This entire thread has been a lifesaver! I'm currently stuck in SDI limbo myself - been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to process after a work injury. I've tried everything: calling dozens of times, uploading documents that keep timing out, even drove to what I thought was an EDD office only to find out it was just a UI center that couldn't help with SDI. I'm definitely going to try several suggestions from here: the early morning login times, converting my documents to PDF instead of using photos, and especially reaching out to my Assembly Member's office. Had no idea they had EDD caseworkers who could help! The SDI Connect pilot program sounds amazing - I just checked and unfortunately there are no appointment slots available in Chula Vista for the next 3 weeks, but I set up email alerts for when new slots open up. Even having that option gives me hope. One thing I'll add from my experience: if you're dealing with a work-related injury like I am, make sure your doctor specifically mentions whether it's work-related on the disability forms. I had to get mine resubmitted because the first time my doctor just wrote the diagnosis without clarifying it was from a workplace incident, and apparently that can affect processing. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in dealing with this broken system!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now with my SDI claim! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both frustrating (knowing how widespread this problem is) and incredibly helpful. I've been trying to upload my medical certification for 2 weeks and the system crashes every single time at around 90% completion. I'm definitely going to try the suggestions about using Firefox instead of Chrome, logging in during off-peak hours, and converting my documents to PDF format. The mobile app idea is genius - I never even thought to look for one! The SDI Connect pilot program sounds like exactly what we all need. I just tried to schedule an appointment but there's nothing available for weeks. Still, it's encouraging to know they're finally acknowledging that the online-only approach isn't working for everyone. I think the most important takeaway from this thread is that we need to try multiple approaches simultaneously - calling early morning, mailing documents with certified mail, contacting Assembly Members, AND trying to get those in-person appointments. It's exhausting that we have to become experts at navigating bureaucracy when we're already dealing with health issues, but at least we're not alone in this struggle. Thank you everyone for sharing your real experiences and actual solutions. This is the most useful information I've found anywhere online about dealing with SDI problems!

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation with your sister. Having been through something similar with a family member, I want to emphasize a few important points that might help your case: First, the fact that you were already approved for PFL shows EDD recognized the legitimate medical need for your caregiving. This establishes a documented pattern that supports your "good cause" claim for quitting. Second, when you file your claim, be sure to include any written communication with your employer about the situation - emails, texts, or formal letters discussing your need for extended leave and their inability to accommodate. This shows you didn't just abandon your job but tried to work within the system first. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already given: consider asking your sister's medical team for a letter specifically addressing your role as primary caregiver and why professional care wasn't sufficient. Sometimes having that medical professional validation of your necessity as a caregiver can strengthen your case significantly. The system can be frustrating, but don't let initial denials discourage you - many legitimate claims get approved on appeal. You're doing something incredibly important and honorable, and you deserve the support you've paid into. Wishing you and your sister peace during this time.

I'm so sorry about your sister's diagnosis. Having been through a similar situation with my grandmother, I want to share something that might help your case that I haven't seen mentioned yet. When you apply, make sure to emphasize that you had already exhausted your PFL benefits - this shows you used the proper channels first before resigning. Also, if your employer has any written policy about family/medical leave (even if informal), get a copy showing you exceeded what they could accommodate. One thing that helped in my case was getting a statement from a social worker at the hospital or hospice program confirming that family caregiving was medically necessary and that there weren't adequate alternative care options available. Sometimes this carries extra weight because social workers are trained to assess these exact situations. Also, keep detailed records of your caregiving activities and any medical appointments you attend with your sister. This documentation can help establish the legitimacy and extent of your caregiving role if EDD requests more information. The process is emotionally exhausting when you're already dealing with so much, but you're doing the right thing for your sister and you deserve the support you've paid into the system for. Hang in there.

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the key is being proactive and getting proper documentation from your attorney. I'm in a somewhat similar situation - got a settlement 3 months ago but haven't heard from EDD yet. After reading through all these responses, I'm going to call my lawyer tomorrow to request an allocation breakdown letter before EDD even contacts me. It seems like this could potentially save thousands depending on how the settlement can be categorized. @Brianna Schmidt - definitely get that attorney letter ASAP! From what others have shared, it sounds like the difference between a $4000 overpayment and maybe a $2000 overpayment could come down to having proper documentation of what portions weren't actually "wages." Also want to echo what others said about payment plans - seems like EDD is pretty reasonable about setting these up if you're proactive about calling them rather than ignoring the notices.

I just went through this exact situation 6 months ago and wanted to share what worked for me. The settlement/overpayment process is definitely stressful, but there are ways to minimize the impact. First, you're right to be concerned - EDD will likely consider at least part of your settlement as wages that should offset your unemployment benefits. However, the overpayment amount can vary dramatically based on how your settlement is documented. Here's what I wish I had known earlier: 1. Contact your attorney immediately to request a detailed allocation breakdown letter, even though your settlement is finalized 2. EDD won't automatically deduct from your remaining claim balance - they'll issue a separate overpayment notice 3. You can continue collecting your regular benefits while the overpayment is being processed 4. Payment plans are available and they're pretty reasonable about approving them In my case, my attorney was able to provide documentation showing that only about 45% of my settlement was actually for "lost wages" - the rest was allocated to emotional distress, attorney fees, and punitive damages. This reduced my overpayment from what would have been about $5,800 to $2,600. When I got the overpayment notice, I called EDD the same day and set up a $85/month payment plan. No hassle, no interest charges, and I was able to keep my benefits flowing normally. The key is being proactive rather than reactive. Get that attorney letter ASAP and report the settlement yourself before they discover it through other channels.

As someone who's been through this exact situation, I can't stress enough how important it is that your daughter applies TODAY! I was 25 when I got terminated for similar attendance issues (chronic lateness due to unreliable public transit + a few absences when I was sick), and I was absolutely terrified because the termination letter said "misconduct." But here's the thing - my former manager pulled me aside during my exit and said almost the exact same words: "Make sure you file for unemployment right away, don't wait." I thought she was just being nice, but after reading through employment law resources, I realized that phrasing is actually very strategic. I applied the same day I was terminated and was approved after about 3 weeks and one eligibility phone interview. The EDD representative was incredibly understanding about the transportation challenges and asked really fair questions like "Did you have other reliable transportation options?" and "Were you trying to get to work on time?" The key is framing it correctly - I didn't say I was fired for "misconduct," I said I was "terminated due to attendance issues caused by unreliable public transportation and illness." EDD makes their own determination about what constitutes disqualifying misconduct, and transportation barriers for young workers usually don't meet that threshold. Your daughter has every reason to be optimistic - apply today and be completely honest about the circumstances!

I'm so glad you found this community and asked for advice! As someone who works in workforce development and has helped many young people navigate unemployment claims, I can tell you that your daughter's situation is actually quite promising. The fact that HR specifically told her to "make sure you file for unemployment right away" is absolutely significant. Companies are very strategic about unemployment claims because contested claims affect their insurance rates. When HR uses that kind of encouraging language, it typically means they've already decided internally that this isn't a case they'll fight aggressively. Your daughter's circumstances - being 23, relying on public transportation, and having legitimate reasons for the attendance issues - align perfectly with what EDD considers when determining if something constitutes "misconduct." Transportation challenges and illness are exactly the types of barriers that EDD recognizes as being beyond an employee's reasonable control, especially for younger workers without extensive resources. The 6-month employment period actually works in her favor too - it shows she was committed to the job and wanted to make it work, rather than someone who was just carelessly disregarding workplace policies. She should absolutely apply today through UI Online and frame it as being "terminated due to attendance issues caused by unreliable public transportation and illness" rather than accepting the employer's "misconduct" label. Be completely honest about the circumstances and keep documentation of her job search activities. Based on everything you've shared, I'm genuinely optimistic about her chances. Even if there's an initial review or eligibility interview, she has strong grounds for approval. Don't let the stress discourage you - apply today and stay positive!

I've been using the Money Network card for about 6 months now and I can tell you that first transfers definitely take longer than the advertised 1-2 days. Mine took 4 business days the first time, but now they usually complete in 2 days since my bank account is verified in their system. Since you started the transfer Sunday night, it won't begin processing until Monday, so realistically you're looking at Thursday or Friday for it to hit your account. One thing that helped me speed things up for future transfers was linking a account at a major bank (Chase, Bank of America, etc.) rather than a smaller credit union - the big banks seem to process these faster. For your immediate rent situation, you could try getting a cashier's check or money order using the Money Network card at your bank or a grocery store. Most landlords will accept these just like cash. It's not ideal but might save you late fees while you wait for the transfer to go through!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got my Money Network card on Monday and set up a transfer Tuesday evening. It's still showing as "processing" and I'm getting anxious because I need the money for groceries and gas. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful - sounds like 3-4 business days is pretty normal for the first transfer even though their website says 1-2 days. I wish they would just be more upfront about the actual timeframes instead of getting people's hopes up. At least now I know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!