EDD SDI stress leave claim with Sedgwick: What to expect for first-time applicant?

I found a way to solve Sedgwick stress leave claim process, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVr1mRDbzuY

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at EDD. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

Hey OP, one more thing to consider is using services like Claimyr to manage phone calls with EDD. While they seem reliable and get a lot of good feedback, remember that it’s always important to weigh the cost and need before spending. Also, while Claimyr can provide faster communication access, it won't necessarily expedite your claim process with EDD, as that remains dependent on their internal procedures.

Has anyone else noticed that Sedgwick seems to be getting worse lately? I swear they used to be more efficient.

lol good luck getting anything done in 3 days. EDD is a joke rn 🤡

Hang in there, OP! I know it seems overwhelming now, but you've got this. Take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating stress leave in California: 1. Documentation is key: - Get a detailed note from your doctor - Keep all correspondence with Sedgwick and your employer - Document any work incidents that contributed to your stress 2. Know your rights: - You're entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave under FMLA - Your job should be protected during this time - You may be eligible for State Disability Insurance (SDI) 3. Communication: - Keep your employer updated (but don't overshare) - Respond promptly to any requests from Sedgwick - If you're not hearing back, don't be afraid to follow up 4. Self-care: - Use this time to focus on your mental health - Consider therapy or counseling - Develop stress management techniques 5. Return to work: - Work with your doctor to determine when you're ready - Discuss any needed accommodations with your employer - Have a plan for managing stress when you return Remember, you're not alone in this. Reach out if you need support!

Pro tip: set up a separate email folder for all your Sedgwick and EDD correspondence. It'll save you a headache later when you need to find something.

Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to be as confusing and frustrating as possible? It's like they want us to give up 🙄

I went through this last year. Make sure you keep all your paperwork in order and follow up if you don't hear back in 3 days. Sometimes things slip through the cracks.

Ive been their done that. Stress leave is no joke. Take care of yourself first, worry about the paperwork second. Your mental health is whats most important here.

Stress leave can be tricky. Have you considered seeing a therapist? It might help strengthen your case and provide additional documentation.

Make sure you understand your rights. California has some pretty good protections for workers taking stress leave. Don't let your employer pressure you into coming back before you're ready.

Sedgwick can be a pain to deal with. Make sure you keep calling them for updates. Don't just sit back and wait or you might get lost in the system.

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago - first time with both Sedgwick and EDD for stress leave. Here's what I wish I had known: **Timeline expectations:** That "3 days" they mentioned is just for initial processing. The full approval can take 2-3 weeks, especially if they need additional documentation. **Stay organized:** Keep copies of EVERYTHING. I created a simple folder system with dates and it saved me when Sedgwick asked for documents I'd already sent. **Be prepared for follow-up requests:** They'll likely ask for more medical documentation or clarification from your doctor. Don't panic - it's normal. **EDD coordination:** Once Sedgwick approves, you'll need to file separately with EDD for the actual disability payments. They don't automatically communicate with each other. **Your doctor is key:** Make sure they understand you need detailed documentation about how work stress is affecting your ability to perform job duties. Generic notes won't cut it. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions as you go through the process. The waiting is stressful, but you're taking the right steps to take care of your health! 💪

Hey Taylor! I just went through this same process a few months ago and wanted to share what helped me. First, that 3-day timeline is usually just for Sedgwick to acknowledge your claim - the actual approval process took about 2 weeks in my case. A few things that made my experience smoother: - Keep a log of every phone call and email with dates/times - Ask your doctor for a detailed note explaining how work stress specifically impacts your daily functioning (not just that you're stressed) - Take screenshots of everything you submit online - Don't be afraid to call Sedgwick if you don't hear back within their stated timeframe The hardest part for me was the waiting and not knowing what was happening. But once things got rolling, both Sedgwick and EDD were actually pretty responsive. Just remember that taking this step shows you're prioritizing your health, which is exactly what you should be doing right now. You've got this! 💙 Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions as things progress. This community has been super helpful for me throughout the process.

As someone who's been through this process twice (unfortunately), I wanted to add a few practical tips that really helped me: **For the Sedgwick side:** - They have a mobile app that's actually pretty useful for tracking your claim status and uploading documents - If you have to call them, early morning (8-9am) tends to have shorter wait times - Keep your claim number handy - you'll need it for everything **For the EDD portion:** - Create your EDD account online ASAP, even before you need to file - the verification process can take a few days - When you do file your SDI claim, make sure the dates align exactly with what Sedgwick approved - EDD's phone system is notorious, but their online chat during business hours can sometimes be helpful for basic questions **General advice:** - Don't feel guilty about taking this time - work stress is real and valid - Consider setting up a simple spreadsheet to track all your deadlines and follow-ups - If you're comfortable with it, let a trusted friend or family member know your timeline so they can check in and help advocate if needed The whole process feels overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into smaller steps makes it much more manageable. Wishing you a smooth process and hoping you get the support you need! 🤗

I'm currently going through a similar situation with stress leave and wanted to share something that's been really helpful for me - keeping a daily journal throughout the process. Not just for tracking appointments and paperwork, but also documenting how you're feeling and any symptoms you're experiencing. This has been invaluable when my doctor asks for updates, and it helps me remember specific details when filling out forms. Also, one thing I learned the hard way is to ask Sedgwick for email confirmations of everything. When I submitted my initial paperwork, I assumed it went through but there was actually a technical glitch. Having that email trail saved me from weeks of delays. The mental health aspect of this whole process can be just as draining as the original work stress, so be gentle with yourself. It's okay if some days you can't deal with the paperwork - just try to tackle one small thing at a time. You mentioned this is your first time, so I wanted to reassure you that even though it feels overwhelming now, thousands of people go through this process successfully every year. You're taking the right step by prioritizing your health. Hang in there! 💙

I'm going through my first stress leave application too, so I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here! Reading through all these comments has been both reassuring and eye-opening. It sounds like the 3-day timeline is more of a "we'll start looking at it" rather than "it'll be completely processed," which is good to know going in. I'm particularly grateful for the practical tips about keeping detailed records, the Sedgwick mobile app, and creating the EDD account early. The daily journal suggestion really resonates with me too - I've been struggling to put my symptoms into words when talking to my doctor, so having that ongoing record seems like it would make those conversations much more productive. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've been through this, did you find it helpful to give your employer a heads up about the potential timeline, or is it better to just provide updates as things develop? I don't want to set wrong expectations with my manager, but I also want to keep communication open. Thanks again to everyone for creating such a supportive environment here. It's making what felt like an impossible process seem much more manageable! 🙏

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who went through this process about a year ago. One thing that really helped me was setting up a dedicated email just for all the Sedgwick/EDD communications - it kept everything separate from my personal and work emails so I could find documents quickly when needed. Also, don't be discouraged if Sedgwick asks for additional documentation after you think you've submitted everything. In my case, they needed a more detailed letter from my doctor about 10 days into the process, which felt frustrating at first but is apparently pretty standard. The waiting period is definitely the hardest part, but try to use that time productively for your mental health - whether that's starting therapy, establishing better sleep routines, or just giving yourself permission to rest. The whole reason you're doing this is to take care of yourself! One last tip: if you're working with a therapist or counselor, ask them early on if they can provide a letter supporting your leave if needed. Having that backup documentation ready can speed things up if EDD requests additional mental health verification later in the process. You're taking a brave step by prioritizing your wellbeing. The bureaucracy is annoying, but you'll get through it! 💪