EDD SDI ended, need rental assistance in Orange County - any legitimate programs?
My disability benefits just ran out last week and I'm in a serious financial bind with rent due in 10 days. I've been on SDI for the maximum period (52 weeks) after a complicated back surgery, but my doctor says I still need another 6-8 weeks before I can return to full-time work. I've applied for dozens of remote/part-time jobs but nothing yet. I've been searching for rental assistance programs in Orange County but everything I find either looks sketchy or is related to expired COVID relief programs. I've tried calling 211 three times but keep getting disconnected or transferred to voicemails that are full. Does anyone know of LEGITIMATE rental assistance programs in Orange County that are actually accepting applications? My landlord is being somewhat understanding but I can only stretch that goodwill so far. I've already borrowed from family and maxed out my credit cards just to keep afloat these past few months. Any guidance would be hugely appreciated!
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Camila Castillo
have u tried applying for state disability extension? sometimes they give u more time if ur doctor certifies u still cant work. also check out OC housing authority emergency rental assistance, my cousin got help from them last yr
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Samuel Robinson
•Thank you! I did try for an extension but was denied because I've already received the maximum benefit period. I'll definitely look into the OC housing authority - is there a specific website or phone number you know of?
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Brianna Muhammad
I work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate these situations. Here are some legitimate resources in Orange County: 1. OC Housing and Community Development has a rental assistance program that's separate from the COVID programs. Call (714) 480-2900. 2. Consider applying for CalFresh (food stamps) to free up money for rent - even temporary approval helps. 3. Families Forward (949-552-2727) assists with housing in OC. 4. Have you applied for UI benefits? Even though you were on SDI, you might qualify for some UI if you're now able to work part-time. 5. Orange County Community Services has an Emergency Rental Assistance Program that's still active: https://www.occommunityservices.org/housing Hope this helps!
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Samuel Robinson
•This is INCREDIBLY helpful! Thank you so much for these resources. I've been feeling so lost trying to navigate all this. I'll start making calls tomorrow morning. I hadn't thought about UI since I was on SDI, but that's a great suggestion since I am able to work part-time now.
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JaylinCharles
The whole system is rigged against us! I was in your EXACT situation last year and all these agencies just give you the runaround. They tell you to call one place, then they transfer you somewhere else, then THAT place says you need to fill out some form that takes 6 weeks to process!!! By then you're already evicted! The government just doesn't care about regular people struggling to survive. It's all talk and no actual help!!!
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Eloise Kendrick
•I understand your frustration, but there are legitimate programs that do help people - they're just overwhelmed with requests. I'd recommend trying Salvation Army Orange County (714-384-0481) as they often have emergency rental assistance funds that can be approved quickly. Also, many property management companies would rather work with you on a payment plan than go through the eviction process, which is expensive for them too.
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Lucas Schmidt
Have you considered applying for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)? If your condition is going to prevent you from working for a year or more, you might qualify. The application process takes time, but they sometimes provide retroactive payments once approved. Worth looking into if your recovery is taking longer than expected.
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Samuel Robinson
•I actually did start the SSDI application process about 3 months ago, but was told the approval process takes 3-5 months, and I need help NOW with rent. My doctor thinks I'll be able to return to at least part-time work within 2 months, so I'm not sure if I'd even qualify since it might not meet their 12-month requirement. But it's definitely a backup plan I'm pursuing.
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Freya Collins
my sister had same problem getting thru to EDD when her disability ran out. she used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got her connected to an actual EDD agent in like 10 minutes instead of calling for days. they have a video showing how it works https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd might help if you need to talk to someone about UI benefits after SDI or check on your SDI extension appeal
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Samuel Robinson
•Thanks for this! I've been trying to reach EDD for days about potentially getting UI after SDI. I'll check out that service - at this point I'm willing to try anything that might help me talk to an actual human being at EDD.
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LongPeri
Just a quick tip - make sure you're talking to legitimate organizations. There are a LOT of rental assistance scams targeting people desperate for help. Never pay upfront fees for assistance applications, and be careful about sharing personal info. Always verify the organization through official county websites or by calling 211 directly (even though it can be frustrating).
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Samuel Robinson
•That's definitely good advice. I've already encountered a few sketchy websites asking for application fees or wanting my bank account info for "direct deposits." I didn't fall for it, but I can see how people in desperate situations might. I'll stick to the official channels people have suggested here.
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Oscar O'Neil
When i had knee surgery last yer i got help from my church. Have you tried asking local churches? A lot of them have benevolence funds for people in the community even if your not a member. Worth a shot!
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Camila Castillo
•this is good advice. i got help from catholic charities when i was between jobs and they didnt even ask if i was catholic (im not
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Samuel Robinson
•I hadn't thought of this approach! There are several large churches near me, and I'm willing to try anything at this point. Thank you for the suggestion.
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Eloise Kendrick
Important note about timing: Most rental assistance programs in Orange County take 3-4 weeks to process applications, so this won't solve your immediate 10-day problem. I'd recommend: 1. Talk to your landlord NOW about a formal payment plan (get it in writing) 2. Apply for emergency assistance through multiple agencies 3. Contact Orange County Legal Aid (714-571-5200) which has a tenant rights program that can help prevent eviction while you're securing assistance 4. File for UI immediately if you're able to work part-time The good news is that many landlords will work with you if you're proactive and transparent about your situation and have a clear plan.
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Samuel Robinson
•Thank you for the reality check on timing. I'll call my landlord tomorrow to set up a formal meeting about a payment plan. And the Legal Aid suggestion is really helpful - I hadn't thought about tenant rights resources. I'll start making all these calls first thing tomorrow.
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