EDD SDI payment confusion - first time on disability and no clue where my money is going
Hey everyone, first-time disability claimant here and I'm totally confused about payments. My doctor put me on a 60-day medical leave due to severe migraines and complications from a car accident. I mailed in my SDI application about 10 days ago (wish I'd known about the online option!). I logged into my account today and saw my claim was processed, but I have NO IDEA where they're sending my payments?? I didn't provide direct deposit info because I didn't see where to add it on the form. Do they automatically mail checks? Or is there something else I need to do? The EDD website is so confusing and the wait time when I called was over 3 hours! Never navigated disability before so any help would be appreciated! 🙏
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Collins Angel
They automatically send u a debit card! Bank of America EDD card. Takes like 7-10 days after they approve ur claim. Don't worry, the money doesn't disappear lol. Also remember first 7 days is a waiting period so u don't get paid for that anyway.
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Avery Davis
•Omg thank you!! That makes sense. So I don't need to do anything else? Just wait for this card to show up in my mail? And yes, I saw something about the waiting period in the paperwork - just wasn't sure about the payment method!
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Marcelle Drum
This is one of the most confusing parts of the SDI process for first-timers. Here's how it works: 1. EDD partners with Bank of America for payments 2. They'll send you a B of A debit card to your mailing address on file 3. IMPORTANT: If you've ever received unemployment benefits before, they'll use the same card if you still have it 4. All future payments will go to that card automatically 5. You can set up transfers from the card to your regular bank account through the B of A EDD card website Tip: Don't throw away the card when your disability ends - they'll use the same one if you ever need benefits again (including unemployment).
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Avery Davis
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I've never received any benefits before so this is all new. Will they send the card automatically or do I need to request it somewhere? The whole system seems unnecessarily complicated.
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Tate Jensen
i got mine like 2 weeks after i filed my pregnancy disability claim last year. just be patient! the first payment usually takes longest then after that they come faster.
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Adaline Wong
To add to what others have said, there are a few important things to know about the Bank of America EDD debit card: 1. It will arrive in a plain-looking envelope that could be mistaken for junk mail - watch your mailbox carefully! 2. You must activate the card as soon as you receive it by calling the number on the sticker or visiting the website provided. 3. Your payments might be delayed if your medical certification isn't complete. Make sure your doctor submitted their portion (Form DE 2501). 4. You can check payment status on SDI Online under "Payment Activity". 5. If you don't receive the card within 10-14 days after your first payment is processed, call Bank of America EDD customer service at 1-866-692-9374. The 7-day waiting period is unpaid, so your first payment will start from day 8 of your disability period.
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Avery Davis
•Thank you so much! I'll definitely keep an eye out for the envelope. My doctor confirmed they submitted everything, so hopefully there won't be delays. Really appreciate the detailed information - this community is so helpful!
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Gabriel Ruiz
I remember how confused I was my first time too! Don't worry, we've all been there. The waiting is the worst part. My card took almost 3 weeks to arrive and I was freaking out!!
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Misterclamation Skyblue
IF YOUR TRYING TO CALL EDD GOOD LUCK!!!! Been trying for WEEKS and either get hung up on or wait 4+ hours only to get disconnected. The system is BROKEN!!!! I needed to update my address and still haven't been able to get through. Now worried my card is being sent to old address. THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!!!!!
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Peyton Clarke
•I had the same issue trying to reach EDD about my address change. After days of frustration, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in under 25 minutes. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial attempts. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Definitely worth it for address changes since that's critical for getting your card.
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Marcelle Drum
One more thing to be aware of - if you don't want to use the debit card, you can set up a direct transfer from your B of A EDD card to your personal bank account. Just log into the B of A EDD card website after you activate your card, go to the "Transfer Funds" section, and set up an automatic transfer. This way, whenever EDD loads money to your card, it will automatically move to your regular bank account without you having to do anything.
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Avery Davis
•That's super helpful! I'd much rather have the money go directly to my checking account. Will definitely set that up once I get the card. Thanks again!
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Tate Jensen
wait u said u mailed ur application?? next time do it online its WAY faster trust me
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Avery Davis
•Yeah I definitely will next time! My doctor gave me the paper form and I didn't realize there was an online option until after I mailed it. Lesson learned!
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Gabriel Ruiz
Has anyone else noticed that sometimes the EDD website shows your payment was issued but it takes 2-3 days to actually appear on the BoA card? That always makes me nervous lol
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Adaline Wong
•Yes, this is normal. There's typically a 24-48 hour processing time between when EDD shows a payment as issued and when Bank of America actually loads it onto your card. The weekend and holidays can extend this time frame further. If it's been more than 3 business days, that's when you might want to contact Bank of America EDD customer service.
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Collins Angel
Also make sure u certify for ur disability every 2 weeks or they stop paying u!! My sister didn't know and missed a payment because of it.
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Avery Davis
•Wait what? I thought disability was different from unemployment - do I really need to certify every 2 weeks? The paperwork didn't mention that or maybe I missed it. How do I certify?
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Marcelle Drum
•This is incorrect information. Regular State Disability Insurance (SDI) typically doesn't require bi-weekly certification like unemployment does. Your doctor establishes the disability period, and payments continue automatically through that period. However, there are exceptions: 1. If you have Partial Disability and are working reduced hours, you may need to report wages 2. If you're on Pregnancy Disability transitioning to Paid Family Leave, you'll need to file a separate PFL claim 3. If your doctor extends your disability period, you'll need a new medical certification For standard disability claims, you typically don't need to certify every two weeks. The original commenter may be confusing SDI with unemployment insurance.
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