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wait i just remembered something - is your back injury from work??? if it happened at work even partly you should be on workers comp not SDI!!! that pays way more and lasts longer!
I'm in a similar boat - my SDI is ending next month and I'm still not cleared for work. One thing that's helped me is reaching out to 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they connect you with local resources for emergency financial assistance, food banks, and utility help. Some counties have specific programs for people in the gap between state disability and other benefits. Also, if you haven't already, apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and see if you qualify for any utility assistance programs through LIHEAP. Every bit helps when you're trying to stretch what little savings you have left. The application process for these is way faster than SSDI. Hang in there - this gap period is brutal but there are people and programs out there to help bridge it.
I'm going through this exact same verification process right now and wanted to share what I've learned from my experience so far. When I got that letter, I immediately panicked thinking I'd done something wrong by reporting the freelance income! After talking to a few people who've been through this, here's what I gathered for my submission: - Tax return with Schedule C (this seems to be the most important document) - All 1099-NEC forms from clients - 6 months of bank statements showing freelance payments - A one-page summary letter listing the type of work, typical monthly income range, and doctor's estimated return date I submitted everything through SDI Online about a week ago and I'm still waiting, but the representative I spoke with said 2-3 weeks is typical for mixed income verifications. The key thing she emphasized was to respond quickly and include your husband's EDD Customer Account Number on every single page. You absolutely did the right thing reporting everything upfront - I've heard that trying to hide freelance income can lead to much bigger problems down the road. The verification is just their standard process since they can't contact a "boss" to verify self-employment like they do with regular jobs. Hang in there!
Adding onto this - does anyone know how to submit form 2503 for yourself online? I wanted to use SDI online, but it said the employer must register in California and file quarterly payroll taxes at least once with the EDD in order to register to use SDI online. Since I just recently became self-employed (sole proprietor) after my W-2 job, I'm not registered in CA. This is making me think I will need to submit everything through the mail. If anyone knows, appreciate any input. Thanks in advance!
Hey! I ran into this exact same issue when I was trying to submit my verification documents online. Since you're self-employed and not registered as an employer with EDD, you won't be able to use the SDI Online employer portal. You'll need to mail everything in using the address provided on your verification letter. Make sure to include your EDD Customer Account Number on every page and send it certified mail so you have proof they received it. It's annoying that there's no online option for self-employed folks, but mailing works fine - just allow extra time for processing since it's not instant like the online submissions.
Has anyone tried contacting their local representative about SDI issues? I've heard sometimes they can help push things along.
I'm going through something similar right now! One thing that helped me was requesting a detailed breakdown of my payment calculation. You can do this through your online account or by calling (if you can get through). They should be able to show you exactly how they calculated your benefit amount and what deductions were taken. Sometimes there are things like overpayments from previous claims or adjustments that aren't immediately obvious. Also, make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING - every form you submit, every correspondence, dates of phone calls, etc. This documentation becomes super important if you need to escalate or appeal later.
This is really helpful advice! I never thought about requesting a detailed breakdown - that's such a smart idea. I've been keeping some documentation but not everything, so I'll definitely start being more thorough about that. Thanks for sharing your experience!
@William Rivera this is exactly what I needed to hear! I had no idea you could request a detailed breakdown - that sounds like it could solve my mystery right there. I ve'been so focused on trying to get someone on the phone that I didn t'even think to look into the actual calculation. And you re'absolutely right about the documentation - I ve'been pretty sloppy about keeping track of everything. Starting a folder today! Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed advice 🙏
Just wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through this. The healthcare/disability system in this country is so broken, especially for self-employed people. Hope you find some help and feel better soon!
I'm a freelance graphic designer who went through something similar a few years ago. One thing that really helped me was contacting 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they connect you with local resources for people dealing with medical issues and financial hardship. They helped me find a clinic that offered sliding-scale payments and connected me with a food bank when I couldn't work for a few months. It's not disability benefits, but it can help bridge the gap while you're dealing with your health issues. Also, if you're having trouble affording your Crohn's medications, GoodRx and similar apps can sometimes help reduce costs significantly. Wishing you the best!
Adriana Cohn
am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we still use debit cards for this?? why cant they just do direct deposit like a normal job smh
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Jace Caspullo
•Ikr? It's 2023 ffs. Get with the times, EDD! 🙄
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Melody Miles
•They do offer direct deposit tho? You just gotta set it up on ur account
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Ayla Kumar
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My payment was processed last week and still no card. Reading through these comments, it sounds like this is unfortunately pretty common. I'm going to try checking the Bank of America EDD website like Eva suggested to see if there's any tracking info. Also might bite the bullet and pay for one of those calling services since getting through to EDD directly seems impossible. This whole system really needs an overhaul - the stress of waiting for money you're entitled to is just awful. Hang in there, we'll get through this! 💪
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Hattie Carson
•Welcome to the club nobody wants to be in! 😅 I'm dealing with this too and it's so reassuring to know we're not alone. That Bank of America EDD website check is definitely a good first step - at least then you'll know if the card was actually sent out or if it's still stuck in processing limbo. The waiting game is absolutely brutal, especially when you're counting on that money. Keep us posted on what you find out!
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