Submitted EDD SDI paperwork in person - can I now upload online instead of waiting?
Super frustrated with the EDD disability claim process right now! I had issues with my internet connection last week so I decided to physically drop off my SDI application and doctor's certification at the local EDD office (big mistake apparently). The lady at the counter took my paperwork but warned me it would take 'some time' to process. Now I've finally got my internet working again and managed to figure out how to use the SDI Online system. My question is: can I just create an account and upload all the same documents again through the website? Or will that just mess everything up and create duplicate claims? I'm worried about delaying my benefits even more if I wait for them to manually process the paper forms I submitted. Has anyone dealt with this situation before? My disability period started April 2nd and I'm getting anxious about when payments might start.
14 comments
Join the conversation
Molly Chambers
I wouldnt upload the same documents again because it WILL create a duplicate claim in their system and thats gonna cause you even bigger headaches. Paper applications take 3-4 weeks to process vs online which is usually 10-14 days. Its annoying but just wait it out at this point.
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
•Ughhh 3-4 weeks?! That's so much longer than I expected. Do you know if there's any way to check the status of a paper application? I don't even have a claim number or anything.
0 coins
Ian Armstrong
I made this exact same mistake back in January! Whatever you do, DON'T submit another application online. It will definitely flag as a duplicate in their system and potentially freeze both claims while they investigate. Unfortunately, paper claims are processed at a snail's pace compared to online submissions.
0 coins
Eli Butler
•Same thing happened to my sister with her pregnancy disability. She did both paper and online submissions thinking it would speed things up and ended up delayed by over 6 weeks while they sorted out the mess. Just one submission is definitely the way to go!
0 coins
Marcus Patterson
You're right to be concerned, but I'd recommend against submitting duplicate applications. Here's what you can do instead: 1. Create your SDI Online account anyway - this will help you in the future 2. Call EDD to check on your paper application status (be prepared for a long wait) 3. Ask if they can link your paper application to your new online account 4. Request they make a note that you'll be doing future certifications online The paper application will take longer (about 2-3 weeks from receipt), but creating duplicates will definitely delay things further. Your doctor's certification is the most important part, and they already have that.
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
•Thank you for these detailed steps! I'll definitely create the online account. Do you know the best number to call? I've tried the main disability number but it's always busy or they hang up.
0 coins
Lydia Bailey
Sorry but this is EXACTLY why the EDD system is garbage. They make it nearly impossible to file online with all their glitches and verification steps, then punish you with slower processing if you use paper forms. Then they don't even give you a tracking number or receipt when you submit in person! Ridiculous system designed to frustrate people out of claiming benefits they're entitled to!!
0 coins
Mateo Warren
•While the system definitely has its frustrations, there is a logic to why paper claims take longer - they require manual data entry into the same system that processes online claims. The pandemic overwhelmed their staffing, and they still haven't fully recovered. But I agree they should provide better tracking for paper submissions.
0 coins
Sofia Price
If you need to check your claim status, I highly recommend using Claimyr to get through to an EDD agent quickly. Regular calling means hours of busy signals and hangups, but with Claimyr.com they call EDD for you and connect you with an agent, usually within 10-15 minutes. Saved me days of frustration when I had a similar issue with my claim. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
•Oh wow, I hadn't heard of this service before. I'll definitely check it out because I've been trying to call for three days straight with no luck. Thanks for the tip!
0 coins
Alice Coleman
my cousin did the paper application too and it took almost 5 weeks to get approved!!!! the weird thing was she never got any kind of notification that they received it either. she just kept checking her mail everyday until finally the debit card showed up.
0 coins
Marcus Patterson
•This is unfortunately common with paper applications. For anyone reading this thread in the future: always keep copies of everything you submit to EDD, get a receipt if submitting in person, and consider using certified mail if mailing documents. The lack of tracking is a major drawback with paper submissions.
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
Update: I finally got through to EDD after using that Claimyr service (which worked surprisingly well) and they confirmed my paper application was received and is being processed. They said I should create an SDI Online account using the same personal information, and once my claim is processed, it will automatically show up in my online account. They also warned me not to submit anything else or it would create a duplicate claim. The agent said the current processing time for paper applications is about 18-20 business days. Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Ian Armstrong
•That's great news! Glad you were able to get some clarity. The waiting is still frustrating but at least now you know your application is in the system and being processed. Make sure you check your online account regularly once it's set up!
0 coins