


Ask the community...
Have you tried faxing your documents? Sometimes that gets their attention faster than calling or emailing.
I'm dealing with something similar right now - my payment is 12 days late and I can't get through to anyone either. One thing that's helped me is keeping a detailed log of every time I try to contact them (date, time, method). Also, I found that calling right at 8 AM when they open gives you the best chance of getting through. The wait is still brutal, but at least you're in the queue. Hang in there, you're not alone in this struggle! 💪
pro tip: if u cant get thru on the main line, try calling some of the other edd numbers (like the employer line or tech support). sometimes they can help or at least transfer u to the right person
I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! Made the same mistake with the return-to-work date and my payments got stuck for weeks. Here's what worked for me: I called right at 8 AM sharp (like someone mentioned) and got through after about 2 hours on hold. The rep was actually pretty understanding and fixed it on the spot. They told me to keep certifying every two weeks - definitely don't stop doing that or you'll lose your benefits. Also, make sure you have all your medical documentation ready when you call, they might ask for it. It's frustrating but totally fixable! Hang in there! 💪
I went through this exact same thing a few months ago! The key is being super organized with your documentation. Make sure you have multiple forms of ID verification - I ended up sending my driver's license, passport, AND birth certificate. For address verification, I included utility bills from the last 3 months, my lease agreement, and even a bank statement. The wage verification was trickier - I had to contact my previous employers to get official wage statements since my paystubs weren't detailed enough. Also, definitely keep calling them even though it's frustrating. I finally got through after trying the early morning approach others mentioned. Hang in there - it's a pain but you'll get through it! 💪
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm definitely going to gather multiple forms of ID like you suggested. Question - when you contacted your previous employers for wage statements, did they charge you anything for that? And how long did it take them to provide the documents?
@NebulaNova Most employers didn't charge me anything for wage statements since they're legally required to provide them, but one place did ask for a $10 administrative fee. The turnaround time varied - some got back to me within a few days, others took almost 2 weeks. I'd suggest reaching out to all your previous employers ASAP since that was the biggest time bottleneck in my case. Also, if you worked anywhere that's now closed or you can't reach them, the IRS can provide wage transcripts but that takes even longer (like 4-6 weeks). Hope this helps!
Another thing that really helped me was creating a checklist and timeline for myself. I made a spreadsheet tracking what documents I sent, when I sent them, confirmation numbers, etc. EDD processes are slow but having everything documented made follow-up calls way more productive. Also, if you have any employment gaps or worked gig jobs (Uber, DoorDash, etc.), make sure you have documentation for those too - they're stricter about verifying all income sources now. The whole process took me about 6 weeks total but staying organized and persistent was key. You got this! 📋✨
This spreadsheet idea is genius! 💡 I wish I had thought of that when I was dealing with my own EDD nightmare. Keeping track of everything really does make such a difference when you're dealing with bureaucracy. For anyone reading this - also screenshot everything in your online portal and save confirmation emails. I learned the hard way that things can just "disappear" from their system sometimes. The 6-week timeline you mentioned sounds about right too - it's frustrating but at least gives people realistic expectations. Thanks for sharing such practical advice!
Hey Jamal, I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The most important thing is to act fast - you really don't want to miss that 30-day appeal deadline that Liam mentioned. Here's what worked for me: I went to my local EDD office in person instead of trying to call (saved me hours of frustration). They were able to pull up my case immediately and print out a copy of my denial notice on the spot. Also, don't forget to request your complete claim file - it's your right and it'll show you exactly what medical records they reviewed. Sometimes they're missing key documentation that could change everything. If you're still struggling to get info, try reaching out to your local state assembly member's office. They have caseworkers who can help navigate EDD issues. Good luck! 🤞
This is really solid advice! I had no idea you could go to the EDD office in person - that sounds way better than trying to get through on the phone. Do you know if all EDD offices can help with SDI appeals or just certain ones? Also, requesting the complete claim file is genius - I never would have thought of that. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Wow, this is incredibly helpful! @StardustSeeker I'm definitely going to try going to the EDD office in person - that sounds so much more efficient than the phone runaround everyone's talking about. Quick question: do you remember if they required an appointment or could you just walk in? Also, the tip about requesting the complete claim file is brilliant. I'm learning so much from this thread. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! 🙏
Hey Jamal! I went through a similar SDI appeal situation last year and it was definitely stressful at first, but it worked out in the end. A few things that really helped me: 1. **Document everything** - Take screenshots of your online account, save all emails, and write down dates/times of any phone calls 2. **Get your medical providers involved** - Sometimes the initial denial is because they need more detailed documentation from your doctor about how your condition affects your ability to work 3. **Check if you qualify for expedited processing** - If your condition is severe or you're facing financial hardship, they might be able to fast-track your appeal The waiting is the worst part, but hang in there! The fact that you're being proactive and asking for help is already a good sign. Feel free to update us on how it goes - this community has been super supportive when I was dealing with my case. You've got this! 💪
This is such great advice! @NebulaNova The point about getting medical providers more involved really resonates with me - I'm wondering if my doctor didn't provide enough detail in the initial paperwork. Did you have to go back to your doctor to get additional documentation, or did EDD reach out to them directly? Also, I had no idea about expedited processing for financial hardship - that could be really helpful since I'm already struggling without the benefits. Thanks for the encouragement too, it really helps to know others have made it through this process successfully!
Jessica Suarez
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! You were all right - the single week payment was a standard procedure while they reviewed my case. The agent confirmed my medical exam was approved but said there was a "payment processing delay" affecting the backpay. She manually released all my payments and said I should see the money in 24-48 hours. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
0 coins
Wesley Hallow
•That's awesome! So glad you got it resolved. How did you finally get through to them?
0 coins
Jessica Suarez
•I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended above. It was worth every penny - got me connected to an agent in about 25 minutes after struggling for weeks on my own. Such a relief to have this resolved before rent is due!
0 coins
McKenzie Shade
Congratulations on getting this resolved! Your experience is really helpful for others going through the same thing. It's frustrating that EDD doesn't explain their post-examination payment process clearly on their website or in their communications. A simple notice saying "partial payment released while case under final review" would save everyone so much stress and confusion. At least now we know the single week payment is actually a positive sign, not something to panic about. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!
0 coins
KylieRose
•Absolutely agree! EDD really needs to improve their communication about these processes. I'm new to dealing with disability claims and this whole thread has been so educational. It's concerning that we have to rely on community forums to understand what should be standard procedure. Jessica, thanks for sharing your full experience - it gives hope to others who might be going through the same stressful situation. The fact that a simple phone call could resolve weeks of uncertainty shows how much better EDD could handle these cases with clearer upfront communication.
0 coins