anyone else notice that the unemployment website is always "under maintenance" when you actually need to use it? 🙄

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been waiting 3 weeks for any kind of confirmation that they received my income verification docs. What's really frustrating is that there's no way to know if the documents actually uploaded properly or if they're just sitting in some digital queue somewhere. I've been checking my account daily but it still shows "pending review" with no timeline. Has anyone had success with the suggestion to fax documents as a backup?

btw dont forget you need to certify for unemployment every 2 weeks!!! sdI is different its like once a month i think? i missed my first ui certification deadline cuz i didnt know lol

Great question! I went through this exact transition about 8 months ago. Yes, you can definitely switch from SDI to UI once your doctor releases you - they're completely separate programs with different funding sources, so using SDI doesn't affect your UI eligibility. A few key things I learned the hard way: 1. Get your doctor's release in writing stating you're cleared for work WITHOUT restrictions - this is crucial 2. Apply for UI the same day your SDI ends, but expect a 2-3 week processing delay for first payment 3. Be prepared for a significant income drop - UI pays much less than SDI (I went from $1,100/week to $520/week) 4. Start your job search immediately since UI requires active work search documentation The good news is the wage base periods are calculated differently, so your SDI usage won't impact your UI qualification. Just make sure you have some savings to cover that gap period between benefits. The transition is doable, just requires some planning!

Plot twist: EDD is actually run by sloths. That's why everything takes so long 🦥😴

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Submitted my medical forms 10 days ago and still showing as pending. It's so frustrating not knowing if they even received them properly. I've been checking the portal obsessively every day 😅 From what I'm reading here, it sounds like this is unfortunately pretty normal for EDD. Definitely going to try some of the suggestions mentioned - especially checking spam folder and using the online messaging system. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it helps to know we're not alone in this!

I'm also dealing with chronic migraines and this thread has been so helpful! I wanted to add one thing that worked for me - when I met with my doctor to discuss the SDI certification, I brought a printed copy of the EDD's medical certification requirements (from the DE 2501 form) to show them exactly what language EDD is looking for. My doctor had never filled out SDI paperwork before and didn't realize how specific the wording needed to be. Once they understood that phrases like "unable to perform work duties for consecutive periods during severe exacerbations" would help my claim, they were much more strategic about how they documented my condition. Also, I learned that you can actually call EDD's medical unit directly (separate from the main customer service line) to ask questions about how medical conditions should be documented for SDI purposes. The number is harder to find but the wait times are usually shorter than the main line. They can't give medical advice obviously, but they can clarify what documentation requirements they need to see for approval. @Isabella Ferreira - definitely file a new claim rather than trying to reopen your old one, and make sure your doctor understands they're certifying for potential consecutive disability periods rather than just intermittent FMLA leave. The strategic approach everyone's outlined here really does work if you can get your medical provider on board with understanding the system requirements!

I've been dealing with SDI claims for my chronic pain condition for the past few years, and I wanted to share a few additional tips that have helped me navigate this frustrating system: First, when you do get your doctor to complete the DE 2501 form, ask them to be very specific about functional limitations rather than just listing symptoms. Instead of just "severe migraines," language like "unable to tolerate light, sound, or cognitive demands during severe episodes requiring complete rest in controlled environment" gives EDD clearer justification for consecutive day requirements. Second, if you're having trouble reaching EDD by phone, try using their "Contact EDD" online message system. It's buried in the UI Portal, but I've actually gotten faster responses through that than phone calls. They usually respond within 3-5 business days with written answers you can reference later. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING - every form, every medical record, every communication with EDD. I learned this the hard way when they lost my initial claim paperwork and I had to resubmit everything. Having digital copies saved me weeks of delays. The system definitely isn't designed well for people with chronic conditions, but with persistence and the right documentation approach, you can make it work. Don't let EDD's complexity discourage you from claiming benefits you're legitimately entitled to. Good luck with your new claim filing!

I just went through this exact process a few weeks ago and wanted to share my experience! I was super anxious about it too, but it ended up being much smoother than expected. Here's what I did: First, I made sure my Social Security name change was completely processed (waited about 2.5 weeks after getting confirmation). When filing my SDI claim, I was very clear about the name change - listed my new married name as primary and put my maiden name in the "previous names" section. The most important thing was coordinating with my doctor to make sure they included BOTH my new name and SSN on the medical certification forms. My claim was approved in exactly 2 weeks with zero issues! The SSN really is the key - EDD uses that as the primary identifier to match everything up. One tip that helped me: I actually called my doctor's office a day before my appointment to remind them about my recent name change and asked them to make a note in my file. That way when they filled out the forms, they remembered to include both pieces of info. You've already done the hardest part by updating with Social Security first - you're totally on the right track! Don't let the few horror stories scare you; most name change cases go through just fine when you follow the proper steps.

I went through this same situation about 4 months ago and wanted to add my experience to all the helpful advice already shared here! I was absolutely terrified about delays since I needed my benefits to start right away for my maternity leave. Here's what worked perfectly for me: I updated with Social Security first and waited the full 3 weeks for processing (this seems to be the magic number based on everyone's experiences). When I filed my SDI claim, I made sure to check the "name has changed" box and listed both my new married name and maiden name clearly. The most crucial step was having a conversation with my doctor's office staff before my appointment - I explained the situation and they made a note in my file to include both my new name AND my SSN on all forms they submitted to EDD. My claim was approved in 11 business days with absolutely zero complications! The weekly benefit amount was calculated correctly using my current wages under my new name. One additional tip I haven't seen mentioned yet: I kept a running log of all the steps I took (dates of Social Security update, when I filed, confirmation numbers, etc.) just in case I needed to reference anything later. Turned out I didn't need it, but it gave me peace of mind. You're going to be fine - the system really does handle name changes well when you're proactive about it!