I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! EDD has been redirecting my disability payments to an old UI overpayment debt, and I'm really worried about them taking my tax refund too. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the Treasury Offset Program or that there was a specific collections number to call. I've been making payments for about 8 months now, so hopefully that's enough to show good faith. One thing I'm still unclear on though - when you call the collections division at 1-800-676-5737, do you need to have any specific documentation ready besides your payment history? Like do they want bank statements showing the payments, or is their internal record sufficient? Also, has anyone had experience with how long the whole process takes from start to finish? I'm hoping to get this resolved before tax season really kicks into gear. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community has been more helpful than any EDD representative I've spoken with so far!

Just wanted to share my recent experience with this exact situation! I was in the same boat about 6 months ago - EDD was intercepting my SDI payments for an old UI overpayment and I was terrified they'd take my tax refund too. Here's what worked for me: I called that collections number everyone mentioned (1-800-676-5737) and had to be really persistent. The first rep told me there was nothing they could do, but I called back the next day and got someone more helpful. The key things they wanted to see were: 1. At least 6 months of consistent payments (sounds like you qualify!) 2. Current contact info and address on file 3. A clear explanation of why removing you from TOP makes sense They asked for my payment confirmation numbers from the last 6 payments, so definitely have those ready. The whole call took about 45 minutes, but they approved my TOP removal request right on the phone. Got the confirmation letter about 2 weeks later. Pro tip: Call first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - the wait times are much shorter and the reps seem less burned out. Also, be super polite even when frustrated. These folks deal with angry people all day and being kind goes a long way. You've got this! The system is definitely frustrating but there IS a way through it if you stay persistent.

This thread is absolutely incredible - thank you to everyone who shared such detailed, practical advice! I'm currently in week 3 of my SDI claim for a minor surgical procedure, and while I'm hoping to complete the full recovery period as planned, it's incredibly reassuring to know exactly what steps to take if my situation changes unexpectedly. The multi-layered approach everyone has outlined - phone call to EDD, certified mail withdrawal letter, in-person office visit with multiple copies, plus coordinating with HR and medical providers - creates such a comprehensive safety net. I especially appreciate the specific tips about getting employee IDs from EDD representatives, taking photos of stamped documents, and the crucial warning about not certifying for benefits once you return to work. As someone new to navigating EDD processes, the emphasis on documentation at every step really stands out. It's clear that being proactive and thorough upfront can prevent so many potential complications down the road. This community's collective wisdom is truly invaluable - you've created the most comprehensive SDI withdrawal guide available anywhere online!

This has been such an amazing thread to read through! I'm new to this community and currently dealing with my own SDI situation - I filed a claim two weeks ago for recovery from a minor surgery, but I'm healing much faster than expected and may need to withdraw early to return to work. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences has given me so much confidence about how to handle this properly if needed. The comprehensive approach of calling EDD, submitting a certified mail withdrawal letter, visiting the local office with multiple copies, and coordinating with both HR and medical providers really covers all the bases. I'm particularly grateful for the specific practical tips - getting employee IDs from EDD reps, taking photos of stamped documents, bringing extra copies to the office, and especially the crucial warning about not certifying for benefits once you return to work. These are exactly the kinds of details that could prevent major headaches later. What really stands out is how everyone emphasized that over-documenting and being proactive is always better than hoping things work out. This thread has basically become the definitive guide for SDI withdrawal - thank you to everyone who shared their experiences so generously! This community is an incredible resource for navigating California's complex benefits system.

Just wanted to share my recent experience - I actually had luck calling right at lunchtime (around 12:30 PM) when I think fewer people are calling. Got through to someone in about 45 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hours. The rep told me they can also accept documents via secure email if you ask for it - they'll send you a special encrypted email address to use. Might be worth trying that route if the online portal isn't working for you. Also, make sure your doctor's note is on official letterhead - they're apparently really strict about that now.

Hey Keisha! I just went through this exact same thing last month. One thing that really helped me was calling the EDD disability line specifically (1-800-480-3287) rather than the main unemployment line - the wait times are usually shorter. Also, if you're uploading through the online portal, make sure to convert your doctor's note to PDF format and keep the file size under 5MB, otherwise it might get rejected. I learned that the hard way after my first submission just disappeared into the void! The system will usually send you an email confirmation within 24 hours if it went through successfully. If you don't get that confirmation email, definitely follow up. Good luck - you got this! 💪

This is such a comprehensive and helpful discussion! I'm new here but have been researching SDI claims for medical procedures, and this thread is exactly what I needed to find. What really stands out to me is how much the success stories have in common - thorough preparation, multiple layers of US medical documentation, and getting everything translated and notarized properly upfront. It seems like EDD is actually willing to approve foreign medical provider claims, but they want bulletproof documentation to do it. @Avery Flores - your situation with the excess skin causing rashes and back pain is clearly medically necessary, not cosmetic. The fact that you're planning this so far in advance and asking all the right questions shows you're setting yourself up for success. One small addition to all the great advice here: you might want to take timestamped photos showing the progression of your skin issues over time, not just when they flare up. Having visual documentation of the ongoing medical problem could strengthen your case even further. The collective knowledge in this thread about US Consulate notarization, certified translations, employer coordination, and EDD's specialized units for complex cases is incredible. This should definitely be a reference guide for anyone considering medical treatment abroad while needing SDI benefits. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - both the success stories and the cautionary tales. This kind of real-world advice is so much more valuable than trying to decipher EDD's official documentation alone!

This thread is absolutely incredible! As someone new to this community, I'm blown away by the depth of knowledge and practical advice everyone has shared. @Avery Flores - congratulations on your amazing weight loss! The situation you're describing with excess skin causing medical issues is definitely not cosmetic - it's a legitimate health concern that deserves proper treatment. What strikes me most from reading everyone's experiences is how much preparation truly matters with EDD. The contrast between smooth 3-week approvals and months-long battles seems to come down to having every piece of documentation perfect from the start. A few key takeaways that really stood out: - Getting US medical providers to document medical necessity is crucial - US Consulate notarization adds valuable credibility to foreign documents - EDD has specialized units for complex cases - definitely worth contacting them directly - Over-documentation is better than under-documentation with anything "unusual" The medical tourism aspect shouldn't make this sketchy at all - seeking quality, affordable healthcare for legitimate medical needs is completely reasonable. The fact that you're researching this so thoroughly months in advance shows you're taking the right approach. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences, especially the specific details about forms, translations, and timing. This collective wisdom is so much more valuable than trying to figure out EDD's requirements alone!

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! 💪

Hey Jamal! I'm new to this community but I've been lurking and reading through everyone's experiences. Your situation really hits home because I'm currently dealing with my own SDI issues (still waiting on my initial determination). Reading through all these responses has been so eye-opening - I had no idea about things like the 30-day appeal deadline or that you can request your complete claim file. This community is amazing! One thing I wanted to add that might help: if you're having trouble finding that denial notice, you can also check your SDI Online account at edd.ca.gov. Sometimes the notices show up there before you get the physical mail. Also, if you have a MyEDD account, make sure to check both your inbox and the "Correspondence" section. Best of luck with your appeal! It sounds like you're getting great advice here and I'm definitely taking notes for my own potential future needs. Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞