Pro tip: call right when they open. I got through after only 30 minutes on hold that way.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 5 weeks ago and it's been stuck on "pending" the whole time. The stress is unreal when you're depending on those benefits to cover basic expenses. I've tried calling at different times but always get that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volumes. Has anyone had luck with the early morning calling strategy? I might try setting an alarm for 7:55am tomorrow to call right when they open.

Update us once you've filed your SDI claim. The first payment typically arrives within 14 days after your claim is approved, and it can be retroactive to your disability start date (minus the 7-day waiting period). Just remember that SDI only replaces about 60-70% of your wages, capped at a maximum weekly benefit amount of $1,620 in 2025.

I'm so sorry this happened to you - what a nightmare situation to deal with while you're already struggling with your health. I went through something similar with my lupus flare last year. My employer also gave me verbal assurances about medical leave but then tried to claim I was a "no-show" when I couldn't return as quickly as expected. Here's what I learned: Document EVERYTHING from this point forward. Those text messages from your supervisor are gold - screenshot them and back them up. Also, when you see your rheumatologist tomorrow, ask them to include specific details in the medical certification about how your RA symptoms (joint pain, fatigue, mobility issues, etc.) prevent you from performing your job duties. Don't just let them write "rheumatoid arthritis" - EDD needs functional limitations spelled out clearly. One thing I wish someone had told me: keep copies of all your SDI paperwork and track every interaction with EDD. If there are any issues with your claim, having that paper trail is crucial. Also, don't let your employer's poor handling of this situation discourage you - you have legitimate medical reasons for being unable to work, and that's what SDI is designed for. Good luck with your claim! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Ugh, this is so relatable! The exact same thing happened to me last month. I sent everything in certified mail with tracking, and then got another verification letter like they never received anything. When I called, they said there was a "processing delay" and my documents were "still being reviewed" even though it had been weeks. It's like they have no communication between departments. Definitely call them and be persistent - sometimes you have to explain the same thing to 3 different people before someone actually looks at your file properly. So frustrating when you're already dealing with being unable to work! 😔

This is so frustrating but unfortunately super common! I went through something similar last year. Here's what I learned: when you call, ask them to check if your documents were scanned into their system properly. Sometimes they receive them but there's a scanning error or they get misfiled. Also ask for the specific reason code for why verification is needed again - sometimes it's just an automated letter that went out by mistake. If they truly don't have your docs, definitely send them again but consider using both certified mail AND their online portal if available. Keep copies of everything and document every phone call (date, time, agent name, what they told you). The whole system is a mess but persistence usually pays off eventually. Hang in there! 💪

Ugh, I feel for you. I'm in the same boat and it's so stressful. Hang in there!

I went through the exact same thing last year - filed and heard absolutely nothing for over a month. What finally worked for me was sending a certified letter to their main office with copies of all my documents and a timeline of when I filed. I also contacted my local assemblyperson's office (they have caseworkers who specifically help with EDD issues). The assemblyperson's office was able to get someone at EDD to actually look at my case within a week. Don't give up - you ARE entitled to these benefits and sometimes you just need to make enough noise to get their attention. Keep detailed records of every attempt you make to contact them too.

I went through this exact situation with my mom last year! The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you're watching benefits about to expire. Here's what helped us get through it: First, don't panic about the 2-week timeline - that's actually pretty normal for mail submissions. The DE2525XX forms seem to sit in their mail processing queue for weeks before showing any online status updates. A few practical tips that worked for us: - Set up alerts on his SDI Online account to get email notifications the moment anything changes - Document everything - keep copies of the mailed form, tracking info if you used certified mail, dates of doctor visits, etc. - If his benefits do lapse before the extension processes, start gathering documentation for any financial hardship this causes (medical bills, pharmacy receipts, etc.) since they sometimes offer expedited processing for genuine hardship cases The good news is that once approved, they backdate the payments to cover any gap period. We ended up getting a lump sum payment that covered the 3 weeks we were without income. Your dad is lucky to have you helping him navigate this system - it's overwhelming even when you're not dealing with recovery from surgery. Hang in there, and definitely try that early morning calling strategy others mentioned. It really does make a difference!

I'm going through something very similar with my uncle right now - his DE2525XX form was submitted 3 weeks ago and we just heard back yesterday! The processing really is taking longer than usual this year. One thing that might help ease your dad's stress is knowing that EDD has been pretty consistent about backdating payments once extensions are approved, even if there's a gap. My uncle was worried sick about his mortgage payment, but when the approval finally came through, he got all the missed weeks in one lump sum. Also, if you do end up calling, try the 1-800-480-3287 number right at 8:00 AM sharp - not 8:01, but exactly at 8:00. I've noticed they seem to have better availability in that first 10-minute window. And definitely have your dad add you as an authorized representative if he hasn't already - it makes the whole process so much easier when you're helping him navigate this. The waiting is the worst part, but based on what I've seen in this community, most people do get their extensions processed, it just takes way longer than it should. Hang in there!