Doctor submitted SDI paperwork on Feb 28 - how much longer for payment approval?
I just got a notification that EDD received my doctor's portion of my disability claim on February 28th. This is my first time applying for SDI benefits and I'm starting to get really worried about finances. Does anyone know approximately how much longer I should expect to wait before finding out if my claim is approved? And after approval, how quickly do payments typically arrive? My rent is due on the 15th and I'm getting pretty anxious. I've tried calling EDD multiple times but can't get through to anyone who can answer my questions.
20 comments
Paolo Ricci
It usually takes about 10-14 days after they receive the doctor's certification for your claim to be processed. So you should hear something by mid-March. Once approved, the first payment typically arrives within 3-5 business days if you have direct deposit set up. If you're getting the debit card, it can take 7-10 days for the card to arrive in the mail. But processing times can vary based on their current workload and if there are any issues with your claim that require additional review.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
•Thank you, that's really helpful info. Do you know if there's any way to check if there are issues with my claim? The online portal just shows "pending" with no other details.
0 coins
Amina Toure
My claim took 3 WEEKS to process after my doc submitted in January!!! So frustrating. Hang in there.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
•Oh no, I really hope mine doesn't take that long. Did they at least backpay you for the waiting period?
0 coins
Amina Toure
•Yeah they did backpay everything from my disability start date (minus the 7 day waiting period). So at least when it finally came through it was a bigger payment.
0 coins
Oliver Zimmermann
I'm in nearly the same boat! My doctor submitted on Feb 20 and I'm still waiting. The anxiety is killing me because I've got bills piling up. Did you submit your portion through SDI Online or paper form? I've heard online applications process faster.
0 coins
Natasha Volkova
After many failed attempts at calling EDD's regular number and getting nowhere, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an actual EDD representative in about 30 minutes. It saved me days of frustration and constant redialing. They have a video demonstration of how it works at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd and their website is claimyr.com. Worth checking out if you're desperate to speak with someone about your claim status.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
•I've never heard of this service before. Did you have to provide a lot of personal information to use it? I'm hesitant about sharing my claim details with third parties.
0 coins
Natasha Volkova
•They don't access your claim info at all - they just connect you with EDD. You still talk directly to the EDD representative yourself. It just saves you from the endless redial loop and hours of waiting.
0 coins
Javier Torres
my friend works for edd and she says there super backed up right now because of a new system update they did in february. maybe thats why its taking longer for everyone??
0 coins
Paolo Ricci
•That would explain a lot. They typically process claims within 14 days, but system updates often cause delays. Thanks for sharing that insight.
0 coins
Emma Davis
Don't panic yet. Here's what you can do while waiting: 1. Check your SDI Online account daily for updates 2. Make sure all your contact info is current in the system 3. If it's been more than 14 days since the doctor's certification was received, try calling right when they open at 8:00am 4. Have you verified that your employer submitted their portion? Sometimes that can hold things up too 5. If you're facing severe financial hardship, you can request an expedited review by speaking with a rep Also, remember that payments are backdated to your first day of disability (after the 7-day waiting period), so you'll get all money owed even if the approval takes time.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
•Thank you for the detailed advice! I didn't realize the employer had to submit something too - my HR department never mentioned that. I'll check with them tomorrow morning.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Actually, employers don't always have to submit forms for SDI unless EDD specifically requests information from them. So don't worry too much about that unless EDD has told you they're waiting on employer verification. The main components are your portion and the doctor's certification, which you already confirmed they received.
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
I had the exact same situation last month! Doctor's part received Feb 2, got approval on Feb 17, and payment hit my account on Feb 21. So around 15 business days total for me from doctor submission to money in my account. But I also had a straightforward case with no complications. Fingers crossed yours processes quickly!
0 coins
Oliver Zimmermann
Anyone know if they process claims on weekends? Or is it just business days?
0 coins
Paolo Ricci
•EDD generally only processes claims during business days. They might run some automated systems over weekends, but the actual claim review happens Monday-Friday. That's why counting business days rather than calendar days is more accurate when estimating processing times.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
Update: I just checked my account and it changed from "pending" to "paid" status! Looks like it took exactly 13 business days from when they received the doctor's certification. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. Such a relief to see movement on this!
0 coins
Amina Toure
•Congrats!! Now the waiting game for the money to hit your account. For me it was 2 days after status changed to paid.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
•Thanks! I have direct deposit set up so hopefully it's quick. I'll update again when I receive the payment.
0 coins