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Laila Prince

EDD SDI payment confusion - First deposit only covers 4 days instead of full claim period?

I'm really confused about my first disability payment. I just received my EDD debit card and when I checked online, it shows my payment only covers 4 days (Jan 11-15, 2025) but my actual disability claim period is from Jan 4 to Feb 3, 2025. Does this mean I'm only getting paid for those 4 days total? Or is this just the first installment and I'll get more payments for the rest of my claim period? My doctor certified me for the full month. This is my first time on disability so I'm completely lost about how the payment schedule works. I need to budget for rent next month and don't know what to expect. Any help would be appreciated!

You're getting the rest of your payments! The first payment is often shorter because of the 7-day waiting period that applies to SDI claims. The waiting period isn't paid, and it looks like you're seeing a partial payment that covers from when your waiting period ended until their first payment processing date. EDD typically processes disability payments every two weeks after that initial payment. You should receive your next payment in about 10-14 days that covers the next period.

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Oh thank goodness! So I'll keep getting payments throughout my claim as long as I'm certified? That's such a relief. I was panicking thinking I'd only get 4 days worth for a whole month of disability.

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first payment is always partial aftr the waitng perod. They pay u every 2 wks after that

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Thanks! Do they automatically process the payments or do I need to certify again?

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SAME EXACT THING happened to me!!! I freaked out thinking they were only paying me for 4 days when I was approved for 6 weeks! Called EDD like 50 times and couldn't get through. The system is so frustrating!!

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Did you eventually get all your payments? How long did it take between the first small payment and the rest of them?

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This is a normal part of how EDD disability works. You have a 7-day unpaid waiting period at the beginning of your claim. Then they pay you for the days after that waiting period until their next regular payment processing date. After that, you'll receive payments approximately every two weeks. It's confusing because they don't explain this very well on their website, but you'll get paid for your entire claim period (minus that initial waiting week). Just make sure your doctor continues to certify if your claim goes beyond the initial certification period.

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That makes sense. My doctor certified me for 4 weeks initially. If I need more time, when should I ask for another certification? I don't want any gaps in payment.

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Ask your doctor for a new certification about a week before your current one expires. This gives EDD time to process it and avoid payment delays. You can check your current certification end date on SDI Online under 'Claim Details'.

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I've been through this exact same situation and struggled to get answers from EDD! After spending hours trying to call them with no luck, I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual EDD representative in about 20 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. It was the only way I could get clear answers about my payment schedule. Their website is claimyr.com if you're still having trouble reaching EDD directly.

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Thanks for the tip! I might try that if I have any issues with my future payments. Did the EDD rep explain why they do the partial payment first instead of just waiting and paying the full amount?

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Yes, the rep explained they do partial payments first so people aren't waiting too long for their initial funds. They said it's their standard process - first payment after waiting period, then regular payments every two weeks. It's just poorly communicated on their website!

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you get payment for the whole period except the 7 day waiting period thats never paid... they just start with a small payment and then do every 2 weeks after that if ur claim is Jan 4 to Feb 3, you won't get paid for Jan 4-10 (waiting period), then you'll get payments for Jan 11 through Feb 3

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do u know if pregnancy disability has waiting period too? or only regular SDI?

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Yes, pregnancy disability (which is part of SDI) also has the 7-day waiting period. The only exception is if you had another SDI claim that ended within 60 days of this new claim, then the waiting period might be waived.

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This is actually a common misunderstanding with SDI. Your first payment indeed only covers those first few days after the waiting period ends until their next payment processing cycle. For your timeline: - Jan 4-10: 7-day unpaid waiting period - Jan 11-15: Your first payment (which you received) - Jan 16-29: Your next payment (should arrive around Jan 31) - Jan 30-Feb 3: Final payment (arrives around Feb 5) Each payment will be calculated based on your weekly benefit amount. The system is designed to get you some money quickly, then regular payments afterward. If you need to verify this information or have questions about future payments, calling EDD directly is your best option.

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Thank you for breaking it down so clearly! That timeline really helps me understand what to expect. I'm relieved to know more payments are coming.

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@Laila Prince all the questions you asked did your payments start rolling in regular after the first payment

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when I was on disability they sent me payment every 2 weeks except the first one was small like yours. dont worry youll get the rest! one time I had problem with a payment not showing up and I emailed them through the SDI online portal and they actually fixed it pretty quick

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That's good to know! So if I have issues, I should try the email feature in the portal rather than calling? I've heard the phone lines are impossible.

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yeah the email in the portal worked better for me than calling! they answered in like 3 days. the phone is always busy

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One more important thing - make sure you're clear on when your certification expires. If your doctor only certified you until Feb 3rd and you need more time off, you'll need a new certification before that date. If there's a gap in certification, there could be a delay in payments or even claim closure. I'd mark January 27th on your calendar as a reminder to check if you need an extension.

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Thanks for the reminder! I'll definitely check with my doctor around that time if I need to extend my claim. I hope I'll be recovered by then, but it's good to be prepared just in case.

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I went through this exact same confusion when I first applied for SDI! The payment system is really confusing because they don't explain it well upfront. What you're seeing is totally normal - that first payment covers the days right after your waiting period ends until their next processing cycle. You'll definitely get paid for your entire claim period (minus the 7-day waiting period that's never paid). The good news is that after this first partial payment, you should receive regular payments every two weeks until your claim ends on Feb 3rd. I'd recommend logging into SDI Online periodically to track your payments and certification status. It really helps with budgeting when you can see the payment schedule!

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hello i am new here i’ve asked questions but i still have plenty more lets say edd disability took almost a whole month to process my claim and they paid me from 9/17/25 to 10/18/2025 when will my next deposit be

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