Just wanted to add that you should also ask your doctor about temporary disability accommodations through your employer if you have them. Some employers have short-term disability insurance that can help bridge gaps between SDI claims. Also, if you're union member, check if your union has any emergency assistance programs. I had to go through this exact situation last year with a knee surgery right after my SDI ended, and having multiple backup plans really helped. The key is starting the paperwork process early - don't wait until the last week of your current claim!

I went through almost the exact same thing two years ago with my shoulder surgery! The timing was awful - my SDI was ending in August and surgery was scheduled for September. What saved me was that my doctor was really proactive about the paperwork. Since your surgery is for the same condition (back issues), make sure your doctor explicitly states on the DE 2500A form that this spinal fusion is a "medically necessary progression" of your current disability. The key phrase that worked for me was having the doctor write that the surgery was "required due to failure of conservative treatment" - this helped EDD understand it was a continuation, not a separate issue. Also, definitely file the relapse claim about 2-3 weeks before your current benefits end, not after! EDD took about 10 days to process mine and I would have had a payment gap otherwise. The good news is that since it's the same condition, you shouldn't have to serve another waiting period. Hang in there - the surgery will hopefully give you the relief you need!

I'm currently in the exact same boat and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just received my IME notice yesterday with an appointment scheduled for late June. Like everyone else, I was completely confused by the conflicting information I got from different EDD reps. After reading through all these experiences, I'm planning to call back tomorrow and specifically request to speak with a disability claims examiner rather than a regular customer service rep. It's clear that makes a huge difference in getting accurate information. What really stood out to me from everyone's stories is how important it is to document everything - getting rep names, reference numbers, and keeping detailed notes of every conversation. I've been pretty casual about that up until now, but I can see how crucial it could be if any issues arise. The stress of not knowing whether payments will continue is really affecting my health condition, which seems counterproductive to the whole disability process! But reading everyone's experiences here has given me so much more confidence that things should work out okay as long as I stay on top of my regular doctor certifications and keep advocating for myself. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their real experiences - this kind of peer support is invaluable when dealing with such a confusing system. I'll definitely update this thread with how my situation progresses to help future people in the same boat!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too and this thread has been such a relief to find! I got my IME notice last week and immediately started panicking about my payments stopping. The fact that so many people are getting different information from EDD reps is both frustrating and oddly comforting - at least I know it's not just me! After reading everyone's experiences, I'm definitely going to call back and ask specifically for a disability claims examiner. It seems like that's the key to getting accurate information instead of the runaround from regular customer service reps. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone had experience with what happens if you need to reschedule the IME appointment? My doctor wants me to have a procedure done before the exam, but I'm worried that requesting a different date might complicate things with my payments or claim status. Thank you to everyone who's shared their stories here. It's made such a difference knowing that others have successfully navigated this process and that payments typically do continue with proper documentation. I'll make sure to update with my experience too!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and it was so stressful! What really helped me was calling the BofA EDD line (1-866-692-9374) right at 8 AM when they open - I got through in under 5 minutes compared to the hours I spent trying during peak times. They were super helpful and had my replacement card expedited for the $10 fee, which was totally worth it since I needed access to my funds ASAP. Also, once you get this sorted out, I'd highly recommend switching to direct deposit like others mentioned - it's been such a relief not having to worry about physical cards anymore. You can set it up through your SDI Online account and it makes everything so much smoother. Hang in there, you'll get this resolved!

I actually had a similar situation happen to me a few months back, and what saved me was creating an online account with Bank of America first before calling. If you go to bankofamerica.com and register using your SSN and card details (even though the physical card is lost, you might still have the number written down somewhere), you can often manage some things online including requesting a replacement. This sometimes bypasses the phone system entirely. Also, if you do need to call, try using the automated system to say "lost or stolen card" - it usually routes you to a different queue that tends to be faster than general customer service. And definitely keep receipts or screenshots of any expedited shipping fees they charge you, as sometimes EDD will reimburse those if you file a request explaining the hardship situation. Hope this helps and you get it sorted soon!

Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening! I'm actually a temp worker myself and can confirm what everyone's saying about agencies handling SDI withholdings properly. I've worked through both Randstad and Express Employment Professionals, and both were great about accommodating my chronic pain condition while ensuring all the proper deductions were taken out. One thing I'd add is to ask the temp agency specifically about their "return to work" or "medical accommodation" programs when you first meet with them. Many agencies have specialized coordinators who work specifically with people who have medical restrictions. They often have a better understanding of which client companies are most accommodating and which types of positions work best for different limitations. Also, don't overlook smaller local temp agencies - they sometimes have more flexibility and personal attention than the bigger national chains. I found my current placement through a small agency that really took the time to understand my specific needs and matched me perfectly with a desk job that I can handle despite my limitations. The whole gig work trap that others mentioned is so real - I almost fell into it myself before learning about the SDI contribution requirements. Really glad this thread exists to help people avoid that mistake!

This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I was literally about to sign up for Instacart today thinking it would solve my earnings requirement problem. Thank god I found this discussion first. The breakdown about 1099 vs W-2 work and SDI contributions is something I never would have figured out on my own - the EDD website really doesn't make this clear at all. I'm going to start calling temp agencies tomorrow, focusing on the ones mentioned here like Kelly Services, Manpower, and Adecco. The idea of having specialized return-to-work coordinators sounds perfect for my situation. I have some mobility limitations from a back injury, so having someone who understands medical accommodations will be huge. Also planning to look into the Department of Rehabilitation and One-Stop Career Centers that were mentioned. It's amazing how many resources are out there that I had no clue about. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences - this community is invaluable for navigating these confusing systems!

As a new community member and healthcare provider who's been lurking here for a while, I have to say this thread is absolutely golden! I'm just starting my own practice and was dreading having to figure out the EDD medical certification process, but reading through everyone's experiences has made it seem so much more manageable. The combination of step-by-step instructions, insider tips from former EDD staff, and real-world workflow suggestions is exactly what I needed. I'm especially grateful for the warnings about timing (that 10-day window!) and the emphasis on specific, objective medical language in documentation. I'm definitely going to implement the tracking spreadsheet idea and bookmark all the resources mentioned here. It's incredible how this community comes together to help each other navigate these complex systems - thank you all for making what seemed like an insurmountable challenge feel completely doable!

As a newcomer to this community and someone who's just beginning to handle EDD medical certifications, I want to add my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this incredibly comprehensive discussion! Reading through all these responses has been like getting mentorship from seasoned professionals. I'm particularly struck by how many practical details have been shared - from the specific navigation steps to the insider knowledge about timing and documentation requirements. The emphasis on being prepared for both SDI and PFL claims, maintaining detailed records, and building relationships with EDD support staff shows how thoughtful and experienced this community is. I'm planning to implement several suggestions right away, especially the tracking spreadsheet and the tip about verifying claim types upfront. It's reassuring to know that while the learning curve is steep, there's such a supportive network here to help navigate these challenges. Thank you all for making what initially seemed like an overwhelming process feel much more manageable!