Confused about EDD SDI extension process - doctor extended my claim but I can't find link to continue

Did u call EDD about this??? Sometimes the website is glitchy and the forms don't show up right. I had somthing similar happen and had to call 10+ times to even get through!!

This happened to me last month! If you're extending within the same benefit year and for the same medical condition, you shouldn't need to file a completely new claim. Your doctor submitting the extension certification should be enough. Sometimes the system shows that message about filing an extension form but it's actually already processing based on your doctor's submission.

The way EDD works with extensions vs. new claims is super confusing. From what I understand, since you went from SDI to PFL and back to SDI, the system might be treating this as a new period even though it's the same claim year. I think you DO need to submit something on your end, but the link isn't showing up for some reason. Typical EDD tech issues...

I experienced the same issue with my disability extension in March 2025. The website said I needed to file something but no link appeared. After struggling to reach someone at EDD for days, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They explained that when switching from PFL back to disability, you sometimes need to file a supplemental form that doesn't appear in the portal. The rep was able to send me the form directly and process my extension. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd - saved me weeks of stress!

Let me clarify some confusion here. When transitioning between SDI and PFL within the same benefit year, the system requirements differ depending on the direction: 1. When going from SDI → PFL → SDI for the same medical condition, you DO need to file a supplemental certification (DE 2501) even though your doctor submitted their part. 2. The link sometimes doesn't appear in the portal due to a known system limitation when processing these specific transition cases. 3. You have two options: - Call EDD directly and request they send you the supplemental form - Download the form from the EDD website, complete it, and mail/fax it in The website should be updated to show the correct status once both your doctor's certification AND your supplemental form are processed. Since your doctor already certified, you're halfway there.

EDD is THE WORST!!!!!! This exact thing happened to my sister and she went WITHOUT PAYMENTS for over a MONTH before they fixed it!!!! The system is TOTALLY BROKEN and they don't care at all about people suffering!!!! I hope you have savings because they will make you wait forever!!!!

hey just wanted to update - i had this happen to me and i found out you can actually print the DE 2501 form from the EDD website even if the link isnt showing in your portal. go to https://edd.ca.gov/forms/ and search for disability. then fill it out and check the box that says its an extension not a new claim. you can fax it or mail it. faxing is faster tho.

One other thing to keep in mind - since you went from disability to PFL and back to disability, make sure you're very clear on the form that this is a continuation of the SAME medical condition. If the system thinks it's a new condition, you'll have to serve another waiting period and that will delay your benefits even more. Write "EXTENSION - SAME CONDITION" in big letters at the top of the form!

I went through this exact same situation last year! The missing link issue is super common when transitioning from PFL back to SDI. What worked for me was calling the EDD disability line first thing in the morning (8am sharp) - that's when you have the best chance of getting through. When I finally connected, the rep explained that the system glitch happens because it can't automatically generate the extension link when you've had a PFL claim in between. They were able to email me the DE 2501 form directly and walked me through exactly how to fill it out. Also, make sure to include a cover letter explaining the timeline (original SDI -> PFL -> SDI extension) so they don't accidentally process it as a new claim. My payments resumed about 10 days after I faxed everything in. Hang in there - it's frustrating but definitely fixable!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My doctor submitted the extension paperwork three weeks ago and I can see it in my account, but I've been stuck on the same "file extend claim form" message with no visible link. After reading through all these responses, I'm going to try downloading the DE 2501 form directly from the EDD website and submitting it with a clear cover letter explaining it's an extension for the same condition after transitioning from PFL. Has anyone had success getting through to EDD using the early morning calling strategy? I'm planning to try calling at exactly 8am tomorrow but wondering if there are any other tips for getting past the busy signals.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! My disability claim ended in September, I did PFL for 6 weeks, and now I need to extend my disability again. Like you, my doctor submitted all the medical paperwork and I can see in my SDI Online account that it shows the extension, but there's that confusing "file extend claim form" message with no link anywhere. After reading all these responses, it sounds like the DE 2501 form is definitely what we need to submit. I'm planning to download it from the EDD website tomorrow and include a detailed cover letter explaining the timeline (SDI → PFL → SDI extension for same condition). The tip about writing "EXTENSION - SAME CONDITION" in big letters at the top is brilliant - I definitely don't want them thinking this is a new claim with another waiting period! Has anyone had luck with the fax option vs mailing? I'm worried about mail delays but also want to make sure it gets processed correctly. Also wondering if I should try calling first or just go ahead and submit the form since my doctor's certification is already in the system.

I just went through this exact same nightmare situation a few months ago! The "file extend claim form" message with no visible link is such a common EDD glitch when you transition from PFL back to SDI. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Download the DE 2501 form directly from edd.ca.gov/forms/ (don't wait for a link that may never appear) 2. Write "EXTENSION - SAME CONDITION AFTER PFL" in bold at the top 3. Include a cover letter with your timeline: original SDI dates → PFL dates → extension request dates 4. FAX it instead of mailing - I got processed in 8 days vs weeks for mail 5. Keep calling at 8am sharp with your fax confirmation ready The key thing is that even though your doctor submitted their part, EDD still needs YOUR certification (the DE 2501) to complete the extension. It's a two-part process that they don't explain clearly anywhere. Once both pieces are in, payments usually resume within 7-10 business days. Don't panic about the gap in payments - as long as you get everything submitted properly, they should backpay you to when your PFL ended. The system is frustrating but this situation is definitely fixable! Hang in there and get that form submitted ASAP.