How long until EDD SDI debit card arrives after mailing paper claim forms?
So my doc insisted on completing the paper forms for my disability claim instead of using SDI Online (something about 'maintaining detailed medical records'... whatever). I mailed everything to EDD last Thursday with tracking, and USPS confirms it was delivered Monday. Problem is, I have NO idea how long it'll take to process since I can't check status online like everyone else! Anyone else go through the paper forms route recently? How long did it take for your claim to be approved and get that debit card in the mail? My rent's due in 3 weeks and I'm seriously stressing. This is my first disability claim EVER and I really wish I'd insisted on the online filing now.
28 comments


Yara Campbell
Paper claims usually take around 2-3 weeks longer than online claims to process. The EDD has to manually enter all your information into their system, which creates a backlog. I'd expect about 3-4 weeks total from when they received it until you get your card. If you haven't received anything by week 4, that's when you should start calling. Make sure to watch your mail carefully for any requests for additional information - those can delay things further if you don't respond quickly.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•3-4 WEEKS?? Ugh, I'm going to be cutting it so close with bills. Do they at least backpay from the date the disability started, or just from when they process it? This is so stressful.
0 coins
Isaac Wright
The good news is that yes, they'll backpay you from the date your disability began (minus the 7-day waiting period). So even though the processing takes longer with paper forms, you'll still get the same amount as if you had filed online. Your doctor should have indicated your disability start date on the form.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•Thank you!!! That's a huge relief. My doc put my start date as April 3rd (almost 2 weeks ago) so hopefully that means a decent first payment when it finally arrives.
0 coins
Maya Diaz
JUST A WARNING - paper claims get lost ALL THE TIME!!! My husband filed with paper last year and we waited 6 weeks with nothing happening. Called EDD about 50 times before getting through and guess what? They had ZERO record of his claim!!! Had to start all over again and lost another 3 weeks. ALWAYS keep copies of everything you send them!!
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•Oh no, that's terrifying! I didn't make copies before mailing it. 😱 I do have the USPS tracking number though... would that help if they lose it?
0 coins
Tami Morgan
tracking # doesn't matter tbh. it just proves it arrived SOMEWHERE at edd. doesnt prove anyone actually entered ur claim in the system. this happened to my sister last month too. paper claim disappeared into the void.
0 coins
Rami Samuels
•yeah same happened 2 me. waited 5 weeks, nothin. finally got hold of someone and they're like we don't have ur claim in the system. so annoying!!! had 2 get my dr to redo all the paperwork. total nightmare.
0 coins
Haley Bennett
After several failed attempts to contact EDD about my missing paper claim, I finally used Claimyr to get through (claimyr.com). They connected me to an EDD rep in less than 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. The rep was able to check if my claim was in the system and give me an update on processing time. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Way better than stressing for weeks not knowing if your paperwork got lost.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•I've never heard of this service before, but I might need it if I don't see any update soon. Is it legit? Did they actually help solve your problem?
0 coins
Haley Bennett
Yes, totally legit! They just connect you to an actual EDD representative faster than doing it yourself. The rep I spoke with confirmed my claim was in the system but missing some info from my doctor. I was able to fix it right then instead of waiting for a letter weeks later. Saved me from a lot of stress and delays.
0 coins
Douglas Foster
•I'm not sure that service is worth it. I mean, you're basically paying for something the government should provide for free. I just kept calling EDD repeatedly for 3 days and finally got through. Just use the redial button!
0 coins
Isaac Wright
Just to clarify some information here: The EDD Bank of America debit card typically arrives separately from your claim approval. Once your claim is processed, you'll first receive a Notice of Computation in the mail showing your weekly benefit amount. The debit card usually arrives 5-7 business days after your first payment is issued. If you've had a debit card from a previous claim within the last 3 years, they'll use that same card and won't send a new one. You can check if your claim has been received by calling the SDI number at 1-800-480-3287, but be prepared for long wait times.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•Thanks for the detailed info! I've never had a claim before so I'll definitely get a new card. Do they notify you by mail when your claim is approved, or do I just keep checking my mailbox for the card?
0 coins
Yara Campbell
They should send you a Notice of Computation by mail that shows your claim was approved and what your weekly benefit amount will be. This comes before the debit card. However, with paper claims, some people have reported not receiving this notice but still getting their debit card. It's a bit unpredictable. If you're concerned about your mail delivery, you might want to sign up for Informed Delivery through USPS so you can see what's coming to your mailbox each day.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•Great suggestion about Informed Delivery! Just signed up for that. At least I'll know when something from EDD is coming before it arrives.
0 coins
Nina Chan
my mom had knee surgery last year and her doctor did the paper forms too. took exactly 22 days from when she mailed it until the card showed up. but that was during a slow period. i've heard it can take 4-6 weeks during busy times. did u mail it to the right address? there's different po boxes for different claim types.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•Oh gosh, I didn't realize there were different PO boxes! I sent it to the Sacramento PO Box that was listed on the form my doctor gave me. I hope that was right...
0 coins
Isaac Wright
If your doctor provided the form, it should have had the correct PO Box printed on it. The main SDI PO Box is PO Box 989311, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9311. You can always call to confirm they received it, which I'd recommend doing around the 2-week mark after delivery just to make sure it's in their system. By the way, when your claim is approved, make sure to set up the automatic transfer from the BofA card to your personal bank account - it's much more convenient than using the debit card for everything.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•That's the address I used! Phew! And thanks for the tip about the auto transfer - I definitely prefer having money go straight to my checking account.
0 coins
NebulaKnight
Hang in there! I know the waiting is stressful, especially when bills are due. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you're looking at about 3-4 weeks total, but the backpay should help once it arrives. One thing I'd suggest is calling EDD around the 2-week mark (so next Monday) just to confirm they have your claim in their system - better to find out early if there's an issue rather than wait the full month. Also, if you're really tight on funds, you might want to contact your landlord now to explain the situation. Many are understanding about disability claims since they know the delays are common with EDD. Good luck!
0 coins
Mason Davis
I went through the paper form process about 6 months ago and it was definitely nerve-wracking! Mine took about 3.5 weeks from when EDD received it until I got my debit card. The good news is that once it's approved, you'll get all the backpay from your disability start date (minus the 7-day waiting period). I'd definitely recommend calling around the 2-week mark to make sure they have your paperwork - I called at day 12 and they confirmed it was in the system and being processed. Also, don't stress too much about not making copies beforehand - as long as you have that tracking confirmation showing delivery, you have proof you sent it. The wait is awful but you'll get through it!
0 coins
Giovanni Greco
•Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through the paper process recently. 3.5 weeks sounds about right based on what everyone else is saying too. I think I'll definitely call next Monday (day 12 for me) to confirm they have everything. The waiting is the worst part when you don't know if your paperwork is just sitting in a pile somewhere or actually being processed. Really appreciate the encouragement - I needed to hear that!
0 coins
Jade Lopez
I'm in a similar situation right now - filed my paper forms about 10 days ago and the waiting is killing me! Reading through everyone's experiences here is both helpful and terrifying at the same time. The idea that claims can just disappear into the void is my worst nightmare. I think I'm going to follow the advice about calling at the 2-week mark to confirm they have my paperwork. Has anyone had success getting through to EDD lately, or are the wait times still insane? Also, for those who've been through this - is there any pattern to what day of the week the debit cards typically arrive, or is it just random? Trying to manage my anxiety by having some kind of timeline to expect!
0 coins
Savannah Weiner
•Hey Jade! I totally get the anxiety - I'm still waiting too and it's so stressful not knowing what's happening with your claim. From what I've read here, it seems like calling at the 2-week mark is definitely the way to go. As for wait times, sounds like they're still pretty brutal - that's why some people mentioned using that Claimyr service to get through faster. I haven't tried it yet but might if I can't get through on my own next week. About the debit card timing, I don't think there's really a pattern - seems pretty random from what everyone's saying. But hey, at least we're not alone in this waiting game! Keep me posted on how your call goes when you try - maybe we can compare notes!
0 coins
Benjamin Kim
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my paper forms 8 days ago and the uncertainty is driving me crazy. My doctor also insisted on paper forms because he said he could provide more detailed medical documentation that way. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - sounds like 3-4 weeks is pretty standard for paper claims, but the stories about lost paperwork are terrifying! I'm definitely going to call at the 2-week mark to confirm they have my claim. One thing I'm wondering - for those who got their claims approved, did you receive any kind of confirmation text or email when it was processed, or is it just the mail notices? Also planning to sign up for that USPS Informed Delivery service someone mentioned - at least then I'll know when something from EDD is coming. Thanks for posting this question, it's so helpful to know others are in the same boat!
0 coins
Nia Wilson
•Hey Benjamin! So glad to see I'm not the only one dealing with this paper form nightmare right now. It's crazy how many of us are in the same situation - sounds like a lot of doctors prefer the paper route for whatever reason. From what I've gathered reading through all these responses, there's no text/email confirmation when your claim gets processed - it's all old-school mail notifications. That's part of why the waiting is so nerve-wracking! Definitely signing up for Informed Delivery too, that seems like a smart move. Good luck with your call at the 2-week mark - maybe we'll both have good news to report back here!
0 coins
Ella Harper
I just went through this exact same process 2 months ago! My doctor also insisted on paper forms and I was freaking out about the timeline. Here's what actually happened: I mailed my forms on a Tuesday, EDD received them Friday (confirmed via tracking), and I got my debit card exactly 26 days after they received it. The waiting was absolutely brutal, especially not being able to check status online like everyone else. But the backpay was worth it - I got everything from my disability start date minus the 7-day waiting period, so my first payment was pretty substantial. My advice: definitely call at the 2-week mark to confirm they have your paperwork (I wish I had done this earlier), and try calling first thing in the morning around 8am for shorter wait times. Also, don't panic if you don't get the Notice of Computation - mine never came but the debit card showed up anyway. You've got this! The wait is awful but you'll get through it.
0 coins