How long does EDD take to process mailed SDI forms? Doctor won't use online system

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

I'm going through something similar right now! My doctor also refuses to use the online system and I mailed my forms about 10 days ago. The waiting is absolutely killing me, especially when bills are piling up. From what I've read here and other forums, it seems like the paper processing times are all over the place - some people get lucky with 2-3 weeks, while others wait 6-8 weeks. I've been checking my SDI Online account daily hoping something will show up. Really considering trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned if I don't see movement by next week. Hang in there - we're both in the same frustrating boat! 🤞

I feel your pain! I just went through this exact situation a few months ago. My doctor also refused to use the online system and I was so stressed about the processing time. Here's what I learned: paper forms typically take 2-3 weeks just to get entered into their system, then another 1-2 weeks for actual processing. The good news is that once your claim is approved, you'll get backpay from your disability start date. I ended up calling around the 3-week mark and the rep was actually helpful - she confirmed they had received my paperwork and it was "in queue for processing." Don't be afraid to call if you hit the 3-week mark with no updates in your online account. Also, make sure you have your confirmation number from when you mailed it (if you sent it certified) - that really helps when you call. You've got this! The waiting is terrible but most claims do get processed eventually.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My doctor also won't use the online system and I mailed my forms two weeks ago. The uncertainty is driving me crazy, especially when you're already dealing with health issues on top of financial stress. From what I've gathered from other people's experiences, it seems like the key is being proactive about following up. I've been setting reminders to check my SDI Online account every few days rather than obsessively checking daily (which was making my anxiety worse). One thing that's helped me is keeping a simple log of when I mailed everything, what forms I sent, and the certified mail tracking number. That way when I do call, I have all the info ready. Also, I've heard that if you don't see anything in your online account by the 3-week mark, that's definitely when you should call. The waiting game is brutal but you're not alone in this!

I went through this exact same frustrating experience earlier this year! My doctor is also old-school and insisted on paper forms only. I mailed everything on a Tuesday and it took exactly 19 business days before anything showed up in my SDI Online account. The wait was absolutely agonizing, especially when you're already stressed about money and dealing with health issues. What really helped me was creating a simple calendar reminder to check once every 3 days instead of daily - it reduced my anxiety a lot. Also, I highly recommend sending a follow-up certified letter if you don't see movement by the 3-week mark. Sometimes that gets things moving faster than trying to call. Once my claim finally appeared online, the actual approval only took 4 more days. The backpay covered everything from my original disability start date, so that was a relief. Hang in there - I know the uncertainty is terrible but most paper claims do get processed, just slower than we'd like! 💪

I'm currently going through the exact same situation! My doctor also refuses to use SDI Online and I submitted my paper forms about 2 weeks ago. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're already dealing with medical issues and can't work. From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 2-4 weeks is pretty typical for paper processing, but the variability is what makes it so stressful. I've been trying to distract myself by keeping busy with non-physical activities, but it's hard not to think about it constantly. One thing that's helped me is writing down all my important dates and confirmation numbers in one place so I'm ready when I do need to call. Really hoping both of our claims get processed soon - this whole system definitely needs to be modernized! The fact that we're penalized with longer wait times just because our doctors prefer paper is so frustrating. 😤

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! I just went through something very similar last month. My doctor also refused to use the online system and I was pulling my hair out waiting for updates. I mailed my forms on a Friday and it took exactly 16 business days before anything appeared in my SDI Online account. The key things that helped me: 1) I called exactly at the 3-week mark and the rep confirmed they had received my paperwork and it was "in processing" 2) I kept detailed notes of all my dates and tracking numbers 3) I tried to check my online account only every few days instead of obsessively checking daily. The waiting is absolutely terrible when you're already stressed about bills and health issues, but hang in there! Once my claim finally appeared online, the actual approval was pretty quick (about 5 days). And yes, you do get backpay from your original disability start date which was such a relief. Sending positive thoughts your way! 🤞

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating situation right now! My doctor is also old-school and refuses to use the online system, so I had to mail in my DE 2501 form about 10 days ago. The waiting is absolutely killing me, especially when you're already dealing with medical issues and can't work. From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the timeline is pretty variable - some people get lucky with 2-3 weeks, while others wait much longer. I've been obsessively checking my SDI Online account multiple times a day (which I know isn't helping my anxiety). Really considering that Claimyr service someone mentioned if I don't see any movement by next week. It's so frustrating that we're basically penalized with longer processing times just because our doctors won't modernize! Hoping both our claims get processed soon - this whole system definitely needs an overhaul. 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this stressful situation! I'm actually new to this whole disability process myself, but I've been reading through all these experiences and it's both reassuring and terrifying to see how much the timeline varies. My doctor is also completely tech-phobic and refuses to use any online systems, so I'm mentally preparing myself for the same paper submission nightmare. From what everyone's sharing, it seems like the 2-4 week range is most common, but the uncertainty is definitely the worst part when you're already dealing with health issues and financial stress. I really appreciate everyone sharing their specific timelines - it helps set realistic expectations rather than just hoping for the best. Definitely going to follow the advice about keeping detailed records and checking the online account every few days instead of obsessing daily. Sending positive thoughts your way that your claim gets processed quickly! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! My doctor is also old-school and won't touch anything online - it's so frustrating in 2025! I mailed my DE 2501 form about a week ago and I'm already checking my mailbox obsessively. Reading everyone's experiences here is both helpful and anxiety-inducing - the timeline seems so unpredictable! I'm seeing everything from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on luck. I already created my SDI Online account like others suggested, but nothing's showing up yet (which I guess is normal this early). The financial stress on top of dealing with my injury is really getting to me. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about calling at the 3-week mark and keeping detailed records. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it helps to know I'm not alone in this paper submission nightmare! 🤞

I'm completely new to the disability process but unfortunately dealing with a very similar situation! My doctor is also stuck in the past and refuses to use any online systems - it's so frustrating that in 2025 we're still dealing with these delays because of paper submissions. I haven't even submitted my forms yet but I'm already dreading the waiting period after reading everyone's experiences here. The timeline seems so unpredictable - some people get lucky with 2-3 weeks while others wait 6-8 weeks or more. I really appreciate everyone sharing their specific timelines and tips though - it's helping me mentally prepare for what's ahead. The advice about creating an SDI Online account, keeping detailed records, and calling at the 3-week mark is super helpful. It's also reassuring to know that most claims do eventually get processed and you get backpay from the disability start date. Sending positive thoughts to everyone currently in the waiting phase - we shouldn't have to deal with this extra stress on top of our health issues! 🙏

I'm brand new to this disability process and reading through everyone's experiences is both eye-opening and nerve-wracking! My situation is almost identical - my doctor is also completely against using any online systems and insists on paper everything. I haven't even submitted my forms yet but I'm already anxious about the waiting period after seeing how much the timelines vary here. It's really frustrating that in 2025 we're essentially penalized with longer processing times just because our doctors won't modernize their practices. I'm definitely taking notes on all the helpful advice here - creating the SDI Online account ahead of time, keeping detailed records, sending certified mail, and planning to call at the 3-week mark if nothing shows up. The financial stress while unable to work is already overwhelming, and now I'm dreading adding weeks of uncertainty on top of that. Really appreciate this community for sharing real experiences and timelines - it helps so much to know what to realistically expect rather than just hoping for the best. Sending support to everyone currently in the waiting phase! 🤞

I'm also completely new to the disability system and just starting to navigate this whole process! My doctor is equally old-school and refuses to use any technology - it's so frustrating that we're essentially punished with longer wait times just because our healthcare providers won't adapt to modern systems. I haven't submitted my paperwork yet but I'm already feeling anxious about the waiting period after reading everyone's experiences here. The timeline variability is definitely nerve-wracking, but it's really helpful to see real people sharing their actual day counts and experiences rather than just vague government estimates. I'm definitely taking notes on all the great advice here - sending certified mail, creating the SDI Online account beforehand, keeping detailed records, and calling at the 3-week mark. It's overwhelming to think about dealing with this bureaucratic maze when we should be focusing on our health and recovery. Really grateful for this community for helping newcomers like me understand what to realistically expect. Sending positive thoughts to everyone currently stuck in the waiting phase - we shouldn't have to stress about this on top of our medical issues! 🤞