Pregnancy SDI nightmare - 6 weeks no payment, how to actually reach EDD agent?

Hey there, I went through this exact nightmare last year with my pregnancy disability. The system is completely broken! What worked for me was calling at exactly 8:01am when they open. Don't try the automated system - keep pressing 0 until you get the option to speak to a rep. I got through on my 3rd attempt doing this. Also, did your doctor fill out the correct DE 2501 form completely? My claim was stuck in pending because my doctor didn't fill out section 8 properly (the expected recovery time part). Worth double-checking that with your OB's office.

omg girl the SAME THING happened to me!! 7 weeks of nothing and i was about to deliver!! so frustrating. have u tried faxing them?? sounds stupid but i sent a fax with my name and claim number and a brief explanation and that finally got someone to look at my file

I successfully resolved this exact issue with my pregnancy SDI claim last month. Here's what you need to know: 1. The "pending claim establishment" status typically means they need additional information to process your claim. This could be missing physician information, incomplete dates, or identity verification issues. 2. Calling the main EDD number is unfortunately almost impossible now. What worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that connects you directly to an EDD representative. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd) and decided to try it. Got connected to an actual EDD agent in under 15 minutes and resolved my issue that same call. 3. If you do get through, ask specifically about "identity verification" and if there are any "stop payments" on your account. These are common reasons pregnancy claims get stuck. 4. Remember that pregnancy SDI claims should be backdated to your first day of disability, so when it does process, you should receive all payments for the waiting period. I know it's incredibly stressful, especially during pregnancy. Hang in there!

the edd is terrible my sister had her baby already and still fighting with them over her maternity leave money. its been like 3 months for her. good luck

I've been through this process multiple times with pregnancy disability and I can tell you that EDD is completely swamped with claims right now. Their systems are outdated and understaffed. One thing to verify - make sure you and your doctor aren't using the same terminology inconsistently. SDI is for your pregnancy disability (before birth), while PFL is for bonding after birth. Sometimes claims get delayed when there's confusion between these two programs. Also, check your SDI Online account for any messages or requests for additional information that might have been sent to you. Sometimes they appear there but you don't get notified by email. As for reaching a representative, I personally had to call over 50 times before getting through. The best times are Tuesday-Thursday between 8:00-8:30am or 4:00-4:30pm. Avoid Mondays at all costs - everyone calls then. Wishing you the best with your pregnancy and hope your payment issues get resolved soon!

Did u verify ur identity with [ID.me](https://ID.me)? That's what held up my pregnancy claim for like 3 weeks and nobody told me until I finally got through to someone!!! So annoying!!

THE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US GIVE UP!!! I had to FILE A COMPLAINT with my state representative's office before my pregnancy claim got processed last year. Call your local state assembly member's office and ask to speak with their EDD liaison. Every rep's office has someone who deals with EDD issues. They can submit an inquiry on your behalf that EDD HAS to respond to within 2-3 business days. That's how I finally got my money after 8 WEEKS of nothing. The system is BROKEN and they DON'T CARE about pregnant women!!!!

Following up on my earlier comment - when you do speak with an EDD representative (whether through regular calling or using a service like Claimyr), have these things ready: 1. Your claim ID number 2. The exact date your doctor certified your disability began 3. Your doctor's name, address, and phone number 4. Dates of any communications you've sent to EDD Ask them specifically: - Is there a stop payment alert on my account? - Has my medical certification been received and processed? - Is there any additional documentation needed? - When can I expect my claim to be processed? Get the representative's ID number or name so you have a record of who you spoke with. This has helped me when following up on previous claims.

oh also make sure ur doctor didnt mess up the dates!!!!! my doc put the wrong estimate for when id return to work and that made the whole system reject my claim but nobody told me for WEEKS

Update on my earlier advice - I just remembered something else that might be happening. Did you work for multiple employers in the past 18 months? If so, EDD sometimes has to verify wages with all previous employers, which can delay pregnancy disability claims. If that's the case, call and specifically ask if they're waiting on wage verification. Also, I've heard from a nurse friend that EDD is prioritizing COVID-related disability claims over pregnancy ones right now, which is absolutely ridiculous but might explain the delay. Definitely emphasize the medical urgency (preeclampsia concerns) when you do get through.

i had a baby in 2023 and the BEST advice i can give you is document EVERYTHING. time of calls, who you talked to, what they said. because when i finally got thru they tried to tell me different things each time. when i could quote exactly what the last person said they suddenly "found" my paperwork lol