Have you checked your online account? Sometimes they update info there before sending notices. Might give you a clue about whats going on

@Toot-n-Mighty I went through something similar a few months ago! The key is having your documentation organized before you contact them. Make sure you have: - Original medical records with clear dates - Any appointment confirmations/receipts - Photos of any documentation they might have missed Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to document the conversation in your file. That way if you have to call back, the next person can see what was discussed. Don't give up - I know it's frustrating but you've got this! 💪 And definitely try that assemblyman tip from @Giovanni Rossi if the regular channels don't work. Sometimes you need that extra push to get things moving.

I feel your pain! I've been dealing with the same nightmare for weeks. One thing that's helped me is using the "comma method" - when you call and get to the automated menu, try pressing 1,2,4 really quickly with commas in between (like 1,,,,2,,,,4). Sometimes it bypasses some of the menu options and gets you in the queue faster. Also, I've had better luck calling exactly at 8:01 AM rather than right at 8:00 when everyone else is calling. Still takes forever but at least you're not immediately disconnected. Hang in there - we shouldn't have to become phone ninjas just to get basic help! 📞🥷

I just joined this community after struggling with the same EDD phone nightmare for over a month! Reading through all these comments has been both reassuring and infuriating - reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this broken system, but infuriating to see how widespread this problem is. I've tried calling at different times, used the fast menu navigation tricks, and even considered that Claimyr service (though $20 feels wrong for something that should be free). The "comma method" someone mentioned sounds intriguing - I had no idea you could manipulate the phone system like that! It's honestly dystopian that we need to become telecommunications ninjas just to access basic unemployment services. The fact that people are celebrating finally getting through after MONTHS of trying shows how completely broken this system is. Thanks to everyone sharing their strategies and supporting each other - at least we're not suffering in silence! 🤝

One more thing - when you log into SDI Online using your existing account, check to make sure your contact information and payment preference is current. EDD often defaults to using your old debit card information from UI claims unless you specifically update it to direct deposit for your SDI claim. You'll need to update this separately within the SDI Online system, even if you already had direct deposit set up for unemployment.

Just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! You're right to be confused - the whole system is pretty unclear about this. Your existing ID.me account from unemployment will work perfectly for disability claims. When you log into the Benefit Programs Online portal, you'll see both UI Online and SDI Online options. Click SDI Online to access your disability claim info. The deposit to your old EDD card is probably your first SDI payment - they automatically use the same payment method from your previous claim unless you change it. Once you're in SDI Online, definitely switch to direct deposit if you prefer that over the debit card. The key thing is don't create a new ID.me account - that'll just cause headaches!

lol good luck. the system is a joke. i've been trying to sort out my claim for months now 🤡

I went through something similar last year and it was definitely confusing at first. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track both claims - I put down the dates, amounts, status updates, and any correspondence for each one separately. Also, when you file the new claim, be super clear in your application that you have an existing claim and explain why you need the second one. The EDD workers appreciate the transparency and it helps prevent delays or complications down the line. Don't stress too much - as long as you're honest about your situation and keep good records, you'll get through this!

word of advice: dont bother with the online chat support. I wasted 2 hours yesterday and got nowhere. Calling is your best bet

I had the exact same problem with the Money Network app last month! The app kept crashing every time I tried to check my balance or transfer money. I called the EDD customer service line and asked to switch to paper checks - it was honestly one of the best decisions I made. The representative was actually pretty helpful once I got through. Just make sure you have your account info ready when you call, and like others mentioned, be prepared for a long wait time. The switch took about 10 business days for me, and now I don't have to deal with that buggy app anymore. Hope this helps!