Filed SDI claim by mail after giving birth - no CA ID - how to check status?

congrats on the baby! i did paper application last year cuz the online system kept crashing on me. took forever to process, like 5-6 weeks before i heard anything back

Oh no, 5-6 weeks?? That feels like forever when you're on maternity leave with no income. Did they at least backpay you from your disability start date?

First, congratulations on your new baby! With paper applications, EDD typically takes 2-3 weeks just to enter your information into their system, then another 1-2 weeks for processing. Since it's been about 3 weeks since your doctor submitted it, I'd recommend calling to check if they've received everything. You'll need:\n\n1. Your name, SSN, and mailing address to verify your identity\n2. Your doctor's name and the approximate date they sent the form\n3. Your expected disability period (from delivery date forward)\n\nMake sure your doctor submitted the DE 2501 form completely filled out. Missing information is the #1 reason for delays with paper applications.

Thank you so much for this detailed response! My doctor's office said they submitted everything, but I'll call EDD to make sure it was received. Do you know if there's a specific number I should call for paper applications, or just the regular SDI number?

GOOD LUCK GETTING ANYONE ON THE PHONE!!! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to reach someone about my paper application. Called EVERY DAY at exactly 8:00 am when they opened and still got the \

That's really discouraging to hear... I tried the online system multiple times but it wouldn't let me proceed without a CA ID number. I'm worried about my application getting lost in the shuffle since I have no way to check the status.

I had a similar situation in January - had to file by mail because I couldn't verify my identity online. Try calling exactly at 8:01am. I found that calling right when they open gets you the

I've had success with Claimyr.com for getting through to EDD SDI agents when I couldn't get through on my own. They have a service that connects you with an agent without the wait. Saved me hours of frustration when I had issues with my pregnancy disability claim. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd - definitely worth checking out if you're getting nowhere with calling directly.

Thank you for this tip! I'll try calling at 8:01 tomorrow morning, but if that doesn't work I'll check out that service. At this point I just need to know if they even received my paperwork.

Paper applications are actually processed at a different office than the online ones! I know because i went through this exact thing in 2025 after my baby was born. You need to make sure you're calling the right department - the Disability Insurance Office that handles paper claims, not just the general SDI line. Also, did you keep a copy of everything you and your doctor submitted? That saved me when they claimed they never got my form.

I didn't know there was a separate office for paper claims! Do you happen to have that specific phone number? And yes, thankfully my doctor's office gave me copies of everything they submitted.

I dont have the specific number anymore but when you call the main SDI line (1-800-480-3287) ask for the Paper Claims Processing Unit right away. And having those copies is smart! When i finally got through they asked me to fax copies because they couldnt find mine at first.

this is why I always tell my friends to AVOID paper applications with EDD at all costs!!! the online system may be annoying but at least you can track your claim... paper claims just disappear into a void sometimes

Just to add a bit more information - with pregnancy SDI claims, they should backdate benefits to your delivery date (minus the 7-day waiting period). So even with delays in processing, you should eventually receive all benefits you're entitled to. \n\nAlso, if you're planning to transition to Paid Family Leave after your disability period ends, I recommend applying for that online as soon as possible. You can typically create an SDI Online account to manage that portion even if you couldn't use it for your initial disability claim.

That's really helpful to know about the backdating - that gives me some peace of mind. And I didn't realize I could still use the online system for PFL! That will make things much easier when I'm ready to transition. Thank you!

Just went through this process myself in March. Here's what worked for me:\n\n1. Call the SDI number at 866-658-8846 (not the main EDD number)\n2. Press 1 for English, then 1 again to check claim status\n3. When it asks for your Customer Account Number, don't enter anything\n4. After three attempts it will transfer you to an agent\n\nIt still took about 45 minutes on hold, but I eventually got through. The agent was able to confirm they had received my paperwork and gave me an estimated processing date. \n\nAlso, double check with your doctor that they included your Social Security Number on every page of the medical certification. My claim was delayed because my doctor only put it on the first page.

Thank you for these detailed steps! I'll try this approach tomorrow morning. I'll also check with my doctor's office about the SSN on each page - they might have made the same mistake.

My sister had her baby last month and had a similar issue with paper forms. She ended up going to the physical EDD office in our area and they were able to look up her claim status on the spot. Might be worth trying if phone calls aren't working and you can manage getting out with a newborn (I know that's a big ask!).

The physical offices are USELESS for SDI claims!!! I tried this and they told me they only handle UNEMPLOYMENT not DISABILITY! Complete waste of time with a 2 hour wait just to be told to call the same number I couldn't get through on!!! 😡

Oh wow, I didn't know that! Sorry for the misinformation. My sister must have lucked out with someone who was willing to help.

Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning! Followed the trick about calling at 8:01 instead of right at 8:00, and only had to wait about 25 minutes. The agent confirmed they received my application but said it's still pending because they're waiting for additional information from my doctor. Apparently there was a section missing on the medical certification. I've already called my doctor's office and they're sending the updated form today. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Great news that you got through! This is very common with paper applications - there's almost always something missing or unclear. Once your doctor sends in the complete information, your claim should move forward. Make sure to follow up in about a week if you don't see any updates. And don't forget to ask your doctor to include your SSN on every page!

Will do! The agent said once they receive the complete information, it should only take about 7-10 days to process. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly from here.