Just went through this exact situation last month! The waiting period definitely applies regardless of how long your claim processing took - it's based on your actual disability start date. Since you mentioned your disability started on June 2nd, you've already completed the waiting period. One thing I learned the hard way: even after setting up direct deposit, sometimes the first payment still goes to the card if it was already in processing. But don't panic if that happens - you can instantly transfer from the card to your bank account through the Money Network app (despite all the complaints about it, the transfer feature actually works pretty well). After that first payment, everything should go straight to your bank account. Hope you see that payment soon! The financial stress while waiting is honestly the worst part of the whole process.

Hey Olivia! Congrats on getting approved - that's such a relief after 3 weeks of waiting! I just went through this same process a few months ago. Since your disability started June 2nd, you've definitely already served your waiting period, so payment should come through pretty soon now that you're approved. Smart move setting up direct deposit! I made that switch right after approval too and it was seamless. One heads up though - sometimes the system is a bit slow to update, so if your first payment does end up going to the Money Network card, don't stress. You can transfer it to your bank instantly through their app (despite all the horror stories, the transfer feature actually works fine). The whole financial uncertainty while waiting is honestly the hardest part. You're so close to the finish line now! Keep us posted when that first payment hits - we're all rooting for you! 🤞

I'm in a very similar situation - 29 weeks pregnant and just submitted my SDI claim last week. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful! It sounds like the processing times are really all over the place right now. I'm planning to stop work at 37 weeks, so I have a little more buffer time than you do, but I'm still nervous about potential delays. One thing I noticed from everyone's experiences is that having everything submitted correctly the first time seems to make the biggest difference. I double-checked with my doctor that she used the exact wording "disabled due to pregnancy" like Yara mentioned, and made sure my employer submitted their portion promptly. Fingers crossed for both of us that we get approved quickly! Please keep us posted on your progress - it really helps to hear real experiences rather than just the official EDD timelines.

I'm a new member here and just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this thread has been! I'm 28 weeks pregnant and was planning to file for SDI in a few weeks, but after reading everyone's experiences, I think I should probably submit my claim sooner rather than later to account for any potential processing delays. The variation in processing times is pretty concerning - from 9-10 days for some people to 5+ weeks for others. It seems like the key takeaways are: 1) Make sure your doctor uses the exact phrase "disabled due to pregnancy" on the medical certification, 2) Submit everything online rather than by mail, 3) Double-check that your employer submits their portion promptly, and 4) Monitor your SDI Online account daily for any updates or requests. StarSailor, I really hope your claim gets processed quickly! Please do update us when you hear back. And thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - it's so much more valuable than the generic information on the EDD website.

I just went through this same process a few weeks ago at 32 weeks! I was torn between paying my doctor's $30 fee or doing it online myself. I ended up choosing the online route and I'm so glad I did - it was approved in exactly one week! Here's what I learned: The online application really isn't as scary as it seems. It took me about 15-20 minutes to complete, and you can save your progress if you need to step away. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employer details, and the exact dates (last day worked, first day of disability) ready before you start. The most important part is what everyone else mentioned - staying on top of your doctor's office! I called them the morning after I submitted my online claim to let them know they'd be getting an electronic request. They actually appreciated the heads up and completed their part within 2 days. Skip the $25 fee and file online tonight. You'll save money and probably get your benefits faster. The peace of mind of knowing your application is already in the system is worth it! Best of luck with your bedrest - make sure to rest up for that little one! 💙

Hey there! I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through this exact situation at 30 weeks with my second baby. After reading all these responses, I'm definitely in the "file online yourself" camp! I made the mistake of paying the $20 fee with my first pregnancy thinking it would be faster, but it actually took 3 weeks because my doctor's office sat on the paperwork. This time around, I filed online on a Tuesday night, called my OB's office Wednesday morning to give them a heads up about the electronic certification, and they completed it by Friday. I was approved the following Monday - so 6 days total! The online system really is straightforward, and honestly at 31 weeks with complications, you probably don't want to be making extra trips to the doctor's office just to drop off paperwork and fees. Plus, once you file online, you can track the status and see exactly where things stand. One extra tip: when you call your doctor's office tomorrow, ask them how long they typically take to complete electronic certifications. Mine told me 2-3 business days, which helped me know when to follow up if I didn't see movement on my claim status. Save the $25 and use it for something fun during bedrest - maybe some new books or cozy pajamas! You've got this mama! 💪

This is why we need blockchain and decentralized finance. No more trusting these corrupt middlemen with our money. 🚀🌕

I'm so sorry this happened to you! Same thing happened to my neighbor last month - unauthorized wire transfer from her Money Network account. She ended up having to file a police report in addition to the dispute with Money Network. The police said they're seeing more of these cases lately, especially targeting people who receive government benefits. For switching to paper checks, you can do it through the EDD website or by calling them (good luck getting through though). It took about 2-3 weeks for my neighbor's switch to go into effect. In the meantime, definitely keep all your documentation and consider freezing your credit just in case they got other personal info. Hang in there - you're not alone in this! 🙏

Hey OP, just wanted to say hang in there. I know it's tough, but you're not alone in this. We're all in the same boat, trying to navigate these choppy waters. Keep your chin up! 💪

I'm going through something similar right now - filed my claim about 10 days ago and radio silence. What's really frustrating is that you can't even get a straight answer about typical processing times when you do manage to get someone on the phone. I've been checking my online account obsessively but the status just says "pending" with no other details. At least we're all suffering together I guess 😅 Let me know if you find anything that works!