Thanks everyone for all the great advice! I found the DE 2525XX form on the website and printed it out. My doctor filled it out today and I just uploaded it to my SDI Online account. The site gave me a confirmation number so hopefully that means it went through correctly. I also took a screenshot of the confirmation page just in case (thanks for that tip!). Fingers crossed the extension gets processed quickly because my benefits are set to run out next week. I'll update if I run into any issues!

Great to hear you got everything sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - make sure to call EDD in about a week to confirm they received your extension form, especially since your benefits are running out so soon. Even with the confirmation number, sometimes there can be processing delays. If you can't get through on the phone (which happens A LOT), you might want to try calling first thing in the morning right when they open at 8am. That's usually when you have the best chance of getting through without waiting on hold for hours. Good luck with your recovery!

Hate to say it, but you might be in for a long wait. I had a similar situation last year and it took them almost 3 months to sort it out. Keep pushing tho!

I went through something similar last month! Here's what worked for me: I called EDD first thing Monday morning (like 8:00 AM sharp) and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. Turns out my extensions were processed but there was a flag on my account that needed manual review. The rep was able to clear it and I got my backpay within a week. Definitely ask them to check for any holds or flags on your account - sometimes it's just a simple fix they need to do on their end. Also keep calling back if the first person can't help, different reps have different levels of access. Don't give up! 💪

Update: My card finally arrived today! That was 11 business days total. Everything looks correct and I was able to activate it without any issues. For anyone else waiting, hang in there - the timeline they give is pretty accurate. I've already set up direct deposit for future payments too. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!

Glad to hear your card arrived safely! 11 business days is right in that normal range everyone mentioned. It's such a relief when you finally get access to your funds after all that waiting and stress. Smart move setting up direct deposit right away - that will save you so much anxiety for future payments. Thanks for updating us with the good news!

This might sound weird, but try calling from a different phone number. I had issues and when I used my friend's phone it suddenly worked. 🤷‍♂️

I'm dealing with the exact same error e324 issue! It's so frustrating when you're already stressed about being unable to work and then the system that's supposed to help you is completely broken. I've been following this thread and it sounds like there are a few potential solutions to try: 1. The paper application (DE 2501 form) that Logan mentioned - might be worth downloading and mailing in 2. Calling from a different phone number like Katherine suggested 3. That Claimyr service Sean mentioned, though $20 seems steep just to talk to someone 4. Contacting your state representative for help cutting through red tape I'm going to try the paper application first since it's free, then maybe contact my rep if that doesn't work. Hang in there Ella - we shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops but at least we're not alone in this mess! 💪

One more thing that might be helpful: For 2025, if you have State Disability Insurance withheld from your paychecks (most CA employees do), you might want to look into Paid Family Leave (PFL) as another option. While it's typically used for caregiving or bonding, some people with chronic conditions have used it strategically when SDI doesn't cover their specific situation. Just another potential avenue to explore. Also, whatever you decide, make sure all your paperwork explicitly states whether you're filing for continuous or intermittent leave, as this affects how EDD processes your claim.

I've been through a similar situation with chronic migraines and SDI. One thing that helped me was asking my doctor to document "episodic disability" patterns - when my migraines cluster together for longer periods. Sometimes chronic conditions like migraines can have phases where you might need 7-10 consecutive days off during particularly bad flare-ups, which would qualify for SDI. Also, keep detailed records of your migraine patterns and missed work days. This documentation can be helpful if you need to demonstrate to EDD that your condition sometimes requires longer continuous periods of disability. Some migraine sufferers find their condition naturally clusters into longer periods during seasonal changes or stress cycles. Don't give up on trying to reach EDD by phone - try calling right when they open at 8 AM. The wait times are usually shorter first thing in the morning. Good luck with your claim!