anyone else notice that the unemployment website is always "under maintenance" when you actually need to use it? 🙄

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been waiting 3 weeks for any kind of confirmation that they received my income verification docs. What's really frustrating is that there's no way to know if the documents actually uploaded properly or if they're just sitting in some digital queue somewhere. I've been checking my account daily but it still shows "pending review" with no timeline. Has anyone had success with the suggestion to fax documents as a backup?

As someone new to this community and the SDI system, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! Reading about @Serene Snow's experience with the duplicate receipt numbers really opened my eyes to the kinds of issues that can come up during the extension process. I'm currently preparing for what might be my first SDI claim, and all the practical advice shared here - from keeping detailed logs and taking screenshots to using the most recent receipt number and following up with healthcare providers - is exactly the kind of real-world guidance you can't find in the official EDD materials. The recommendation about Claimyr is also going straight into my notes for future reference. It's so reassuring to see how this community rallies around each other with practical solutions and emotional support during what can be incredibly stressful times. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and help others navigate this complex system!

As someone who just went through a very similar situation last month, I can absolutely relate to the panic you felt! I had the exact same thing happen - submitted my extension, got a receipt number, then two days later the system prompted me again and gave me a completely different number. I was convinced I'd somehow messed up my original submission. Here's what I learned after finally getting through to an EDD representative: the system sometimes generates these duplicate notifications when your current benefit period is close to ending, even if you've already submitted your extension request. It's basically a failsafe to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, but it creates unnecessary confusion for us claimants. The key things that worked for me were: 1) Giving my doctor both receipt numbers with clear explanations of which came first, 2) Having them use the most recent one for their certification submission, and 3) Following up within 24 hours to confirm they'd submitted everything correctly. My extension was approved without any delays, and I learned that your place in the processing queue is based on your FIRST submission date, not the second one. The stress is so real when your savings are running low - I completely understand that anxiety. But this duplicate receipt issue is actually pretty common and doesn't indicate you did anything wrong. You're going to be okay!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I got my "false statement" notice two days ago and have been absolutely terrified about what it means. Like many of you, I had a brief work attempt during my SDI claim (chronic fatigue syndrome) that I reported properly, but it sounds like that's what triggers these interviews. Reading all your experiences really shows that the scary language on the notice doesn't match the reality of what these interviews are actually like. It seems like they're mostly just routine verification calls to make sure everything was reported correctly. I'm definitely taking all the advice here about preparing documentation - timeline with exact dates, doctor's notes, earnings records, etc. The fact that so many of you had positive outcomes after similar situations gives me hope that this will turn out fine. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories! This community is amazing for supporting each other through these stressful EDD situations.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! Got my "false statement" notice yesterday and was completely panicked until I found all of your stories here. Like many of you, I had a brief return-to-work attempt (just 8 days) during my SDI claim for anxiety and depression before my symptoms got worse and I had to stop again. The pattern is so clear from reading everyone's experiences - it seems like ANY work attempt during a disability claim triggers these interviews, even when everything is reported correctly. The scary language on the notice really doesn't match what these calls actually are. I'm scheduled for my interview next Monday and I'm preparing everything you all have suggested: exact timeline with dates, doctor's documentation about the work attempt and why I had to stop, earnings records, and a list of potential questions. @Lucas Lindsey - how did your interview go? I hope it went smoothly! And thank you to everyone else who shared their outcomes - knowing that most of these turn out to be routine verification calls really helps with the anxiety. This community support is incredible when dealing with EDD stress!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm dealing with something very similar - currently 6 months pregnant and just discovered EDD is only going to give me $73/week because they're using my base period from when I was working a minimum wage retail job. I've been at my current corporate job since March 2024 making way more, but none of those wages count towards my claim. Reading everyone's experiences here has been so helpful! I had no idea about form DE 2501W or that you could withdraw and refile later. @Zadie Patel your explanation about the base period calculation was especially clear - I finally understand why my recent wages aren't being counted. I'm definitely going to start the withdrawal process. My due date is in August 2025, so if I withdraw now and refile in August, my March 2024+ wages should be included in the calculation. Has anyone had experience with withdrawing this early in pregnancy? I'm worried about the timing but $73/week won't even cover my parking at work, let alone actual living expenses! Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories - it's made me feel so much less alone in dealing with this broken system.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for anyone dealing with EDD's confusing base period calculations! Just wanted to add a few quick tips based on what I've learned from my own SDI claim: 1. When you submit form DE 2501W, include a brief letter explaining why you're withdrawing (base period issue). This creates a paper trail and shows it's legitimate. 2. Calculate your potential new benefit amount BEFORE withdrawing. Use your highest quarter earnings from your new base period and multiply by 0.6-0.7 to estimate weekly benefits. 3. If you're worried about timing with potential bed rest, consider talking to your doctor about the withdrawal/refiling timeline. They can help you understand your medical situation and plan accordingly. 4. Keep detailed records of all wages from your current job - pay stubs, tax documents, etc. You'll need these when you refile. The system is definitely frustrating, but don't let EDD's outdated base period rules trap you into accepting poverty-level benefits when you've been paying into the system at your current wage level. You've got this! 💪