I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now! My February SDI check disappeared too and I submitted the DE 2501R form about a week ago. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both helpful and anxiety-inducing - the timeline variations are wild! Some people getting replacements in 16-18 days, others waiting a month or more. The lack of consistency from EDD is maddening when you're already stressed about finances and dealing with a disability. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM calling strategy tomorrow - it sounds like multiple people have had success with that approach. The batch processing on Tuesdays/Fridays that Aisha mentioned is really useful info too. Has anyone noticed if there's a pattern to which day of the week you submit the form affecting how quickly it gets picked up in those batches? I'm also planning to set up direct deposit the second this replacement arrives - never going through this mail nightmare again! Thanks to everyone sharing their timelines and tips, it really helps to know we're not alone in this frustrating process.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and it's absolutely maddening! My March SDI check never arrived and I submitted the DE 2501R form 8 days ago. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so helpful - it's both reassuring and terrifying to see the timeline variations from 2-6 weeks. The uncertainty is the worst part when you're already dealing with disability stress and tight finances. I tried calling yesterday but couldn't get past the automated system, so I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM strategy that multiple people have mentioned. The batch processing detail that Aisha shared about Tuesdays/Fridays is really valuable info I hadn't seen anywhere else. I'm also considering the in-person office visit if nothing happens in the next week - an hour drive and 3-hour wait seems worth it if I could actually leave with a check like Savannah did. Thank you to everyone sharing their timelines and tips, especially the advice about documenting everything and having backup plans with landlords. This thread has been more helpful than anything I've found on EDD's actual website! Will definitely be switching to direct deposit the second this replacement arrives.

I just went through this exact same struggle two weeks ago! After reading all these amazing suggestions, I want to add one more tip that saved me: if you're still not seeing the upload option after trying everything mentioned here, check if your claim has any "hold" or "pending review" flags. I discovered my claim was stuck in a review status that prevented the document upload feature from appearing at all. I had to call (yes, the dreaded phone call) to get the hold removed, and then suddenly all the upload options everyone mentioned became visible. Also, for anyone still struggling - the MyEDD mobile app sometimes shows different menu options than the website. I found my document upload section under "Benefits" → "Disability" → "Manage Claim" in the app when it wasn't showing up on desktop. The file size limit is definitely 5MB max, and they're really picky about file names - avoid any special characters or spaces. This thread is pure gold for anyone dealing with EDD's maze of a system! 🙌

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! It's so confusing trying to navigate their website. I've been looking everywhere for the upload option but can't seem to find it anywhere. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - it sounds like there are multiple places it could be hiding depending on your claim status. I'm going to try the SDI Online portal first since that seems to be where most people have had success. Has anyone had luck with uploading these forms recently, or are there any new tips that might help? I'm getting pretty frustrated with the whole process but this community gives me hope that I'll figure it out eventually! 🤞

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been trying to apply for SDI for my upcoming medical leave and keep hitting that "ID number associated with another account" wall. It's so frustrating when you're already stressed about your health situation and then the system just won't cooperate. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope though - sounds like that technical support line at 1-833-978-2511 is the way to go. I'm also going to try that "forgot password" trick first since that's such a clever idea. @16f1cf625ae2 I hope you get this sorted out quickly and your surgery goes smoothly! This thread is proof that you're definitely not alone in dealing with this problem. The EDD system may be a mess, but at least we can help each other navigate it! 💙

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Been stuck on this error for days and it's driving me crazy. I never applied for SDI before either, but I did file for unemployment a couple years back so that's probably what's causing the conflict. Really appreciate everyone sharing the technical support number (1-833-978-2511) - I had no idea there was a separate line for account issues. Definitely going to try calling them tomorrow morning. Also love the "forgot password" workaround idea, that's so smart! @16f1cf625ae2 Thanks for posting about this - it's such a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess. The timing is so stressful when you need benefits for medical reasons. Hope you get it sorted out soon and your surgery goes well! 🙏

I'm so glad you found this community! Your situation is definitely challenging but absolutely doable - don't let EDD's confusing system discourage you. As someone who works in benefits administration, I want to add a few key points that might help: First, you're 100% eligible for CA SDI as an out-of-state resident since your employer withholds SDI from your paychecks. That's the only requirement for coverage. For the alternate base period request, here's what I'd recommend based on what works best: 1. Write "ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD REQUEST" in large letters at the top of your application 2. Include a separate cover letter explaining your situation and specifically stating which quarters you want them to use instead 3. Attach a recent paystub showing SDI deductions to prove you're in the system 4. Send everything certified mail with tracking The most important thing is being crystal clear about what you're requesting from the start. When you call EDD, ask specifically for a "Disability Insurance specialist" - they have much better training on these situations than general reps. Since you're due in August, I'd aim to get everything submitted by early May to allow for processing time. You can apply for pregnancy disability up to 4 weeks before your due date, so you have some flexibility on timing. Don't give up - you've got this! The benefits are there for you, it's just a matter of navigating their system correctly.

I just want to echo what others have said - you absolutely CAN get alternate base period as an out-of-state worker! I'm a Nevada resident who went through this exact process for regular disability (not pregnancy) about 6 months ago. The biggest game-changer for me was being super organized and explicit from the beginning. Here's my exact process that worked: 1. Created a one-page summary showing my earnings by quarter and why alternate base period would qualify me vs. standard (include dollar amounts!) 2. Wrote "REQUESTING ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD CALCULATION" in red ink across the top of the first page 3. Included a business-style cover letter explaining my out-of-state status and SDI eligibility 4. Attached copies of W-2s and recent paystubs showing SDI deductions Most importantly: I called at exactly 8:00 AM on a Wednesday and got connected to someone who actually understood alternate base periods. She put detailed notes on my file BEFORE I submitted anything, which I think made all the difference. Total timeline: 4.5 weeks from submission to first payment, no appeals needed. The key is treating this like a business transaction - be professional, organized, and make it easy for them to approve you. EDD's system is frustrating but it does work when you navigate it correctly!

As someone who just joined this community because I'm dealing with my first disability claim, this entire thread has been absolutely invaluable! Mohammad, thank you for asking exactly the questions I didn't even know I needed to ask. I'm honestly blown away by how supportive and knowledgeable everyone here is - from the detailed breakdowns about the 2500A form to the practical tips like starting an "EDD journal" and using that benefits calculator. Reading through all these real experiences has made me feel so much more prepared for what I'm about to face. I'm definitely taking notes on everything: fill out forms immediately, document every interaction, set up the online account, and don't be afraid to call multiple times if needed. The fact that everyone here is willing to share both their successes and horror stories gives me realistic expectations while still feeling hopeful. It's amazing how finding the right community can turn what feels like an impossible bureaucratic nightmare into something manageable. Count me in for that EDD Anonymous support group if we ever make it official! 😅 Thanks again everyone for creating such a welcoming space for newcomers to learn from your hard-earned wisdom. Here's to all of us successfully navigating this system together! 🙏

As someone who literally just created an account here because I'm drowning in EDD confusion, this thread is like finding a life raft! Mohammad, I'm in almost the exact same situation with the 2500A form and PFL timing questions, so thank you for asking what I was too intimidated to post about. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational - the consensus seems clear: fill out that form ASAP (EDD apparently treats deadlines like sacred law), document absolutely everything, and brace yourself for some serious hold times when calling for specifics about PFL timing. I'm definitely stealing the "EDD journal" idea and that benefits calculator tip. It's wild how much crucial information is just floating around in community wisdom that you can't find on any official site. The mix of practical advice and humor about EDD's... unique quirks... is exactly what I needed to feel less overwhelmed by this whole process. Thanks to everyone sharing their real experiences - both the success stories and the horror tales. It's making me feel way more prepared for the bureaucratic obstacle course ahead. And honestly, that EDD Anonymous support group idea is sounding better by the minute! 😅 Here's to all of us navigating this maze together! 🤞