I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Got my EDD disability card last week after being on leave for a workplace injury, and the whole system has been a complete disaster. Like you, my balance showed $0 even though I could see approved payments in my EDD portal. What ended up working for me was calling the number on the back of the card and specifically asking for the "prepaid card fraud department" - don't let them transfer you to regular Bank of America customer service. Turns out they had put an automatic fraud hold on my account because it was a new card with large deposits. The representative was able to release the hold immediately once I verified my identity. For transferring money, I had the same issues with Venmo and Zelle being blocked. What finally worked was going to prepaid.bankofamerica.com/eddcard (NOT the regular BofA site) and setting up a direct transfer to my checking account. The mobile app is absolutely useless, but the desktop site worked fine. The whole experience has been incredibly stressful when you're already dealing with medical issues. I hope you get it sorted out soon - the money should be there, it's just their overly cautious fraud prevention causing problems. Hang in there!

I just went through this exact same frustration with my EDD disability card! The zero balance issue is incredibly common - it happened to me too even though I could see approved payments in my online portal. Here's what finally worked for me after days of trying: 1. Call the number on the back of your card and immediately ask to speak with the "EDD prepaid card fraud department" - don't let them transfer you to regular BofA customer service who can't help with these specific cards. 2. The zero balance is almost certainly an automatic fraud hold they put on new cards with large deposits. Once you verify your identity with the fraud department, they can release it immediately. 3. For transfers, forget the mobile app completely - it's terrible. Use the desktop version of prepaid.bankofamerica.com/eddcard (not the regular BofA website) to set up direct transfers to your bank account. 4. If direct transfer doesn't work, the PayPal workaround someone mentioned above actually works great - just make sure to use the free 3-5 day transfer option. The whole system is unnecessarily complicated, especially when you're already dealing with pain and mobility issues. But once you get through this initial setup nightmare, the transfers become automatic. Don't give up - your benefits are rightfully yours! Hope your back feels better soon.

I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD appeal delays. I had my hearing 2 weeks ago and already feeling anxious about the wait! Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and concerning - it seems like the timeframes are all over the place. My case is also a voluntary quit vs misconduct situation, so based on what @AstroAdventurer mentioned about complex cases taking longer, I'm preparing myself for at least 6-8 weeks. Andre, I hope you hear something soon! 3+ weeks feels like an eternity when you're waiting for such an important decision. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and timelines - it really helps to know what to expect even if the ranges are so wide. This whole process is incredibly stressful but at least we're not going through it alone!

I'm in a very similar situation - had my appeal hearing 5 weeks ago and still no decision! I'm dealing with the same codes (1030/32 and 1256) through a different appeals office. The uncertainty is killing me financially and emotionally. What's really frustrating is how inconsistent the information is - I've called three times and gotten three different timeframe estimates ranging from "any day now" to "up to 12 weeks." Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 6-8 weeks is more realistic for complex cases like ours. I've been following @AstroAdventurer's advice about calling early to speak with the clerk, and that's helped get more accurate information than the general reps. Also started looking into CalFresh as suggested while I wait - every little bit helps during this stressful period. Hang in there Andre - from what I'm reading, most people do eventually get their decisions and many are favorable when employers don't even show up to the hearing like in your case!

I'm brand new to this community and just found this thread while anxiously searching for information about SDI paper extension processing times! My doctor submitted my extension paperwork yesterday after my recovery from shoulder surgery got complicated, and I'm already feeling that familiar stress about timing. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring - the consistent 10-14 business day timeline for paper forms gives me realistic expectations, even though it's definitely longer than I hoped for since my current benefits end in about 10 days. My doctor's office also refused to do online certification, claiming they have "internal protocols" that require paper submissions - seems like we're all dealing with the same frustrating excuses! I'm definitely going to try that 8:02 AM calling strategy next week to confirm EDD received my forms and ask them to add a note to my account. I'm also setting up those text alerts right now based on everyone's recommendations. It's such a relief to find this supportive community - the anxiety about potential payment gaps during recovery is overwhelming, but knowing that others have successfully navigated this process and shared so many practical tips makes me feel much more confident. Thank you all for creating such a helpful space for people dealing with this nerve-wracking waiting period!

I'm completely new to this community and just submitted my SDI paper extension forms two days ago after my doctor said my recovery from ACL surgery will take longer than expected. Finding this thread has been such a relief - I was starting to panic about processing times and had no realistic expectations! The consistent 10-14 business day timeline everyone mentions is definitely nerve-wracking since my current benefits end next week, but at least now I know what to realistically expect instead of just worrying endlessly. My doctor's office also refused to do the online certification, saying they have a "standard policy" for paper forms only - it's frustrating that we're all stuck with the slower process because of their preferences! I'm definitely going to try that 8:02 AM calling strategy early next week to confirm EDD received my forms and ask them to add a note to my account. I'm also setting up those text alerts right now based on everyone's advice here. The anxiety about potential payment gaps while recovering is so real, but this community has given me so much practical information and emotional support. It's incredible how many people are going through the exact same stressful situation! Thank you all for sharing your experiences and tips - it makes this whole waiting process feel much less overwhelming knowing we're all in it together! 🤞

This is such a valuable discussion! I'm new to this community but have been following the thread closely as I'm considering a similar situation myself. What really strikes me is how much preparation seems to make the difference between success and frustration with EDD. The contrast between @Sadie Benitez's 3-week approval and @Aaron Lee's months-long battle really shows how important it is to get all your documentation perfect upfront. A few additional thoughts based on what I've learned here: 1. The medical necessity angle seems absolutely crucial - documenting the rashes, back pain, and functional limitations will be key to distinguishing this from purely cosmetic surgery in EDD's eyes. 2. The US Consulate notarization tip is brilliant and something I never would have thought of. That extra layer of official US verification could really help with credibility. 3. Having multiple US medical providers supporting the necessity (PCP, dermatologist, maybe even a physical therapist documenting mobility issues) creates a strong paper trail that EDD can easily verify. @Avery Flores - your proactive approach is really smart. Starting this research 4 months ahead gives you time to build that documentation trail and coordinate with all the providers. The fact that you're thinking through banking, translation, and employer coordination shows you're approaching this methodically. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this thread is going to help so many people navigate this complex process!

This is such a comprehensive and helpful discussion! I'm new here but have been researching SDI claims for medical procedures, and this thread is exactly what I needed to find. What really stands out to me is how much the success stories have in common - thorough preparation, multiple layers of US medical documentation, and getting everything translated and notarized properly upfront. It seems like EDD is actually willing to approve foreign medical provider claims, but they want bulletproof documentation to do it. @Avery Flores - your situation with the excess skin causing rashes and back pain is clearly medically necessary, not cosmetic. The fact that you're planning this so far in advance and asking all the right questions shows you're setting yourself up for success. One small addition to all the great advice here: you might want to take timestamped photos showing the progression of your skin issues over time, not just when they flare up. Having visual documentation of the ongoing medical problem could strengthen your case even further. The collective knowledge in this thread about US Consulate notarization, certified translations, employer coordination, and EDD's specialized units for complex cases is incredible. This should definitely be a reference guide for anyone considering medical treatment abroad while needing SDI benefits. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - both the success stories and the cautionary tales. This kind of real-world advice is so much more valuable than trying to decipher EDD's official documentation alone!

Did anyone ever get this resolved? I'm having the exact same issue right now with my March claim and getting nowhere with EDD. I've wasted hours on hold only to get disconnected!

I'm dealing with a similar Section 1254 issue right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on what I'm reading, it sounds like the key is getting through to an SDI Claims Specialist rather than a general rep. @Aisha Ali - congratulations on getting it resolved! Can you share any other tips for getting through to the right department? I've been calling the main disability number but maybe there's a more direct line to SDI specialists? Also wanted to mention that I found the actual text of Section 1254 in the California Unemployment Insurance Code online, and it does clearly state that this provision should apply when filing a new claim before the old benefit year expires. It's frustrating that their own system doesn't automatically catch this! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess.