I've been dealing with a similar situation for the past 3 weeks - filed my claim in late January and couldn't get through to anyone until I found this thread! Used the strategies everyone shared here and finally got connected yesterday. The key things that worked for me: called at 8:04 AM on Wednesday, used the exact menu sequence (1, 1, 2, SSN/PIN, then 3 for rep), and most importantly stayed on the line when I got the "all agents busy" message for about 4 minutes until it put me in queue. Waited 31 minutes on hold but got through to a super helpful rep who found that my employer had submitted incomplete wage information for Q4 2024. She put in an expedite request and said I should see movement within 3-5 business days. The proactive employer contact tip that @LilMama23 mentioned is brilliant - I wish I had thought to call my HR department first to verify their submission. For anyone still struggling, don't give up! This thread proves that persistence with the right strategy really works. Having all your info ready (SSN, claim number, employer details) definitely speeds things up once you get connected.

I just want to add my voice to thank everyone who contributed to this thread! I've been struggling with a pending disability claim since early February and feeling completely helpless trying to navigate EDD's phone system. Reading through all these detailed success stories and specific strategies has given me so much hope and a clear action plan. The consistency of what worked for people is really striking - the 8:02-8:04 AM timing window, staying on the line after the "all agents busy" message, using the exact menu sequence (1, 1, 2, SSN/PIN, then 3), and having all documentation ready. What I find most valuable is that people shared not just what worked, but also what the actual issues were (employer wage problems, incomplete forms, etc.). This helps set realistic expectations for what to ask when we do get through. I'm planning to try calling tomorrow morning using all these strategies, and I'll also take the proactive approach of calling my employer's HR department first to verify their submissions. Will definitely update with my results - fingers crossed I can add another success story to this amazing thread!

I'm currently going through a similar situation with a work-related back injury and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! My doctor gave me paper forms last Friday, but after reading all these experiences about electronic filing, I called their office this morning. Just like everyone else here, they initially said they "always do paper" but when I explained that electronic filing could save weeks of processing time, suddenly they could absolutely do it electronically! They're submitting mine today. It's really frustrating that patients have to specifically advocate for the faster electronic option when we're already dealing with pain and financial stress from being unable to work. It seems like there's a huge knowledge gap between what's technically available and what medical offices actually offer patients upfront. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this could literally be the difference between getting benefits in days versus weeks for those of us who desperately need them!

This entire thread has been such a game-changer for me! I'm dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome from my job and was scheduled to get disability paperwork from my doctor next week. I had absolutely no idea that electronic filing was even an option - I just assumed everyone had to mail in paper forms and wait weeks for processing. Reading all these real experiences has completely changed my approach. I'm definitely going to ask specifically about electronic submission right from the start instead of just accepting whatever paperwork they hand me. It's really eye-opening (and honestly pretty frustrating) how many medical offices seem to default to the slower paper method without even mentioning electronic filing. When people are already stressed about their health and worried about paying bills without income, you'd think they'd want to offer the fastest processing option available. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and encouraged others to push back - this knowledge could save me weeks of waiting time that I really can't afford right now!

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! My doctor submitted my certification 5 days ago for a knee injury and I'm already checking the portal obsessively. The financial stress is so real when you're out of work and waiting - I've been living off savings and it's scary not knowing when approval will come. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though. It sounds like 7-14 days is pretty normal, with some people getting approved faster and others taking longer during busy periods. I just set up those text notifications that Ruby mentioned - hopefully that will save me from refreshing the page every hour! It's also reassuring to see that most delays seem to be simple administrative stuff rather than issues with the medical certification itself. I called my doctor's office yesterday to triple-check they filled everything out completely and they confirmed they did. Thanks for asking this question PixelPioneer - this whole thread is making me feel so much less alone in this stressful waiting period. The community support here is amazing! Fingers crossed we all get our approvals soon 🤞

I'm currently going through this exact same process! My doctor submitted my certification 7 days ago for a torn rotator cuff and I'm definitely feeling that same anxiety about checking the portal constantly. The financial stress while being out of work is no joke - I've already had to defer a couple of bill payments and I'm starting to worry about rent. This entire thread has been so incredibly helpful and reassuring though! It's amazing to see how many of us are all going through this waiting period at the same time. Based on everyone's experiences, it really seems like 7-14 business days is the standard range, so I'm trying to stay patient even though every day feels like forever when you're worried about money. I just set up the text notifications that Ruby mentioned - what a game changer! I had no idea that feature existed. Hopefully it will help me break this obsessive portal checking habit I've developed. I also called my doctor's office to confirm they submitted everything correctly and they assured me they did. Thanks so much for starting this discussion PixelPioneer - reading everyone's timelines and experiences has made me feel so much less alone in this stressful process. The community support here is really amazing. Fingers crossed we all start getting our approvals soon! 🙏

I'm currently going through this exact same process and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been on SDI for a torn meniscus and just got cleared by my orthopedist to return to work Monday with restrictions (no squatting, limited stair climbing, desk job modifications). Like everyone else, I was completely stumped by that form - the wording really makes it seem like you have to choose between being recovered OR returning to work, not both scenarios. After reading all these experiences, especially hearing that multiple EDD agents confirmed the "No" recovery/"Yes" return approach, I feel so much more confident about filling it out correctly. It's amazing how many of us are dealing with this same confusing situation! I'm definitely going to call EDD tomorrow to confirm my return date and make sure everything processes smoothly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is such a valuable resource for navigating these tricky EDD processes!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now - been on SDI for a disc bulge in my neck and just got cleared to return to work next week with restrictions (no overhead reaching, ergonomic setup, breaks every hour). I was literally Googling "EDD return to work form recovery question" when I found your post! The way that form is worded is so misleading - it really does make you feel like you're doing something wrong by not being "fully" recovered but still going back to work. After reading everyone's experiences and seeing that EDD agents have consistently confirmed the "No" recovery/"Yes" return approach, I feel so much better about filling it out honestly. It's incredible how common this situation is - pretty much everyone returns to work before being 100% healed, especially with musculoskeletal injuries. Thanks for posting this question and updating with what EDD told you directly. This thread should be pinned somewhere for future reference because I bet this confusion comes up all the time!

Hey Darcy! I went through the EDD appeal process about 6 months ago and totally understand the stress you're feeling right now. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of events leading up to my termination - it made it easier to present my case clearly during the call. Also, don't be afraid to ask the hearing officer to repeat questions if you need clarification. They're actually pretty patient and want to make sure they get all the facts right. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from appeal to decision, so try to be patient. You've got tons of great advice in this thread already - sounds like you're in good hands with this community! 🤞

I'm really sorry to hear about your denial, Darcy. The EDD appeal process can definitely feel overwhelming at first, but you're taking the right step by reaching out for advice. From what I've seen in similar cases, the key is being super organized with your documentation and staying calm during the hearing. Make sure you have copies of everything - your original application, any correspondence from EDD, pay stubs, and especially anything that contradicts their reason for denial. Practice explaining your situation out loud beforehand so you sound confident. The hearing officers are generally fair, but they need clear facts to work with. Also, don't hesitate to ask for a postponement if you need more time to prepare - it's better to be ready than to rush. Keep your head up, you've got this! 💪