EDD SDI paper claim timeline - no notification after 3 weeks, should I worry?

When I filed my paper claim last October, it took about 2 weeks to show up online and then another week before I saw it as 'processing' status. So 3 weeks total is pushing it but not completely unusual. Did you keep a copy of the form and tracking for the mail? That can help if you need to follow up with them. Make sure you're checking SDI Online specifically and not the regular UI Online portal - they're different systems.

don't panic yet! EDD is crazy slow with paper forms. mine took almost 4 weeks to show up in the system last year. no letter or anything until it suddenly appeared online. try calling them maybe?

I work in HR and deal with EDD SDI claims regularly. Here's what's likely happening: paper claims have a much longer processing time than electronic claims, typically 3-4 weeks before they even appear in the system. EDD doesn't send confirmation letters for receipt anymore - they only send notices when the claim is approved, denied, or if there's missing information. A few things to check: 1. Make sure your mailing address on the form was correct 2. Confirm your doctor completed Section B entirely (missing medical info is the #1 delay reason) 3. Verify you signed and dated the form correctly If you're approaching 4 weeks with no update, I would recommend trying to reach a representative by phone. You can also check with your doctor's office to confirm they submitted their portion with your correct SSN and personal details.

I had to wait FIVE WEEKS for my paper claim to show up online after sending it in March 2025. The EDD is TERRIBLE with processing paper forms and they don't care how stressed we get waiting!! The only reason my claim finally got processed was because I finally got through to someone on the phone who manually found it in their system and pushed it through. The system is completely broken!!

Try using Claimyr to get through to an EDD agent on the phone. I was in the exact same situation with my paper SDI claim last month and was going crazy not knowing if they received it. I used claimyr.com and they got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed they had my claim but it was sitting in a processing queue. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd - totally worth it to get peace of mind rather than waiting and stressing!

when i did sdi for my pregnency last year they sent me a letter about 3 weeks after i mailed my claim. but my friend just did hers electronically and got confirmed right away. maybe next time do electronic? hope u hear something soon

Have you tried checking your mail carefully? Sometimes the EDD sends notices that look like junk mail. My SDI award letter came in a very plain envelope that I almost threw away. Also, their online system can be confusing - you might need to click around different tabs to see your claim status. Double-check that you're using the correct SSN when you log in too. If it's been more than 21 business days (so about a month of calendar days), you should definitely try to speak with someone. The disability branch has different phone numbers than regular unemployment - make sure you're calling the SDI specific number: 1-800-480-3287.

Any updates? Did your claim ever show up in the system? I'm curious because I have a family member who might need to file soon and I want to give them accurate expectations.

My sister just went through this same thing with her disability claim after her surgery last month. her doctor gave her a paper form too. She waited like 25 days and nothing showed up online. she finally went back to her doctor and found out they put the wrong social security number on their part of the form!!! maybe check with your doctor to make sure all your info was correct on their submission?

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - filed my paper SDI claim 2.5 weeks ago after knee surgery and still nothing showing up online. Reading through these responses is actually really reassuring that I'm not alone in this! The fact that so many people have had to wait 3-5 weeks for paper claims to appear in the system is both frustrating and comforting at the same time. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service if I don't see anything by next week. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know what's normal (even if normal means waiting way too long!).

I'm so glad you posted this because I'm in almost the exact same boat! Filed my paper SDI claim 2 weeks ago after back surgery and have been refreshing the SDI Online portal obsessively with no luck. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - sounds like 3-4 weeks is unfortunately pretty normal for paper claims to even show up in the system. It's crazy that we have to stress like this when we're already dealing with medical issues and can't work! I think I'm going to give it one more week and then try that Claimyr service people mentioned. Fingers crossed both our claims show up soon - this waiting game is brutal when you're worried about bills piling up!