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!

I went through almost the exact same situation after my knee surgery last year! The key thing that helped me was getting my doctor to write a very detailed letter specifically stating that I could NOT perform my "usual and customary work duties" due to the medical restrictions - not just that I had restrictions. My orthopedic surgeon had to list out specific job tasks I couldn't do (lifting over 10 lbs, standing for more than 2 hours, climbing ladders, etc.) and explain how these restrictions made it impossible for me to do my warehouse job. I also had to get HR to write a formal letter stating they had no light duty positions available that would accommodate my restrictions. The appeal took about 6 weeks but I did get approved for continued SDI and received all the backpay. Don't give up - this is definitely appealable! The wording on the medical forms is everything with EDD.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare! I went through something very similar after my rotator cuff surgery in 2023. The gap between medical clearance with restrictions and what your actual job requires is so frustrating, and EDD really doesn't make it easy to understand. Based on everyone's advice here (which is all spot-on), I'd prioritize three things immediately: 1) Get your surgeon to complete that DE 2525XX form ASAP - make sure they specifically mention you cannot perform your warehouse duties like lifting packages, moving inventory, etc. 2) Get written documentation from your employer that they cannot accommodate your 15lb restriction, and 3) File that appeal within your 30-day window. One thing I learned the hard way - when you talk to your doctor, bring a copy of your actual job description if you have one. It helped my surgeon understand exactly why the restrictions made my job impossible. Also, if your employer has an employee handbook that lists physical requirements for your position, bring that too. The more specific documentation you can provide, the stronger your appeal will be. Hang in there - I know the financial stress is overwhelming, but this is definitely winnable with the right paperwork. Keep certifying during the appeal process so you don't miss out on any backpay when you win!

Hey Pedro! I actually just went through this same situation a few weeks ago when I had to go on disability for a herniated disc. Your disability payments will definitely go to the same EDD debit card you used for unemployment - that's exactly what happened with mine. The card works for all EDD benefit programs, so no worries about waiting for a new one! Just double-check that your card hasn't expired (the date is on the front) and make sure your address is updated in their system. One thing I'd suggest is testing your card at an ATM or trying to log into the Bank of America EDD website to make sure it's still active, especially since it's been over a year. My first disability payment showed up about 9 days after I got my approval letter, so you should be in good shape for rent. Hope your back heals up quickly - I know how tough it is dealing with the pain and stress of everything at once!

Hey Pedro! I went through this exact situation about 4 months ago when I had to go on disability for a back injury too. Your SDI payments will definitely go to the same EDD debit card you used for unemployment - no need to wait for a new card! Just make sure to check the expiration date on your card since it's been over a year. I'd also recommend calling the Bank of America EDD customer service line (number on the back of your card) to verify it's still active, especially since you haven't used it in a while. Sometimes they put security holds on inactive cards. My first disability payment took about 8 days after approval, so you should be good for rent timing. One heads up though - your disability weekly amount might be different from what you got on unemployment since it's calculated differently (based on your recent wages vs. unemployment formula). Hope your back heals up soon! The financial stress on top of the physical pain is no joke.

I had the exact same issue with a missing DE 2593 form! What worked for me was logging into UI Online and going to the "Forms" section - sometimes they show up there even if you didn't get an email notification. Also, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then log back in. If it's still not there, you can actually request a duplicate form through the "Contact EDD" messaging system in your account. It took about 10 business days, but they eventually sent me a new one. Don't give up - the form is definitely real and you will get your benefits once this gets sorted out!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Missing DE 2593 form, no payments for 3 weeks. What's really frustrating is that I can see in my payment history that everything was fine until this form was supposed to show up. I've been checking my UI Online account obsessively every day. Has anyone tried reaching out through social media? I saw some people saying EDD sometimes responds faster on Twitter when you @ them publicly. Might be worth a shot since the phone lines are basically useless. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - at least we know we're not alone in this mess!