After you speak with a representative, ask them to verify that all your wages in the base period were properly reported. Sometimes there are errors in reporting that can be corrected with proper documentation. Bring copies of your W-2s or pay stubs from the base period they're using. While you can't change which quarters they use, you can ensure all wages within those quarters are accurately counted.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's incredibly stressful to deal with when you're already worried about preparing for your baby. One thing that might help is to contact your local Assembly or Senate representative's office. They often have caseworkers who specialize in helping constituents navigate EDD issues and can sometimes get faster responses than calling directly. They can't change the base period rules, but they can help ensure your claim is being processed correctly and all your wages are properly counted. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact EDD - dates, times, what you were told. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate your case later.

Pro tip: Set a reminder for yourself a few weeks before your benefit year is set to end. That way you can start preparing to either find work or file a new claim if needed. Don't wait until the last minute!

Anyone else notice that the rules seem to change every other week? I swear I need a law degree just to understand whats going on with my claim sometimes lol

I was actually at the Van Nuys office last month for my own SDI issue (not entertainment related) and overheard someone getting the same runaround about freelance work. Seems like they're applying this policy to lots of different types of gig workers. The whole "must have a specific job to return to" thing doesn't match what the actual SDI regulations say at all.

As someone new to this community but dealing with similar issues, this gives me so much hope! I'm a freelance photographer who got injured during a personal shoot (not work-related) and EDD denied my SDI claim saying I don't have "steady employment." It's so frustrating because I've been paying into SDI for years through my 1099 work. I had no idea there was supposedly a memo targeting entertainment workers - that sounds like it could be grounds for a discrimination complaint? Either way, I'm definitely filing an appeal after reading this. Thank you for sharing your victory and giving the rest of us hope that the system can actually work when we fight back!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm amazed by the wealth of knowledge and support shown in this thread! Reading through Yuki's entire journey from initial confusion to successful resolution has been incredibly educational. The detailed advice from members like Carmen, GalaxyGlider, and others really demonstrates the value of having experienced people willing to share their expertise. It's particularly helpful to see the step-by-step guidance alongside personal experiences - both positive and challenging. This thread will definitely be a valuable resource for anyone facing similar recurrence claim situations. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative environment for those of us navigating these complex systems!

What an incredibly helpful and comprehensive thread! As a new member of this community, I'm really impressed by the level of support and expertise displayed here. Yuki, I'm so glad your recurrence claim was approved and that you avoided the additional waiting period - that must have been such a relief during an already stressful time. The step-by-step guidance from GalaxyGlider was particularly valuable, and Carmen's initial advice about recurrence claims vs. new claims really set the foundation for understanding the process. It's also reassuring to see the honest perspectives about EDD's challenges (like Zoe's experience with delays) alongside the success stories. This thread will definitely serve as an excellent resource for future members facing similar situations. Thank you all for demonstrating what makes this community so valuable - the willingness to share knowledge, experiences, and genuine support for fellow members navigating these complex systems!

Hey Malik! I went through this process last year and it can definitely be overwhelming at first. One thing that really helped me was calling the disability office directly to ask about my specific situation - they were actually pretty helpful once I got through to someone. Also, don't forget to submit your claim as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting period before benefits kick in. The sooner you file, the sooner that clock starts ticking. Good luck with everything! 🤞

Another thing to keep in mind is that your benefit amount might be different from what you initially calculate because they sometimes factor in things like union dues or other deductions from your gross pay. I learned this the hard way when my first estimate was way off! Also, if you've had any gaps in employment during your base period, that could affect the calculation too. The EDD website has some good examples that walk through different scenarios - might be worth checking out before you submit your claim.