Hey OP, quick question - did your doctor backdate the form at all? That can sometimes affect the start date of the claim. Might be worth double-checking with your doc's office.

I went through something similar a few months ago! When you call, definitely ask them to walk you through exactly how they calculated your claim start date. In my case, they were using the wrong date from my doctor's form. Also, ask if you can submit any additional documentation that might support an earlier start date - like appointment records, prescription dates, or even a letter from your doctor clarifying when your condition actually began affecting your ability to work. Don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if the first person can't give you clear answers. Document everything they tell you too!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - payment delays are incredibly stressful when you're counting on that income. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like there might be a few different issues that could be causing the delay. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is checking if your supplemental certificate was actually received and processed. Sometimes documents get lost in the mail or there are processing backlogs that aren't immediately obvious. If you submitted it by mail, you might want to call and specifically ask them to confirm they have your supplemental certificate on file and when it was processed. Also, I'd recommend keeping a close eye on your online account (if you have one) - sometimes there are messages or requests for additional information that you might miss if you're only checking occasionally. The advice about calling early in the morning is solid, but I'd also suggest trying to call on different days of the week. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier, so Tuesday-Thursday might give you better luck getting through. Keep pushing and don't give up. These situations are frustrating but they do get resolved. Wishing you the best of luck!

I've been in a similar situation and know how stressful it can be when you're waiting for disability payments. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of all my submissions and communications. Sometimes there are processing delays that happen after they receive your supplemental certificate - it's not always about whether they got it, but where it is in their review process. If you haven't already, try asking specifically about the processing timeline when you do get through to someone. They can often tell you what stage your claim is in and give you a more realistic timeframe. Also, if you submitted any medical records or other supporting documents along with your supplemental certificate, make sure they received those too - sometimes one piece goes missing and holds up the whole process. Another tip: if you're really struggling financially while waiting, look into local emergency assistance programs. Many counties have funds specifically for people waiting on disability payments. Your local 211 helpline can point you toward resources. Hang in there - the wait is awful but once these get sorted out, they usually backdate your payments to when you were supposed to receive them.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I went through this exact transition in March! My SDI ended on a mid-month date too (March 15th) and I was worried about that final partial payment. It did come through automatically about 4-5 days after my regular payment date, so don't stress if it's not exactly on schedule. For the PFL application, I cannot stress this enough - WAIT until your SDI claim shows "Returned to Work" status before applying! I got impatient and applied 2 days early, thinking it would be fine since my disability period was basically over. Big mistake! It flagged both claims and I had to spend hours on the phone getting it sorted out. The EDD rep told me this happens all the time and their system really doesn't handle overlapping claims well. My advice: Check your SDI status online on August 9th, and once it shows you've returned to work, then submit your PFL application. A day or two gap is SO much better than weeks of delays. Also make sure you select "bonding with new child" and not "caring for family member" when you apply - they're processed differently. Wishing you a smooth transition and congratulations on your new baby!

I'm actually going through a very similar situation right now! My SDI is set to end on August 15th and I'm also planning to transition to PFL for bonding time with my newborn. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially the advice about waiting until the SDI claim shows "Returned to Work" status before applying for PFL. I was originally planning to apply early to avoid any gaps, but it sounds like that could actually cause more delays. One question I have for those who've been through this - how long did it typically take for your SDI status to update to "Returned to Work" after your end date? I'm wondering if it updates automatically on the end date or if there's usually a processing delay. Also, for the PFL application itself, did most of you apply online or did anyone have better luck calling in? I've heard mixed things about the online portal. Thanks for all the detailed experiences everyone has shared - this community is amazing!

I've been following this thread and I'm really impressed by how supportive and resourceful this community is! As someone who's worked in social services, I wanted to add one more resource that might help bridge the gap while you're exploring all these other options. Check with your local **Community Health Centers** (also called FQHCs - Federally Qualified Health Centers). Many of them have **Patient Navigator programs** specifically designed to help people connect with financial assistance, disability resources, and emergency aid programs. They often know about local grants and assistance funds that aren't well-publicized, and some even have small emergency funds they can distribute directly to patients facing financial hardship due to medical conditions. Also, since your doctor has documented that driving is unsafe due to your condition, you might want to ask them about referring you to a **Medical Social Worker**. Many healthcare systems have social workers who specialize in helping patients navigate financial challenges during treatment periods. They can sometimes expedite applications for various assistance programs and know which ones you're most likely to qualify for. The medical necessity documentation you have is really strong - make sure every application emphasizes the "safety risk" aspect rather than just the income loss. That distinction can sometimes open doors to programs that might not otherwise apply to self-employed individuals. Really hoping the new treatments help with your migraines and that you're able to get back to driving safely soon!

I'm so sorry you're going through this challenging situation with your health and income. Reading through all the advice here, I wanted to add one more angle that might be worth exploring. Since you've been driving for Lyft for almost 2 years and this is clearly a medical necessity (not voluntary time off), you should also look into **California's Paid Sick Leave laws**. While the application to gig workers is complex and evolving, there have been some recent court cases and policy changes that might create eligibility in certain circumstances, especially when you have strong medical documentation like you do. Additionally, consider reaching out to **legal aid organizations** in your area - many have attorneys who specialize in employment law for non-traditional workers. They often provide free consultations and might be able to identify benefit programs or legal protections you qualify for that aren't obvious from the standard eligibility requirements. The documentation from your doctor about safety risks is really your strongest asset here. Make sure to get a detailed letter that specifically mentions: - The medical condition preventing safe driving - The expected duration of work restrictions - Any workplace accommodations that might be needed when you return Keep pushing through the bureaucracy - you're dealing with a legitimate medical situation that's preventing you from working safely, and there are programs designed to help in exactly these circumstances. The gig economy safety net has gaps, but advocates and organizations are working to fill them. Wishing you a speedy recovery and some financial relief soon!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been waiting 3 days for a callback and nothing. The whole "you're next in line" message feels like a cruel joke at this point. I've tried calling early morning, late afternoon, even during lunch hours - same result every time. It's incredibly frustrating when you have urgent issues that need resolving and you're just stuck in limbo. Has anyone found a specific time of day that works better, or is it really just a matter of pure luck? This system definitely needs some serious improvements.

I'm in the exact same boat and it's absolutely maddening! Been waiting 48 hours now for my "priority" callback that never came. The worst part is when you finally do get through to someone, half the time they transfer you and you get disconnected. I've started keeping a detailed log of every attempt - dates, times, reference numbers, who I spoke with - because at this point I'm convinced they just hope we'll give up. The system is beyond broken when people are literally paying third-party services just to get basic government assistance. We shouldn't have to choose between our time and our money to access services we're entitled to. Stay strong everyone - we're all in this frustrating mess together! 💪