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To directly answer your original question - no, calling an agent won't expedite the claim processing. The 14-day window is the minimum processing time, and while agents can't speed it up, they CAN help if: 1. You need to correct information on your claim 2. Your claim has been pending longer than 14 business days 3. You need to check if any documentation is missing I recommend waiting until at least the 10th business day before calling to check status. If you're transitioning from pregnancy disability to baby bonding, your claim should process more smoothly since you're already in their system.
When I had my baby last year I got paid the full 14 days after filing even though I submitted everything right away. I think they just batch process claims or something. But the first payment included everything from my filing date, not just from the approval date. So you should still get paid for the full benefit period.
what about asking if u could work from home while u recover? thats what i did last year after surgery. maybe not full time but even part time could help ur case to show ur trying? idk just a thought
To summarize your best next steps: 1. Apply for unemployment benefits immediately by filing a claim with EDD (you would use UI Online, not SDI Online which you used for disability) 2. Request written documentation from HR about your entire leave status and the approved return date 3. If you believe there was a violation of your leave rights, consider consulting with an employment attorney (many offer free consultations) 4. Continue pursuing internal positions, and document all your job search efforts as this will be required for unemployment benefits 5. Ask about potential accommodations like part-time or remote work as mentioned by another commenter The transition from medical leave to unemployment/job search is one of the most confusing aspects of the California benefit system. Don't hesitate to call EDD directly with questions about your specific situation.
Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning after a 2-hour wait. The rep confirmed that my PFL claim was incorrectly processed BEFORE my SDI claim ended. She said this is a "known system issue" that requires manual correction by a specialist. Apparently, the form I submitted last month is still "in processing" and could take "several more weeks" to resolve. When I explained our dire financial situation, she said she would add an "urgent" flag to my case but couldn't guarantee faster processing. I'm going to try the specific SDI-to-PFL transition number that someone suggested above, and also look into Claimyr to see if I can get to someone with more authority. This is beyond frustrating!
Good job getting this additional information. Ask specifically for your case to be referred to the "Benefit Systems Transition Resolution Team" - this is an actual department that handles these exact issues. They implemented this team after the system update created widespread transition problems. Also, document everything - the name of every rep you speak with, their ID number if they'll provide it, dates and times of calls, and exactly what they tell you. This documentation will be essential if you need to escalate further.
i don't no about the depression stuff but for the partial unemployment i was on that for like 4 months last year when my hours got cut. just make sure u report exactly how much u made each week when u certify or they'll come after u for overpayment later!! happened to my roomate and she had to pay back like $1200!!!
To address your situation comprehensively: 1. For your current part-time job: You can continue certifying for UI for the days you don't work, but you must report all earnings. Your weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on your part-time income. 2. For your mental health concerns: If a doctor certifies your depression is preventing you from working, you could qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI). This requires a DE2501 form completed by a healthcare provider. 3. Important distinction: Paid Family Leave (PFL) would NOT apply in your situation as it's specifically for bonding with a new child or caring for an ill family member. 4. If you quit: Generally, voluntarily quitting disqualifies you from UI unless you can prove "good cause." Mental health issues documented by a healthcare provider before quitting can sometimes qualify as good cause. I recommend maintaining your part-time job while seeking medical help for your depression. This preserves your partial UI benefits while you explore SDI options with proper medical documentation.
This is incredibly helpful, thank you. I think I'll keep the part-time job while I talk to my doctor. One last question - if I do qualify for SDI for depression, would the benefits be similar to what I'm getting from unemployment?
SDI benefits are calculated differently from UI. SDI pays approximately 60-70% of your wages earned during your base period (roughly 5-18 months before your claim starts). This could be more or less than your current UI benefit, depending on your specific earnings history. You can use the EDD's SDI calculator on their website to get an estimate of your potential benefit amount.
Maya Diaz
i dunno y everyone is saying appeal. my cousin works at EDD and says they almost never reverse these decisions and u just waste time. if it was their mistake maybe they'll waive the penalty but youll still have to pay the overpayment amount back anyway
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Tony Brooks
•This is simply not accurate. While it's true that you often still need to repay the overpayment, getting it classified as "no fault" makes a HUGE difference - no penalties, no interest, and possibility of a waiver if it causes financial hardship. Also, appeals absolutely DO succeed when there's clear evidence of administrative error, especially with documented proof like OP has. Please don't discourage people from exercising their right to appeal!
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Yara Campbell
One more tip - when filing your appeal, be very specific about the remedy you're seeking. Are you disputing the entire overpayment amount, or just the "at fault" classification? If you have proof they made the calculation error, you might be able to get the whole thing dismissed, but at minimum you should be able to get a "no fault" determination which protects you from penalties and interest.
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Jade Lopez
•That's really helpful! I honestly hadn't thought about what specific remedy to request. I think I'll primarily argue for complete dismissal since it was their calculation error, but alternatively request the no-fault classification if full dismissal isn't granted. I'll make sure to clearly state both in my appeal.
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