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Switching from EDD to SDI: Process, timeline, and tips needed

Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle here. I've been on EDD for a while now, but my health has taken a turn for the worse. I'm thinking about switching from EDD to Disability, but I'm not sure how to go about it. Has anyone gone through this process before? What should I expect? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed and could use some guidance.

I found a way to solve switching EDD to disability benefits, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RsTv6XAcJo

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Thanks for the responses so far. @profile 1, do you remember how long the process took? I'm worried about being without any income while I wait for the switch to happen.

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It took about 3-4 weeks for me, but I've heard it can vary. Make sure you have all your paperwork in order to speed things up!

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3-4 weeks? Yikes. That's gonna be tough. Guess I better start planning for that gap.

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It's always a good idea to have some emergency savings if possible for situations like these.

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Pro tip: if u cant get thru on the phone, try reaching out on Twitter. Sometimes they respond faster there. @CA_EDD is there handle

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*their

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lol thanks grammar police 👮‍♀️

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Social media can be surprisingly effective for getting quick responses.

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anyone else feel like were living in a dystopian novel? like, we pay into this system our whole lives and when we need help its impossible to get. smh 🤦‍♂️

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Preach! 🙌 It's like they're playing games with our lives.

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For real. Sometimes I wonder if it's intentionally designed to be this frustrating.

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It's frustrating, but we have to keep pushing for improvements. Sharing experiences helps.

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I switched from EDD to disability last month. Here's what I learned: 1. Get all your medical documentation ready BEFORE you apply. This includes doctor's notes, test results, and any other relevant medical records. 2. Be prepared for a gap in payments. It took about 5 weeks for my first disability payment to come through. 3. You'll need to fill out a DE 2501 form. You can find it online, but make sure you fill it out completely and accurately. 4. Your doctor will need to fill out part of the form too, so give them a heads up. 5. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. The EDD is notorious for "losing" paperwork. 6. If you can, set aside some money to cover expenses during the transition period. 7. Don't be afraid to follow up. Call (or use that claimyr service someone mentioned) to check on your application status. Hope this helps! Good luck, OP. We're all in the same boat here. 🚣‍♀️

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This is incredibly helpful, thank you so much! I'm definitely gonna save this comment for reference.

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This should be pinned to the top of the subreddit. So much useful info!

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Quick question - does the 5 week wait time include the standard 1 week waiting period for disability?

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Good question! Yes, that 5 weeks included the 1 week waiting period. So really it was 4 weeks of processing time.

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Great advice! Also, some community organizations offer assistance with the paperwork if needed.

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I went through this exact same thing last year. It's not an easy process, but it's doable. First thing you need to do is get a doctor's note stating that you're unable to work due to your medical condition. Then you'll need to file a claim with the state disability insurance (SDI) program.

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Have you considered applying for both? You might be able to get partial unemployment while waiting for disability to kick in. It's worth looking into.

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That's a good strategy. Just make sure to check eligibility requirements for both programs.

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Has anyone tried going to their local EDD office in person? I've heard mixed things about whether that's helpful or not.

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I tried last month. Waited in line for 3 hours only to be told they couldn't help me and I needed to call the hotline. Total waste of time.

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It worked for me! But I think it depends on your local office and who you get. YMMV.

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Maybe call ahead and check if they can handle your specific issue to avoid a wasted trip.

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Hey guys, I found a method to get someone on the phone. 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 about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

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$20 just to talk to someone? That's ridiculous. The system is so broken.

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Sounds sketchy. How do you know it's legit?

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I was skeptical too, but I was desperate. It actually worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration.

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I used Claimyr, and while it worked, it's unfortunate we need paid services for basic assistance. Hopefully, the system improves soon.

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Hey OP, don't forget to factor in your mental health during this process. Dealing with bureaucracy when you're already sick is exhausting. Take breaks, ask for help when you need it, and remember to breathe. You got this! 💪

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Great point! Mental health is so important in stressful situations.

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Navigating the switch from EDD to Disability can be taxing, but it is manageable with the right approach. Firstly, ensure your medical documentation and doctor's notes are comprehensive and updated. Applying for state disability insurance (SDI) will require these documents as key evidence. Filling out the DE 2501 form accurately is essential - any inaccuracies can delay the process. Also, plan for a few weeks without income, as processing times can vary, and it's wise to have some savings set aside if possible. Consider contacting EDD through multiple channels like phone, in-person visits, or even social media for updates on your application status. Claimyr can be a helpful tool to reach customer service amidst the phone line chaos; while it costs $20, many users have reported success. Remember, while Claimyr is effective, such paid services highlight the need for system improvements. Lastly, keep your mental health in check. The stress of bureaucracy can be overwhelming, so take breaks and seek support when needed. Stay proactive, and you'll navigate through this transition. Good luck!

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ugh, the EDD system is such a nightmare. good luck getting anyone on the phone to help you out. i've been trying for weeks and keep getting the runaround 🤬

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I feel ya. It's like trying to catch a unicorn or something. 🦄 Have you tried calling right when they open?

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Yep, tried that. No luck. It's like they're purposely making it impossible to get help.

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I had the same experience. I ended up trying at different times of the day, sometimes got lucky around lunch hours.

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Guys, I'm telling you, the real solution here is to vote. We need to elect officials who will actually fix this broken system. Until then, we're just putting band-aids on a gushing wound.

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Yeah, because voting has worked so well for us so far 🙄

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I agree in theory, but we need help NOW. Voting is important, but it doesn't solve OP's immediate problem.

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Agreed! Long-term changes are crucial, but immediate solutions are needed too.

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Update: I called my doctor and they're working on the medical certification now. Fingers crossed this goes smoothly. Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

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Good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes.

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Rooting for you, OP! Hope you get the help you need soon.

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That's great to hear! Once the medical certification is in, it should speed up the process.

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