Where's a physical SDI office in San Diego? Online system frustrating me
I'm at my wit's end trying to handle my state disability claim online. The EDD website keeps timing out when I try to upload my medical certification, and the phone lines are a complete joke - I've called 37 times in the past week and either get disconnected or told the queue is full. Has anyone successfully visited an actual physical EDD office in San Diego to handle SDI issues? Do they even exist anymore? I'm willing to drive anywhere in San Diego County at this point just to talk to a real human being who can help me get my claim processed before my savings run out completely. Any addresses or experiences with in-person SDI offices would be GREATLY appreciated!!
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Aliyah Debovski
There actually are no dedicated SDI offices you can walk into anymore. EDD consolidated everything and most services are handled through the website or phone system now. For SDI specifically, your best option is to keep calling the SDI phone number (1-800-480-3287) during their business hours. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM - that's when I've had the most success getting through.
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Ally Tailer
•Ugh, that's so frustrating! I've tried calling right at 8am three times this week and still couldn't get through. Are there ANY in-person services available? I'm desperate!
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Miranda Singer
the online system is SO BAD!! i spent 4 hrs trying to upload my docs last month n ended up mailing everything. took forever but finally got approved. no idea why they make everything so complicated fr fr
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Cass Green
•Mailing documents is actually a reliable alternative when the upload system is having issues. Always keep copies of everything you send and use certified mail if possible. The SDI processing center address for San Diego claims is: Employment Development Department, PO Box 989035, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9035.
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Finley Garrett
Unfortunately SDI doesn't have walk-in offices like the regular unemployment side of EDD. Your best bet is either mailing your documents (like the person above suggested) or using Claimyr to get through by phone. I was in a similar situation with my pregnancy disability claim and spent weeks trying to get through. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual SDI rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. It was worth it because the rep fixed my claim issues right away, and I got my first payment within days after that call.
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Madison Tipne
•does that claimy thing really work?? seems sketchy to me but at this point ill try anything to get my claim fixed
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Finley Garrett
•It definitely worked for me! It's not sketchy - they just connect you with the EDD phone system but get you past the busy signals. You still talk directly to the actual EDD reps, not third-party people. The rep I spoke with was super helpful once I actually got through.
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Holly Lascelles
I know this isn't exactly what you're asking, but there ARE physical America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) locations in San Diego that offer some EDD services. I went to the one in South County (1111 Bay Blvd, Suite E, Chula Vista) last year when I had UI issues, but they told me they couldn't help with SDI claims directly. They might be able to help you navigate the system though or provide some guidance. The Metro Career Center downtown might be another option to check. Just call before going to make sure they can assist with your specific SDI issue.
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Ally Tailer
•Thank you! That's at least something I can try. I'll call them tomorrow and see if they can offer any help. Appreciate the specific address too.
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Malia Ponder
the whole system is designed to get you to give up!!!! ive been on SDI for 8 months (car accident) and EVERY MONTH somethign goes wrong with my continued claim. tbh i think they INTENTIONALLY make it hard to sabatoge claims period.
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Aliyah Debovski
•While it definitely feels that way sometimes, most of the issues are actually from outdated systems and understaffing rather than intentional barriers. For continued SDI claims, make sure you're submitting the forms exactly on schedule - even one day early or late can cause delays. And double-check that your doctor is using the correct diagnosis codes each time.
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Cass Green
Here's what I recommend for your SDI claim situation: 1. If your medical provider has an EDD SDI Online account, ask them to submit your certification electronically instead of you uploading it. 2. If mailing documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. 3. Contact your State Assembly Member's office for help. They have dedicated EDD caseworkers who can often resolve issues faster than you can on your own. For San Diego, find your representative here: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ 4. While there aren't dedicated SDI offices, the AJCC locations mentioned above sometimes have EDD staff who can make internal calls on your behalf. Hope this helps!
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Ally Tailer
•This is incredibly helpful! I didn't even think about contacting my Assembly Member. I just looked up who represents me and I'm going to call their office tomorrow. Thank you so much for these specific suggestions!
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Madison Tipne
my sister works for a doctor and said that medical offices can submit the disability forms directly thru their special portal!!! maybe ask ur doctor if they can do this for u?? might be easier than the regular website
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Ally Tailer
•That's a great idea! I'm seeing my doctor next week for a follow-up anyway, so I'll definitely ask if they can submit directly through their system. Thanks for the tip!
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Cass Green
Just to update everyone on this thread: As of 2025, the EDD has launched a new "SDI Connect" pilot program in certain counties (including San Diego) where they're testing hybrid services. There are now limited in-person assistance options by appointment only at the Chula Vista AJCC location. You can schedule through the SDI Online portal under "Contact Us" → "Schedule In-Person Assistance." Appointments are very limited though, so online and phone are still the primary service channels.
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Ally Tailer
•This is fantastic news! I just logged into my SDI Online account and found the appointment scheduler. There was a spot available next Tuesday at the Chula Vista location. I've booked it and feel so much better knowing I'll actually get to speak with someone face-to-face. Thank you so much for sharing this update!
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Aliyah Debovski
•That's great to hear about the pilot program! I've been helping people with EDD claims for years and this is the first I've heard about the SDI Connect program. Makes sense they'd start testing it in larger counties first. Please post an update after your appointment so others can know what to expect!
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