EDD Notice of Exhaustion - What to do next?

Ugh, I'm in the same boat. Got that notice last week and it's been a nightmare. Have you tried calling them? I've been on hold for hours with no luck.

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

When your benefits are exhausted, you might be eligible for an extension depending on your situation. Have you checked if there are any extension programs available?

This whole system is so broken 🤬 Why do they make it so hard for people who are already struggling? It's like they want us to give up.

Here's what you need to do when you receive a notice of exhaustion for disability benefits: 1. Don't panic! There are often options available. 2. Check if you're eligible for any extension programs. These change periodically, so always verify the current offerings. 3. If you're still unable to return to work, consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 4. Gather all your medical documentation. You'll need this for any appeals or new applications. 5. Try to speak with a representative. Use the calling tips others have mentioned here. 6. Look into state-specific programs that might offer additional assistance. 7. Consider seeking help from a disability advocate or lawyer if you're having trouble navigating the system. Remember, the key is to act quickly and gather as much information as possible. Don't let delays potentially impact your benefits!

has anyone else noticed that the website is always "under maintenance" when you need it most? 🙄

Guys I think we're all missing the point here... has anyone tried bribing the EDD with cookies? 🍪🤔

I went through this exact situation last year! The exhaustion notice is scary but there are definitely next steps. First thing - check your online account to see if there's an option to file for an extension. Sometimes they don't automatically offer it but you can request one. Also, if you're still medically unable to work, start gathering updated medical records from your doctors ASAP. The gap between when benefits end and when you can potentially get them reinstated can be brutal, so time is really important here. Don't give up - the system is confusing but there are usually options available!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and it's honestly terrifying. The notice came so suddenly and I wasn't prepared at all. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and overwhelming at the same time. I think I'm going to start with Diego's step-by-step approach and try calling first thing in the morning like Emma suggested. Has anyone had luck with getting extensions approved, or do they usually deny them? I'm trying to manage my expectations here while still staying hopeful.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I know exactly how scary that notice can be! I just went through the same thing a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: I immediately logged into my EDD account online and found there was actually an "Request Extension" button that wasn't super obvious. I also called using the early morning strategy (around 8:02 AM) and got through in about 45 minutes. The rep was actually really helpful and walked me through my options. Make sure you have all your recent medical documentation ready - they'll likely ask for updated records from your doctors. Also, don't forget to check if you qualify for any other state assistance programs while you're waiting. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, but I did get approved for an extension. Stay strong - there are definitely options available even though the system makes it feel hopeless sometimes! 🙏

I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD issues 😅 Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the online portal (which seems to crash at the worst times), you can also try submitting documents by mail as a backup. I learned this the hard way when the website was down for "maintenance" right before my deadline. Also, if you have a local EDD office, sometimes walking in person can be more effective than calling - though call first to check if they're doing walk-ins. The wait times are still brutal, but at least you're physically there and can't get disconnected! Hope this helps someone avoid the stress I went through. This thread has already given me some great new strategies to try. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! 💙

Hey everyone! New member here but unfortunately dealing with the same exhaustion notice situation. This thread has been incredibly helpful already - I had no idea about the "Request Extension" button that might not be obvious in the online portal, or the 8:02 AM calling strategy. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed but also more hopeful seeing how many people have successfully navigated this. Quick question: for those who got extensions approved, did you need to provide brand new medical evaluations from your doctors, or were recent records sufficient? My last appointment was about 6 weeks ago and I'm wondering if I need to schedule something ASAP. Thanks for creating such a supportive community where we can share these experiences! 🙏

Just wanted to share something that might help - I discovered that you can actually check the status of your extension request through the EDD website under a section called "Claim History" that's kind of buried in the menu. It shows if your extension is being processed, approved, or if they need additional documentation. Also, if you're worried about missing important notices, you can sign up for text alerts through your online account. I wish I had known about these features earlier! The system is definitely not user-friendly, but there are some helpful tools hidden in there once you know where to look. Sending good vibes to everyone dealing with this stressful situation! 💙

Hi everyone! I'm new to this community and unfortunately just received my exhaustion notice yesterday. Reading through all of your experiences has been both eye-opening and reassuring - I had no idea there were so many hidden features and strategies for dealing with EDD! I'm planning to try the early morning calling approach and look for that extension request button that several people mentioned. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone had experience with how long the extension review process typically takes once you submit all your documentation? I'm trying to plan financially for potential gaps in coverage. Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your knowledge and experiences. It really helps to know we're not alone in this! 🙏

Hey there! I'm new to this community but sadly very familiar with EDD frustrations. Just wanted to add a few things that helped me when I went through benefit exhaustion last year: 1. If you're having trouble with the phone lines, try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays mid-morning (around 10 AM) - I found these times had slightly shorter wait times than Monday mornings when everyone calls. 2. Keep screenshots of EVERYTHING in your online account, especially error messages or "under maintenance" screens. This saved me when they claimed I never submitted something that their system glitched on. 3. Don't forget to check if you qualify for other assistance programs while waiting - CalFresh, utility assistance, etc. The gap between benefits can be really tough financially. 4. If you're dealing with a specific medical condition, some counties have disability advocacy services that can help you navigate the system for free. The whole process is incredibly stressful, but seeing everyone's success stories here gives me hope that there really are pathways through this maze. You're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed by it all! 💙

Hi everyone! I'm brand new to this community and unfortunately just joined because I received my exhaustion notice this morning. I'm honestly feeling pretty panicked right now, but reading through all of your experiences and advice has already helped calm my nerves a bit. It's incredible how much practical knowledge everyone has shared here - from the early morning calling strategies to the hidden extension request buttons to documenting everything with screenshots. I had no idea any of these workarounds existed! I'm planning to start with the 8:02 AM calling approach tomorrow and hunt for that extension request option in my online account. Quick question for those who've been through this - is there anything I should absolutely avoid doing that might hurt my chances? I'm terrified of accidentally messing something up in my panic. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space where we can actually get real help from people who understand what we're going through! 🙏

I'm new here and just got my exhaustion notice too - this thread has been a lifesaver! I had no idea about so many of these strategies. One thing I wanted to add that helped me when dealing with other government agencies: if you have a smartphone, use the voice recorder app to record your phone calls with EDD (make sure to mention you're recording for your records at the start). It's been super helpful when representatives give conflicting information or make promises they don't follow through on. Also, I've found that asking for the rep's name and employee ID at the beginning of the call tends to make them more helpful and accountable. Going to try the 8:02 AM calling strategy tomorrow - fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and making this scary process feel less isolating. 🙏

I'm also new here and just received my exhaustion notice yesterday - feeling pretty overwhelmed but this thread has been incredibly helpful! Reading everyone's experiences and strategies has given me so much hope. I had no idea about the extension request button that might be hidden, the early morning calling tips, or even that recording calls was an option. It's amazing how much practical knowledge this community has that you just can't find anywhere else. I'm planning to try the 8:02 AM calling strategy tomorrow and search for that extension option in my account. One question - for those who successfully got extensions, did you have to provide a specific type of medical documentation, or did regular doctor's notes work? Thanks so much for creating such a supportive space where we can actually get real help instead of just generic website info! 🙏