Has anyone had luck with the online portal? I've been trying to update my info there but keep getting error messages 😫

Hey Sophia! I went through something similar last month. Here's what worked for me: call the 1-800-300-5616 number right at 8am when they open - set multiple alarms! Have your Social Security number, claim number, and any documents from the notice ready before you call. The wait can be 2-3 hours, so use speaker phone and do other stuff while waiting. When you finally get someone, be super nice and explain your situation clearly. They're more likely to help if you're patient with them. Also, if the first person can't help, politely ask to be transferred to a specialist. Don't give up! It's frustrating but you'll get through eventually. Keep us posted on how it goes! 💪

I'm in the exact same situation right now! Requested my callback Tuesday afternoon and I'm going crazy refreshing my phone every five minutes 😅 Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and anxiety-inducing at the same time. It sounds like there's really no rhyme or reason to their callback timing - some people get lucky with same-day calls while others wait weeks or months (my heart goes out to everyone who's been waiting that long!). I've already implemented some of the great tips from this thread: set up a special ringtone for unknown numbers, gathered all my documents, and I'm answering every single call no matter how suspicious it looks. The hardest part is definitely the uncertainty - not knowing if you should keep waiting or try calling directly again. Sofia, since you requested yours Wednesday morning, hopefully we'll both hear back soon! Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and keeping the rest of us sane during this stressful process 🤞

Just want to add my perspective as someone who finally got through after a long wait! I requested my callback about 3 weeks ago and heard back yesterday. The wait was absolutely brutal and I was starting to lose hope, but when they finally called, the representative was incredibly helpful and resolved all my issues in one call. A few things I learned during my wait that might help others: First, they called me from a number I didn't recognize at 2:30 PM on a Thursday - right in the middle of a regular workday. Second, when I answered, the rep didn't immediately say "This is EDD" - they just asked "Is this [my name]?" and then identified themselves after I confirmed. I know 3 weeks sounds discouraging, but I think I got unlucky with timing since it was during a particularly busy period. For everyone waiting right now (Sofia, Kaylee, Mateo, and others), don't give up! The system is definitely broken and frustrating, but they do eventually get through their callback queue. Keep your phones close, answer everything, and try to stay patient even though it feels impossible sometimes. You'll get there! 💪

Hey, just wondering if you got this sorted out? I'm having the same issue and could use some advice if you found a solution!

I ran into the E324 error a few months ago and it was a nightmare! What finally worked for me was making sure my address EXACTLY matched what was on file with Social Security Administration, not just the DMV. Even things like "Street" vs "St" or apartment formatting can cause this error. Also, try using Internet Explorer or Edge if you're on Chrome/Firefox - their old system seems to work better with older browsers sometimes. The whole process is frustrating but don't give up!

I'm so glad you found this community and got your SDI application submitted! As someone who's been through the CA disability process a couple times (once for my own surgery and once helping my elderly mom), I wanted to share a few additional tips that might help ease your stress. First, if you're really worried about timing, you can actually track your claim status online through the SDI portal - it will show when your doctor submits their portion and when your claim moves to "under review" status. Second, while you're waiting for approval, document everything - keep copies of all your medical records, receipts from doctor visits, and any correspondence with EDD. If there are any issues later, having good documentation makes everything much smoother. Finally, don't hesitate to reach out to your local State Disability Insurance office if you hit any roadblocks - sometimes talking to someone in person can resolve issues faster than the phone system. You've got this, and the financial relief will come soon!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in HR for a small company in California. Based on your situation, you definitely made the right choice applying for CA State Disability Insurance (SDI). Since your company only has 12 employees, it's very unlikely they offer separate short-term disability benefits - that's typically something larger companies provide as an additional perk. The SDI you're paying into through your paycheck deductions is designed exactly for situations like yours. One thing I always tell employees is to keep copies of everything you submit to EDD and follow up with your doctor's office within a few days to make sure they've sent in their portion. Sometimes medical offices get busy and the EDD forms sit on someone's desk for weeks. Also, once you're approved and back to work, remember that you can't just stop - you need to officially close your claim through the SDI system or it could cause issues with future claims. Hope your recovery goes smoothly and the financial stress eases up soon!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Disability. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

I've been through this exact situation before! The "Notice of Return to Certification Payment" is frustrating because it's so vague. In my experience, they're usually looking for one of three things: updated medical records from your doctor, the DE 2593 continuing eligibility form, or sometimes they want a new DE 2500A even if you think yours is current. Since your payments stopped, I'd recommend calling the SDI number first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) - that's when I've had the most luck getting through. Also, log into your online account and check if there's a specific document request that might not have been mailed to you. The system sometimes shows pending requirements that don't make it to the mail. Good luck!