Good luck with your surgery! Hope recovery goes smoothly. Take care!

Just wanted to add that you should also consider the timing of when to file your SDI claim. I'd recommend filing it about a week before your surgery date so there's time for initial processing. The 7-day waiting period starts from when your doctor certifies you as disabled (usually the surgery date), not when you file the claim. Also, keep copies of everything you submit - the medical certification, your application, any correspondence. If there are any issues or delays, having your own records makes it much easier to resolve problems. I learned this the hard way when my claim got stuck in processing for weeks and I had to re-submit documents that supposedly got "lost in the system.

I'm really sorry you're going through this health situation. As someone who's navigated similar challenges with gig work, I wanted to add a few suggestions that might help: 1. **Contact 211** - Dial 2-1-1 for free referrals to local resources including emergency financial assistance, food banks, and utility payment help. They often know about programs that aren't widely advertised. 2. **Medical bill assistance** - If you're accumulating medical expenses, ask your healthcare providers about payment plans or financial hardship programs. Many hospitals and clinics have programs to reduce or waive costs for people experiencing temporary income loss. 3. **Consider reaching out to rideshare driver communities** - There are Facebook groups and online forums specifically for Lyft/Uber drivers where people share resources and sometimes even organize mutual aid for drivers facing hardships. 4. **Local churches and community organizations** - Even if you're not religious, many churches and community centers offer emergency assistance regardless of affiliation. The fact that you have proper medical documentation from your doctor is really important - keep copies of everything as you explore different assistance programs. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

I'm going through something similar right now - been driving for Uber for about 18 months and recently developed anxiety issues that make it really difficult to handle traffic and aggressive passengers. It's so frustrating that we don't have the same safety net as regular employees even though we're working just as hard (if not harder). One thing I discovered is that some credit unions and banks offer short-term personal loans specifically for medical emergencies or temporary income loss. The interest rates aren't great but it might help cover essentials while you recover. Also, if you have any regular passengers who know you well, some drivers have had luck with temporary side gigs that don't require driving - like virtual assistant work or online tutoring. Really hope you find some relief soon and that the new treatments work for your migraines. The stress of financial uncertainty definitely doesn't help with health issues.

hey just checking in - did u have ur exam yet? how did it go?

Glad to hear your exam went well! That's such a relief that the doctor was professional and thorough. The fact that you're still getting payments is definitely a good sign. Hopefully his report comes back positive and you can put this whole stressful situation behind you. Thanks for updating us - it really helps to know how these things actually play out in real life!

they did this to me last year too! the whole system is broken honestly

Wow, what a rollercoaster! I'm so relieved you got this resolved, Olivia. Your story really highlights how broken the EDD system can be - it's ridiculous that approved claims can just vanish from the portal without any notification. I'm bookmarking this thread because the advice about calling right at 8am, contacting state reps, and using services like Claimyr could be invaluable if I ever face a similar situation. It's honestly shameful that people have to jump through so many hoops just to get the benefits they're legally entitled to. Hopefully your experience helps other folks who find themselves in the same nightmare situation!

btw i think the confusion is cuz workers comp, ssi and private disability insurance all have diff tax rules than SDI. google "publication 15a" from irs it explains all this tax stuff. most ppl dont realize state disability is taxed federally

I'm really sorry you're going through this surprise tax situation! As a newcomer here, I wanted to share that I just went through something similar. I also received SDI benefits last year and was shocked when I got the 1099G. What helped me was using a tax calculator online to estimate what I'd owe before filing, so I could prepare mentally and financially. Also, if you're using tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, they usually walk you through setting up payment plans right during the filing process, which saves you from dealing with IRS notices later. The community here seems really knowledgeable about these SDI tax issues - I wish I'd found this group earlier in my disability journey!