I've been dealing with E311 for about 3 weeks now and finally got some clarity from a rep I reached after calling literally 47 times (yes, I counted 😅). According to her, E311 specifically means there's a "data mismatch" in their system - basically your account info doesn't match what they have on file from Social Security or your employer. She told me to fax (yes, FAX in 2024!) a copy of my driver's license and Social Security card to their verification department. The fax number is 916-464-3180. It's supposed to take 7-10 business days to process. Still waiting on mine, but at least I know what the error actually means now. Hope this helps someone!

OMG thank you @Darcy Moore for actually getting through and getting real answers! 47 calls is dedication 💪 The data mismatch explanation makes so much sense - I bet that's exactly what's happening with mine too. Quick question though - when you fax those documents, do you need to include any specific reference number or case ID? And did they give you any kind of confirmation that they received the fax? I'm worried about sending sensitive docs into the void and having no way to track if they got them. Also going to start my own call counter today... wish me luck! 📞

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got married last month and changed my name, and I've been getting that E311 error constantly. Reading through all these responses is super helpful - I had no idea there were so many steps involved. It sounds like I need to get my SSA records updated first, then do the DE 1101 form, AND make sure my employer has everything updated too. This is way more complicated than I expected! Has anyone had success just waiting it out, or do you really need to be proactive about updating everything manually? I'm hoping there's a way to avoid the whole runaround but it doesn't sound like it 😩

I went through this exact same situation when I got married 6 months ago! The E311 error is so frustrating but totally fixable. Here's what I learned: you HAVE to update your info in the right order or it won't work. First - Social Security Administration (this is crucial!), then wait 2-3 weeks, then EDD. I also had to update my info with my previous employer's payroll department because my W-2 still had my maiden name. The whole process took about a month but once everything was synced up, the error disappeared. Don't try to skip steps or do them out of order - I learned that the hard way! Also keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. The paperwork trail will save you if anything gets lost in their system. Hang in there, you'll get through this! 🤗

Protip: If you're having trouble with the online system, try using a different browser. Chrome seems to work best for me.

Just wanted to add my experience to this thread! I recently made the SDI to PFL transition and here are a few things I wish I had known: • You can actually overlap the applications slightly - I applied for PFL about 10 days before my SDI ended and there was no gap in payments • The weekly benefit amount might be slightly different due to how they calculate it, but it's usually within $10-20 of your SDI amount • Make sure your employer knows you're switching from SDI to PFL - they might need to update their records • If you're using direct deposit, the account info carries over automatically which is nice Also, regarding the documents @Emma Johnson mentioned - for adoption cases like @Finley Garrett asked about, you'll need either the adoption decree or placement documentation from the agency. Birth certificates are only needed for biological children. Hope this helps someone! The transition was way less stressful than I expected once I got the timing right.

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! I just joined this community after spending the last month in EDD phone hell with my SDI claim. Like everyone else here, I've been calling constantly with zero success - just endless busy signals, hour-long hold times that end in disconnections, and complete frustration. I had absolutely no idea that contacting your state assembly representative was even an option for EDD issues! Reading through all these success stories - Eva getting help in under 24 hours, Yara's 48-hour resolution, and everyone else's quick turnarounds - is honestly the first real hope I've had in weeks. It's amazing how this solution isn't more widely publicized given how broken the regular EDD system clearly is. I just used that findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov website to locate my representative and I'm definitely calling their district office first thing Monday morning. My disability payments are my only source of income right now and I'm already behind on several bills waiting for this claim to process. Thank you so much to everyone who shared their experiences and especially those who came back with updates on what actually worked. This community is providing real solutions that are helping people survive financially. I'll absolutely report back with my results to hopefully help the next person who finds this thread in desperation like I did!

I'm new to this community but had to create an account just to share my experience after reading this amazing thread! I've been dealing with my own SDI claim disaster for the past 5 weeks - my claim has been stuck in "pending" status and I've literally called EDD over 300 times (yes, I've been keeping count out of pure frustration). The phone system is absolutely useless - I either get busy signals, wait on hold for 2-3 hours just to get disconnected, or on the rare occasion I get through, the rep says they "can't access" my file. Reading through everyone's success stories with the assembly representative route is genuinely giving me hope for the first time in over a month! I had zero clue this was even possible. Like everyone else, I thought state reps only handled major political issues, not individual cases like ours. The fact that so many people here got results in 24-48 hours while I've been stuck in this nightmare for over a month is both incredibly encouraging and infuriating. I just looked up my assembly member using that website everyone mentioned and I'm calling their district office first thing tomorrow morning. My disability benefits are literally my lifeline right now since I can't work, and I'm already facing eviction notices because I haven't been able to pay rent. This community is absolutely incredible for sharing real solutions that actually work instead of just venting about problems. Thank you to Eva, Yara, Ali, and everyone else who took the time to document what worked and came back with updates - you're literally helping people keep roofs over their heads. I promise to report back with my results to keep this chain of success stories going for the next person who desperately needs help!

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis, but you're definitely on the right track asking about SDI benefits. I went through this exact situation with my testicular cancer treatment in 2023. Here's what I wish I had known: 1. Apply online through SDI Online the moment you have a confirmed treatment start date - don't wait until your last day of work. The system can start processing while you're still getting paid. 2. Make sure your oncologist understands that the medical certification needs to be VERY specific about your functional limitations. Don't just say "cancer treatment" - specify things like "severe fatigue preventing ability to stand/walk for retail duties," "nausea interfering with customer service," "immunocompromised status making public contact unsafe," etc. 3. Ask your doctor to estimate the full treatment duration upfront if possible. Mine certified me for 5 months initially, which saved me from constant recertification stress. 4. You'll get roughly 60-70% of your wages (there's a weekly maximum), and they backdate to when your disability began minus the 7-day waiting period. 5. Keep screenshots of everything and save all documents - EDD's system can be glitchy. Cancer claims typically get approved faster than other conditions because the medical necessity is clear. Mine was processed in 6 business days. You've got this - focus on your treatment and let SDI handle the financial support. That's literally what we pay into it for! 💪❤️

I'm so sorry to hear about your breast cancer diagnosis, but you're absolutely asking the right questions. As someone who went through this process with my lymphoma treatment in 2022, I can tell you that yes, you are definitely eligible for SDI benefits during chemotherapy. Here are some key things that helped make my process smoother: 1. **Apply immediately once you have your treatment schedule** - Don't wait until your last day of work. You can file online through SDI Online, and the 7-day waiting period starts from when you file, not when you stop working. 2. **Be very specific with your doctor about job duties** - Since you work retail, make sure your oncologist details how chemo side effects (fatigue, nausea, immune suppression, "chemo brain") specifically prevent you from standing for long periods, handling money accurately, lifting inventory, and safely interacting with customers. 3. **Ask for extended certification upfront** - Try to get your oncologist to certify you for the full 4+ months of treatment initially, rather than having to recertify every few weeks. 4. **Document everything** - Keep copies of all forms, screenshot your online claim status, and save any correspondence with EDD. Most cancer-related SDI claims are approved within 7-14 days since the medical necessity is clear. You'll receive about 60-70% of your wages, backdated to when your disability began (minus the waiting period). Also check with your retail employer's HR about any employee assistance programs or supplemental disability benefits - many companies have resources they don't always advertise. You've got this! Focus on your treatment and healing - the financial support will be there. That's exactly what SDI is designed for. Sending you strength! 💪❤️