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EDD SDI claim stuck in processing limbo - phone number keeps disconnecting me!

I'm going crazy trying to check on my disability claim status! Applied on January 5th, 2025 (over 6 weeks ago) and still nothing but 'pending' on the SDI Online portal. I've been trying to call the customer service number that ends in 2050 but it just disconnects after the automated message about 'high call volume.' My doctor confirmed they submitted the medical certification form weeks ago. My savings are almost depleted and rent is due next week. Has ANYONE successfully gotten through to an actual human at EDD recently? Is there a secret phone number I don't know about? This is my first time on disability and I'm starting to panic that something's wrong with my claim.

Zara Ahmed

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same thing happened to me last month. try calling right when they open at 8am sharp. sometimes works but took me like 10 tries

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Sean O'Donnell

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Thank you! I'll try that tomorrow morning. Did you eventually get through? Did they explain why your claim was stuck?

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StarStrider

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The EDD SDI system is completely broken. They WANT you to give up calling. I waited EIGHT WEEKS for my claim to process with ZERO communication from them. When I finally got through by calling literally 47 times, the rep said it was just sitting there needing a 'manual review' but nobody had gotten to it. RIDICULOUS!!!!

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Sean O'Donnell

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That's terrifying...I can't wait 8 weeks! Did they at least backpay you for the whole period once they finally processed it?

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StarStrider

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Yes they did backpay everything EVENTUALLY but that doesn't help when your bills are due NOW. The whole system is designed to make people give up.

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Luca Esposito

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I've been through this frustration before. Few tips that might help: 1. The most direct number for SDI claims is actually 1-800-480-3287, but as you've discovered, it's constantly overloaded 2. Try calling their alternate number: 1-866-401-2539 sometimes this routes differently 3. When you call, press 1, then 2, then 2 again to skip some of the automated messages 4. Check your SDI Online account for any messages requesting additional information - sometimes they need something but don't tell you 5. Make sure you've completed all certifications if it's been more than 2 weeks Also, double-check that your doctor used your correct SSN on the medical certification. One digit off can cause your claim to sit in limbo.

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Sean O'Donnell

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Thank you so much for these detailed tips! I've been pressing different combinations but will try your specific sequence. I've checked for messages and there's nothing showing up that needs my attention. I'll call my doctor tomorrow to verify they used the correct SSN.

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Nia Thompson

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have u tried going to an office in person? sometimes thats faster

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Sean O'Donnell

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I didn't realize you could do that for disability claims? I thought EDD offices were just for unemployment. Do you know if I need an appointment?

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Luca Esposito

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Unfortunately, SDI claims aren't handled at regular EDD offices. Disability is managed by a separate division, and they don't have public-facing offices where you can walk in. Everything has to be done by phone or through the SDI Online portal.

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Mateo Rodriguez

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I've been dealing with EDD SDI for years with my chronic condition, and getting through on the phone is nearly impossible these days. After my last flare-up, I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending days redialing. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Their website is claimyr.com - it was honestly worth it because the agent I spoke with was able to tell me exactly why my claim was delayed (missing info from my doctor) and fixed it while I was on the call.

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Sean O'Donnell

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Thank you! I've never heard of that service before. I'm definitely going to check out that video. At this point I'd try almost anything to get through to a real person. Did they explain how they're able to get through when regular callers can't?

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Mateo Rodriguez

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They basically call on your behalf and navigate the phone system, then call you when they have an agent on the line. Much better than spending your whole day hitting redial! The agent I got was super helpful and immediately saw the issue with my claim.

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Zara Ahmed

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is it expensive? seems kinda weird to pay just to talk to edd when its supposed to be free

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Aisha Abdullah

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Check ur spam folder!!! i was waiting 4 weeks and found out they had emailed me TWO WEEKS earlier asking for additional medical documentation but it went to spam! once i sent it in my claim was processed in 3 days.

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Sean O'Donnell

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OMG thank you for mentioning this! Just checked my spam folder and there WAS an email from them from last week asking for clarification on my employment dates! I would have never thought to look there. Going to respond right away.

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Ethan Wilson

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I work in HR and deal with disability claims frequently. One thing that can really help is having your employer contact EDD to verify your employment information. Sometimes claims get delayed because of discrepancies between what you reported and what your employer reported for your last day worked or wages. Ask your HR department if they've received and responded to any EDD inquiries about your claim.

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Sean O'Donnell

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That's a great suggestion I hadn't thought of. I'll reach out to my HR department tomorrow and see if they've gotten any requests from EDD. Thank you!

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Luca Esposito

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Just saw your update about finding the email in your spam folder - that's great! Make sure you respond with exactly what they're asking for, and be very specific. If they asked about employment dates, provide the precise dates with documentation if possible. Also, call them tomorrow after submitting the information to confirm they received it and ask how long until processing. Sometimes a follow-up call can move things along faster once you've provided the missing information.

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Sean O'Donnell

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Will do! I've already replied to the email with screenshots of my final paystub showing my last day worked. I'll definitely call tomorrow to confirm they got it. Fingers crossed this resolves everything! Thank you all for the help.

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