Based on my experience with CA disability claims, if your original disability claim is still within the 52-week benefit period, you should try to extend your existing claim first. This is usually easier and faster than starting a new claim. You'll need your doctor to complete the DE 2525XX form (Physician/Practitioner's Supplementary Certificate) to extend your disability period. If it's been over a year since your original claim started, then you'd need to file a new claim. Contact EDD directly to confirm which option applies to your specific timeline - they can tell you if your original claim is still active and extendable.

I went through something similar last year! The key is definitely timing - if you're still within that 52-week window from your original disability claim start date, extending is much smoother than filing new. Make sure your doctor is specific about the medical necessity for the extension on the DE 2525XX form. EDD can be picky about the documentation. Also, keep all your paperwork from both the original disability and PFL claims handy when you call - they'll likely ask for reference numbers and dates. Good luck!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - postpartum depression is incredibly difficult and you're brave for seeking help. I went through something similar with my second child. Just wanted to add a couple things that helped me navigate the process: 1. When filing online, take screenshots of each step as you complete it. The system sometimes glitches and you don't want to lose your progress. 2. If your doctor isn't familiar with EDD forms, you might want to give them a heads up about what specific information EDD needs. Some providers haven't dealt with SDI claims before and might need guidance on the medical certification requirements. 3. Consider asking your doctor's office to submit the medical portion electronically if they can - it's usually faster than mailing paper forms. The waiting period and paperwork stress is real, but focus on getting the treatment you need. Your mental health is the priority here. Sending you support during this tough time! 💙

I'm going through something very similar right now - had my baby in October and thought I was doing fine until about 6 weeks ago when the depression really hit hard. Just wanted to share that I filed my new SDI claim last week and it was approved within 5 days! The key things that helped me were: 1) My doctor was very specific about it being postpartum depression related to my pregnancy (used the F53.0 code that others mentioned), 2) I filed everything online through SDI Online which was much faster, and 3) I made sure to indicate it was pregnancy-related when filling out the application. The hardest part for me was the 7-day waiting period when you're already struggling financially, but hang in there - it does get processed pretty quickly once you have all the right documentation. Also, don't feel guilty about needing this time - postpartum depression is a real medical condition and you deserve support. Wishing you all the best! ❤️

I'm dealing with something really similar right now! My payments also stopped before I actually went back to work, and it's been such a nightmare trying to get anyone on the phone. Reading through all these responses is actually giving me hope though - especially the assembly member suggestion and the timeline document idea. It's crazy how many of us are going through the exact same system glitch. @Skylar Neal, definitely try that assembly member route that @Leo McDonald mentioned - seems like that's been the most successful approach for people. And document everything with screenshots like others have said! We shouldn't have to become experts at navigating broken government systems, but here we are. Solidarity! 😤✊

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work in a related field and see these kinds of system glitches pretty regularly. The gap between your payment end date (10/31) and actual return to work (11/11) is definitely a red flag that something went wrong on their end. One thing I'd suggest in addition to all the great advice here is to request a "payment history" or "claim detail" report from your online account if you haven't already. Sometimes this will show you exactly where the system flagged your claim or stopped processing. Also, when you do get through to someone (whether by phone or through your assembly member), ask them to put a "priority flag" or "escalation" on your case - this helps ensure it doesn't get lost in the shuffle again. The system errors are frustrating but they are fixable! Keep pushing and document everything. You've got this! 💪

I'm in a very similar situation right now! My doctor submitted my certification about a week ago and I'm also getting really anxious about the wait time. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - it sounds like anywhere from 7-15 business days is normal, but that's such a wide range when you're counting every day until bills are due. I really appreciate everyone being so open about their timelines and experiences. It helps to know that the back pay will cover everything from day 8 of disability, even if the processing takes longer than expected. The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part - especially when you're already dealing with the stress of recovering from an injury. Has anyone found that certain days of the week are better for calling EDD, or does it not really matter? I might try the Claimyr service that Grace mentioned if I can't get through by regular phone calls. At this point I just want to know if my claim is progressing normally or if there are any issues I need to address.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of recovering from back surgery. I went through something similar last year and the waiting period is absolutely brutal when you're worried about basic expenses like rent. From my experience and what I've seen from others, once your doctor's certification shows as "received" in your SDI account, you're typically looking at 7-14 business days for processing and payment. Since yours was received on Monday, I'd expect to see something by the end of next week or early the week after. The good news is that you'll get back pay from day 8 of your disability period (after the 7-day waiting period), so even though the wait is stressful, you won't lose any money you're entitled to. I know that doesn't help with immediate bills, but at least you know it's coming. Given that your rent is due soon, I'd strongly recommend reaching out to your landlord today to explain the situation. Most landlords appreciate proactive communication rather than being surprised on the due date. You might also want to look into local emergency rental assistance programs in your area - many counties have funds specifically for situations like this. If you haven't gotten any updates by early next week, definitely try calling or consider using that Claimyr service others mentioned to get through to an actual person who can check your claim status. Hang in there - you're through the hardest part (the surgery) and the payment will come!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with my shoulder injury. One thing that helped me was calling EDD's SDI line early in the morning (like 8:00 AM sharp when they open) - I had much better luck getting through than calling later in the day. Also, when you talk to your orthopedist about the updated certification, ask them to be really detailed about your limitations. Mine wrote something like "patient cannot lift over 5 lbs, cannot work overhead, cannot operate heavy machinery" which was way more specific than just saying I needed more recovery time. The more detailed they are about why you can't do construction work, the better. Good luck - the whole process is stressful but it sounds like you're getting good advice here!

I went through this exact situation with my knee surgery last year! The most important thing is to NOT wait until your benefits are about to expire. Contact your doctor immediately and ask them to submit an updated medical certification (form DE 2501) showing you need more recovery time. Here's what worked for me: I called my doctor's office and explained the urgency, then I personally picked up the completed form and faxed it to EDD myself rather than waiting for the office to mail it. This prevented any delays. Also, when you do get through to EDD (try calling right at 8 AM when they open), ask them to note in your file that you've submitted updated medical documentation. Get the rep's name and a confirmation number if possible. The good news is that if everything is processed on time, there shouldn't be a gap in your payments. But definitely start this process at least 2-3 weeks before your current certification expires. Don't stress too much - extensions for ongoing medical conditions are pretty routine as long as your doctor supports the need for more time off.