
California Disability
CommunityGovernment Services


Ask the community...
Hey everyone, I'm having trouble setting up my Paid Family Leave claim. I keep getting error e324 on the claimant registration page of the CA EDD portal. I'm trying to start my leave to bond with my new foster children, but this error is stopping me from moving forward. I've already checked and can successfully log into both my EDD portal and ID.me accounts. It's just this next step that's got me stuck. Has anyone else run into this issue or know how to fix it?
I'm in a really confusing situation and desperately need advice! Last Tuesday, I went to work and told my manager I needed to start medical leave (I have a serious back condition that requires surgery). He told me to go to HR with my paperwork. When I went to HR with my doctor's note, they handed me termination papers saying my position was being eliminated due to 'restructuring' - literally the same day I submitted my medical leave request! My doctor has certified me for 6 months of medical leave on the DE 2501 form. I'm completely lost about what benefits to apply for. Should I file for disability since I have medical certification and genuinely can't work? Or unemployment since I was technically fired? Would the unemployment department even approve me when I can't physically work? Has anyone dealt with anything similar? I'm panicking about how to pay my mortgage while recovering.
One more thing - when you're eventually recovered enough to work (hopefully sooner than 6 months!), THAT'S when you can apply for unemployment if you haven't found a new job yet. You'll need your doctor to certify you're able to work again. It's a transition from SDI to UI that many people don't know about. Just make sure when you certify for UI you're genuinely able to work.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this situation - the timing of your termination is extremely suspicious and you're right to feel overwhelmed. Based on everything you've shared, you should definitely apply for SDI immediately. You have valid medical certification from your doctor stating you cannot work, which is the key requirement for disability benefits. A few important points: - Don't let HR's suggestion to file for unemployment confuse you - they may not understand the benefits system or could be trying to shift costs away from potential legal liability - Your termination doesn't disqualify you from SDI since the benefits are based on your medical condition, not employment status - The fact that your medical condition and doctor's certification preceded the termination actually strengthens your position File your SDI claim online at EDD's website using your DE 2501 form. Don't wait - there's a 49-day deadline from when your disability began. You can also explore the potential legal issues separately, but getting your benefits secured should be your immediate priority. Wishing you a smooth recovery and resolution to this mess!
Just started a new job after my disability period and I'm confused about my SDI supplemental certification. My original return-to-work date with my previous employer was 4/10/2025, but I had to leave that job permanently due to my ongoing health issues (not severe enough to stay on disability, but too demanding for my condition). I found a more accommodating position that started 4/11/2025. My supplemental certification is due 5/1/2025 - do I need to file a completely new claim since I've switched employers? Or should I just complete the supplemental form from my previous claim? I don't want to mess anything up and have to repay benefits or get flagged for fraud. The EDD website isn't clear about switching jobs right after disability ends. Has anyone been in this situation?
I just went through this exact process in February! Just fill out the supplemental form accurately, and make sure your doctor has submitted their final certification confirming your disability end date. The supplemental form is mostly to verify you didn't return to work EARLIER than expected (which would mean EDD overpaid you) or LATER than expected (which might mean you're owed additional benefits). In my case, everything processed smoothly once I submitted the supplemental certification. My claim was closed properly and I had no issues. Just make sure all dates match what your doctor certified.
As someone who's navigated the EDD disability system multiple times, I can confirm what others have said - you're handling this correctly! The key thing to remember is that your supplemental certification is just closing out your existing claim, not starting anything new. Since your disability legitimately ended on 4/10 as your doctor certified, and you returned to work on 4/11 (just with a different employer), you're in compliance. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned - if your new job offers better accommodations for your chronic condition, you might want to document this transition in case you ever need to apply for disability benefits again in the future. Having a clear record of why you changed jobs (health-related accommodations) could be helpful context for any future claims. Also, don't stress too much about EDD contacting your new employer. They're primarily focused on ensuring you weren't working while claiming benefits, which clearly wasn't the case since your disability ended before you started the new job. Complete that supplemental form accurately by 5/1 and you should be all set!
I'm at my breaking point with EDD! My disability claim was approved in early January 2025, but I've received ZERO payments since then. After calling 45+ times over three months, I finally got through yesterday. The rep casually mentioned they need more verification documents - but get this - they never sent me ANY notification about this! Nothing in the mail, no messages in my SDI Online account, nothing by email. They're now asking for my last year's tax documents, government ID, and 7 months of paystubs from my previous employer. The worst part? They insist everything must be MAILED, not uploaded to the portal. When I asked why I wasn't notified about these requirements, the rep just said 'the system doesn't always generate notices' - are you kidding me?! I've been struggling to pay rent and buy groceries for months waiting for money that was supposedly approved. I offered my IRS transcript since I don't have my W-2 readily available, but they're being difficult. My doctor confirmed my disability status months ago. At what point should I get an attorney involved? This feels deliberately obstructive.
That's an interesting point. I was laid off from my last job just before my disability began (health issues started, then got worse after the layoff). I wonder if that's complicating things. I'll try to contact my former employer's HR department tomorrow to see if they've received any verification requests from EDD.
I went through this exact same nightmare last year! The lack of communication from EDD is absolutely infuriating. Here's what I wish I had known earlier: when you mail those documents, send them to BOTH the regular PO Box AND directly to the SDI office address (you can find it on their website). Also, include a cover letter listing every single document you're sending with your claim number on each page. I made copies of everything and kept detailed records of when I sent what. The assembly member route that Lincoln mentioned is GOLD - my local rep's office got my payments moving in under a week after months of runaround. Also, while you're waiting, see if your county has emergency rental assistance programs. Many are specifically for people dealing with benefit delays. You shouldn't have to choose between rent and food because of their broken system. Keep fighting - you WILL get your money, but unfortunately you have to become a squeaky wheel to make it happen.
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle with my disability benefits. I submitted the continuing eligibility questionnaire (DE 2593) over a month ago, but I haven't received any benefits since mid-August. I've been on disability since May. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice on how to get through to EDD and resolve this issue?
PSA: If anyone else is struggling with this, there's a Facebook group called 'EDD Unemployment Help' that's been super helpful for me. Lots of people sharing tips and updates.
I'm going through something similar right now! Been waiting since late August after submitting my DE 2593. What's really frustrating is that there's no clear timeline they give you - you just have to wait and hope. I've been checking my online account daily but the status hasn't changed. Has anyone had luck with sending a follow-up message through the online portal, or does that just create more delays? Really hoping we can all get this sorted out soon!
Avery Davis
OP, any luck yet? Keep us posted!
0 coins
Aidan Percy
AuthorStill working on it. Tried a bunch of the suggestions here but no breakthrough yet. Might have to bite the bullet and use that calling service someone mentioned...
0 coins
Jamal Wilson
I actually had the exact same e324 error when trying to set up my PFL claim last month! What finally worked for me was going into my ID.me account and making sure ALL my personal information matched EXACTLY what was on file with EDD - down to middle initials, address formatting, everything. Even tiny discrepancies can trigger that error. Also try logging out of both accounts completely, waiting about 30 minutes, then logging back in. The system seems to need time to sync sometimes. Hope this helps and congrats on your new family members! 🎉
0 coins
Omar Zaki
This is super helpful! I hadn't thought about checking if there were any tiny mismatches between my ID.me and EDD info. Going to go through both accounts line by line and make sure everything is identical. The 30-minute wait tip is interesting too - makes sense that the systems might need time to sync up. Thanks for sharing what worked for you! 🙏
0 coins