This thread is so helpful! I'm 6 months pregnant and already stressing about navigating EDD after delivery. Saving all this info about the DE 2525XX form for later. Question - does the supplementary certificate process work the same way for vaginal delivery extensions, or is it just for C-sections? My doctor mentioned I might need extra recovery time due to some complications I've been having.

I'm currently 8 months pregnant and this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea about the DE 2525XX form or that doctors need to submit supplementary certificates for extensions. My OB never mentioned any of this during our birth plan discussions. I'm definitely going to bring this up at my next appointment so we're prepared. It sounds like the EDD system is pretty confusing to navigate, especially when you're dealing with postpartum recovery. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that you just don't get from the official EDD website!

This happened to me last year. I ended up having to make the long drive and it was awful. Don't be like me - fight it!

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had a similar situation a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: I got a letter from my doctor specifically stating that long-distance travel would exacerbate my condition and could cause additional harm. Then I called EDD (used the early morning trick someone mentioned) and explained that requiring me to travel 110 miles violated the Americans with Disabilities Act reasonable accommodation requirements. I asked them to either find a closer doctor or allow a virtual consultation. It took three calls and speaking to two supervisors, but they eventually found me a doctor only 20 miles away. Don't give up - you have rights and they need to accommodate your disability!

I'm currently in the exact same situation! My status changed to 'qualification' about a week ago and I'm still waiting for my first payment. The daily account checking has become such an obsession - I literally wake up and immediately check my phone hoping to see something posted. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though. It's reassuring to know that 7-10 business day window after hitting 'qualification' is pretty normal for first payments, even though the inconsistency is definitely stressful. I was starting to think something was wrong with my claim since it's been longer than I expected. The combination of health issues and financial uncertainty is really overwhelming, but at least knowing we're all going through this same waiting game makes it feel less isolating. Thanks for posting this question - this thread has been way more informative than anything I've gotten from calling EDD directly!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My status changed to 'qualification' about 6 days ago and I've been checking my account obsessively every morning hoping to see a payment posted. The financial anxiety while dealing with health issues is honestly so overwhelming - I have bills piling up and was really counting on this money coming through faster. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though. It's such a relief to know that 7-10 business day window after hitting 'qualification' is pretty standard for first payments, even though the inconsistency is definitely nerve-wracking. I was starting to worry something was seriously wrong with my claim. I'm going to follow the advice about double-checking my certification status and payment method setup right now. The whole EDD system really needs to be more transparent about these timelines! Thanks for posting this question - knowing so many others are going through this same anxious waiting period makes it feel a little less isolating. Fingers crossed we all get our payments soon!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! I went through something very similar with my continuing certification forms last year. Here's what I learned that might help you right now: First, there IS typically an unofficial grace period of about 5-7 days before EDD actually stops payments, even though they don't advertise this. So try not to panic completely - you likely have a small window. For tomorrow morning, call your doctor's office and ask specifically to speak with the "medical records coordinator" or whoever handles disability paperwork - not just the front desk. Use the exact form name (like DE 2525XX) so they know you understand what you're talking about. Tell them this is affecting your ability to pay rent and buy groceries - sometimes medical staff don't realize these deadlines are literally about survival. If they still won't prioritize it, show up in person and politely but firmly explain that you cannot leave until the forms are completed. Bring a book and make it clear you're prepared to wait all day if necessary. This worked for me when phone calls didn't. Once you get the completed forms, definitely fax them yourself at 855-341-0202 rather than trusting the mail system. You'll get immediate confirmation that EDD received them. For future certifications, definitely consider switching to a provider who uses SDI Online for electronic submissions. It eliminates all this stress and paperwork gets submitted the same day. You've got this! Stay persistent and don't give up fighting for the benefits you deserve.

I feel for you so much right now! I went through this exact same stress with my doctor's office a few months back and it's absolutely maddening when your financial survival depends on someone else's paperwork priorities. Here's what I wish someone had told me during my panic: EDD typically doesn't cut benefits immediately on the deadline date. There's usually a 5-7 day processing period where your claim gets flagged for review but payments often continue. You're not going to wake up tomorrow with zero income, so try to breathe a little. That said, definitely keep the pressure on your doctor's office first thing tomorrow morning. Ask specifically for whoever handles "urgent disability forms" or the medical records coordinator - bypass the front desk completely. Use phrases like "income-affecting deadline" and "financial hardship" - medical staff respond better when they understand the real-world impact. And yes, absolutely fax those forms yourself the moment you get them! Don't trust their mail system. The fax number is 855-341-0202 and you'll get instant confirmation of receipt. One more thing - if this gets resolved (and it will!), seriously consider switching to a provider who uses SDI Online for electronic submissions. I made that switch after my nightmare experience and it's been such a game changer. No more sitting in waiting rooms begging for signatures! You're doing everything right by advocating for yourself. Keep fighting - this community has your back and we know you'll get through this!

Hey Jamal, I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The most important thing is to act fast - you really don't want to miss that 30-day appeal deadline that Liam mentioned. Here's what worked for me: I went to my local EDD office in person instead of trying to call (saved me hours of frustration). They were able to pull up my case immediately and print out a copy of my denial notice on the spot. Also, don't forget to request your complete claim file - it's your right and it'll show you exactly what medical records they reviewed. Sometimes they're missing key documentation that could change everything. If you're still struggling to get info, try reaching out to your local state assembly member's office. They have caseworkers who can help navigate EDD issues. Good luck! 🤞

Hey Jamal! I went through a similar SDI appeal situation last year and it was definitely stressful at first, but it worked out in the end. A few things that really helped me: 1. **Document everything** - Take screenshots of your online account, save all emails, and write down dates/times of any phone calls 2. **Get your medical providers involved** - Sometimes the initial denial is because they need more detailed documentation from your doctor about how your condition affects your ability to work 3. **Check if you qualify for expedited processing** - If your condition is severe or you're facing financial hardship, they might be able to fast-track your appeal The waiting is the worst part, but hang in there! The fact that you're being proactive and asking for help is already a good sign. Feel free to update us on how it goes - this community has been super supportive when I was dealing with my case. You've got this! 💪