SDI claim issues: EDD system errors, unrecognized SSN, spouse's eligibility dispute - Need help!
Has anyone else been having trouble with their disability insurance claim? I mailed in my form weeks ago and haven't heard anything back. When I try to check online, I keep getting error messages. The automated phone line doesn't even recognize my social security number! It's like I don't exist in their system. To make matters worse, my spouse filed a claim almost two months ago. We know for sure they've been paying into SDI for over six months (we have the paystubs to prove it), but EDD is saying they're not eligible because they haven't contributed enough. This is clearly wrong. We're both out of work and haven't had any income for over a month now. We really need to talk to a real person at EDD. Has anyone managed to get through to them? Any advice would be appreciated!
50 comments
Rajan Walker
Guys I think I figured it out. EDD actually stands for "Extremely Delayed Decisions" 🤯
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Nadia Zaldivar
I thought it was "Endlessly Denying Disbursements" 😂
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Lukas Fitzgerald
Nah, it's definitely "Evading Distressed Dependents" 🙃
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Noah huntAce420
Have you checked your claim status online? Sometimes it updates there before you hear anything by mail.
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Beatrice Marshall
I've tried, but I keep getting error messages when I try to register as a claimant. It's so frustrating!
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Noah huntAce420
Oof, that sucks. Maybe try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser? Sometimes that helps with wonky government sites.
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Clay blendedgen
Okay, let me break this down for you and everyone else struggling with EDD: 1. Document everything. Keep copies of all forms you submit, note down every call you make, and save all correspondence. 2. Be persistent. Call every day if you have to. Sometimes you'll get different answers from different reps, so don't give up if the first person isn't helpful. 3. Use multiple channels. Try phone, online, mail, and fax. Sometimes one method works better than others. 4. Check your spam folder regularly. EDD emails sometimes end up there. 5. If you're not getting anywhere, contact your state assembly member or senator. They often have staff dedicated to helping constituents with state agency issues. 6. For your wife's case, gather all the evidence of her SDI contributions. Paystubs, W-2 forms, anything that shows she's been paying in. 7. Consider filing an appeal if you're denied. There's often a backlog, but it's another avenue to get your case reviewed. 8. Join Facebook groups or other online communities for California unemployment/disability. Sometimes you can get good tips or even find insiders who can help. Remember, the system is overwhelmed right now, but you have rights. Don't let them ghost you. Keep pushing until you get what you're entitled to.
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Beatrice Marshall
Wow, thank you so much for this detailed response! This is really helpful. I'll definitely start working my way through this list. You're a lifesaver! 🙏
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Ayla Kumar
This should be pinned to the top of the subreddit tbh. Solid advice right here.
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Lorenzo McCormick
Great list! I'd add one more thing: if you're really desperate, try contacting local news stations. Sometimes the threat of bad publicity can get things moving.
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Dyllan Nantx
Anyone else feel like we need an EDD support group? This stuff is seriously stressful.
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TillyCombatwarrior
For real. My hair's going gray dealing with this nonsense.
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Anna Xian
I'd join that group in a heartbeat. We could call it "EDD Survivors" or something 😅
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Jungleboo Soletrain
Group therapy but its just us screaming at a cardboard cutout of the EDD logo 🤣
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Mary Bates
It sounds like you're really in a tough spot, and I empathize with you. Have you considered using third-party services like Claimyr? While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, some find it invaluable when EDD systems fail them. That said, it's important to weigh the cost against your current financial situation. Additionally, reaching out to local advocacy groups for support can be beneficial, as they often have experience dealing with bureaucratic systems like EDD.
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Thais Soares
I swear, dealing with EDD is harder than trying to find a PS5 on launch day 🙄
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Vera Visnjic
Hey, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site called claimyr.com. It's a calling tool that dials through the phone menu, stays on hold, and then connects you when a real person picks up. It costs $20, but it worked for me. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Jake Sinclair
Sounds too good to be true. Are you sure it's legit?
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Brielle Johnson
$20 just to talk to someone? That's ridiculous. The government should be providing this service for free!
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Vera Visnjic
I get the skepticism, but it really did work for me. After weeks of trying, I was desperate. The $20 was worth it to finally get some answers.
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Honorah King
How long did you have to wait once it connected you?
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Dallas Villalobos
Have you tried faxing your forms? I know it sounds like we're back in the 90s, but I've heard some people have had better luck that way. Maybe the snail mail is getting lost in the shuffle.
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Beatrice Marshall
Faxing? Seriously? I don't even know where to find a fax machine these days lol. But I guess it's worth a shot at this point. Thanks for the tip!
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Reina Salazar
Yo, if you don't have a fax machine, there are online fax services. Just Google it. Might cost a few bucks but could be worth it if it gets your claim moving.
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Carmella Popescu
have u tried turning it off and on again? 🤣 jk jk... but seriously, the EDD system is so broken it might actually help lol
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
The EDD system is a complete joke. I've been dealing with them for months and it's like talking to a brick wall. They need to get their act together and hire more people or something.
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Demi Lagos
Preach! 🙌 It's 2024 and they're still using tech from the stone age. How hard is it to build a decent website and phone system?
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Mason Lopez
I heard they're "upgrading" their systems. Fat lot of good that's doing us right now tho 🙄
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Melina Haruko
Welcome to EDD hell, my friend. You're definitely not alone in this mess. I've been trying to get through to them for weeks now. It's like they've gone into hiding or something.
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Nalani Liu
Has anyone else noticed that the EDD website is always "under maintenance" during the times you actually need to use it? 🤔
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Axel Bourke
omg yes! It's like they know exactly when I'm gonna try and log in 😤
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Aidan Percy
Pro tip: try accessing the site super late at night or early in the morning. Sometimes it's less buggy then.
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Beatrice Marshall
Update: I tried calling again today and got through to a real person! They said they could see my claim in the system but it was "pending review." At least that's something, I guess? Still no word on my wife's claim though.
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Hattie Carson
Progress! 🎉 Did they give you any timeline for the review?
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Destiny Bryant
"Pending review" is EDD speak for "we'll get to it eventually, maybe." But hey, at least they acknowledge you exist now!
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Kai Santiago
I'm in the same boat, friend. It's like EDD is playing hide and seek with our money. Hang in there!
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Oliver Brown
I feel your pain, OP. The whole system is FUBAR. Have you tried reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes they can light a fire under EDD's ass.
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Mary Bates
That's a good point. Politicians often have staff dedicated to constituent services, and this might be a case where they can provide help.
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Xan Dae
Hey OP, for your wife's case, make sure you're looking at the right timeframe for SDI contributions. They usually look at a specific quarter, not just the last 6 months. Might be worth double-checking that.
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Fiona Gallagher
Good call. I had a similar issue and it ended up being a misunderstanding of the required contribution period.
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Ev Luca
Hang in there, OP. The system sucks but don't give up. You'll get through this eventually. Sending good vibes your way! ✨
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Fernanda Marquez
Unpopular opinion: maybe we should all just show up at the EDD office in person. They can't ignore us if we're right in front of them, right?
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Norman Fraser
Pretty sure they've closed most of their offices to the public. Because why make things easy, right? 🙃
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Kendrick Webb
Even if they were open, you'd probably need an appointment... which you can only get by calling... which no one can do. It's a perfect circle of bureaucracy!
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Ana Rusula
Plot twist: EDD is actually run by squirrels and they've just been burying all our claims like nuts 🐿️
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Fidel Carson
LOL that would explain so much 😂
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Isaiah Sanders
Nah, squirrels are too efficient. Must be sloths or something 🦥
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Lim Wong
This is why we need universal basic income. The current system is clearly not working for people who need it most.
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Dananyl Lear
Ugh, here we go with the UBI talk again. How about we just fix the system we have instead of creating a whole new one?
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Lim Wong
Why not both? Fix the current system AND work towards UBI. We shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to survive.
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