EDD disability extension delay - 4 weeks and still 'processing' - what's normal?

Extension processing is taking foreverrrrr right now! Mine took almost 6 weeks to get approved last month. The EDD rep (when I finally got through) said they're prioritizing new claims over extensions. Just keep checking your account daily and try calling if it gets too close to your end date.

Did you make sure to submit the extension request at least 20 days before your claim expires? That's what the instructions say to do. Also check if your doctor filled out the medical certification correctly - any tiny mistake and they'll delay it without telling you.

I was in the same situation last year with my shoulder surgery recovery. The extension took about 5 weeks to process, but here's what you should do: 1) Call the EDD disability branch directly first thing in the morning (7:30am on dot), 2) If you can't get through, try calling your local EDD office instead - they can sometimes check on the status, 3) Make sure you keep certifying even if there's a gap - you'll get backpay once approved. Don't panic yet, they almost always approve extensions when properly documented by your doctor.

i had to call 43 times over 3 days to get a human on the phone about my extension!! its ridiculous how they expect ppl who are DISABLED to spend hours on the phone!!! when i finally got through they said my extension was approved 2 weeks earlier but the system hadnt updated. check ur mail maybe its already approved!!

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to an EDD agent? I was in the same boat with my disability extension and couldn't get anyone on the phone for days. My neighbor told me about claimyr.com and they got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 20 minutes. Totally worth checking out their video demo at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd to see how it works. The agent I spoke with was able to see that my extension was actually approved but stuck in processing, and they pushed it through right away.

One more important thing about extensions - if there IS a gap between your current claim and the extension approval, make sure you continue certifying for benefits weekly even though you won't get paid right away. Once your extension is approved, they'll pay you retroactively for those weeks. The key is not missing any certification periods or you could lose those weeks of backpay. Also, double check that your doctor specified the EXACT dates for your extended disability period - any vague language can cause delays.

My cousin works for EDD (not disability specifically) but she says extensions are taking 4-7 weeks right now because they're short-staffed after budget cuts last year. She also said they don't actually look at extensions until about 10 days before your current claim expires, regardless of when you submitted it. So your claim might just be sitting in a queue waiting for someone to review it based on the priority date.

Just wanted to update since I mentioned my experience earlier - I DID have a 2-week gap where I didn't get paid, but then they deposited everything at once when the extension was approved. So even if there's a delay, you should eventually get all the money you're entitled to. It just creates a cashflow problem in the meantime.

When my PFL extension got approved earlier this year, it was literally THE DAY before my original claim ended. Had me stressed for weeks for nothing! I think they might prioritize them based on end dates.

wait are u on SDI or PFL? theyre totally different programs with different rules. if ur on disabibility from work injury shouldnt u be on workers comp not SDI?

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my extension 3.5 weeks ago and still showing "processing" online. My claim expires in 10 days and I'm panicking about the gap. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and terrifying lol. Sounds like 4-6 weeks is pretty normal unfortunately. I'm definitely going to try calling first thing Monday morning and maybe check out that Claimyr service too. Really appreciate everyone sharing their timelines - it helps to know we're not alone in this stressful waiting game!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - submitted my SDI extension 3 weeks ago after knee surgery and it's still showing "processing" with my claim ending in 9 days. The stress is unreal! From what I'm reading here, it sounds like 4-7 weeks is unfortunately becoming the new normal for processing times. I've been trying to call EDD every morning but can never get through. Going to try that Claimyr service that Sasha mentioned since manual calling clearly isn't working. Also really appreciate the tip about continuing to certify even during any gap period - I had no idea about that! Will definitely keep doing my weekly certifications regardless. Hoping we all get our approvals soon before our current claims expire!

Just wanted to share my recent experience to give you all some hope! I was in the exact same situation 2 months ago - submitted my SDI extension for chronic pain management and it sat in "processing" for 5.5 weeks. I was absolutely panicking because my bills were piling up and I had no savings left. What finally worked was calling EDD at exactly 7:30 AM on a Wednesday morning - got through after only 15 minutes on hold! The rep told me my extension had actually been approved 3 days earlier but the system hadn't updated yet. She manually pushed it through and I received my first payment within 48 hours, plus all the backpay for the gap weeks. The key things that helped: 1) Keep certifying every week even during the gap, 2) Call early morning mid-week, 3) Don't panic - they do process them, just very slowly. Hang in there everyone, it will get resolved!

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! Filed my extension 5 weeks ago for recovery from ankle surgery and it's STILL showing "processing" - my current claim literally ends in 3 days and I'm freaking out about having zero income. I've been calling EDD every single day for the past 2 weeks and either get disconnected or sit on hold for hours before giving up. The financial stress is making my recovery so much worse. Really considering trying that Claimyr service at this point since nothing else is working. It's honestly ridiculous that disabled people have to jump through these hoops while we're supposed to be focusing on healing. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines - at least I know I'm not alone in this mess!