EDD SDI status changed from 'pending Dr note' to 'pending processing' - stuck for 5 weeks with no updates
I'm at my wits' end here! Applied for SDI disability benefits 5 weeks ago after my back surgery. Initially my claim status showed 'pending Dr note' even though my surgeon submitted the medical certification right away. About 2 weeks ago, the status changed to 'pending processing' and it's been stuck there ever since. No communication whatsoever from EDD about whether I'm approved, denied, or if they need more information from me. My surgery bills are piling up, rent is due next week, and I'm completely in the dark about my benefit status. Has anyone experienced this 'pending processing' limbo? What does this status actually mean? Is there anything I can do to move things along? I've tried calling at least 15 times and either get disconnected or told the wait time is over 3 hours. Starting to panic...
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Diego Chavez
'Pending processing' is actually a good sign! It means your doctor's certification was received and now they're working on calculating your benefit amount based on your base period wages. Unfortunately, processing times in 2025 are still horrible - I waited almost 6 weeks before my claim was finally approved. Keep checking your SDI Online account daily for updates. Sometimes they'll post a message there if they need additional information.
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AstroAlpha
•Thanks for the explanation! That makes me feel a little better knowing the doctor certification part is done. Do you know if they'll backpay from my disability start date? I'm worried about missing another rent payment if this drags on much longer.
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Anastasia Smirnova
same thing happend 2 me last month!! stuck on pending processing for like 7 weeks it was insane. no letters no emails NOTHING. then one day the money just showed up in my account. EDD is soooo bad at comunicating
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Sean O'Brien
•OMG 7 weeks with nothing?? That's ridiculous! The system is completely broken. I bet they're deliberately slowing down claims to save money. We pay into this system with every paycheck and then when we actually need the benefits, they make it impossible to get answers. I've been through this nightmare twice before. @OP - document EVERYTHING, including all your call attempts. If they try to deny you benefits later, you'll need this documentation for the appeal.
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Zara Shah
'Pending processing' means your claim is in the queue for a claims examiner to review. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, they will backdate payments to your disability start date (minus the 7-day waiting period) 2. Average processing time right now is 4-6 weeks, so you're unfortunately still within normal timeframes 3. If you have urgent financial needs, request an 'expedited processing' by sending a message through your SDI Online account - specifically mention financial hardship The most efficient way to reach an actual EDD representative is to use Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same situation last month and wasted days trying to call. Claimyr got me connected to an agent within 20 minutes who processed my claim that same day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd
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AstroAlpha
•I'll try sending that expedited processing request right now. Never heard of Claimyr before - is it really worth it? At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything that might help.
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Luca Bianchi
Has your doctor confirmed they submitted the medical certification form (DE 2501) correctly? My claim was stuck for weeks because my doctor's office sent the wrong form. When I finally reached someone at EDD, they had no record of receiving anything from my doctor even though the doctor's office insisted they sent it twice.
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AstroAlpha
•I called my surgeon's office yesterday and they swore they submitted everything correctly. The status change from 'pending Dr note' to 'pending processing' seems to confirm that, but who knows with EDD's systems... Might be worth triple-checking.
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GalacticGuardian
I'm going through this exact nightmare right now!!! Applied 4 weeks ago for pregnancy disability. Status changed to "pending processing" 10 days ago and NOTHING SINCE. I'm due in 3 weeks and freaking out about not having income when the baby comes. Has anyone had success with the expedited processing request? How exactly do you word that message?
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Diego Chavez
•For an expedited request, be very specific about your hardship situation. Something like: "I am requesting expedited processing of my SDI claim #XXXX due to severe financial hardship. I have medical bills totaling $X due by [date] and rent due on [date]. I have exhausted my savings and have no other income sources. Please prioritize my claim review." Make sure to send this through your SDI Online account using the Contact EDD feature, and select "Claim Processing" as the category.
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Nia Harris
I just got approved yesterday after being stuck in pending processing for 5 weeks! check ur account they might have sent u forms to fill out in the messages section. i almost missed mine
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AstroAlpha
•Congrats on finally getting approved! I just checked my messages and don't see anything new there. Did your status change online before you got the approval, or did it just suddenly update?
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Mateo Gonzalez
my husband went thru this last year when he broke his leg. took forever to get approved but they did eventually backpay from his disability date (minus the waiting week). have you checked if you qualify for other assistance while you wait? maybe calfresh or something?
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AstroAlpha
•I hadn't thought about applying for other assistance programs. That's a good idea while I wait for this to resolve. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Zara Shah
Update on your options: 1. Continue trying to call the main SDI number (difficult but free) 2. Use Claimyr to connect with an agent (costs money but immediate) 3. Visit an EDD office in person if possible 4. Contact your state representative's office for help Option #4 is underutilized but effective. Your state assembly member or senator has staff dedicated to helping constituents with state agency issues. Google "[your city] state representative" and call their office explaining your situation. They can often get EDD to expedite your claim.
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Sean O'Brien
•THIS! I had to do this last year when my claim was stuck for 2 months. Called my assembly member's office and they assigned a caseworker who contacted EDD directly. My claim was processed within 48 hours after that. It's ridiculous we have to go to these lengths, but it works!
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Anastasia Smirnova
did u check ur spam folder? sometimes edd emails go there
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AstroAlpha
•Just checked all my email folders including spam and nothing from EDD. They seem to be allergic to communication!
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