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I broke my wrist in a stupid rock climbing accident two weeks ago (surgeon says 8-10 weeks recovery!) and I'm trying to file a disability claim. The problem I'm running into is that when I try to submit my claim through SDI Online, I keep getting an error message saying my driver's license is already in the system and that I need to call EDD. I have an old account from 2020 when I was on unemployment, so I'm guessing that's causing the conflict. I've been trying the main number (800-480-3287) for THREE DAYS and can't get through - either constant busy signal or it disconnects me after 20 minutes on hold. I'm starting to panic because I've already been without income for 2 weeks and rent is coming up fast. Does anyone know if there are other direct numbers I could try to reach an actual human at EDD? Maybe department-specific numbers or regional offices? I've searched online but finding conflicting information. At this point I'll try ANYTHING to get my claim moving forward. Thanks in advance!
I applied for the second half of my bonding leave in mid-December. I was getting text updates about my claim, and the last one I got was mid-January saying they got my supporting docs. But when I checked my account last week, my claim is completely gone! It's not even showing as pending anymore. All my inbox messages have disappeared too. Has anyone else experienced this? What should I do now?
Sounds like you might be dealing with the infamous 'phantom claim' bug. It's been plaguing the system for months now. You're gonna need to talk to a tier 2 specialist to get it fixed. Buckle up, it's gonna be a wild ride! ๐ข
Oh great, just what I needed - more complications! ๐ฉ Any tips on how to specifically ask for a tier 2 specialist?
This exact same thing happened to me in November! My entire PFL claim just disappeared overnight along with all my messages. I was panicking because I thought I'd lost everything. Turns out it's a system glitch that's been affecting a lot of people lately. I had to call multiple times over 2 weeks, but they were eventually able to restore my claim and all the documentation. The key is getting to someone who actually understands the technical side - don't let them tell you to just reapply. Your original application date matters for processing times. Keep all your screenshots and confirmation numbers handy when you call!
I'm currently collecting unemployment after being fired when my doctor put me on bed rest due to pregnancy complications. I'm due in July 2025 and totally confused about what benefits I should be claiming when the baby comes. My unemployment claim runs until January 2025, so I have options, but I don't know what's best. Do I need to switch from UI to disability/PFL right after giving birth? Or can I stay on unemployment until my claim expires in January and then try to get on maternity benefits? Since I was fired, am I even eligible for pregnancy disability or paid family leave? I don't have an employer anymore, so I'm really confused about how this works. Also worried about maximizing my benefits since I'll be a single mom. Would I get more money staying on UI as long as possible or switching to disability/PFL right after birth? Anyone navigate something similar successfully?
One more important thing to consider: if you're currently collecting UI while actually being unable to work due to pregnancy complications, this could potentially be considered misrepresentation. When you certify for UI, you're declaring that you're able and available for work. I recommend being proactive about this. Contact EDD and explain the situation - that you misunderstood the programs and need to switch from UI to SDI. They can help you make this transition properly and potentially avoid any overpayment or penalty issues. For your SDI claim, make sure your healthcare provider clearly documents your pregnancy-related limitations. Be aware there's a 7-day waiting period for SDI (no benefits paid for the first week). After delivery, the transition from pregnancy disability to PFL should be fairly straightforward with the right documentation. You'll need to have your doctor complete a DE 2501 form to establish your pregnancy disability claim.
As someone who's been through a similar situation, I want to echo what others have said - you really need to switch to SDI ASAP if your doctor has you on bed rest. I made the mistake of staying on UI too long during my pregnancy complications and it created a huge mess with EDD later. The good news is that since you were working and paying into the system until recently, you should definitely qualify for SDI and then PFL after delivery. The benefit amounts are typically much better than UI too - I was shocked at how much more I received on disability compared to unemployment. One tip: when you call EDD to make the switch, be honest about the timing and that you realize you may have been on the wrong program. They're usually more helpful when you're upfront about mistakes rather than trying to hide them. Also, make sure your doctor fills out the DE 2501 form completely - any missing info will delay your claim. You're going to be a great mom and this benefits stuff will all work out! Focus on taking care of yourself and the baby first, everything else is just paperwork that can be sorted out.
I'm currently on CA disability for severe hypertension that my primary doctor approved me for about 6 weeks ago. Recently, I've been struggling with mental health issues related to grief after losing my mother, and my psychiatrist thinks I'll need more time off beyond what my physical disability claim covers. I'm totally confused about what happens next. Do I need to file a whole new disability claim since it would be for a different medical condition with a different doctor? Or can my psychiatrist just submit an extension form for my existing claim? The EDD website isn't clear about switching conditions/doctors mid-claim and I'm worried about having a gap in benefits when my current claim period ends next month.
Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I'm going to talk to my psychiatrist tomorrow about completing a new DE 2501 form. I'll make sure to file the new claim at least 10 days before my current one ends and provide all the details about my existing claim. It's a relief to know I won't have to do another waiting period since I'll be filing within the 60-day window. I'll also follow the advice about keeping copies of everything. Hopefully the transition goes smoothly!
I'm so sorry for your loss, Ravi. Grief can be incredibly overwhelming and it's completely understandable that you need additional time off to process everything. I went through something similar when I lost my father a few years ago - the mental health impact was much harder to deal with than I expected. Just to add to what others have said: when you meet with your psychiatrist, make sure they understand that EDD requires very specific language about how your grief is functionally impairing your ability to work. Generic statements won't cut it. They need to document things like concentration problems, sleep disturbances, anxiety levels, and how these symptoms specifically prevent you from performing your job duties. Also, don't feel bad about needing this time - mental health is just as valid as physical health when it comes to disability claims. Take care of yourself first, and the paperwork will work itself out. Wishing you the best during this difficult time.
I was on disability for 8 weeks earlier this year following a back surgery (March-May 2025). I'm preparing for next year's taxes and wondering if I'll be receiving a 1099G form for the SDI benefits I received during that time? This was my first time ever filing for disability and I'm clueless about the tax implications. Do I need to report the SDI income on my taxes? Will EDD automatically send me the form, or do I need to request it somewhere? Any help is greatly appreciated since I don't want tax problems!
Just a heads-up - I went through this exact situation in 2024 after my knee surgery. The 1099G form from EDD for SDI benefits is different from the 1099G you might receive for unemployment benefits, though they look similar. Make sure you're reporting it correctly on your federal return. Also, depending on your total income for the year, you might want to consult with a tax professional about how the SDI benefits affect your tax bracket. In my case, the additional income from SDI pushed me into a higher tax bracket for a portion of my income, which I wasn't expecting. Regarding when you'll receive it - EDD is legally required to provide 1099G forms by January 31st for the previous tax year. If you have an SDI Online account, you can typically access it there about a week or two before the paper copy arrives in the mail.
I also had surgery last year and got SDI and i never got a 1099G from anyone. i didnt even know i was suppose to get one. Now I'm worried!! Did i miss reporting income??
@Ella Knight Don t'panic! If you received SDI benefits last year, you should have gotten a 1099G form from EDD. Check your mail from early 2024 - it might have gotten mixed in with other mail. You can also log into your SDI Online account and look under Forms "and Certificates to" see if it s'available there. If you can t'find it anywhere, call EDD to request a duplicate. Even if you didn t'receive the form, you re'still required to report the SDI income on your federal tax return. If you already filed your 2023 taxes without including SDI income, you may need to file an amended return Form (1040X .)I d'recommend consulting with a tax professional to help you sort this out properly.
Thank you all for your helpful responses! To summarize what I've learned: 1. I will receive a 1099G form from EDD by January 31, 2026 2. It will be available in my SDI Online account, possibly before I get the mailed copy 3. SDI benefits are taxable for FEDERAL taxes, but NOT for California state taxes 4. I should plan to set aside some money for potential federal tax liability 5. Next time (hopefully there won't be one), I can choose to have taxes withheld from SDI payments This has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about any of this! I'll keep an eye out for the form in January.
Great summary! One additional tip: If you're worried about owing taxes next year, you can make an estimated tax payment to the IRS before the end of the year to cover the potential liability from your SDI benefits. This might help avoid an underpayment penalty if your total tax due exceeds a certain threshold. The IRS has an online payment system that makes this pretty straightforward.
Dylan Wright
Were you able to get this resolved? I'm dealing with the exact same issue with my disability claim right now. Apparently this became a common problem after they switched systems in January, especially for people who had UI claims during Covid. Please update if you found a solution!
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Mei Wong
AuthorYes! Finally got it fixed yesterday. The tech support number others suggested didn't work (constant busy signal), but I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through to a real person in about 30 minutes. The rep fixed the driver's license conflict and I was able to complete my claim right after. Good luck with yours!
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Malik Thomas
I'm dealing with a similar issue right now! My disability claim got stuck because of an old unemployment account from 2019. I tried the tech support line (855) 342-3645 that others mentioned and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold yesterday morning. The rep was really helpful and explained that this is happening to tons of people since they updated their systems. She was able to merge my account info in about 10 minutes and I was able to submit my claim online right after the call. Definitely try calling that tech support number first thing in the morning - seems like that's when you have the best chance of getting through. Hope your wrist heals quickly!
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