I went through something similar earlier this year. A few things that helped me figure out what was going on: 1. Log into your SDI Online account if you haven't already - sometimes there are notices or requests for additional info that don't get mailed out 2. Check if your extension was actually processed - you should see it reflected in your claim status 3. Sometimes there's a waiting period between when your original benefits end and the extension kicks in, even if approved 4. Make sure your doctor used the most recent version of the form - they updated it a few months ago The good news is that if your extension gets approved, you should get back pay for any missed weeks. But yeah, the waiting and uncertainty is the worst part. Hope you get it sorted out soon!

I had a similar experience last year - my SDI payments just stopped out of nowhere even though I thought everything was filed correctly. Turns out there was a processing backlog and my extension was sitting in limbo for almost 3 weeks. What finally helped was sending a follow-up fax with copies of everything (the extension form, my doctor's notes, etc.) along with a cover letter explaining the situation. I know fax seems old school, but they seem to respond to those faster than online submissions. Also, if you have any documentation showing when you originally submitted the extension, include that too - it helps establish a timeline. The whole process is incredibly stressful when you're depending on those payments. Keep pushing and don't let them forget about your case!

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I'm not dealing with this exact issue right now, but I can already see myself needing to navigate EDD at some point, and reading through everyone's real experiences and practical advice is so much more valuable than trying to decipher government websites. The consensus seems really clear - call at 8 AM sharp, have your EIN and address info ready, and be prepared to be patient but persistent. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread for future reference. It's amazing how a scary bureaucratic process becomes so much more manageable when you have actual people sharing what worked for them. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences! 🙏

As someone new to this community, I'm really impressed by how helpful everyone has been! I don't have this specific issue yet, but I'm definitely saving this thread for future reference. The step-by-step approach from @GalacticGladiator looks incredibly thorough, and it's reassuring to see so many success stories with the early morning calling strategy. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've gone through this, did the address correction affect any pending correspondence or payments, or does the system handle that transition smoothly? Thanks for creating such a supportive space for navigating these bureaucratic challenges! 🙏

I'm currently going through this exact situation too! My maternity leave ended in December and I just got approved for my second extension for postpartum anxiety. Reading all these responses has been so validating - I was worried I was somehow "taking advantage" of the system by needing multiple extensions. What really helped me was setting up a dedicated email folder for all EDD correspondence and taking screenshots of my SDI Online account every time I logged in. When there was a slight delay processing my psychiatrist's paperwork, having those screenshots helped prove when everything was submitted. Also, don't underestimate how much the mental load of managing all this paperwork can add to your stress when you're already struggling with PPD. I started asking my partner to help me with the administrative tasks - like calling doctor offices to confirm they received forms or checking my SDI account. It made such a difference to not have to manage every detail myself. You're doing everything right by getting ahead of this and asking questions. The system can feel overwhelming, but it really does work when you stay organized and advocate for yourself. Sending you lots of support! 💕

I'm a new mom who just went through this process last year and wanted to add my experience! Your OB definitely did the right thing with that bridge extension - I had a very similar situation where my maternity leave ended but I needed time to get in with a psychiatrist for PPD evaluation. One thing I found really helpful was creating a simple checklist for my psychiatrist appointment: 1) Bring a written summary of symptoms and how they affect daily functioning, 2) Specifically ask about the DE 2501 form, 3) Discuss timeline for treatment and potential return to work, and 4) Ask if they can submit the form electronically to EDD (some providers can do this which speeds up processing). I ended up needing 3 extensions total from two different providers and never had any issues with continuity of benefits. The key is just making sure each form gets submitted before the previous extension expires. EDD sees it all as one continuous claim. Also wanted to echo what others have said about not feeling guilty for needing this time. PPD recovery isn't linear and everyone's timeline is different. I went back to work after 4 months of extensions and felt so much more capable and present for both my job and my baby. You're being such a good mom by prioritizing your mental health! 💕

This is super helpful info, thanks for sharing your experience! I'm actually in a similar situation - been on SDI for a shoulder injury and my doctor just cleared me for modified duties. Good to know about the messaging option through SDI Online, that could save me from the phone nightmare. One question - did the rep mention anything about how quickly they process the return to work notification? Like if I report today that I'm starting Monday, will my benefits automatically stop or is there a delay in their system? Just want to make sure I don't accidentally get paid for days I'm working.

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else dealing with this - I went back to work last month after 6 weeks on SDI for a wrist injury. I was terrified about the whole notification process after reading horror stories online, but it actually went smoother than expected. I ended up using the messaging feature through SDI Online that Ashley mentioned. It was SO much easier than trying to call! I sent the message the morning I started back at work, included my claim number, return date, and mentioned it was light duty. Got an automated confirmation right away and then a follow-up message from a case worker within 3 days confirming they'd updated my claim. One tip - take screenshots of everything when you submit through the online system. I'm paranoid about EDD so I documented every step. Also make sure your employer has the work restrictions clearly documented too, especially if you're doing modified duties. My HR department was really helpful with making sure everything was properly recorded on their end as well. Good luck with your return to work Ashley! Light duty can be frustrating but it's so much better than being stuck at home recovering.

As someone who just went through this process last month, I wanted to add a few more tips that might help others avoid similar delays: 1. **Double-check ALL contact information** when you submit your claim - not just your own, but verify your employer's current address, phone, and HR contact info. You can usually find the most current info on your recent pay stubs or employee portal. 2. **Keep detailed records** of everything you submit and when. I created a simple spreadsheet with dates, what I sent, confirmation numbers, etc. This helped me stay organized and gave me specific details when I finally got through to a rep. 3. **Check your mail daily** - EDD still sends some important notices by postal mail only, and these can get lost or delayed. I almost missed a request for additional info because it came in regular mail while I was only checking online. 4. **Consider reaching out to your state assembly member's office** if you're facing financial hardship due to delays. Many have constituent services that can help escalate stuck EDD cases. Really glad you got this sorted out, Ella! The stress of not knowing what's happening while bills pile up is awful. Hopefully your employer responds quickly and you get your payment soon.

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - submitted my SDI claim 2 weeks ago and it's still showing "pending" with no explanation. After reading through everyone's experiences, I'm realizing I need to be much more proactive about following up. @Ella Lewis - so glad you got through and found the issue! Your update gives me hope that there's probably a specific reason my claim is stuck too, I just need to find out what it is. @Yara Khoury - thank you for those detailed tips, especially about contacting the assembly member's office. I had no idea that was an option for EDD issues. I'm going to start calling first thing tomorrow morning and also double-check all my employer information. The fact that so many people are having similar experiences with weeks-long delays really shows how broken the system is. It shouldn't take this much detective work and persistence just to get the benefits we've paid into, especially when people are dealing with medical issues and financial stress. But at least this community helps us figure out how to navigate the chaos!