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SDI confusion: Only got 5 weeks payment for 6 week claim after giving birth. Help with EDD 7-day waiting period?

I recently gave birth and I'm trying to figure out my disability benefits. I applied for 6 weeks of State Disability Insurance (SDI) but only received 5 weeks of payments. I just learned about the 7-day unpaid waiting period and now I'm confused. Does this mean I need to apply for 7 weeks to get 6 weeks of payment? I'm worried about how this might affect my Paid Family Leave (PFL) start date and my return to work. I was planning on 6 weeks SDI followed by 8 weeks PFL. Any advice on how to handle this with EDD?

Tom Maxon

I found a way to solve disability benefits waiting period confusion, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWZOFzKg9ZY

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Raúl Mora

Congrats on the new baby! 🎉 Yeah, the SDI system can be confusing. Here's what you need to know: • There's a 7-day unpaid waiting period at the start of your claim • You need to apply for 7 weeks to get 6 weeks of payments • The transition from SDI to PFL should be seamless • Your return-to-work date shouldn't be affected Call EDD and explain your situation. Ask them to adjust your claim if needed. Don't worry too much about the PFL start date - they should be able to coordinate it for you.

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Margot Quinn

This is super helpful, thanks! Do you know if theres a way to extend the claim after its already been processed?

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Raúl Mora

You're welcome! Yes, you can usually extend your claim. Call EDD and ask for a claim extension. They might need you to fill out some additional paperwork, but it's doable.

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Evelyn Kim

ugh why does the government make everything so complicated 🙄 like we dont have enough to deal with as new parents

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Diego Fisher

I went through this last year. Don't stress too much about it. Call EDD and explain the situation. They can usually adjust things on their end. Just be prepared for a long wait time when you call lol

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Henrietta Beasley

Pro tip: I found a way to get someone on the phone faster. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

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Lincoln Ramiro

Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit?

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Henrietta Beasley

Totally legit! I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imo

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Faith Kingston

How long did it take for them to get someone on the line?

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Henrietta Beasley

For me, it took about 2 hours. But I didn't have to sit there listening to hold music the whole time. They just called me when an agent was ready.

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Emma Johnson

im in the same boat rn. its so frustrating! i wish theyd make this stuff clearer upfront

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Liam Brown

Seriously! They should send out a guide or something when you first apply. It would save everyone so much time and stress.

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Olivia Garcia

Have you tried checking your claim status online? Sometimes they update info there before sending out payments.

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Noah Lee

Okay, let me break this down for you: 1. SDI has a 7-day unpaid waiting period. This is standard. 2. For a 6-week claim, you actually need to file for 7 weeks total. 3. Your PFL shouldn't be affected. It starts after your SDI ends. 4. Your return-to-work date is based on when you actually go back, not your claim dates. Here's what you should do: • Call EDD ASAP • Explain that you misunderstood the waiting period • Ask them to adjust your claim to 7 weeks • Confirm your PFL start date • Get everything in writing if possible Don't panic! This happens a lot and EDD can usually sort it out. Just be patient and persistent. Good luck!

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Arjun Kurti

Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! It really helps clarify things. I'll definitely call EDD and follow your advice.

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Ava Hernandez

This is why I love this community. Always coming through with the real info 💯

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Isabella Martin

hot take: the whole system is designed to be confusing so people don't get their full benefits 🤔

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Elijah Jackson

Nah, I think it's just old and poorly designed. Never attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence lol

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Isabella Martin

fair point 😂 either way, it suuuucks for us

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Sophia Miller

Quick question - does anyone know if the waiting period is waived for c-sections or other complications?

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Mason Davis

I don't think so. Pretty sure the waiting period applies to all SDI claims, regardless of the reason. But double-check with EDD to be sure!

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Mia Rodriguez

Protip: keep a log of all your calls and who you talk to at EDD. It'll save you a headache later if theres any issues with your claim.

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