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This thread is absolutely phenomenal! As someone who's new to both this community and dealing with EDD in general, I'm blown away by how thorough and supportive everyone has been. You've essentially created the most comprehensive guide to SDI withdrawal that exists anywhere online. I'm currently on week 2 of my own disability claim for a wrist injury, but reading through all these detailed experiences gives me so much confidence that I know exactly what to do if my situation changes. The multi-step approach everyone has outlined - calling EDD, written withdrawal letter via certified mail, in-person office visit with multiple copies, getting employee IDs, taking photos of documents - it's like a master class in navigating government bureaucracy properly. What really stands out to me is how everyone emphasized that being proactive and over-documenting is always better than hoping things work out. That advice about not certifying for benefits once you return to work could literally save someone thousands of dollars in overpayment issues. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share such detailed, practical advice. This community is such an incredible resource for people trying to navigate California's complex benefits system!
Welcome to the community, Connor! I'm also fairly new here and was amazed by how incredibly helpful and detailed everyone has been in this thread. It really is like a masterclass in handling EDD processes properly - I've learned more practical, actionable advice here than from hours of searching official websites. What strikes me most is how everyone has emphasized the importance of creating multiple touchpoints and documentation trails. The advice about calling, writing, AND visiting in person really shows how you need to work within the system rather than hoping one method will be sufficient. And those details about certified mail, getting employee IDs, and photographing stamped documents - those are the kinds of insider tips that can make all the difference. The point about not certifying for benefits once you return to work is so crucial too. It's exactly the kind of mistake that seems innocent but could create major headaches down the road. Having this collective wisdom from people who've actually been through the process is invaluable. Hope your wrist injury heals smoothly and that you won't need to use this withdrawal guide! But if you do, you're definitely prepared with the best possible roadmap thanks to everyone's shared experiences here.
This thread has become an absolute treasure trove of practical advice! As someone who's currently navigating my first SDI claim for a shoulder injury, I'm bookmarking this entire discussion. The step-by-step approach everyone has outlined is incredibly thorough - from the initial phone call to EDD, through the certified mail withdrawal letter, to the in-person office visit with multiple copies and photo documentation. What really impresses me is how everyone has emphasized the importance of coordinating with ALL parties involved - EDD, your employer's HR department, and your medical team. That holistic approach makes so much sense for ensuring everyone is on the same page and preventing any miscommunications down the road. The warning about not certifying for benefits once you return to work is particularly valuable - I can see how that would be an easy mistake to make if you're still getting forms while the withdrawal is processing. Having that clear guidance could save someone from serious overpayment complications. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences so generously. This community's collective knowledge is absolutely invaluable for anyone trying to navigate California's benefits system properly!
As someone who's been through the remote work/state disability mess, I can confirm that this situation is totally fixable! The key is acting fast since you're already bonding with your baby and time is ticking. A few things that helped me when I was in a similar spot: 1. **Document everything** - Save all your paystubs showing the incorrect deductions, work location records, and any communication with your employer about the fix 2. **Apply anyway** - Don't wait for the corrections to be fully processed. Apply for PFL and explain the situation in your application. EDD can work with pending corrections 3. **Get a case worker** - Once you apply, try to get assigned to a specific EDD representative who can track your case through the correction process The fact that your employer is already working with ADP to fix this for 2025 shows good faith, which will help your case. ADP actually has experience with these multi-state payroll corrections, so that's a plus. One thing to watch out for: make sure your employer files the DE 9ADJ forms for the RIGHT quarters. They need to go back to when you first started working in CA, not just recent quarters. Your part-time schedule shouldn't hurt your eligibility at all - PFL is based on your wages during the base period, not current work hours. Good luck and definitely keep us posted on how it goes!
This is such great advice, especially about applying anyway rather than waiting! I hadn't thought about that approach. Quick question - when you applied while the corrections were still pending, did you have any documentation from your employer to include with your application? Like a letter explaining the situation or proof that they were working on the fix? I want to make sure I submit everything I can to avoid delays or automatic denial.
Yes! Having documentation from your employer really helped my case. I got a letter from HR on company letterhead that basically said: "We acknowledge that [my name] has been physically working in California since [date] and we incorrectly withheld for [other state] disability insurance. We are currently working with our payroll provider to file corrected returns with CA EDD." I also included copies of paystubs showing the incorrect deductions and a simple timeline I wrote up showing my work location history. The EDD rep I talked to said having that employer acknowledgment letter was really important because it showed the company took responsibility for the error rather than me just claiming there was a mistake. Even a simple email from your boss acknowledging the situation and confirming they're fixing it could work if a formal letter takes too long. The key is showing EDD that this wasn't your fault and that corrections are actively being made.
I'm in almost the exact same situation! I've been working remotely from California for a Texas company for about 18 months, and just discovered last week that they've been withholding for Texas unemployment but not CA SDI. I'm not pregnant yet but planning to start trying soon, so I'm trying to get this sorted out now before I need the benefits. From what I've researched so far, it seems like the key is getting your employer to understand that this is a legal requirement, not optional. California law requires SDI withholding for anyone physically working in the state, regardless of where the company is based. Your employer could face penalties for not complying with CA payroll tax laws. One thing I learned is that some payroll companies like ADP have special remote worker compliance services that can help small employers navigate multi-state requirements. Since your employer is already working with ADP, they might be able to fast-track the corrections. Also, I've been saving screenshots of my work-from-home setup and keeping a log of where I work each day (always from my CA home address) just in case I need to prove my work location later. Might be worth documenting this stuff now while you're dealing with EDD. Really hoping this works out for you! Please definitely update us on what happens - there are probably lots of remote workers in similar situations who could benefit from knowing how this gets resolved.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's both reassuring and frustrating to know so many of us are dealing with this same issue. Your advice about documenting work location is really smart - I wish I had thought to do that earlier but I'll start now. One thing that gives me hope is that you mentioned ADP has remote worker compliance services. My employer is already working with them to fix things for 2025, so maybe they can help expedite the retroactive corrections too. I'm going to suggest this to my boss when we talk tomorrow. The legal requirement angle is a good point too. I think my employer genuinely didn't realize they were supposed to follow CA laws for remote workers, but now that they know, they seem committed to fixing it. Hopefully that good faith effort will help with EDD. I'll definitely keep everyone updated on how the process goes. It sounds like there are a lot of us navigating this remote work compliance maze!
Have you tried reaching out to them on social media? Sometimes companies are more responsive there because it's public.
I went through this exact same situation last year! Here's what finally worked for me: I called the technical support line (not the regular claims line) at 1-800-300-5616. They handle account access issues specifically. The wait was still long, but I got through after about 2 hours. The rep was able to update my email address after verifying my identity with SSN, DOB, and some employment history. Make sure you have an alternate phone number they can reach you at too, just in case. Also, try calling on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings - seemed to have shorter wait times in my experience. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually!
This is such a relief to hear! I've been beating my head against the wall trying to get through on the regular number for weeks. A dedicated technical support line at 1-800-300-5616 makes so much more sense for email issues. I'm definitely trying the Tuesday morning strategy - seems like you really figured out the system! Just curious, when they verified your employment history, did they ask for specific company names and dates, or was it more general questions? Want to make sure I have all my old W-2s and stuff ready before I dive into that 2-hour hold. Thanks for giving me hope that this is actually solvable! 🤞
This is incredibly helpful information! I've been struggling with the same email issue and had no idea there was a separate technical support line. The regular claims line has been a complete nightmare. I'm definitely going to try calling 1-800-300-5616 on Tuesday morning with all my documents ready. Just wondering - when they asked about employment history, did they need specific employer names and dates, or was it more general information? I want to make sure I have everything prepared before that 2-hour wait! Thanks so much for sharing this - you might have just saved me weeks of frustration! 🙏
I had this exact same error last month and it drove me crazy! What finally worked for me was making sure I was using the EXACT same name format that's on my Social Security card - no nicknames, middle initial vs full middle name, etc. Also try logging in super early in the morning like 6 AM when there's less traffic on the site. The system seems more stable then. Good luck! 🍀
Amina Diallo
PSA: If you're really in a bind, some food banks and community orgs offer emergency assistance for folks waiting on disability payments. Might be worth checking out if you're struggling.
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GamerGirl99
•This is really good to know, thanks for sharing! Do you know any specific orgs to look into?
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Amina Diallo
•It varies by area, but try searching for 'disability emergency assistance' + your city name. United Way is also a good place to start!
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Arjun Kurti
I'm going through the exact same thing right now - it's been almost 4 weeks since my last payment and I'm getting really stressed about rent and bills. The waiting and uncertainty is honestly the worst part. I tried calling every day last week but like others said, either can't get through or get disconnected after waiting forever. Has anyone had luck with faxing documents or sending certified mail? I'm wondering if that might get more attention than just calling.
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Oliver Becker
•@Arjun Kurti I feel your pain! 4 weeks is way too long. I haven t'tried faxing yet, but that s'actually a really good idea - at least you d'have a paper trail. From what I ve'read in this thread, it sounds like contacting your local representative might be your best bet for getting some real action. @Lena Müller said her assembly member s office'got her case resolved in a week! Worth a shot when you re dealing'with rent stress 😰
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•@Arjun Kurti I m'so sorry you re'dealing with this too! 4 weeks is absolutely ridiculous. I actually had some success with certified mail - sent a detailed letter explaining my situation with copies of all my documentation about 2 weeks ago. Haven t'heard back yet but at least I know they have to sign for it so there s'proof they received it. Also seconding what @Oliver Becker said about the representative route - I m planning'to try that next if I don t hear'something soon. Hang in there, we ll get'through this! 💪
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