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How long between EDD SDI payments? Second payment delay after 3 weeks

I got my first disability payment on February 2nd (took about 10 days after filing), but I'm still waiting on my second payment and it's been over 3 weeks now! I submitted my continuing certification form on time through SDI Online on February 21st. The website shows my certification as 'received' but no payment has been processed. Is this normal? My doctor has already submitted all the required medical documentation for my back injury (work-related herniated disc), and I'm supposed to be on disability for at least 4 months. I'm getting worried because rent is due next week and I've already used most of my savings to cover medical expenses. Does anyone know how long the gap between payments usually is? I tried calling EDD but just get the automated system saying they're experiencing high call volume.

Mohammed Khan

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Second payments shouldn't take that long if everything is in order. The standard processing time is 7-10 days after they receive your certification. Have you checked your SDI Online account to see if there are any pending issues or notifications? Sometimes they'll flag a certification for review but won't tell you directly - you have to look in your account for a message or status change. Also, make sure you completed all sections of the DE 2502 continuing certification form correctly - one missing field can stall the whole process.

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Ella Russell

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Thanks, I just checked and don't see any flags or issues in my account. Everything still shows as 'received' with no other status. I'm pretty sure I filled out the certification correctly... is there someone specific I should ask for when I call? The automated system is impossible to get through!

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Gavin King

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my second payment took like a month cuz they randomly decided to "review" my claim. didnt even tell me, i had to call like 20 times to find out. super frustrating!!!! they mite be doing the same to u

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Ella Russell

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Ugh, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! Did they eventually resolve it? Did you have to provide additional documentation?

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Gavin King

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yea it got fixed but only after i FINALLY got thru to someone. they said something about needing "additional verification" but turns out they just hadnt processed it. once i talked to someone it was fixed in like 2 days!

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Nathan Kim

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I had this EXACT issue last month! The system is completely broken right now. My first payment came right on time, then nothing for almost 4 weeks despite submitting my certification forms correctly. I finally got through to an EDD representative after using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this service that gets you connected to an actual human at EDD without waiting all day. There's even a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Turns out they had my claim flagged for "medical review" but never notified me. The EDD rep pushed it through when I finally reached someone. Got paid 2 days later. Worth trying if you're getting desperate!

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Eleanor Foster

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Does that Claimyr thing really work? I've been trying to reach EDD for 2 weeks about my disability claim.

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Nathan Kim

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Yeah, it actually worked for me. I was skeptical but got connected to EDD in like 25 minutes after trying for days on my own. The rep told me they're dealing with a huge backlog right now, especially for second payments because they're reviewing more claims than usual.

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Lucas Turner

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For accuracy's sake, I want to clarify a few things about EDD SDI payment timing: 1. First payments typically process in 7-14 days if there are no issues with your claim. 2. Subsequent payments should process within 7-10 days after your certification is received, BUT there are several reasons they can be delayed: - Random claim reviews (happening more frequently in 2025) - Discrepancies between your reported information and your doctor's certification - System flags for claims with specific medical conditions or industries (back injuries from certain job types often get extra scrutiny) - Administrative backlogs (which fluctuate throughout the year) 3. Important: If it's been more than 14 days since your certification was received, you should definitely contact EDD. The "received" status without movement to "processing" or "paid" for more than 14 days usually indicates your claim is stuck somewhere in their system. One tip: When you call, specifically ask if your claim has been selected for review or if there are any "stop payments" on your account. Those are the terms the representatives use internally.

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Ella Russell

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Thank you so much for this detailed information! It's been 21 days now since my certification was received, so something is definitely wrong. I'm going to try calling again tomorrow morning and specifically ask about reviews and stop payments. I didn't know back injuries got extra scrutiny but that could explain it.

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Kai Rivera

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I went through something similar last year but for me it turned out I had accidentally checked the box saying I returned to work part-time on my certification form. Double-check that you didn't make any errors like that - even small mistakes can cause major delays! Also, I found that calling right when they open (8am) gives you the best chance of getting through.

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Anna Stewart

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actually sometimes they skip weeks if they think you're getting better?? happened to my cousin. her disability was for anxiety/depression and they randomly decided she was better even tho her doctor said she wasn't! she had to get her doctor to send in another form saying she still needed disability. check if maybe that happened???

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Mohammed Khan

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That's not how SDI works. They don't randomly decide you're better or skip payments. What likely happened with your cousin is that her medical certification had an end date, and she needed her doctor to extend the disability period with additional documentation. EDD requires ongoing medical certification to continue payments. This is completely different from "skipping weeks" or EDD deciding someone is better.

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Ella Russell

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UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! Turns out my claim was flagged for review because my employer submitted information that didn't match exactly what my doctor submitted (different estimated return-to-work date). The representative removed the hold and said I should receive payment within 48 hours. She also mentioned they're understaffed right now and reviews are taking longer than usual. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

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Lucas Turner

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Glad you got it resolved! This is actually a common issue - when your employer's information doesn't align with your medical provider's information, it triggers an automatic review. For anyone else reading this in the future, always make sure your doctor and employer are communicating the same timeline for your disability. And yes, reviews that used to take 3-5 days are now taking 14-21 days due to staffing issues at EDD.

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Nathan Kim

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Great news! How did you finally get through to them? Did you try early morning calling or something else?

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Ella Russell

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I actually used that Claimyr service that you mentioned! Was connected to someone in about 35 minutes. Totally worth it since I'd already wasted hours trying to get through on my own.

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