SDI Denied My Disability Claim - What Should I Do Next?

Thanks for responding. They didn't give me much info, just said it was 'insufficient evidence' or something like that. I'm not even sure what that means 🤔

Ah, classic bureaucracy BS. Sounds like you might need to provide more medical documentation. Have you tried calling them to get more details?

I've been trying to call all day but can't get through. It's so frustrating!

Sounds too good to be true. Does it really work? $20 seems steep just to make a phone call.

I was skeptical too, but I was desperate after trying for weeks. It actually worked for me. Got through in about 2 hours instead of days of redialing.

Wow, that's pretty clever. But it sucks we have to pay extra just to use a service our taxes already pay for 🙄

I hear ya. It's not ideal, but for me, it was worth it to finally get some answers and move my claim forward.

Wow, thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely follow these steps. Do you have any tips for writing the appeal letter?

Glad to help! For the appeal letter, be clear and concise. Stick to the facts, reference specific medical evidence, and explain how your condition meets their criteria for disability. Avoid emotional language and focus on the objective reasons why you qualify.

I didn't even think of that! I'll go back and review my application. Thanks for the suggestion!

6 months?! That's insane. How are you managing financially?

barely scraping by. family help and credit cards mostly. its not sustainable but what choice do we have?

This! 👆 A lawyer made all the difference for me. Worth every penny.

But be careful who you choose. Some lawyers are just in it for a quick buck and won't put in the effort.

100% agree. It's like they hope we'll just go away if they make it hard enough.

Yep, classic war of attrition. Stay strong, friend. We're all in this together. 💪

I'm in California. Does that make a difference?

Oh yeah, CA has its own system (SDI) which is separate from SSDI. Make sure you're looking at the right info for your situation!

This is super helpful advice! I had no idea I could request my entire file from EDD. How do you go about doing that? Is there a specific form or do you just call them? And thanks for the tip about focusing on functional limitations - I definitely emphasized the wrong things in my original application.

You can request your file by calling EDD's SDI line or submitting a written request - I think there's a form on their website called "Request for Information" or something similar. Fair warning though, it can take a few weeks to get it back. But it's totally worth it because you'll see exactly what medical records they have (or don't have) and can fill in any gaps. The functional limitations thing is huge - they care way more about "can't lift 10 lbs" than "diagnosed with XYZ condition." Good luck with your appeal!