I've been in your exact situation and it's incredibly frustrating! Here are a few things that worked for me after weeks of struggling: First, try using Microsoft Edge or Firefox instead of Chrome - I know it sounds random but the EDD site seems to have compatibility issues with certain browsers. Also, make sure JavaScript is enabled and disable any ad blockers temporarily. Second, I had success submitting my claim very early in the morning (around 6-7 AM) or late at night after 10 PM when server traffic is lower. The system seems to crash less during these off-peak hours. If the online system keeps failing, don't hesitate to mail your paperwork as a backup. Yes, it's slower, but at least you'll have proof of submission before any deadlines. Send it certified mail so you have tracking. One last tip - if you're getting specific error codes or messages, write them down exactly as they appear. When you finally get through to someone (whether by phone or in person), having those exact error details helps them troubleshoot your account faster. Stay persistent! The system is broken but your benefits are worth fighting for. Document everything and don't let them wear you down.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now and it's driving me absolutely crazy! I've been trying for over a week to submit my SDI paperwork and keep getting different error messages each time. Sometimes it's "session timeout" even though I just logged in, other times it just sits there spinning forever when I hit submit. What's really frustrating is that I can get through most of the application but it always fails right at the final submission step. I've tried different browsers, cleared my cache, even tried from my phone - nothing works consistently. I'm getting really worried about missing the deadline since I'm already a few days into this mess. Has anyone had luck with calling the technical support line? I saw there's a separate number for website issues but wasn't sure if it's actually helpful or just another dead end. Really appreciate everyone sharing their workarounds here - definitely going to try the early morning/late night approach and maybe hit up the library if my home internet keeps being problematic. It's ridiculous that we have to be this resourceful just to access basic services we're entitled to, but I guess that's the reality we're dealing with.

This is such a frustrating situation but you're handling it exactly right! I had a very similar experience with EDD SDI last fall where they denied my claim because their verification letter got lost in the mail for almost two weeks. When I finally received it, I had already "missed" their deadline by several days. What saved me was going to the office with a complete paper trail - definitely bring your original verification request letter, all your mailing receipts, tracking information, and the denial letter. The timeline document that @Mei Zhang suggested is spot on. I created something similar and the claims specialist was able to see immediately that the denial was issued unfairly. In my case, they were actually able to reverse the denial during my office visit through what they called a "clerical review" rather than having to go through the full appeal process. It took about 45 minutes of waiting and paperwork, but I walked out with my claim reinstated. Also, don't let them tell you that Priority Mail should have been faster - regular mail delays are considered valid reasons for late responses, especially when you can prove you mailed it the day after receiving the request. You clearly acted in good faith and responded as quickly as possible. Wishing you the best of luck tomorrow! Please do update us - stories like yours help other people know what to expect and how to advocate for themselves.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! EDD sent me an address verification letter on December 20th that I didn't receive until January 3rd due to holiday mail delays. They wanted my documents by January 2nd - literally impossible! I mailed everything the same day I got the letter but of course it arrived "late." What's really helped me so far is documenting EVERYTHING. I took photos of the envelope showing the postmark dates, kept all my mailing receipts, and even got a statement from my mail carrier about the holiday delays in our area. One thing I learned from calling the disability helpline (after about 50 tries) is that they have a "reasonable cause" exception for situations exactly like ours where the mail system caused the delay. The key is proving you responded immediately upon receiving their letter, which it sounds like you absolutely did. I'm also planning to visit an office this week, so I'll be following your updates closely. It's crazy how many people are dealing with these ridiculous mail timing issues with EDD right now. Hang in there - you clearly did everything right and have all the documentation to prove it!

Hey Juan! I went through something similar when I was stationed at Miramar with a Nevada license. The key thing that helped me was making sure I had documentation showing my "California domicile" even with the out-of-state license. Besides what Amy mentioned, I also included a letter from my commanding officer confirming my station assignment and duration in CA. The EDD rep told me they see this situation fairly often with military personnel and have processes in place to handle it. Just be prepared for potentially one extra step in the verification process, but it shouldn't significantly delay your claim once you have all the right documents together. Good luck with your back injury recovery!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the online application because of the CA ID requirement, you can also submit a paper application (DE 2501) by mail or fax. Sometimes this is easier for military personnel with out-of-state licenses because you can include a cover letter explaining your situation along with all your supporting documents. The paper form has more space to detail your circumstances than the online system. You can download it from the EDD website or pick one up at any EDD office. Make sure to include copies (not originals) of your military ID, proof of CA residence, and recent pay stubs showing SDI withholding.

I'm experiencing the same delay right now - my SDI payment was supposed to arrive on Wednesday but it's Friday and still nothing in my account. The EDD website shows "paid" status just like everyone else here is describing. This is incredibly stressful because I have rent due next Tuesday and was counting on this payment. It's somewhat comforting to read all these experiences showing that delays of 5-7 days seem to be somewhat normal, even though it's frustrating that EDD doesn't give any warning about potential delays. I'm going to wait through the weekend and see if it shows up by Monday before I try calling or using that Claimyr service. Thanks everyone for sharing - it really helps to know this isn't just happening to me!

I'm going through this exact same issue right now! My SDI payment was scheduled for Tuesday but it's now Friday and still hasn't hit my account. The EDD portal shows "paid" just like everyone else is describing. I've been calling EDD all week but can't get through to anyone - just get the "all representatives are busy" message and then it hangs up. Reading through all these comments has been really helpful though - it sounds like these 5-7 day delays are more common than I thought with SDI payments. I'm going to give it until Monday (which would be day 6 for me) before I try that Claimyr service that was mentioned. It's so stressful when you're depending on this money for basic expenses and it just doesn't show up when it's supposed to. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - it really helps to know I'm not dealing with this alone!

I'm dealing with a similar E324 error right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I've tried the basic troubleshooting but hadn't thought about using a different device or checking the tax return vs Social Security card name difference. That's such a specific detail that could totally be the issue. Emma, based on everyone's advice here, it sounds like the multi-pronged approach is key - try the technical fixes (different browser, incognito mode, different device) while also pursuing the phone/fax/certified mail routes simultaneously. The fact that multiple people have actually resolved the E324 error gives me hope that there IS a solution, it's just a matter of finding the right combination of steps. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this is way more helpful than any official EDD guidance I've found!

I've been following this thread and wow, what a wealth of practical advice! I wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I was stuck in EDD hell: if you're still getting the E324 error after trying all the browser/device fixes, try registering using your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate. Sometimes there are tiny discrepancies between what's on your Social Security card, tax returns, and birth certificate that can trip up their system. Also, for the lost form situation - when you call, ask specifically for a "case escalation" if the first representative can't help you immediately. That magic phrase seems to get you transferred to someone with more authority to actually fix things. The whole system is absolutely broken, but reading everyone's success stories here gives me hope that persistence really does pay off! Hang in there Emma - you've got a whole community rooting for you! 🤗