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Javier Morales

EDD payment authorized today - when will my SDI check arrive in mail?

Just logged into my SDI Online account and saw my disability payment was AUTHORIZED today (finally!). I'm getting a paper check because I messed up my direct deposit info when I filed my claim last month. Anyone know how long it takes for the check to actually arrive in my mailbox after it shows as authorized? I've got rent due next week and really need to know if I should be looking for other ways to cover it. This is my first time on disability so I'm not familiar with their mailing timeline.

Mine took 4 days after it showed authorized. But that was pre-covid so idk if mail is slower now. The EDD website says 7-10 business days but in my experience its usually faster.

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Thanks for the info! 4 days would be amazing. I'm hoping it comes before the 1st but sounds like it might be cutting it close.

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bank account better then check just sayin

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I know 😩 I entered one wrong digit in my account number and now I'm stuck with paper checks for the whole claim period. Learned my lesson for sure!

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Amina Diallo

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EDD disability payments typically arrive 3-7 business days after authorization, with most people receiving their checks around 5 business days after the status changes to authorized. The check is actually mailed out the day after authorization in most cases, not on the authorization day itself. If you're really concerned about timing, you should track the payment status in your SDI Online account - it will change from 'authorized' to 'issued' when the check is actually mailed. If your payment was authorized today, I would expect you'll have it by the end of next week at the latest, but possibly earlier depending on mail service in your area. Do keep in mind that once you receive this check, future ones should arrive on a more predictable schedule if your certification periods are consistent.

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Thank you for the detailed explanation! I'll keep checking my account for the status change to 'issued'. Good to know about the timing for future payments too.

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GamerGirl99

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THE MAIL IS SO SLOW NOW!!! My check took 13 days last time and I almost got evicted. EDD doesn't care AT ALL that people need money on time. Called them 40+ times and never got through.

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I was having the same issue getting through to EDD about my delayed payments. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes after trying for days on my own. They have a service that calls EDD for you and connects you when they reach an agent. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd

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Mine usually arrives within 5-6 days of authorization. Just so you know, for future reference, you actually CAN change your payment method from check to direct deposit even after you've started your claim. Log into SDI Online and look for 'Payment Method' under one of the menus (I think it's under 'View Payment Information'). You'll need to do it at least 7-10 days before your next certification though for it to take effect for the next payment. If you're really worried about timing for this check, can you call your landlord and explain the situation? Most are willing to work with you if you communicate proactively.

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Wait, seriously?? I called EDD and they told me I couldn't change it until this claim was over! I'm going to check that option right now. Thank you so much for this info!

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Malik Jenkins

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My brother got disability last year and his first check took 4 days but then second check took like 2 weeks for some reason. The EDD system is so random sometimes.

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I've been on disability twice (back injury) and both times the checks came pretty consistently 5 business days after showing as authorized. I've never had one take longer than 7 business days. The USPS informed delivery service is really helpful - you can sign up free and they email you pictures of the mail that's coming to you each day. That way you'll know exactly when it's arriving.

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That's a great tip about the USPS informed delivery! Just signed up for it - thank you!

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Sophie Duck

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Based on my experience with CA disability payments, you should realistically expect your check to arrive within 5-7 business days from today's authorization date. I've been through this process a few times and found that while EDD says 7-10 business days, most checks actually arrive faster than that. Since today is a Saturday and your payment was authorized today, the check likely won't be processed/mailed until Monday or Tuesday, then add 3-5 days for postal delivery. So you're probably looking at receiving it sometime between Thursday and the following Tuesday. For your rent situation - definitely reach out to your landlord ASAP to let them know about the slight delay. Most landlords are understanding if you communicate early rather than waiting until after rent is due. You might also want to check if your state/county has any emergency rental assistance programs available while you wait for your check to arrive. Good luck, and hopefully it arrives on the earlier side of that timeline!

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Riya Sharma

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This is really helpful advice! I hadn't thought about the weekend affecting the processing timeline. I'll definitely call my landlord first thing Monday morning to give them a heads up. I'm also going to look into those emergency rental assistance programs you mentioned - that's a great backup plan to have. Really appreciate you breaking down the realistic timeline like that!

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Paolo Moretti

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I've been getting disability checks for about 8 months now and can share what I've observed with timing. The authorization date is when EDD approves the payment, but the actual mailing usually happens 1-2 business days after that. From there, it's really dependent on your local postal service - I'm in the Bay Area and typically get mine 4-5 days after authorization, but I have a friend in rural Northern CA who consistently waits 7-8 days. One thing that might help with planning - once you get into a regular certification schedule, the timing becomes much more predictable. My checks now arrive like clockwork every two weeks. Also, if you're really stressed about this payment, you might want to consider asking family or friends for a short-term loan to cover rent, then pay them back as soon as the check arrives. Sometimes having that safety net lined up can give you peace of mind while you wait.

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That's really reassuring to hear about the predictable timing once you get into the regular schedule! I'm definitely going to reach out to a couple family members about a potential short-term loan just in case - you're right that having that backup plan would help with the stress. It's good to know that even in rural areas it's still typically under 8 days. Thanks for sharing your experience with the timing patterns!

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StarSurfer

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I just went through this exact situation last month! My payment was authorized on a Friday and I received the check the following Wednesday - so 5 business days total. The key thing I learned is that EDD actually batches their check printing and mailing, so even though it shows "authorized" immediately, the physical check doesn't get mailed until the next business day or two. Since you mentioned this is your first time on disability, here's something that really helped me: I set up text alerts through my bank so I'd know immediately when any check was deposited (even though you're getting paper checks, this will help for future payments if you switch to direct deposit). Also, if you're really worried about the timing, some banks will give you a provisional credit if you bring in the check stub or have proof of the authorized payment - worth asking about if you have a good relationship with your bank. Hope it arrives quickly for you! The waiting is definitely the worst part of the whole process.

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This is super helpful! I had no idea about the batching process - that explains why there's a delay even after authorization. The tip about bank text alerts is great too, I'm going to set that up right away. I never thought about asking my bank for a provisional credit either, but it's worth a shot since I have the authorization showing in my account. Thanks for sharing your recent experience - it's really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through the exact same situation!

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I work at a local credit union and wanted to chime in about the timing. In my experience helping members with EDD disability checks, the average delivery time after authorization is about 5-6 business days, but I've seen it range from 3-9 days depending on mail routes. Since your payment was authorized today (Saturday), the earliest it would be processed for mailing is Monday, which means you're realistically looking at Thursday-Friday of next week at the earliest. For your rent situation, I'd definitely recommend being proactive with your landlord - most property managers are understanding when tenants communicate early about delays. One more tip: if you have a good banking relationship, some institutions will work with you on emergency situations like this. We sometimes offer small emergency loans or can expedite check clearing if you bring documentation of the authorized payment. Might be worth a conversation with your bank!

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Sean O'Connor

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That's really valuable insight from someone who works in banking! I appreciate you breaking down the realistic timeline starting from Monday's processing. I'm definitely going to have that conversation with my landlord early in the week, and I'll also stop by my bank to see if they have any emergency options available. It's reassuring to know that 5-6 business days is pretty typical. Thanks for taking the time to share your professional perspective on this - it really helps with planning!

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