EDD disqualified my SDI claim because of documents I just mailed - what can I do now?

OMG this EXACT same thing happened to me in February!! I mailed my additional docs and they still disqualified me. The EDD system is BROKEN. When I appealed, they took 11 weeks to review it, and I had to borrow money from family just to pay rent. Their deadline policies are ridiculous - they don't clearly tell you when things are due until it's too late!!

try calling agian. sometimes u get a nice rep who can fix stuff like this. i had similar thing with my pregnancy disability claim but they fixed it when i called and explained.

You have three options here: 1. File a formal appeal using the DE 1000M form - this is the official route but as you noted, it can take months. 2. Keep calling the main SDI number at 1-800-480-3287 daily until you reach someone with authority to review your case. Be polite but persistent, and ask to speak with a supervisor or claim specialist who can review your disqualification. Explain that you mailed the documents before you were notified of disqualification. 3. Contact your state assembly member or senator's office. Their constituent services staff can often intervene in EDD cases and get much faster results than individuals can. This is actually very effective in California. One important note: When you mail documents to EDD, it can take 7-10 business days for them to process and scan them into their system. Your documents probably haven't even been opened yet, which is why the disqualification happened.

I would recommend filing the appeal right away while also pursuing other options. This protects your rights in case other approaches don't work. The appeal form (DE 1000M) is available on the EDD website, and you should include copies of any proof that you mailed the documents when requested. For the fastest resolution, though, speaking directly with an EDD representative is your best bet. Many people have success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to EDD representatives much faster. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd I was skeptical at first, but it saved me hours of redial attempts when I had an issue with my PFL claim last month. The rep I reached was able to resolve my issue immediately instead of waiting for the appeal process.

Wait I'm confused because I thought SDI doesn't have a 7 day waiting period anymore since the pandemic? Or did they bring that back? When I filed for disability last year there wasn't any waiting period...

Just wondering - what exactly were the additional docs they wanted? My doctor just completed my disability certification and I want to make sure I don't run into the same issue!

Have you checked your EDD SDI Online account messages? Sometimes they send notifications there about what's missing but don't call you. I'd also try faxing the documents if you can - it's faster than mail and there's a timestamp. I had to send additional medical evidence twice for my claim.

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning after trying for hours yesterday! The rep said they can see that my documents arrived but they're still in the processing queue. She put notes on my account about the timeline and said a claim specialist would review everything within 5-7 business days. She recommended I still submit the appeal form as backup but said there's a good chance the disqualification will be reversed once they process my documents. I'm cautiously optimistic but still worried about how long this might take.

I'm dealing with something similar but with my pregnancy disability claim! It's so stressful thinking about having no income right when you need it most. Did they tell you how long the review would take after they process your documents? I've been waiting two weeks already...

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the EDD system really seems designed to frustrate people when they're already dealing with health issues and financial stress. Reading through all the responses here, it sounds like you're on the right track with getting those notes added to your account. One thing I'd add is to document EVERYTHING - keep records of every call you make (date, time, rep name if they give it, what was discussed), save copies of all documents you've sent, and take screenshots of your claim status changes. If this does end up going to appeal, having that paper trail will be really important. Also, while you're waiting for the review, you might want to look into other temporary assistance programs. Some counties have emergency assistance funds, and there are food banks and utility assistance programs that might help bridge the gap. It's not ideal, but it can take some pressure off while you wait for EDD to get their act together. Fingers crossed that the claim specialist reviews your case quickly and reverses the disqualification! Keep us updated on how it goes.

This is such a frustrating situation, and unfortunately it's becoming way too common with EDD! I went through something similar with my SDI claim last year - they disqualified me for "late submission" of documents that I had actually submitted on time, but their mail processing was just super slow. A few things that helped me get it resolved faster: 1. When you call back, ask specifically to speak with a "claims examiner" or "disability specialist" rather than just general customer service. They have more authority to make immediate changes to your case. 2. If you have any kind of tracking confirmation from when you mailed the documents, mention that during your call - it shows you sent everything in good faith and on time. 3. Consider reaching out to your local state assembly member's office. I was skeptical about this at first, but their constituent services team contacted EDD on my behalf and I got a callback within 48 hours. Sometimes political pressure is the only thing that gets them moving. The good news from your update is that they can see your documents arrived - that's actually a huge step forward. Most of the time the issue is just their incredibly slow processing, not actually missing paperwork. Hopefully the claim specialist review goes smoothly and you can get back pay for the weeks you've been waiting! Hang in there - I know how stressful it is to deal with medical issues AND financial uncertainty at the same time.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare - EDD's timing and communication issues are absolutely infuriating! The fact that they disqualified you literally ONE DAY after you mailed the documents they requested is just cruel. I went through something similar with my workers' comp claim that transitioned to SDI. Here's what worked for me: Call back and ask to speak with a "disability determination specialist" specifically - not just regular customer service. When you get one, explain the exact timeline: you called on the 14th and 15th, were told to mail docs, sent them priority mail on the 15th, then got disqualified on the 16th. Ask them to put detailed notes in your file about this timeline discrepancy. Also, since you have that priority mail tracking, that's PROOF you sent everything when they told you to. Make sure to give them that tracking number - it shows you acted in good faith and their system failed you, not the other way around. The assembly member route really does work in California. I contacted mine through their website and got a response within 2 days. They have dedicated staff who deal with EDD issues all the time because this stuff happens constantly. Definitely file the appeal as backup, but given that your documents are already in their system and you have proof of when you sent them, there's a good chance this gets resolved without needing the full appeal process. Keep us posted on what happens with the claim specialist review!