area has some excellent mental health resources specifically for tech workers dealing with burnout and workplace trauma. Organizations like Mental Health America of Northern California often have support groups for people in similar situations. You've been paying into the disability system for exactly this type of situation - there's no shame in using benefits you've earned when you genuinely need them. Take the time you need to heal properly so you can come back stronger and with better boundaries. Wishing you all the best with your appointment tomorrow!

I'm really glad to see how much support and practical advice you've received in this thread, Zainab. As someone who has navigated both SDI and the tech industry's mental health challenges, I wanted to add one more perspective that might be helpful. When you meet with your doctor tomorrow, consider discussing not just your current symptoms but also the trajectory of your condition. The fact that you were already contemplating medical leave before the layoff is actually strong evidence that your disability began while you were employed - this isn't about the layoff causing your condition, but rather the layoff preventing you from taking the medical leave you already needed. Also, since you mentioned COBRA costs, here's something many people don't know: if you qualify for SDI, you might also be eligible for continued health coverage through Cal-COBRA at a reduced rate, or potentially qualify for premium assistance programs. It's worth asking about all your options beyond just Covered California. One thing that really helped me during my recovery was setting small, manageable goals for each week rather than focusing on when I'd be "ready to work again." This could be things like "attend one therapy session" or "take a 15-minute walk daily." Having these small wins helped rebuild my confidence and sense of capability. The tech community can be incredibly demanding, but your mental health is more important than any job or career timeline. You're being proactive about getting help, which shows real strength. Take care of yourself, and remember that recovery isn't linear - be patient with the process.

I just want to say how incredibly helpful this thread has been! I'm 3 weeks postpartum from my C-section and starting to worry about potential complications with my recovery. Reading everyone's experiences has given me so much valuable information about the extension process that I never would have known otherwise. A few key takeaways I'm noting for myself: 1) Have my doctor submit extension paperwork around week 6, not wait until the last minute, 2) Make sure the documentation is very specific about functional limitations and medical complications, 3) Consider having my therapist provide supporting documentation if I develop any postpartum mental health issues, and 4) Ask my doctor's office about their experience with EDD paperwork. It's so reassuring to see that most of you had your extensions approved when the documentation was thorough. The EDD system seems intimidating from the outside, but knowing there are people here who've successfully navigated it makes me feel much more confident. Thank you all for being so generous with your advice and support - this community is such a lifesaver for new moms trying to figure out these complicated benefits! 🙏

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation too! I'm 4 weeks post C-section and dealing with some incision healing issues plus pretty intense postpartum anxiety. This thread has been absolutely invaluable - I had no idea you could submit extension paperwork early and I was panicking about potential gaps in coverage. Based on everything I'm reading here, I'm planning to: 1) Contact my OB this week to discuss submitting the supplemental certification around week 6, 2) Make sure they document specific functional limitations from both my physical healing issues and anxiety symptoms, 3) Ask my therapist to provide supporting documentation about how the anxiety is affecting my ability to work, and 4) Confirm that my doctor's office has experience with EDD disability extensions. It's such a relief to hear from so many people who've successfully navigated this process. The specific advice about documentation language and timing is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - it makes such a difference to know we're not alone in dealing with these complications during an already challenging time! 💙

This entire thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually a case worker who helps people navigate disability benefits, and I wanted to add a few practical tips based on what I see clients struggle with: **For the supplemental claim itself:** - When you log into SDI Online, look for "File Supplemental Claim" or "Request Additional Benefits" - it's usually under a different menu than new claims - The system will ask for your original claim number, so have that handy - Upload a clear photo/scan of your DE 2525XX form rather than relying on your doctor's office to fax it **Red flags to avoid:** - Don't mention feeling "better" or "ready to try working" in your supplemental claim if you're not actually ready - this can trigger denials - Be consistent about your return-to-work date across all forms - If you worked any days between your original claim and supplemental claim, report them accurately **Timeline expectations:** - Supplemental claims typically process in 7-14 business days once complete - First payment usually arrives 3-5 days after approval - You won't serve another waiting period, which is huge The fact that you're being so thoughtful about this process and getting advice first puts you in a much better position than most people. Don't let financial stress push you into another premature return - I've seen that pattern create months of complications. Take care of yourself!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm new to the community but facing a nearly identical situation. I was approved for SDI in January for a herniated disc, returned to work after 4 weeks in February because I was drowning financially, and now I'm in excruciating pain again after 6 weeks back at work. Reading everyone's experiences with the DE 2525XX form and understanding the 60-day rule has given me so much hope that I won't have to start from scratch. I had no idea supplemental claims even existed! My biggest fear was having to go through that initial 6-week waiting period again. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have issues with your employer being unsupportive about taking additional time off? My manager has already made several comments about how I "seemed fine" when I returned, and I'm worried about potential retaliation if I need to go out on disability again. I know legally they can't fire me for it, but the atmosphere at work has become pretty hostile since my first claim. Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your experiences and advice. It's such a relief to find people who truly understand the impossible choice between health and financial survival. This community is amazing!