


Ask the community...
I'm so sorry everyone is going through these ID.me verification nightmares! I just went through this exact same issue last month for my fibromyalgia disability claim and it was absolutely brutal. What finally worked for me was a combination of several tips I'm seeing mentioned here: I used my laptop instead of my phone, cleared all browser data first, used Chrome in incognito mode, and most importantly - when the automated system failed the second time, I immediately went for the Trusted Referee video call option instead of banging my head against the wall trying to make the broken automated system work. The wait was about 45 minutes but the person was actually helpful and understanding about the technical issues. The whole thing is such a cruel irony - making disabled people who are already struggling jump through these impossible technical hoops just to access benefits we need to survive. Stay strong everyone, and don't let this broken system defeat you!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Marcus! As someone who's completely new to this whole disability benefits process, it's both reassuring and terrifying to see how many people have dealt with these same ID.me issues. I'm currently trying to file for my first SDI claim due to severe anxiety and panic disorder, and just reading about all these technical problems is already triggering my anxiety about the whole process. But seeing that people do eventually get through it gives me hope! I'm definitely taking notes on all these tips - incognito mode, different devices, going straight to Trusted Referee after one or two failures. It's absolutely ridiculous that the system is designed so poorly, especially for people who are already dealing with health issues that make technology frustrating. Thank you for emphasizing not to give up - I really needed to hear that today.
I'm so grateful I found this thread! I'm currently stuck in the same ID.me verification nightmare for my disability claim due to chronic fatigue syndrome. Been trying for 4 days now and keep getting error messages or system crashes right when I think I'm making progress. The worst part is having to start completely over each time because nothing saves! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about using incognito mode or switching devices, and I definitely didn't know about the Trusted Referee option. It's both comforting and infuriating to see how widespread this problem is. The fact that people with disabilities have to fight through such a broken system just to access benefits we desperately need is honestly cruel. I'm going to try the tablet + incognito mode combo tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work I'll go straight to the Trusted Referee like so many of you successfully did. Thank you Owen for the detailed update showing there's light at the end of this tunnel, and thanks to everyone else for sharing your solutions. This community support means everything when dealing with such a frustrating process!
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this same ID.me nightmare, Mateo! Chronic fatigue makes everything so much harder, and having to repeatedly start over with the verification process must be absolutely exhausting. I'm actually pretty new to this community myself but have been following this thread closely as someone who's about to start my own disability claim process. The fact that you have to waste precious energy fighting a broken system when you're already struggling with fatigue is just infuriating. Definitely try that tablet + incognito mode combo - it seems to work for a lot of people here. And don't feel bad about going straight to the Trusted Referee option if the automated system fails even once. From what everyone's shared, the human verification route saves so much time and frustration compared to repeatedly battling the broken automated system. Hang in there - this thread proves that people do eventually get through it, and you will too!
I'm in the same boat, OP. Been trying to fix an issue with my claim for weeks now. The whole system needs a major overhaul. 🤦♂️
I had a similar issue last week! What helped me was using an incognito/private browsing window and making sure I wasn't using any browser extensions that might interfere. Also, try submitting during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) when there's less traffic on the site. The EDD system seems to get overwhelmed during busy times. If you're still stuck after trying the technical fixes others mentioned, you might want to visit a local One-Stop Career Center - they sometimes have staff who can help with online applications. Don't give up, you'll get through this! 💪
Pro tip: if you're having trouble getting your payment, try reaching out to your local assembly member's office. They can sometimes expedite things with EDD. Worked for me!
Hey @Mei Lin, I went through something similar last month. First thing I'd recommend is logging into your UI Online account and checking if there are any "pending issues" or flags on your claim. Sometimes they put a hold without sending proper notification. Also check if you have any outstanding certification weeks - that's a common cause of delays. If everything looks clear on your end, definitely try the assembly member route that @Connor O'Neill mentioned. It's free and actually works faster than trying to get through to EDD directly. Hang in there, these payment hiccups usually resolve within 1-2 weeks once you get the right person to look at your case!
@Roger Romero this is really helpful! I didn t'know about the assembly member option - that sounds way better than trying to call EDD 50 times a day. Quick question: do you just call their office directly or is there a specific process to follow? I m'dealing with the same payment delay issue and getting pretty frustrated with the whole system.
As someone who's completely new to both this community and the entire SDI process, this thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! I'm just starting my own disability claim and honestly had no clue about any of these complexities around medical form submissions. Keisha's experience really shows how important it is to trust your instincts when something doesn't feel right - even when medical professionals seem confident about their approach. What's particularly eye-opening is learning how common it seems to be for healthcare offices to not fully understand EDD's submission requirements, especially with new staff handling these forms. This makes me realize I need to have a very thorough conversation with my doctor about the proper procedures before we even start the paperwork process. I'm definitely taking notes on all the practical advice shared here about certified mail, documentation, and follow-up steps. Thank you to everyone for sharing such detailed real-world experiences - both the successes and the challenges. Having access to this kind of knowledge makes navigating these government processes feel so much less intimidating for newcomers like me!
Welcome to the community! I'm also completely new to SDI and this thread has been such a learning experience. What really stands out to me is how Keisha's willingness to question the initial guidance and advocate for herself made all the difference. It's honestly pretty concerning to learn that even medical offices handling these forms regularly can be unclear on the proper procedures, but it's also reassuring to know that we can educate ourselves and push for the correct process. Your point about having that thorough conversation with your doctor upfront is exactly what I'm planning to do too - it seems like being proactive is so much better than having to fix problems later. The practical tips everyone has shared here are invaluable, especially about certified mail and follow-up procedures. Thanks for sharing your perspective as another newcomer - it's really helpful to know others are taking the time to understand these processes thoroughly before jumping in!
As someone completely new to the SDI process, this entire thread has been incredibly valuable! I'm just beginning my own disability claim journey and had no idea about all these complexities around medical certification submissions. Keisha's story really demonstrates the importance of questioning things when they don't seem right and advocating for yourself, even when medical professionals appear confident. What's particularly concerning is learning how common it seems to be for healthcare offices to not fully understand EDD submission requirements - it makes me realize I need to have a very detailed discussion with my doctor about the proper procedures before we even complete any forms. I'm definitely taking notes on all the practical advice shared here about certified mail, keeping copies, and following up with EDD. The range of experiences from successful self-submissions to month-long delays really shows why getting this right the first time is so important. Thank you to everyone for sharing both your successes and challenges - having access to these real-world experiences makes navigating the SDI process feel much less overwhelming for newcomers like me!
Ravi Choudhury
I just went through this process a few months ago for my shoulder injury claim! The independent medical exam really isn't as scary as it seems. Here's what I wish someone had told me beforehand: The doctor will likely spend time reviewing all your medical records before examining you, so make sure everything is organized and complete. They asked me detailed questions about how my injury affects my work duties specifically - like can I lift, reach overhead, type for extended periods, etc. One thing that surprised me was they asked about my sleep quality and how pain affects my rest. Apparently that's a big factor in determining functional capacity for work. Also be prepared for questions about what household tasks you can/can't do - cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. The physical exam was thorough but respectful of my limitations. They tested strength, range of motion, and watched how I moved naturally. The whole appointment took about 45 minutes. Most importantly - if you're legitimately injured and following your doctor's treatment plan, you have nothing to worry about. These exams are really just to verify that your disability is ongoing and that you're not able to perform your job duties. My benefits continued without any interruption, and the process actually gave me peace of mind knowing everything was properly documented. Stay calm and just be honest about your limitations. You've got this!
0 coins
Aisha Abdullah
•Thank you for sharing your experience! The detail about sleep quality is really interesting - I hadn't considered that they'd ask about that aspect. My pain definitely disrupts my sleep significantly, especially when I try to change positions at night. It's reassuring to hear that your benefits continued smoothly after the exam. Did they give you any timeline for when you'd hear back about their decision, or did you just continue receiving payments as normal until you heard otherwise?
0 coins
Alexis Renard
I went through this same process for my herniated disc claim about 6 months ago, so I totally understand your anxiety! The fact that EDD is requesting an IME isn't necessarily a red flag - it's actually pretty standard for back injury claims that extend beyond the initial timeframe, especially when surgery is being considered. A few things that helped me prepare: - Bring photos or videos of any mobility aids you use at home (grab bars, special pillows, etc.) even if you don't bring the actual items - Write down specific examples of work tasks you can't perform - for me it was prolonged sitting, lifting patient files, and standing for rounds - Be prepared to explain how your pain medications affect your ability to work safely (drowsiness, cognitive effects, etc.) The examiner asked me a lot about "good days vs bad days" - they understand that back injuries fluctuate, so don't worry about explaining that some days are more manageable than others. They're looking for an honest picture of your overall functional capacity. My exam took about 30 minutes and my benefits continued without interruption. The decision came through about a week later with no changes to my claim. The doctor was actually pretty sympathetic and seemed to understand the complexity of herniated disc recovery. Try not to stress too much - if your orthopedist supports your claim and you're actively pursuing treatment, you should be fine. Just be honest about your limitations and you'll get through this!
0 coins