Legislative representative helped resolve my EDD SDI contact nightmare when nothing else worked
After battling to reach EDD for WEEKS about my disability claim, I was at my wits end! Left 12+ voicemails, sent 6 messages through SDI Online (all ignored), and spent hours on hold only to get disconnected. Was about to give up when someone in this group suggested contacting my state rep through https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/. I was skeptical but desperate enough to try ANYTHING. I filled out their contact form explaining my situation (claim filed 8 weeks ago, no updates, medical provider verified everything), and within 24 HOURS their office called me! They sent an inquiry to their EDD liaison, and 2 days later I got a call directly from an SDI specialist who fixed my claim issue on the spot. Just wanted to share this success with anyone else struggling - don't forget this option exists when regular channels fail. My disability payments should start next week finally!
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Mei Chen
this is so helpful!!!!! im on week 5 of trying to reach them about my pregnancy disability claim and literally cant get thru no matter what time i call. gonna try this right now. did u have to provide any specific info to the rep? or just basic claim details??
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Jamal Thompson
•I gave them my claim number, last 4 of SSN, and when I initially filed. Most importantly, I clearly explained what I had already tried (exact dates I called, how many messages I sent through the portal, etc). The more details you provide about your unsuccessful attempts, the better they can help. Good luck!
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CosmicCadet
I tried this last month and nothing happened. Called my representative's office twice and they took my info but no one ever called me back. Still had to figure out my SDI issue myself. Guess it depends on which district you're in and who your rep is. 🙄
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Liam O'Connor
•That really stinks! I've found different reps have WILDLY different response times. Which district are you in? Some offices are definitely more responsive than others for EDD issues. It can help to be super specific about what you need and follow up every few days.
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Amara Adeyemi
I've helped dozens of disability claimants navigate the EDD system, and contacting your legislative representative is indeed a powerful but underutilized option. The reason this works is because each legislative office has a designated EDD liaison who can escalate issues directly. A few important points for anyone trying this approach: 1. Be extremely specific about your claim situation (dates, claim number, type of disability claim) 2. Clearly outline all previous contact attempts with EDD SDI 3. Explain exactly how the delay is impacting you financially 4. If possible, attach any relevant correspondence from EDD Keep in mind that while legislative offices can help expedite communication, they cannot change claim decisions or policy requirements. They simply ensure your case gets proper attention.
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Giovanni Gallo
•This is so helpful! Question though - my disability claim is actually for Paid Family Leave to care for my dad after his surgery. Would the legislative rep still help with that since it's technically PFL not SDI even though it's all through the same system?
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
congrats on finally getting thru!!! i spent 3 days calling nonstop and finally gave up. the whole system is BROKEN. they expect disabled people to somehow sit on hold for hours?? like we dont have enough medical stress already??
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Dylan Wright
•Right?! I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through after wasting days trying to call EDD myself. They called me back when I was connected to an agent so I didn't have to wait on hold. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd I was connected to an SDI rep in under an hour when I'd been trying for days. Totally worth trying if your legislative rep route doesn't work out.
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NebulaKnight
I hate how we have to go to such extreme lengths just to get basic service for benefits we PAID into! My doctor submitted my medical certification 6 weeks ago and my claim is still pending with no explanation. Might try this rep thing tomorrow if I can't get anywhere with the main line again.
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Amara Adeyemi
•This is unfortunately very common with SDI claims right now. The system is overwhelmed and claims that would normally process automatically are getting stuck in manual review queues. Definitely try your legislative representative while continuing to attempt direct contact. Also check your SDI Online account messages daily - sometimes they send requests for additional information that aren't communicated any other way, and missing these can cause further delays.
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Mei Chen
wait guys do you have to live in california to do this? my disability claim is with california but i moved to oregon last month. still cant get my final payments :
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Liam O'Connor
•You would still contact the California legislative representative for the district where you lived when you filed your claim. Since it's a California EDD claim, you need a California representative regardless of where you currently live. They should still be able to help even though you moved!
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Jamal Thompson
Quick update! My payments started processing today, exactly as the SDI rep promised after my legislative office connected us. If anyone else tries the legislative route, just be super polite but persistent with their office. They deal with hundreds of constituent issues and being organized with your information makes everything move faster.
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CosmicCadet
•That's awesome! Glad it's finally resolved for you. How long did your whole claim process take from initial filing to getting paid? I'm on week 7 of my stress leave claim and starting to worry something's wrong.
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