Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been on SDI twice in the past few years - everyone here has given you excellent advice! The automatic payment system really is such a relief compared to UI. One thing I'd add that helped me feel more secure about the process: EDD will send you a "Notice of Computation" that breaks down exactly how much you'll receive and for how long. Keep that document safe as it's super helpful for budgeting purposes. Also, if you ever move during your claim period, update your address IMMEDIATELY in your SDI Online account - don't wait for any mail notifications. I made that mistake during my first claim and it caused a two-week delay in payments. The system really does work smoothly once you're in it though. Wishing you a smooth recovery process!

Hey Isabella! Just wanted to add my experience as someone who recently went through this too. The automatic payments really are amazing compared to UI - such a relief not having to stress about certification deadlines! One thing I learned that might be helpful: even though payments are automatic, I'd recommend keeping track of when each payment arrives and the amounts, just so you can quickly spot if anything seems off. I use a simple spreadsheet with the payment dates and amounts. Also, if you're like me and tend to worry about things, checking your SDI Online account once a week gives great peace of mind - you can see your payment history and confirm everything is on track. The mobile app makes this super easy too. Hope your recovery goes smoothly and that having one less financial worry helps you focus on getting better!

This exact same thing happened to me! After ID.me verification, I kept getting that "Something went wrong" error for about a week. What finally worked for me was: 1. Clear all cookies/cache for the EDD site specifically 2. Use an incognito/private browser window 3. Try filing during off-peak hours (I had success around 6am) 4. Make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might interfere If none of that works, you might need to call their technical support line. I know it's a pain, but sometimes there's a backend issue with your account that only they can fix. Document the exact error message and any reference numbers you see - it'll help when you do get through to someone. Don't give up! The system is definitely broken, but most people do eventually get it sorted out. Keep trying different browsers/times and you should be able to get through eventually.

I had this EXACT same issue a few months ago! The ID.me verification went through fine, but then I couldn't file my claim for almost 2 weeks. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: - Used Firefox instead of Chrome (seriously, Chrome was giving me nothing but errors) - Filed my claim super early in the morning around 5:30am when the system wasn't overloaded - Made sure I wasn't using any ad blockers or browser extensions - Had to restart the entire claim process from scratch (I know, annoying!) The most frustrating part was that customer service kept telling me to "just try again later" without actually explaining what was wrong. Turns out there was some kind of sync issue between the ID.me system and the SDI database that took time to resolve. Hang in there - it's incredibly frustrating but you're not alone in this struggle. The system is definitely broken, but persistence does pay off eventually. Try the early morning approach and a different browser first before calling, might save you hours on hold!

I work as a benefits counselor and see this confusion all the time! Just to reinforce what others have shared - SDI and PFL are absolutely separate benefit entitlements. You contribute to the State Disability Insurance fund through payroll deductions, and that fund covers both programs but with separate weekly limits (52 weeks SDI, 8 weeks PFL annually). The timing advice here is spot-on - apply for PFL about 1-2 weeks before your SDI claim ends to ensure seamless benefits. Since you were working full-time before your January surgery and have only been on SDI for about 4 months, your base period earnings should definitely qualify you for PFL. One additional tip: when your mom's doctor fills out the DE 2501F form, make sure they're specific about the level of care needed and expected duration. Vague descriptions can sometimes trigger additional review. The stroke diagnosis should clearly qualify, but detailed documentation helps expedite processing. You're dealing with a lot right now between your own recovery and your mom's needs, but the benefit system is designed exactly for these overlapping family care situations. You've got this!

I went through this exact transition last year and can confirm what everyone else is saying - SDI and PFL are definitely separate benefit periods! I was on SDI for 6 months after a motorcycle accident, then immediately switched to PFL when my wife had complications after childbirth. The process was actually pretty straightforward once I understood it. Key things: apply for PFL about 10 days before your SDI runs out (don't wait or you'll have a gap like someone mentioned), make sure your mom's doctor fills out every single section of the DE 2501F form, and keep copies of everything you submit. Since you worked full-time before your surgery and have only been on SDI since January, your base period wages should be more than sufficient. The good news is that caring for a parent after a stroke definitely qualifies for PFL - it's exactly what the program is designed for. One tip that saved me: when I called EDD to confirm my eligibility before applying, I asked them to walk me through the transition process step by step. They have a specific procedure for people moving from SDI to PFL and they were actually really helpful once I got through to someone. Hope your recovery continues to go well and that your mom gets the care she needs. You're doing the right thing by planning ahead!

This thread has been such an incredible resource! As someone brand new to both this community and the EDD disability system, I'm blown away by the level of support and practical knowledge shared here. Ella's experience really illustrates how confusing and stressful the process can be, but also shows that persistence and the right information can lead to resolution. The insights about mismatched employer/doctor information being a common review trigger, the importance of using specific terminology like "stop payments" when calling EDD, and the reality of extended processing times due to staffing issues are exactly the kind of details that make all the difference. I'm particularly grateful to see how Lucas, Mohammed, and others provided such thorough explanations of the system, and how helpful tools like Claimyr proved to be for getting through to actual representatives. As I prepare to start my own disability claim, I feel so much more informed and confident knowing this community exists. Thank you all for creating such a welcoming and knowledgeable space - I'm looking forward to learning from everyone and hopefully being able to contribute helpful information as I gain experience with the process!

Welcome to all the newcomers joining this discussion! As someone who's been part of this community for a while, it's really heartwarming to see how this thread has become such a valuable resource for people starting their disability claim journey. Ella's experience perfectly demonstrates both the frustrations and eventual solutions that are possible with EDD claims. What I love most about this community is how people like Lucas, Mohammed, and others consistently provide detailed, accurate information that goes way beyond what you'll find in official EDD materials. The practical tips shared here - from understanding review triggers to knowing the right terminology when calling - can literally save weeks of stress and uncertainty. For all the newcomers (Nia, Carmen, TommyKapitz, Lucas Parker, and others), you're absolutely in the right place for support and guidance. This community has helped countless people navigate the EDD system successfully, and I'm confident it will do the same for all of you. Don't hesitate to ask questions as you go through your own claims - everyone here understands the anxiety and confusion that comes with waiting for disability benefits, and there's always someone willing to share their experience or offer encouragement!

This thread is such a perfect example of why community support matters so much when dealing with complex benefit systems! As someone who went through a similar SDI extension nightmare about 8 months ago, I can totally relate to @Serene Snow's initial panic about the duplicate receipt numbers. The EDD system really does seem designed to create confusion at the worst possible times. I'm so glad you were able to get it resolved! For anyone else who might face this situation, I want to emphasize something that really helped me: don't be afraid to be "that person" who calls your doctor's office multiple times to confirm they received everything and understand which receipt number to use. Medical offices deal with insurance paperwork all day, but SDI extensions aren't as common, so sometimes they need extra clarification. Also, if you're using a specialist's office (like I was for my orthopedic surgeon), they might route the paperwork through their billing department, which can add extra time and potential confusion. The Claimyr recommendation is gold - I ended up using them too after spending literally days trying to get through on my own. Sometimes paying a small fee for peace of mind and actual answers is worth every penny when your financial stability is on the line.

As someone new to this community and the SDI system, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! Reading about @Serene Snow's experience with the duplicate receipt numbers really opened my eyes to the kinds of issues that can come up during the extension process. I'm currently preparing for what might be my first SDI claim, and all the practical advice shared here - from keeping detailed logs and taking screenshots to using the most recent receipt number and following up with healthcare providers - is exactly the kind of real-world guidance you can't find in the official EDD materials. The recommendation about Claimyr is also going straight into my notes for future reference. It's so reassuring to see how this community rallies around each other with practical solutions and emotional support during what can be incredibly stressful times. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and help others navigate this complex system!