I'm so sorry for your loss, Ravi. Grief can be incredibly overwhelming and it's completely understandable that you need additional time off to process everything. I went through something similar when I lost my father a few years ago - the mental health impact was much harder to deal with than I expected. Just to add to what others have said: when you meet with your psychiatrist, make sure they understand that EDD requires very specific language about how your grief is functionally impairing your ability to work. Generic statements won't cut it. They need to document things like concentration problems, sleep disturbances, anxiety levels, and how these symptoms specifically prevent you from performing your job duties. Also, don't feel bad about needing this time - mental health is just as valid as physical health when it comes to disability claims. Take care of yourself first, and the paperwork will work itself out. Wishing you the best during this difficult time.

I'm really sorry for your loss, Ravi. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we go through, and it's completely understandable that you need time to grieve properly. Based on what everyone has shared, it sounds like you have a clear path forward with filing a new claim. One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful: when you're working with your psychiatrist on the DE 2501 form, ask them to include how your grief symptoms specifically impact your work performance. Things like difficulty concentrating during meetings, inability to make decisions, frequent crying episodes, or panic attacks can all be documented as functional limitations. Also, if you haven't already, consider asking your psychiatrist about connecting you with grief counseling resources. Having that additional support documented in your treatment plan can actually strengthen your disability claim by showing you're actively working on recovery. The fact that you're being proactive about this transition shows you're handling a difficult situation really well. Take it one step at a time, and don't hesitate to reach out here if you run into any issues with the process. This community has been through it all and we're here to help each other navigate these complicated systems.

I went through this exact same nightmare a few weeks ago! What finally worked for me was going directly to my doctor's office with a printed copy of the original form submission confirmation email. Turns out the receipt number in their system was slightly different from what I had (missing a digit). The office manager was able to look it up in their portal and resubmit everything. Also, make sure your provider is using the correct upload portal - there are apparently multiple systems and some docs use the wrong one. Hope this saves you some headaches!

I'm dealing with something similar right now and it's so frustrating! My provider keeps saying they can't locate my form in their system even though I have the confirmation email. Reading through these responses, I think I'm going to try a combination approach - first check if there's a digit issue with my receipt number like Madison mentioned, then maybe try that calling service Sean suggested if the provider visit doesn't work out. Has anyone had success getting EDD to regenerate a receipt number if the original one is corrupted somehow?

I'm a newcomer here but dealing with a similar situation - been on SDI since September after a workplace injury and getting nervous about my benefits ending soon. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add one thing I learned from my physical therapist: if you're doing any kind of rehabilitation or physical therapy, make sure your doctor includes that in the extension documentation too. My PT told me that showing you're actively working on recovery but still need more time can actually strengthen your case with EDD. Also, if you have any follow-up appointments scheduled (with specialists, PT, etc.), having your doctor mention those future treatment plans can help show that your recovery is ongoing and medically necessary. The construction work angle is definitely important to emphasize - the physical demands are so different from desk jobs. Wishing you a smooth extension process and full recovery!

I'm new to this community but facing a similar situation with my SDI benefits ending soon. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly educational! I wanted to add something my case worker mentioned - if you're dealing with complications from your original condition (like you are with your gallbladder surgery), make sure your doctor specifically documents that these are ongoing complications rather than a new/separate condition. This helps ensure it stays under your current claim rather than potentially requiring a whole new application. Also, I learned that keeping a daily symptom diary can be helpful - documenting your pain levels, what activities you can/can't do, how your condition affects your daily life. Some doctors find this useful when filling out the extension forms because it gives them concrete examples of your functional limitations. Since you mentioned anxiety about the timeline, you might also want to call EDD's SDI customer service line to confirm they have your current contact information and to ask if there's anything specific they need from your doctor for construction workers. Hope this helps and that your extension gets approved quickly!

I'm in the same boat, OP. Been sick for weeks and can't get any info on my claim. It's so frustrating! Sending you good vibes and hoping we both get some answers soon 🤞

Hey Mei! I totally get your frustration - been through this myself recently. A few things that worked for me: 1) Try calling the alternate number (1-800-480-3287) instead of the main line - sometimes less busy. 2) Call right at 8am when they open, don't wait even a minute. 3) If you get through to someone, ask them to add a note to your file about your call so there's a record. 4) You can also try the "Contact EDD" form on their website - it takes a few days but they do respond. Hope you feel better soon and get your claim sorted out! 💪

I've been through this exact same thing multiple times! It's incredibly frustrating and honestly feels disrespectful when you've been waiting on hold forever. A few things that have helped me: 1) Try calling different regional offices if possible - some are less busy than others, 2) Ask to speak to a supervisor immediately if you sense the call going south, and 3) Consider filing a formal complaint through their website if this keeps happening. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these agencies. Also, if you have any disability advocacy organizations in your area, they sometimes have direct contacts that can bypass the main phone lines. Don't let them wear you down - you have every right to get the help you need! 🙏

Oh wow, this is so frustrating! I've been dealing with SDI issues myself lately and the whole system just seems broken. Getting hung up on is the absolute worst - like you finally get through after waiting forever and then CLICK. 😤 I've found that sometimes it helps to call different times of day. Early morning (like 8 AM sharp) tends to work better, or sometimes late afternoon when it's less busy. Also, if you do get someone rude or unhelpful, don't be afraid to politely ask for their supervisor right away. One thing that's helped me is keeping a little notebook with all my case details, dates, and who I talked to each time. That way when I do get through, I can quickly reference everything instead of fumbling around. It also helps if you need to escalate later. Hang in there - you're not alone in this struggle! The system is definitely not user-friendly but don't give up on getting what you're entitled to. 💪