Quick update question - has your payment arrived yet? Most first payments do arrive within 3 business days after the claim shows 'paid' status, despite what some are saying about longer timeframes. If it's been more than 3 business days and you still don't have the funds, you might want to contact EDD to make sure there isn't a technical issue with your BofA card connection.

That's awesome news @Josef! 36 hours is actually really good timing for a first SDI payment. I'm glad you got it sorted before rent was due. For future reference, once you're established in the system, subsequent payments usually come even faster - often within 24 hours of showing "paid" status. Thanks for updating the thread with your timeline too, that'll definitely help other people who find this post later!

Hi Luke! This is a common source of confusion. You should NOT submit the form twice - only complete it once, either online OR by mail, not both. Since your doctor already completed and submitted the form online with confirmation, you're all set. The paper form they mailed you is likely just their standard process - they probably send the physical form to everyone regardless of whether it was already submitted online. Submitting it twice could definitely cause delays and confusion in their system. I'd recommend keeping that paper form for your records but not mailing it in. You can check your online account for updates on the processing status of the form your doctor already submitted.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much better prepared now if my job situation changes. To summarize what I learned: - I should qualify for unemployment if I lose my job or get hours reduced through no fault of my own - EDD will use an "alternate base period" or "disability substitute quarter" because I was on SDI - This means they'll look at my earnings before pregnancy instead of counting disability as zero - I need to specifically mention my SDI period when applying - Even reduced hours might qualify me for partial unemployment Fingers crossed my job stays stable, but it's a relief to know my options. Really appreciate all the advice!

I'm in a similar boat - just came back from maternity leave and my company is already hinting at layoffs. It's so stressful dealing with this uncertainty when you have a newborn! One thing I'd add is that if your employer does reduce your hours significantly (like below 32 hours per week), you should definitely apply for partial unemployment right away. Don't wait to see if things improve because you can always cancel your claim if your hours go back up, but you can't backdate benefits if you wait too long to apply. Also, keep all documentation about any hour reductions or conversations about potential layoffs. EDD sometimes asks for proof that the job loss wasn't your fault, especially if it happens so soon after returning from leave. Good luck mama - hoping your job stays stable! 🤞

I'm a freelance camera operator and just went through this exact same situation! Got denied at 28 weeks but successfully got approved on my second try. Here's what I learned: The magic is in the medical language. Your OB needs to write "Patient is UNABLE to perform regular work duties due to pregnancy-related complications" - not just restrictions. For film work specifically, have them mention: - Balance issues from pregnancy make ladder/scaffolding work unsafe - Fatigue and dizziness create safety risks with heavy equipment - Physical limitations (lifting, prolonged standing) are incompatible with 16-hour production days I also created a simple document showing my typical work day with photos - EDD has no clue what film PA work actually involves. Attach it to your new claim (don't appeal, file fresh). Got my approval in 3 weeks vs waiting until 36 weeks. The key is making EDD understand that your pregnancy symptoms make your specific job unsafe, not that you just have some general restrictions. Your timing is tight at 33 weeks but definitely doable! Push your doctor to be very specific about WHY your pregnancy prevents you from doing PA work safely.

I'm new to this community but dealing with a very similar situation! I'm 31 weeks pregnant and work as a grip/gaffer in the film industry - just got my SDI claim denied for the exact same reason about my medical cert not establishing I couldn't do my regular work. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful, especially hearing from other film industry folks who've been through this! It's clear the key issue is that EDD doesn't understand what our jobs actually involve - they probably think "production crew" means sitting around holding clipboards instead of the reality of hauling 80lb lighting equipment up stairs for 14-hour days. I'm definitely going to follow the advice here about getting my OB to fill out a completely NEW DE 2501 form with that specific "CANNOT perform regular or customary work" language, and I love the idea of including photos showing what the job actually entails. One question for those who successfully got approved before 36 weeks - did you submit any additional documentation beyond the medical cert and job photos? Like pay stubs showing the different production companies, or anything to prove the physical nature of the work? Thanks for sharing all your experiences - this gives me so much more confidence that I can get this resolved without having to wait until 36 weeks!

Quick question - did you submit your appeal online or by mail? I've heard conflicting advice on which is faster.

I just went through this process last month! It took exactly 5 weeks for me to get a decision. My advice: document everything with dates and confirmation numbers. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to check that your appeal was actually received - I had to resubmit mine because the first one got "lost" somehow. The waiting is brutal, but don't give up! Keep an eye on your UI Online account daily for updates.