IHSS provider disabled - need workaround to reach EDD SDI rep after ID.me issues
I'm completely stressed trying to file a disability claim for my sister who's an IHSS caregiver. She injured her back last week after falling down the stairs while caring for her client (lifting them wrong I think). The doctor put her on disability for at least 8 weeks, but we're hitting a wall with EDD. She made it through the ID.me verification after HOURS of trying (that system is a nightmare!), but now the SDI Online system is saying she needs to speak with an EDD representative before her claim can be processed. Something about her IHSS income needing special verification? We've been calling the main SDI number (1-800-480-3287) for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT. Either get disconnected, told to call back later, or stuck on hold until the office closes. I've tried calling right when they open at 8am and still nothing! Does anyone know if there's a special number for IHSS workers filing disability? Or any tricks to actually get through to a real person? She's starting to panic about bills since she has no income coming in now. Any advice appreciated!
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Diego Mendoza
same thing happened to my cousin last month!!! the EDD phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE. have you tried calling exactly at 8:02am? sometimes if you call right when they open the queue is already full but if you wait 2 mins it works better
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Chloe Harris
•I'll try the 8:02 thing tomorrow morning, thanks! Did your cousin eventually get through? How long did it take?
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Anastasia Popova
IHSS providers often have this issue with SDI because they're technically considered household employees with special tax arrangements. The system needs manual verification of their wages, which is why you're getting that message. There isn't a special phone number specifically for IHSS workers, but you might try calling the general EDD information line at 1-866-333-4606 first, explain the situation, and ask for a direct transfer to SDI. Sometimes this works as a backdoor. Also make sure your sister has her most recent W-2 or paystubs from IHSS and her employer of record (usually the county or Public Authority). They'll need that information to process her claim properly.
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Chloe Harris
•Thank you so much for the explanation! I had no idea about the special tax arrangement thing. She has all her IHSS paystubs organized, so that's good. We'll try the backdoor number approach tomorrow.
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Sean Flanagan
The EDD phone system is LITERALLY DESIGNED to keep people from reaching agents!! I'm convinced they do it on purpose to reduce claims. I've been dealing with them for my workplace injury for MONTHS and it's impossible. One thing to check - does the online message specifically say she MUST call? Or could she upload the additional documentation through the SDI Online portal? Sometimes you can avoid the phone hell by uploading docs directly.
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Chloe Harris
•It specifically says she needs to speak with a representative before the claim can be processed. There's no option to upload anything at this stage. The system basically locks you out until you talk to someone. It's so frustrating!
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Zara Shah
After trying for 2 weeks to reach EDD about my disability claim (calling 50+ times!), I finally used Claimyr.com and got through to a real person in 20 minutes. They basically call EDD for you and connect you when they get through. It costs money but was SO worth it to finally get my claim fixed. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd For IHSS workers specifically, ask for the specialty unit that handles household employees when you get connected. They'll need to verify her IHSS wages manually.
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NebulaNomad
•is that service legit? seems sketchy to pay someone else just to make a phone call for you... no offense
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Zara Shah
•Totally get the skepticism! I felt the same way, but I was desperate after weeks of trying. It's basically an automated system that keeps calling EDD until it gets through, then connects you. The video on their site explains it better than I can. For me it was worth it because I was about to miss rent waiting for my claim to process.
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Luca Ferrari
I've worked with several IHSS providers filing for disability. Here's what you need to know: 1. IHSS providers have special wage reporting requirements for SDI. The online system often flags these accounts for manual review. 2. You need to have your sister's IHSS provider number, not just her SSN. This is crucial for the verification. 3. Make sure she has her Form SOC 846 (timesheet records) for the past 18 months. EDD will need to verify her base period wages. 4. When you do reach someone, ask about expediting the claim due to financial hardship. This can sometimes speed up processing. 5. If she's been an IHSS provider for less than 18 months, mention this specifically as it affects how her benefit amount is calculated. For reaching someone by phone, try this pattern: call at 8:00am sharp, if you get a busy signal, hang up and immediately redial. Repeat this process for 30 minutes. Many people give up after a few tries, but persistence is key.
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Chloe Harris
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! She's been an IHSS provider for about 3 years, so she should have enough wage history. I didn't know about the SOC 846 forms though - I'll make sure she has those ready. We'll try the calling pattern you suggested tomorrow morning.
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Nia Wilson
have you tried going to an actual EDD office in person? sometimes thats easier than phones. My brother did that for his unemployment and got help same day
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Anastasia Popova
•Unfortunately, SDI is handled differently from unemployment. The in-person EDD offices generally only handle unemployment insurance claims, not disability. SDI is primarily managed through the phone system and online portal. It's one of those frustrating government divisions of responsibility that makes little sense to us citizens!
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Nia Wilson
•oh that sucks! didnt know they were different systems. government stuff is so confusing
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Chloe Harris
UPDATE: We finally got through! For anyone with a similar issue - we used the Claimyr service that someone recommended here and it actually worked. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 30 minutes. The issue was exactly what someone here mentioned - because she's an IHSS provider, they needed to manually verify her wages. The representative was able to process everything and said her claim should be approved within 7-10 days. They also confirmed she still has to serve the 7-day waiting period before benefits start, but at least the claim is moving forward now. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Luca Ferrari
•Great news! Did they mention anything about retroactive payment for the days after the waiting period but before the claim was processed? Make sure she continues to certify for benefits every two weeks once her claim is approved, even if she's still waiting for the first payment to arrive.
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Chloe Harris
•Yes! They said benefits would be retroactive to the day after her 7-day waiting period ended, even though the claim processing took longer. I've set calendar reminders for her certification dates too. Thanks again for all your help!
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