This happened to me too! Turns out there was a glitch in their system affecting claims extended within certain dates. Keep bugging them and eventually they'll sort it out. Took me about 3 weeks of pestering them tho 😩

I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: Try accessing your portal from a different browser or device - sometimes the form doesn't load properly on certain browsers. Also, check under different sections like "Forms" or "Documents" rather than just the main dashboard. If that doesn't work, I'd recommend doing what @Ava Rodriguez suggested and send a secure message through your portal. Be super specific - include your claim number, extension dates, and mention that your doctor already approved the extension but the continued benefits form isn't appearing. One more thing - if you have any paper documents from your doctor or EDD about the extension, scan and attach those to your message. It helps show you're not just making stuff up. The whole system is absolutely broken but don't give up! You've got this! 💪

Great to see you got everything submitted so quickly! Just wanted to add one more tip - if you need to extend your disability beyond the initial 6 weeks your doctor estimated, make sure to have them submit a continuation claim (DE 2525C) before your current certification period expires. Don't wait until the last day because there can't be any gaps in coverage. Also keep all your medical records and documentation organized in case EDD requests additional proof later. Hoping for a smooth approval process for you!

As someone who's been through the SDI process a few times, I wanted to add that you should also notify your employer about your disability claim even though it's not work-related. They can't legally retaliate against you for filing, and some employers have supplemental disability policies that might provide additional benefits. Also, make sure you understand that SDI benefits are taxable income - they don't withhold taxes automatically, so you might want to set aside some money for tax season or request voluntary withholding when you file. The ankle fracture should be pretty straightforward for approval since it's an obvious physical limitation that prevents you from performing normal work duties. Good luck with your recovery!

I'm currently going through my first SDI extension for anxiety and panic disorder, and reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and eye-opening. The whole process feels so unnecessarily complicated when you're already struggling with mental health issues. A few things I've learned that might add to the great advice already shared: **Alternative contact method:** If calling EDD at 8:00/8:01 AM doesn't work, try using their callback feature if it's available. You can request a callback and they'll call you when an agent is free - this saved my sanity because waiting on hold was triggering my anxiety attacks. **Doctor communication tip:** I found it helpful to email my psychiatrist's office a summary of what forms I needed and why, along with the EDD provider information, BEFORE my appointment. This gave them time to review everything and come prepared rather than being caught off guard during the visit. **Mental health specific consideration:** For those of us with mental health conditions, it might be worth asking your doctor to be extra detailed about functional limitations in their assessment. Things like concentration difficulties, social anxiety, panic attacks, etc. that might not be obvious but directly impact work ability. The support in this community has been incredible to read through. It's so validating to know others understand how overwhelming this process becomes when you're already dealing with mental health challenges. We shouldn't have to fight this hard for benefits we've earned, but at least we can help each other navigate the maze. Hang in there everyone - your recovery matters more than their bureaucracy! 💙

I'm going through this exact situation right now with my anxiety/depression claim, and I totally understand the panic you're feeling! The combination of mental health struggles and EDD's confusing processes is absolutely overwhelming. Here's what I've learned that might help: **Getting the DE 2525XX form:** - The form isn't automatically mailed - you have to request it from EDD - Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open (much shorter wait times) - Check SDI Online portal under both "Forms" and "Correspondence" - sometimes it appears there - Your doctor can also call EDD's provider line directly to request it **Dealing with your psychiatrist:** - Tell them about billing code DI-310 - they can bill EDD around $85 for completing disability paperwork - Offer to pre-fill all the patient information sections so they only handle the medical parts - Consider bringing the form to your appointment and asking them to complete it while you wait - If they're still difficult, ask for a detailed treatment letter on their letterhead as backup **Timeline:** Submit everything at least 2 weeks before your benefits end if possible. Mental health claims sometimes take longer to process than physical disability claims. The stress you're feeling is so valid - this system feels designed to exhaust us into giving up. But you've paid into this system and deserve support while you recover. Don't let their bureaucracy make you feel like you're asking for too much. Hang in there! Your mental health recovery is the priority right now. 💙

am i the only 1 who thinks the whole SDI system needs a complete overhaul? its 2023 ffs, why are we dealing with disappearing claims and hour-long hold times? 🤡

Have you tried checking your claim status through their automated phone system? Sometimes it updates faster than the website.

This is exactly the kind of confusion that trips up so many people! I work in HR and see this misunderstanding constantly. What often happens is that employers see doctors completing the medical certification part of SDI claims and assume they can handle the whole process. But you're absolutely right to question this - the employee MUST initiate the claim first. One tip I always give people: when you file online through SDI Online, make sure to print or save your confirmation number. Then when you contact your doctor's office, give them that confirmation info along with your claim number. This helps them quickly locate your case in their SDI system and ensures there's no delay in completing their medical certification. Also, since you mentioned severe back issues with a herniated disc, make sure your doctor provides detailed information about your functional limitations and expected recovery timeline. The more specific they are about how your condition affects your ability to work, the smoother your approval process will be. Hope your back heals up and your claim gets processed quickly!

As someone who went through this exact confusion last year, I can confirm what everyone else is saying - your employer has the right idea but wrong details. YOU must file the initial SDI claim, then your doctor completes their medical portion. One thing I learned the hard way: don't wait to file thinking you need to coordinate with your doctor first. I delayed filing for almost a week because I thought I needed my doctor's paperwork ready before starting. Big mistake! The 7-day waiting period starts from when YOU file your claim, not when the doctor submits their part. So every day you delay filing is a day of potential benefits lost. File online through SDI Online today if possible - it's much faster than paper forms. Then call your doctor's office with your confirmation number. Most offices are familiar with the SDI process and will complete their portion within 1-2 business days once they get the EDD notification. Also, since you mentioned herniated disc issues, make sure you have recent MRI or imaging reports available for your doctor to reference when they complete the medical certification. The more detailed medical documentation they can include about your functional limitations, the better your chances of quick approval. Hope this helps and that your back improves soon!