I'm currently dealing with this exact same issue! My doctor submitted my continuation form on January 15th and my payments just stopped even though everything looked fine on their end. Reading Maxwell's update about the "processing exception" and diagnosis code flagging gives me so much hope - I was starting to panic thinking something was seriously wrong with my claim. I've been calling randomly throughout the day but clearly need to be more strategic about timing. Going to set my alarm for 7:58am tomorrow and try the exact 8am approach everyone's mentioned. It's so frustrating that we have to learn all this internal EDD terminology just to get our benefits processed correctly, but I'm grateful for this community sharing the knowledge! Question for those who got through - did you have to provide any specific information beyond mentioning the processing exception? Like confirmation numbers from your doctor or anything else?

This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with EDD SDI issues! I'm bookmarking this thread because the terminology and timing tips are gold. It's honestly ridiculous that we need to become fluent in their internal processes just to access benefits we're legally entitled to, especially when we're already dealing with health issues that prevent us from working. The fact that something as simple as a slightly updated diagnosis code can trigger a "processing exception" that requires manual intervention shows how outdated their systems are. And the disconnect between what doctors submit and what the system actually processes is maddening. For anyone still struggling with this - definitely try the 8am strategy and use the specific terms mentioned here: "processing exception," "certification flag," and "pending certification review." Having your doctor's submission date and any confirmation numbers ready seems to make a big difference too. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of peer knowledge sharing is often more helpful than EDD's own customer service!

tldr; the disability insurance system is a dumpster fire and we're all just trying to stay warm. 🔥🗑️

Just wanted to share my recent experience - I was in a similar situation last month where my SDI form seemed to disappear into thin air. After 5 weeks of no updates, I finally got through to someone who told me they had received it but it was sitting in a processing backlog. Apparently there's been a huge surge in disability claims lately and they're understaffed. The rep was actually pretty helpful once I got through - she was able to give me a timeline estimate and a direct reference number to use in future calls. My advice: when you do get someone on the phone, ask for a reference number for your specific inquiry. It makes follow-up calls so much easier. Hang in there, it's frustrating but you'll get through this! 💪

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. The 52-week limit is truly one of the most frustrating aspects of the SDI system, especially when your condition has actually worsened rather than improved. From reading through all the excellent advice you've received here, it sounds like you have a clear action plan forming. I wanted to add one more resource that might help - many counties have disability advocacy organizations that offer free assistance with benefit applications and appeals. They often have staff who specialize in navigating the complex interactions between different programs (SSI, LTD, county assistance) and can help ensure you don't miss any deadlines or overlook potential benefits you might qualify for. Also, since you mentioned your condition has developed complications that weren't part of your original diagnosis, it might be worth asking your doctor to provide specific documentation about how these new symptoms represent a progression or change from your initial condition. Even if it doesn't qualify for a new SDI claim, this kind of detailed medical documentation will be crucial for any other benefit applications you pursue. The timeline pressure is real, but you're being incredibly proactive by planning ahead rather than waiting until the last minute. That gives you a much better chance of securing some kind of bridge coverage before your SDI ends in June. You've got this, even though it feels overwhelming right now.

I'm really sorry you're facing this situation - the stress of approaching that 52-week limit while dealing with a worsening condition is incredibly difficult. Reading through all the excellent advice here, I wanted to add something that might help with your immediate timeline concerns. Since you mentioned June is coming up fast, consider creating a simple spreadsheet or checklist to track all the different applications and deadlines people have mentioned. Include things like SSI application date, LTD policy deadline check, county assistance applications, and any medical documentation requests. Having it all in one place can help prevent anything from falling through the cracks during what's already an overwhelming time. Also, when you're gathering medical documentation, ask your doctor's office if they can prioritize any letters or forms you need for benefit applications. Many medical offices will expedite disability-related paperwork if you explain the urgency and deadlines involved. The system really is frustrating when you're dealing with chronic conditions that don't fit the "temporary disability" model, but you're asking all the right questions and getting solid advice here. Starting these applications now rather than waiting gives you the best chance of securing some kind of bridge coverage. You've got more options than it might feel like right now.

I'm so glad I found this thread! As a newcomer to both this community and the SDI process, reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly educational. Leo, your situation with the white-out and wrong disability date really highlights how critical accuracy is with these forms - I had no idea EDD was so strict about these details. What really stands out to me is how quickly and supportively everyone jumped in to help, sharing both personal experiences and practical advice. The tips about online submission, keeping detailed records, and being specific about medical documentation are exactly the kind of insider knowledge that can make the difference between a smooth process and months of delays. I'm currently preparing my own application and feel so much more prepared now thanks to all the wisdom shared here. It's clear this community is an amazing resource for navigating these complex government processes. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge - it's going to help so many people avoid costly mistakes!

As a newcomer to this community, I just wanted to thank everyone for such an informative discussion! I'm currently dealing with my own potential SDI claim and had no idea about these strict requirements. Leo, your experience really highlights how important it is to double-check every detail on these forms before submission. The advice about getting a completely new form rather than risking rejection has been particularly valuable - I can see how easy it would be to think "it's just a small correction" but clearly EDD doesn't see it that way. The point about the disability start date affecting benefit calculations is something I definitely need to keep in mind when I meet with my doctor. This thread has given me a much better understanding of what to expect and how to avoid common pitfalls. It's amazing how one person's question can generate so much helpful information for the entire community. Thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge and experience!

As someone who went through the SDI process recently, I can confirm this is definitely a scam. The timing is the biggest red flag - EDD doesn't move that fast on anything, especially not setting up online accounts for paper filers. When I filed my paper claim in January, it took almost 3 weeks before I got my first legitimate communication from EDD, and that was just an acknowledgment letter. The ID.me setup only happened when I manually created my SDI Online account weeks later. That sender email you mentioned ([email protected]) is a classic phishing domain - real EDD emails always come from ca.gov addresses. Good catch on not clicking anything! One thing that helped me during the waiting period was signing up for USPS Informed Delivery so I could track when actual mail from EDD was coming. All legitimate SDI correspondence initially comes by postal mail for paper filers, not email. Might give you some peace of mind while you wait for your real claim updates.

I'm so glad you posted about this and didn't fall for it! I actually work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate disability benefits, and we see these phishing attempts ALL THE TIME. The scammers have gotten really good at timing these emails right after people file claims - they're basically preying on people when they're most vulnerable and anxious about their benefits. A few additional red flags for anyone reading this: legitimate EDD will NEVER ask you to "verify your identity" through email links, and they definitely don't use urgent language like "Your account will be suspended" or "Immediate action required." Real government communications are usually pretty boring and bureaucratic in tone. Also want to echo what others said about the ca.gov domain - that's the golden rule. If it doesn't end in .ca.gov, delete it immediately. I tell all my clients to bookmark the official EDD website and only access their accounts that way. You did everything right by questioning it and calling EDD to verify. Hope your recovery goes smoothly and your claim gets processed without any real issues!