This is such a relief to see! I'm a newcomer here and currently dealing with the exact same situation - my first SDI payment has been pending for 8 days now and I was starting to panic. Reading through everyone's experiences really helps calm my nerves. It sounds like these delays are unfortunately pretty common right now, especially for first payments. I'm going to try some of the suggestions mentioned here like double-checking my SDI Online messages and maybe using that Claimyr service if it goes much longer. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is so helpful for people navigating this stressful process!

I'm new here and going through my first SDI experience too. This thread is incredibly helpful - I've been waiting 6 days for my first payment and was starting to worry something was wrong with my claim. It's reassuring to know these delays seem to be the norm right now, though obviously frustrating when you're counting on that money. I've checked my SDI Online messages and banking info multiple times like others suggested, so I guess it's just a waiting game. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines and experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation while your husband's condition is getting worse. The EDD website really can be overwhelming to navigate when you're already stressed. Based on all the helpful advice shared here, it sounds like you have several good options now - the direct PDF link that Amara provided, trying different browsers like Chrome, and calling early morning as a backup. One thing I'd add is that if you do decide to call, have your husband's SSN and basic info ready since they'll need to verify his identity before helping with the claim. Also, don't forget that even if you get the paper form working, you can always start with the online application and use the paper as backup - that way you're not losing time while figuring out the technical issues. Sending positive thoughts for a smooth process and quick approval for your husband!

I'm a newcomer here but I've been reading through all these responses and wow, this community is incredibly helpful! I'm actually bookmarking this thread because I have a feeling I might need to file for SDI myself soon (waiting on some test results). The step-by-step advice everyone's shared here is so much clearer than anything I could find on the actual EDD website. It's frustrating that we have to crowdsource solutions to navigate what should be a straightforward government process, but I'm really grateful for communities like this where people actually help each other out. Mei, I hope you got everything sorted out and that your husband's claim gets processed quickly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - you're making a real difference for people dealing with disability claims during already stressful times.

I had this exact same issue! What ended up working for me was making sure I had the correct routing number - turns out I was using the wrong one from an old checkbook. Also, double-check that your bank account is a checking account and not savings, because some states won't deposit into savings accounts. If you're still having trouble, try clearing your browser cache before attempting again - sometimes the online form gets glitchy. Hope this helps!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been trying for over a week and keep getting error messages when I submit the form. Has anyone tried using a different browser? I was using Chrome but wondering if Safari or Firefox might work better. Also, does anyone know if there's a specific time of day when their system works better? I feel like I've tried everything at this point 😩

Just wanted to add that it's really important to keep all your medical documentation updated during this transition period. I made the mistake of not scheduling follow-up appointments with my doctor while I was attempting to work, and when I needed to go back on disability, there was a gap in my medical records that caused delays in processing my claim. Even if you're feeling better enough to try working, keep those doctor appointments scheduled so you have continuous documentation of your condition. Also, consider asking your doctor to write a note stating that your return to work is on a trial basis due to your medical condition - this can help support your case if you need to go back on disability quickly.

One thing I'd add is to consider doing a "trial work period" approach if your doctor thinks you might be able to handle part-time work. Start with just a few hours a week and gradually increase if you're tolerating it well. This way you can test your limits without jumping into full work mode right away. I did this with my employer when I was transitioning back - they were understanding about the gradual increase in hours. Also, make sure your employer knows about your medical situation so they can be flexible if you need to reduce hours or take time off for medical appointments. Some employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations under ADA, which could include modified schedules during your transition period.

I'm going through this exact nightmare right now! Been calling for 8 days straight for my SDI claim and getting absolutely nowhere. This thread has been more helpful than hours of searching the EDD website - thank you everyone for sharing actual strategies that work! I'm definitely going to try the 8:03am timing tomorrow (avoiding the 8:00 rush), enter my SSN first in the automated system, and use that 1-1-7 menu sequence. Also planning to verify with my doctor that they submitted all the correct paperwork and check with my employer about their portion. It's honestly insane that we have to become phone system experts just to access benefits we've paid into, but at least this community is helping each other figure it out. I'll report back if these strategies actually get me through - fingers crossed!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation for my disability claim! I've been calling for over a week with zero success. This thread has been absolutely incredible - way more useful than any official EDD resource. Based on everyone's advice, I'm going to try calling at 8:03am (not 8:00), enter my SSN first in the automated system, use the 1-1-7 menu sequence, and have all my documentation ready including employer info. It's crazy that we have to decode this system like it's a secret puzzle just to access benefits we've already paid for! Sophie's tip about the system updates causing backlogs really explains a lot about why things seem worse than usual right now. Thank you all for sharing your real experiences - this community is doing what the EDD should be doing by actually helping people navigate their broken system. I'll definitely report back if these strategies work!