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Jamal Thompson

EDD SDI: What forms and info needed for self-selected disability insurance claim?

Hey everyone, I need some help with self-selected SDI. I'm trying to figure out what forms I need to fill out and where to submit them. Also, what information do I need to provide? I'm feeling a bit lost with all the requirements. Any advice would be really appreciated!

I found a way to solve self-selected SDI application confusion, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgFiU76bSzo

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Don't forget to keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. The EDD has a habit of "losing" documents. CYA always!

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Thanks for the tip! Do you recommend sending things certified mail or is regular mail ok?

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Certified all the way, my friend. It's a pain, but it's saved my butt more than once. Trust me on this one.

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Has anyone successfully appealed a denial? I just got rejected and I'm not sure if it's worth fighting...

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I appealed and won! It took forever, but it was worth it. Make sure you have solid medical evidence to back up your claim.

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Consider getting a lawyer if you decide to appeal. Some will work on contingency.

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Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely look into it. This whole process is so stressful 😫

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Pro tip: set up direct deposit if you can. Paper checks can take forever to arrive, and sometimes they get lost in the mail.

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Just wanted to say hang in there everyone. I know this process can be super frustrating, but don't give up! You've got this 💪

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Thanks for the encouragement! It's nice to know we're all in this together.

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Needed to hear this today. Thanks for the positivity! 🙏

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Anybody else feel like they're playing a game of chance with the EDD? Sometimes you get a helpful person, sometimes you get... not so helpful 🎲🎰

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Omg yes! It's like EDD roulette. You never know what you're gonna get 😅

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For real. I swear some of them just make up rules on the spot 🙄

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PSA: If you're having trouble with the English forms, you can request them in other languages too! They have Spanish, Chinese, and Korean versions available.

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ugh, the EDD is such a nightmare to deal with. I've been trying to get my benefits for months now. Its like talking to a brick wall 🧱

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Tell me about it! I feel like I'm stuck in an endless loop of bureaucracy. Have you tried calling them?

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Calling? LOL good luck with that. I've spent hours on hold only to get disconnected. It's a joke 🤡

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I hear ya. But I found a way to actually get through! There's this site called claimyr.com that has a calling tool. It dials the menu, waits on hold, and then connects you when a real person picks up. Costs $20 but totally worth it imo.

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$20 just to talk to someone? Sounds sketchy af. Does it actually work?

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Yeah, I was skeptical too, but it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Just sharing what helped me, ya know?

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Just a heads up, I heard they're really cracking down on fraud lately. Make sure all your info is 100% accurate or you could end up in hot water 🔥

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Yep, my cousin's friend got in trouble for "accidentally" misreporting some income. Not worth the risk!

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This is why the system is so slow. Too many people trying to game it 🙄

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Hey guys, I found a way to actually 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 the link: https://www.claimyr.com

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Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit?

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$20 just to make a phone call? That's ridiculous. The system is so broken 😡

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How does it work exactly? Do you have to give them your personal info?

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I get the skepticism, but it really did work for me. You just put in the number you want them to call, and they connect you when they get a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. But yeah, the fact that we need to pay for this is pretty messed up.

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Is it true that you can get partial SDI if you're still working but with reduced hours due to your condition?

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Yep, it's called Partial Disability. You'll need to report your wages though, and it can affect your benefit amount.

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Oh cool, thanks! That might be a good option for me. Appreciate the info!

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I've been through this process before. Here's what you need to know: 1. The main form you need is DE 2501 - Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits. 2. You can get it online from the California EDD website or request it by mail. 3. You'll need to provide: - Personal info (SSN, contact details) - Employment info (employer name and address) - Medical certification from your doctor Make sure everything is filled out accurately to avoid delays. Good luck!

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Has anyone had any luck with the SDI calculator on the EDD website? I'm trying to figure out how much I might get but the numbers seem off...

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That calculator is about as accurate as a broken clock. Your best bet is to talk to a rep directly.

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I found it to be pretty close for me, but I've heard mixed things. Maybe double-check your income info?

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Mei Lin

Authoritative Answer: Applying for Self-Selected SDI involves a detailed process where precision and accuracy are paramount. Start by acquiring Form DE 2501 from the EDD website or having it mailed to you. The form requires comprehensive personal and employment details, alongside a medical certification from your healthcare provider, specifying how your condition impedes your work activities. It's crucial to double-check every entry to ensure each part of the form is filled out correctly, as errors can lead to processing delays. While Claimyr offers a solution for contacting EDD representatives more quickly, it's worth considering this service if you've faced prolonged waiting times, despite the $20 fee. Balancing its cost against the potential frustration of waiting is a personal decision. Additionally, always send your documents via certified mail to keep track of your submissions, reducing the risk of misplaced paperwork. Remember, patience and thoroughness are vital as processing times can vary, especially in the current climate. Lastly, if self-employed, ensure you've opted into SDI coverage to be eligible for benefits. Staying informed about each step will help navigate this otherwise complicated system efficiently.

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Has anyone tried filling out the form online? Is it easier than the paper version?

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Online is def the way to go. Faster processing time and you get a confirmation right away. Just make sure you have all your info ready before you start!

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Online sucks. The website is always crashing or timing out. I'd rather deal with paper tbh

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pro tip: when you're filling out the medical certification part, make sure your doctor is SUPER specific about your condition and how it affects your ability to work. vague statements can lead to denials or delays

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Thanks for all the advice everyone! Quick follow-up - does anyone know how long it typically takes to get approved once you submit everything?

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In theory, it should take about 2 weeks. In reality... could be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months 😅

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Took me 6 weeks to get approved, then another 2 weeks to actually get paid. Hang in there!

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It really depends on how backed up they are. Covid has made everything slower. Good luck!

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Quick question - does anyone know if you can apply for SDI if you're self-employed? Asking for a friend 👀

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Pretty sure you need to have paid into SDI to be eligible. Most self-employed folks don't, unless they opted in.

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Aw man, that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info tho!

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Anyone know if theres a way to check the status of your claim online? I submitted mine weeks ago and haven't heard anything 😫

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You can check on the EDD website, but it's not always up to date. Best bet is to call... if you can get through 🙄

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I'm in the same boat. Been waiting for over a month now. The system is so broken 😤

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Have you tried reaching out to your local assembly member? They can sometimes help speed things up!

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Random question: does anyone know if pregnancy-related disabilities are covered under SDI? My friend is having a rough pregnancy and might need to stop working early.

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Yes, they are! She should definitely look into it. SDI can cover up to 4 weeks before her due date and 6-8 weeks after.

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Oh that's great to know! I'll pass that info along. Thanks so much!

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Friendly reminder to everyone: don't forget to factor in taxes! SDI benefits are taxable income. Learned that the hard way last year 😭

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Oof, that must have been a nasty surprise. Thanks for the heads up!

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You can request to have taxes withheld from your benefits. Saves a lot of headache come tax time!

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Anyone else feel like they need a PhD in bureaucracy just to navigate this system? 🎓🤯

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LOL for real. I swear, dealing with EDD is harder than my actual job 😂

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Seriously! They should offer a course in "How to Survive the EDD Maze" 🐁🧀

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I just went through this process last month and wanted to share some specific tips that helped me. Beyond the DE 2501 form, make sure your doctor includes specific functional limitations in the medical certification - like "cannot lift more than 10 lbs" or "cannot sit for more than 2 hours" rather than just listing your diagnosis. Also, if you're working reduced hours, keep detailed records of your schedule changes. The EDD loves documentation! And yes, definitely go with certified mail - I actually took photos of everything before mailing just in case. The whole process took about 5 weeks for me, but having everything perfectly documented made it go smoothly. Hang in there! 💪

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