How long does EDD take to process mailed SDI forms? Doctor won't use online system
So frustrated with the EDD system right now. My doctor is old-school and refuses to submit anything online for my disability claim. I finally got him to complete the medical certification form (DE 2501) and mailed everything to EDD last Thursday. Now I'm stuck anxiously checking my mailbox every day. My doctor has put me on disability for 6 months due to my back surgery complications, and I'm already stressing about bills. Anyone know how long it typically takes for EDD to process paper forms these days? I've been seeing horror stories online about massive delays with paper submissions compared to online ones. Really wish my doctor would join this century and use SDI Online! 😫
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William Rivera
Paper claims definitely take longer than electronic submissions. Current processing time is about 14-17 business days for mailed forms, but that's just for them to enter it into their system. After that, you still need to wait for them to review and approve it. I'd recommend calling after about 2.5 weeks if you don't see anything in your account. Pro tip: Create an SDI Online account anyway so you can track the claim once it's in their system, even if your doctor submitted paper forms.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Thanks for the timeline! I already created an online account but there's nothing showing up yet. Will it eventually appear there even though everything was submitted by mail? These 2.5 weeks are going to be torture...
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Grace Lee
Start calling them NOW. Don't wait for processing. My doctor also used paper forms and my claim didn't show up in the system for a MONTH because they "lost" my paperwork. When I finally got through to someone, they found it sitting in some pile. Paper forms get lost or delayed ALL THE TIME with EDD. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with them.
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Mia Roberts
•agree!! my claim sat 4 weeks with no update til i called them. suddenly magically processed the next day lol.
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The Boss
Waiting is the worst part of disability claims! I sent my paperwork in last month and checked my mailbox obsessively for two weeks. Nothing showed up online either until day 16. Then suddenly it appeared in my SDI Online account. Sending good vibes your way!
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Evan Kalinowski
•I had a COMPLETLY different experience with mailed forms. Took almost 8 WEEKS before my claim was processed!!! They said they never recieved my doctors certification even though we sent it certified mail with tracking!!! Had to get my doctor to resubmit EVERYTHING. Total nightmare. Would NEVER use paper forms again if I can help it!
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Victoria Charity
Just a heads up - calling EDD is practically impossible these days. I spent 3 weeks trying to get through about my paper claim last month. Either busy signals or 4+ hour wait times just to get disconnected. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Totally worth it because the rep was able to locate my paperwork and push it through the system.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Never heard of this service before. Did they actually help you get through faster? I've been debating whether to even try calling since everyone says it's impossible.
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Victoria Charity
•Yes, it actually works. Instead of wasting days redialing, I got through in one morning. The EDD rep I spoke with found my paperwork sitting in a processing queue and flagged it for immediate review. My claim was approved two days later.
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Jasmine Quinn
My cosin had same problem last year doctor used paper forms and it took 3 weeks but then another 2 weeks after that before he got any money. EDD is so slow with everything anymore its crazy. Hope u get ur money soon!
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Kayla Jacobson
•Ugh, 5 weeks total sounds painful. Did your cousin do anything to speed up the process? I'm already dipping into my emergency savings.
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William Rivera
Just to clarify something important - even though you mailed in a paper application, you should still create an SDI Online account if you haven't already. Once your claim is entered into their system (which takes 2-3 weeks with paper forms), you'll be able to manage everything online including certifying for continued benefits. Many people don't realize this and end up waiting for paper forms in the mail unnecessarily.
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Kayla Jacobson
•I did create an online account right after mailing everything. I just checked again and still nothing showing up yet. I guess I just need to be patient, but it's so stressful when you're not earning income. I'll give it until the end of next week and then try calling. Thanks for the advice!
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