I've been dealing with E324 errors for weeks now and what finally worked for me was a combination of things: 1) Used incognito/private browsing mode, 2) Disabled all browser extensions, 3) Tried submitting around 6 AM when server load is lighter, and 4) Made sure my address matched EXACTLY what's on file with Social Security (including apartment number format). The address thing was key - even having "Apt 5" instead of "#5" can trigger this error. If none of that works, calling first thing Monday morning at 8 AM sharp gives you the best shot at getting through. Good luck!

I ran into this exact same E324 error last year and it drove me absolutely crazy! After trying everything mentioned here (different browsers, clearing cache, calling for hours), what finally solved it for me was logging into my EDD account and updating my security questions. Apparently if your security info is outdated or incomplete, it can trigger this error even though the system doesn't tell you that's the problem. Also, make sure your phone number on file is current - I had an old number that was causing issues. Once I updated everything in my profile settings, the E324 error disappeared and I could submit my claim normally. Worth a shot if nothing else is working!

Just wanted to share my recent experience with this! I actually did both - started with printing the DE 2501 form at home but then my case worker suggested switching to the online application midway through. Here's what I learned: the printed forms work fine, but if you're tech-savvy at all, the online system really is worth it. You get instant confirmation that everything was submitted correctly, and you can track your claim status in real-time. Plus, if there are any missing pieces of info, they'll flag it immediately instead of you finding out weeks later. That said, if your doctor is more comfortable with paper forms, don't stress - the printed version absolutely works. Just make sure you get delivery confirmation when you mail it so you know EDD received it!

Hey Mason! I just went through this process a few weeks ago and wanted to share what worked for me. I printed the DE 2501 form at home and had zero issues - EDD accepted it without any problems. Here's my step-by-step: 1) Go to EDD's website and search for "DE 2501 Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits" 2) Make sure you're downloading the 2025 version 3) Print on regular white paper in black ink only 4) Fill out Part A completely, then take it to your doctor for Part B 5) Mail it with tracking/delivery confirmation to your county's SDI office. The whole process took about 2.5 weeks from mailing to first payment. Don't stress about not having the "official" forms - the printed ones work just fine! The barcode thing some people mention only affects processing time by maybe a day or two at most.

I went through this exact nightmare about 6 months ago! My PFL claim completely vanished along with all my correspondence history. It's absolutely terrifying when you're depending on those benefits. Here's what worked for me: First, don't panic - your claim isn't actually gone, it's just hidden due to a system bug. Second, start calling EDD at exactly 8:00 AM when they open. I know everyone says this, but it really does make a difference. Third, when you do get through, use the exact phrase "my claim has been affected by the phantom claim glitch" - this seems to help them understand the technical issue faster. The rep who finally helped me explained that they have to manually "unhide" the claim from their backend system. It took about 10 business days for everything to reappear in my account, but once it did, all my messages and documentation were still there. Also, if you have any text confirmations or emails from when you originally submitted your claim, have those ready - they can help verify your case. Don't let them convince you to start over with a new application! Hang in there - I know it's incredibly stressful, especially when you're trying to bond with your little one. You WILL get this resolved! 💙

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it sounds absolutely terrifying when you're counting on those benefits! I'm a new member here but I've been lurking and reading about similar issues. From what I've gathered from other posts, this "phantom claim" glitch seems to be a real problem that's affecting quite a few people. I haven't personally gone through this yet (still on my first half of bonding leave), but seeing all the detailed advice here is both helpful and concerning. It's reassuring to know that claims can be restored, but frustrating that it seems to require so much persistence and the right terminology to get proper help. Thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences and solutions - this community is such a valuable resource for navigating EDD's complicated system. Amara, I really hope you get through tomorrow morning and can get this resolved quickly! 🤞

Just wanted to share an update - I tried the late-night approach that everyone's been talking about and it actually worked! 🎉 I attempted it at around 2:45 AM using Chrome in incognito mode with all extensions disabled (including my password manager), and after about 3 tries, I was finally able to create my account and start the SDI application. @Liam Mendez you were absolutely right about the timing being crucial - during the day it would fail immediately, but in the early morning hours the system seemed much more stable. I also followed @Jade O'Malley's advice about documenting everything with screenshots, which was helpful. For anyone still struggling with E324, I'd definitely recommend the combination approach: incognito mode + disabled extensions + 2-3 AM timing. It's not guaranteed but seems to have the highest success rate based on what I'm seeing here. Don't give up - this system is definitely broken but there are workarounds! Also totally support the idea of filing complaints with the Department of Consumer Affairs that @NebulaNomad suggested. Even though I got through, the fact that so many people are having to become tech experts just to access basic benefits is unacceptable. We should definitely coordinate that effort! Thanks to everyone in this community for the support and advice - it really made all the difference! 💪

Just found this thread while searching for E324 solutions and wow, what a goldmine of information! I've been battling this error for almost a week now and was starting to think I was going crazy. Reading through everyone's experiences and seeing the success stories like @GalacticGladiator really gives me hope that there's light at the end of this tunnel! I've tried most of the basic troubleshooting steps (different browsers, clearing cache, etc.) but haven't had any luck during normal hours. Based on all the success stories I'm reading here, it sounds like the magic formula is: Chrome incognito mode + all extensions disabled + 2-3 AM timing. I'm definitely going to give this a shot tonight! @Jade O'Malley your comprehensive troubleshooting list is incredible - I've bookmarked it and will work through each step systematically. And @NebulaNomad the Department of Consumer Affairs complaint idea is brilliant. We really should coordinate that effort because this systemic issue affects way too many people. It's both frustrating and comforting to know I'm not alone in this struggle. The fact that we have to become tech support experts just to access basic government services is absolutely ridiculous, but I'm grateful for this community helping each other navigate the broken system. Will definitely report back after my midnight mission tonight. Fingers crossed! 🤞

As someone who went through multiple extensions last year, I can share what I learned the hard way. The key thing is that EDD doesn't proactively notify you about upcoming claim end dates - you absolutely have to track this yourself. I recommend setting reminders on your phone for 3 weeks AND 1 week before your claim expires. Here's what worked for me: I created a simple spreadsheet tracking my claim start/end dates, extension submission dates, and payment schedules. When you're dealing with pain and medical issues, it's easy to lose track of administrative stuff. Also, build a relationship with your doctor's office staff who handle disability paperwork. They often know the EDD system better than the doctors themselves and can help ensure forms are submitted with the right codes (which apparently affects whether you'll need to certify or get automatic payments). One more tip - screenshot your online account regularly, especially when claim details change. I had to prove my payment schedule changed after an extension once and having those screenshots saved me weeks of back-and-forth with EDD. The system is definitely inconsistent, but being organized and proactive helps a lot. Good luck with your knee injury recovery!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My workers comp disability claim is up for extension next month and reading through everyone's experiences here is both helpful and terrifying lol. It sounds like there's no standard process at all. @Luca Conti I'm so glad you were able to get through to someone and get clarity on your situation! The fact that they can switch between certification and automatic payments without really telling you is honestly ridiculous. @Javier Morales your spreadsheet idea is genius - I'm definitely going to set that up this weekend. I've been relying on the EDD website to keep track of my dates but clearly that's not reliable enough. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone had experience with extensions when your doctor is part of a large medical group vs an independent practice? I'm wondering if the way they submit paperwork affects processing times or certification requirements. My doctor is with Kaiser and they seem pretty experienced with disability claims, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Also, for anyone reading this who's new to the process like @NeonNova - definitely start tracking everything from day one. I wish I had started documenting my interactions with EDD earlier because now I'm trying to piece together what happened when.