Error accessing SDI application form online - tried everything, still can't apply!
Hey everyone, I'm having a really frustrating issue with applying for SDI online. Every time I try to access the application form, I get an error message. I've already tried clearing my browser cache, using different browsers, and even different devices, but nothing seems to work. Has anyone else run into this problem or know how to fix it? I'm getting desperate here!
32 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve SDI online application errors, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDWk2vT24sA
0 coins
Makayla Shoemaker
Ugh, I feel your pain! 😫 The EDD website is such a nightmare sometimes. Have you tried accessing it during off-peak hours? Like super early in the morning or late at night? Sometimes that helps when the system is overloaded.
0 coins
Mason Stone
•Thanks for the suggestion! I'll give it a shot tonight and see if it makes a difference. Fingers crossed 🤞
0 coins
Christian Bierman
•Off-peak hours didnt work for me. The whole system is just broken af 🤡
0 coins
Emma Olsen
I had the same issue last month! It turned out there was a glitch in their system that was affecting a bunch of people. Have you tried calling their tech support line? They might be able to help you bypass the error or apply over the phone.
0 coins
Mason Stone
•I haven't tried calling yet, but that's a good idea. Do you happen to have the number for tech support handy?
0 coins
Emma Olsen
•Sure thing! The number is 1-800-480-3287. Good luck!
0 coins
Mason Stone
•Thanks so much! I'll give them a call tomorrow morning.
0 coins
Lucas Lindsey
Here's what worked for me when I faced a similar issue: 1. Try using an incognito/private browsing window 2. Disable any ad-blockers or VPNs you might be using 3. Make sure your browser is up to date 4. If all else fails, try using a different internet connection (like your phone's hotspot) Hope this helps! Let us know if any of these work for you.
0 coins
Sophie Duck
man, the EDD is such a joke. they expect us to jump through hoops just to get the benefits we deserve. its ridiculous that we even have to deal with this kinda stuff 🤬
0 coins
Austin Leonard
•Preach! 🙌 The whole system needs an overhaul. We're living in 2023, and they're still running on Windows 95 or smthn
0 coins
Anita George
•Come on guys, cut them some slack. They're dealing with millions of claims. It's not easy to manage all that data.
0 coins
Sophie Duck
•@profile7 found the EDD employee lmao 🤣
0 coins
Abigail Spencer
Hey, I found a method that actually works to get someone on the phone. 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. Check out this video for more info: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
0 coins
Logan Chiang
•Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit? Anyone else tried it?
0 coins
Abigail Spencer
•Yep, it's 100% legit. I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo
0 coins
Isla Fischer
•$20 just to talk to someone? That's highway robbery! 😤
0 coins
Abigail Spencer
•@profile10 I get it, but think about how much your time is worth. For me, not having to sit on hold for hours was totally worth it.
0 coins
Miles Hammonds
Have you tried contacting your local assembly member's office? They often have direct lines to EDD and can help push your case through. It's worth a shot!
0 coins
Mason Stone
•I hadn't even thought of that! How do I find out who my assembly member is?
0 coins
Miles Hammonds
•Just google 'find my california assembly member' and enter your address. They usually have a 'contact us' form on their website. Good luck!
0 coins
Javier Gomez
I ran into this exact same problem a few weeks ago! What finally worked for me was switching to a completely different network - I ended up going to my local library and using their WiFi. Apparently some ISPs have issues with certain EDD pages. Also, make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might be blocking scripts. The EDD site is super picky about that stuff. If none of that works, you can also try the paper application - it's old school but at least it gets the job done while you're troubleshooting the online issues!
0 coins
Elijah Jackson
•Oh wow, the library WiFi trick is genius! I never would have thought of that. I'm definitely going to try switching networks first before I go the paper route. Thanks for the tip about browser extensions too - I do have a few ad blockers running that might be interfering. Really appreciate the detailed suggestions! 🙏
0 coins
Natasha Petrov
I've been dealing with the same frustrating issue! What finally worked for me was completely clearing ALL my browser data (not just cache - cookies, saved passwords, everything) and then restarting my computer before trying again. Also, try accessing the site directly through this link: https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/. Sometimes going through Google search results leads to cached/broken pages. If you're still having trouble, I'd also recommend trying the application early in the morning around 6-7 AM when server traffic is lowest. The EDD system seems to handle requests better during those hours. Hope this helps - don't give up! 💪
0 coins
StarSurfer
•This is super helpful! I'm definitely going to try the complete browser data wipe first thing tomorrow morning. I've been trying to access it through search results, so going directly to that link might make all the difference. The 6-7 AM timing tip is gold too - I never thought about server traffic being lighter then. Thanks for not giving up on helping us figure this out! 🙌
0 coins
Malik Jackson
I've been through this exact same nightmare! Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of trying everything: First, make sure you're using Chrome or Firefox (Edge and Safari seem to have issues with their site). Then, go to your browser settings and temporarily disable ALL extensions - even ones you think are harmless. The EDD site is super sensitive to any kind of script blocking or privacy extensions. Also, try accessing the site using your phone's mobile data instead of WiFi - I discovered my home internet provider was somehow interfering with certain government sites. If you're still stuck, there's actually a paper application you can download and mail in as a backup option while you troubleshoot the online issues. Don't let this broken system defeat you - you've got this! 💪
0 coins
StarSeeker
•This is exactly the kind of detailed troubleshooting advice I needed! I haven't tried disabling all my extensions yet - I was only focusing on ad blockers. The mobile data suggestion is really smart too, I never considered that my ISP might be part of the problem. I'm going to work through your checklist tomorrow and see if Chrome makes a difference (I've been using Safari this whole time). Really appreciate you taking the time to share what worked for you - it gives me hope that I'll finally get through this! 🙏
0 coins
Libby Hassan
I went through this exact same issue a couple months ago and it was driving me crazy! After trying everything you mentioned, what finally worked was using a VPN to connect through a different location. Turns out there was some kind of regional server issue affecting certain areas. I used a free VPN (ProtonVPN has a good free tier) and connected through a server in a different city, then the application loaded perfectly. Also, if you have access to a computer at work or a friend's place, try from there - sometimes it's just your specific internet connection that's having issues with their servers. The EDD tech infrastructure is honestly held together with duct tape and prayers, but don't give up! You'll get through eventually. 🤞
0 coins
Zoe Papadopoulos
•That's such a smart workaround! I never would have thought about regional server issues being the culprit. I actually do have access to my work computer, so I'll definitely try that first before going the VPN route. It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to apply for benefits we're entitled to, but I really appreciate you sharing what worked for you. The "duct tape and prayers" comment made me laugh - that's probably the most accurate description of EDD's system I've heard! 😅 Thanks for the encouragement too, I really needed that today.
0 coins
Connor Murphy
I feel your frustration! I went through something similar last year and it was incredibly stressful. Here are a few additional things that helped me when I was stuck in the same situation: 1. Try accessing the site from a completely fresh browser profile (create a new user profile in Chrome/Firefox) 2. Temporarily disable your antivirus software - sometimes they block certain government site scripts 3. If you're on Windows, try running your browser as an administrator 4. Check if your system date/time is correct - I know it sounds weird, but SSL certificate issues can cause weird errors Also, if you do end up having to call, try calling right at 8:00 AM when they open - set multiple alarms and hit redial repeatedly. I know it's exhausting, but persistence usually pays off with EDD. One last tip: if you have a smartphone, try using the "Request Desktop Site" option in your mobile browser - sometimes their mobile site works when the regular site doesn't. Hang in there, you'll get through this! 💪
0 coins
Nina Fitzgerald
•Wow, these are some really technical solutions I hadn't considered! The fresh browser profile idea is brilliant - I bet that would clear out any weird cached data that might be causing conflicts. I'm definitely going to try the antivirus disable trick too since mine is pretty aggressive with blocking scripts. The SSL certificate/system time thing sounds obscure but makes total sense when you think about how finicky government sites can be with security protocols. Thanks for the 8 AM calling strategy too - I've been trying random times throughout the day with no luck. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed troubleshooting steps! 🙏
0 coins
Ava Thompson
I'm dealing with the exact same error right now! It's so frustrating when you're already stressed about needing disability benefits and then the system won't even let you apply. I've been reading through all these suggestions and they're super helpful - I had no idea there were so many potential fixes to try. The VPN and different network suggestions are really interesting since I hadn't considered that it might be an ISP or regional server issue. I'm going to start with the simpler solutions like clearing all browser data and trying incognito mode, then work my way up to the more technical fixes. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this struggle and that there are ways to get around EDD's broken system! 🙏
0 coins