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Have you tried turning it off and on again? 😂 jk jk... but seriously, sometimes logging out and back into your account can refresh things. Worth a shot!
I'm dealing with something similar right now! My claim has been stuck in "pending" status for over a week. From what I've read in other threads, there seems to be some kind of backlog happening. I submitted additional documentation last Thursday and still nothing. Really hoping it gets sorted out soon because I can't afford these delays. Has anyone had success with the online chat feature, or is calling still the best option?
Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else in a similar situation - I went through this exact process with my dad last year when his SDI claim year ended. The key thing that really helped us was getting organized early. We made sure to have all his wage statements from 2024 ready, got his doctor to complete the new medical forms about 2 weeks before the claim year ended, and submitted everything through the SDI Online portal. The transition was pretty seamless and there was no gap in his benefits. One thing I wish someone had told us - make copies of EVERYTHING before submitting. The EDD lost some of his paperwork initially and we had to resubmit, but having copies saved us weeks of delays. Also, if your mom's condition is likely to be long-term, definitely start the SSDI application process now even while she's on state disability. The federal process takes forever but you can receive both benefits for a period of time. Good luck!
This is incredibly helpful, thank you for sharing your dad's experience! I'm definitely going to follow your advice about getting organized early and making copies of everything. It's reassuring to hear that the transition can be seamless when done properly. I had no idea you could receive both SDI and SSDI benefits simultaneously - that's really valuable information since my mom's condition might be long-term. Did your dad have to provide any additional documentation when applying for the second year, or was it mostly just the updated medical certification and wage info?
I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned when I helped my sister navigate this same situation a few months ago. The good news is that your mom can definitely file a new claim after her claim year ends! Since she worked those 5 months in 2024, she should have enough quarters to qualify for a second year of benefits. Here's what worked for us: We submitted her new DE 2501 application about 2 weeks before her first claim year expired, along with updated medical documentation from her doctor. The key was making sure the timing was right - too early and they might reject it, too late and there could be a gap in benefits. One thing I wish we had known earlier is that the benefit amount for the second year might be different since it's calculated based on her 2024 earnings rather than her previous work history. In my sister's case, her weekly benefit amount was actually slightly higher because she had gotten a raise right before going on disability. Also, definitely keep detailed records of everything you submit. We had to follow up a few times to make sure her application was being processed, and having copies of all the paperwork made those conversations much easier. The whole process took about 3-4 weeks from submission to approval in our experience. Hope this helps, and I'm sending positive thoughts to you and your mom during this stressful time!
I'm currently pregnant and this thread is so helpful - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! I had no idea about the two separate benefits (PDL and PFL) and I'm definitely going to be extra careful about the paperwork when my time comes. @CyberSiren so glad you got it resolved! One question - when you mention the doctor's office resubmitting the DE 2501, did they have to completely start over with a new form or could they just submit a correction? I want to make sure my OB's office knows the right process ahead of time.
Great question @Daniel Price! From what I've learned through this whole ordeal, they typically need to submit a completely new DE 2501 form rather than just a correction. The key is making sure they mark it clearly as an "AMENDED" form and include a cover letter explaining the name correction. I'd definitely recommend talking to your OB's office billing department ahead of time - they're usually familiar with this process since name errors happen more often than you'd think. Also make sure they have your name spelled correctly in their system before your due date! @CyberSiren's experience shows it's totally fixable, but prevention is always better than correction.
As someone who just went through a similar name error nightmare with EDD last year, I wanted to add a few tips that might help others avoid this situation entirely: 1. **Before your appointment**: Email your doctor's office ahead of time with your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. Ask them to double-check it in their system. 2. **At the appointment**: When they're filling out the DE 2501, ask to see the form before they submit it. I know you're dealing with a newborn and recovery, but this 30-second check could save weeks of headaches. 3. **After submission**: If possible, ask for a copy of what they submitted or at least confirmation of how they spelled your name. I learned this the hard way after my doctor's office somehow turned my last name "Johnson" into "Johnsen" on the form. The correction process took almost a month, and I was stressed the entire time about missing payments during maternity leave. @CyberSiren I'm so glad you got yours resolved! Your detailed update will definitely help other new moms going through this same frustrating situation.
One more important thing to consider: if you're currently collecting UI while actually being unable to work due to pregnancy complications, this could potentially be considered misrepresentation. When you certify for UI, you're declaring that you're able and available for work. I recommend being proactive about this. Contact EDD and explain the situation - that you misunderstood the programs and need to switch from UI to SDI. They can help you make this transition properly and potentially avoid any overpayment or penalty issues. For your SDI claim, make sure your healthcare provider clearly documents your pregnancy-related limitations. Be aware there's a 7-day waiting period for SDI (no benefits paid for the first week). After delivery, the transition from pregnancy disability to PFL should be fairly straightforward with the right documentation. You'll need to have your doctor complete a DE 2501 form to establish your pregnancy disability claim.
As someone who's been through a similar situation, I want to echo what others have said - you really need to switch to SDI ASAP if your doctor has you on bed rest. I made the mistake of staying on UI too long during my pregnancy complications and it created a huge mess with EDD later. The good news is that since you were working and paying into the system until recently, you should definitely qualify for SDI and then PFL after delivery. The benefit amounts are typically much better than UI too - I was shocked at how much more I received on disability compared to unemployment. One tip: when you call EDD to make the switch, be honest about the timing and that you realize you may have been on the wrong program. They're usually more helpful when you're upfront about mistakes rather than trying to hide them. Also, make sure your doctor fills out the DE 2501 form completely - any missing info will delay your claim. You're going to be a great mom and this benefits stuff will all work out! Focus on taking care of yourself and the baby first, everything else is just paperwork that can be sorted out.
Darcy Moore
Ugh, I feel you. My disability payment was late last month and it was a nightmare. Have you tried calling the disability office? Sometimes they can give you more info or push it through faster if you explain your situation.
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Darcy Moore
•Honestly, I was on hold for like 3 hours before I got through. It's ridiculous. But once I finally talked to someone, they were able to help. Hang in there!
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Dana Doyle
•That's a long wait time, but sometimes you can get lucky if you call during off-peak hours. Maybe try around lunchtime or just before they close?
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Tyrone Hill
I'm dealing with the same issue right now - my payment is over a week late and I'm starting to panic about rent. From what I've been reading online, it seems like there might be some kind of system backlog this month. I've been trying the phone route but like everyone else, I'm getting stuck in hold hell. One thing that helped me feel a bit better was checking the EDD website's "news" section - they sometimes post notices about delays there. Also, if you have direct deposit set up, double check that your bank info hasn't changed or expired. I know it's scary when the money doesn't come when expected, especially when you're depending on it. Hopefully we all get our payments sorted out soon! 🤞
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Lucas Kowalski
•Thanks for mentioning the EDD website news section - I hadn't thought to check there! Just looked and there is a notice about processing delays due to system maintenance. At least now we know it's not just us. Really hoping they get this sorted out quickly because like you said, rent waits for no one! 😰
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