Hey everyone! Just wanted to jump in as someone who's been lurking here for a while but finally created an account. I'm actually in the exact same boat as the OP - just stopped receiving UI benefits and need that confirmation letter. Reading through all these responses has been SO helpful! I had no idea about the secure messaging option through UI Online - that sounds way better than trying to get through on the phone. Based on everyone's success stories, I'm definitely going to try that route first. Quick question though - for those who used the secure messaging system, did you get any kind of confirmation that your message was received? Just want to make sure I don't send it into the void! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines. This community is awesome and it's such a relief to know there are actually reliable ways to get this done without the phone call nightmare! 🙏

Just wanted to share my recent experience with this since I literally just went through the same thing last week! I ended up using the secure messaging option through UI Online after reading about it here, and it was honestly way smoother than I expected. Got my official letter in exactly 8 days, which was perfect timing since I needed it for my new employer's onboarding process. One thing that really helped was being super clear in my message about needing "written confirmation that my unemployment benefits have ended" and including my claim number, dates, and what I needed it for. The letter came on official EDD letterhead with all the details - claim dates, benefit amounts, and a clear statement that benefits had concluded. Exactly what I needed! For anyone still on the fence about which method to try, the secure messaging route through UI Online is definitely the winner based on my experience and everyone else's here. Way less stressful than phone tag with EDD! Thanks to this community for all the great advice - you all saved me so much time and frustration! 🙌

Just wanted to add something that really helped me during my application process - don't underestimate the importance of timing when you submit everything. I made the mistake of submitting my initial application on a Friday afternoon and it seemed to get lost in the shuffle over the weekend. When I called to follow up the next week, they couldn't even find it in their system! Had to resubmit everything. Now I always submit important stuff early in the week, preferably Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Also, if you're working with multiple doctors or specialists, try to coordinate with them so all your medical documentation has consistent dates and information. I had one doctor list my injury date differently than another, and that caused a 2-week delay while they sorted it out. Small details like this can really make a difference in how smoothly your case moves through the system.

I've been through this process twice now (unfortunately!), and one thing I learned the hard way is to get everything notarized if possible, especially any forms your doctor fills out. The first time I applied, they questioned the authenticity of some paperwork and it delayed everything by weeks. Also, if you're dealing with a mental health condition alongside physical injuries, make sure both are documented - I initially only focused on my physical injury and missed out on additional benefits I was entitled to. The key is being thorough from the start because going back to add information later just restarts parts of the process. Good luck with your application!

I'm new to this community and currently going through my first SDI claim (started in January). Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and concerning - reassuring because I'm not alone in this struggle, but concerning because I'm only 2 months in and apparently have this 4+ month delay nightmare to look forward to! I've been getting same-day payments so far, but after reading all these stories I'm already dreading what's coming. It's absolutely ridiculous that EDD doesn't warn people about these policy changes. How are we supposed to budget and pay our bills if they suddenly change processing times without notice? I'm definitely saving all the advice about calling at 8am, asking for supervisors, and requesting the "payment processing override note." Thank you to everyone who's shared their solutions - especially @Lucas Parker and @Zara Khan for the detailed explanations of what actually works. One question for those who've been through this: Is there anything we can do proactively before hitting the 4-month mark to avoid these delays? Or do we just have to wait until it happens and then fight to get it fixed? This whole system seems designed to make people give up on their rightful benefits.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been on SDI since late November and had beautiful same-day payments for months - I could literally set my watch by them. Then BAM, mid-March hits and suddenly I'm waiting 5+ days for every single certification with zero explanation from EDD. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - I genuinely thought I had somehow messed up my account or that EDD was targeting me specifically. The 4+ month enhanced review trigger explains everything perfectly. It's so frustrating that they don't communicate these policy changes to claimants AT ALL. I'm definitely calling Monday at 8am sharp and asking specifically for a supervisor to add that "payment processing override note" everyone's mentioned. @Lucas Parker and @Zara Khan - thank you so much for sharing what actually worked with the agents! Having that specific language to use is going to make all the difference. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone noticed if certain days of the week are better for calling? I've been trying mid-week but maybe Monday mornings really are the sweet spot for getting through to someone who can actually help. This community is amazing for crowdsourcing solutions to EDD's broken system. You've all saved me so much stress and wasted time!

I'm so sorry you're going through this @Mason Davis! 😔 The e324 error with duplicate accounts seems to be plaguing so many people right now. Reading through all these success stories gives me hope though! I'm actually in a very similar situation - created multiple accounts when I kept getting locked out, and now I can't file my disability claim. Based on what everyone's shared, it sounds like the key steps are: 1. Call the technical support line (1-800-300-5616) at exactly 8:00 AM 2. Use the 1-2-1 phone menu sequence 3. Have both email addresses, SSN, and screenshots of the e324 error ready 4. Ask specifically for account merge and mention the error code right away 5. Request confirmation numbers for everything 6. Explain the late filing was due to technical issues for the good cause exception It's really encouraging to see so many people get this resolved even when filing weeks late! The fact that the reps apparently see this "all the time" means they hopefully have it streamlined by now. Going to try calling myself tomorrow morning with all these tips. We've got this! 💪✨

I'm new to this community but wow, this thread has been incredibly helpful! 🙏 I'm dealing with a very similar situation - got locked out of my original EDD account from unemployment and accidentally created a second one when trying to file for disability. Now I'm getting different error messages but it sounds like the same underlying duplicate account issue. Reading through everyone's detailed success stories here gives me so much hope! The step-by-step breakdowns of what actually worked are gold compared to the useless generic advice you find on official EDD pages. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM call strategy with the 1-2-1 menu sequence tomorrow. Already preparing my document tonight with both email addresses, SSN, screenshots of errors, and all the other info people mentioned having ready. The fact that so many of you were able to get the good cause exception for late filing due to technical issues is such a relief. I was convinced I'd missed my window completely. @Mason Davis - don't give up! This thread is proof that this nightmare situation is totally fixable. Sending good vibes to everyone dealing with EDD's broken system! 💪✨

This is why we need universal basic income. The current system is clearly not working for people when they need it most. 😤

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! After weeks of waiting, I finally got through to someone who told me there was a "processing hold" on my account that wasn't showing up anywhere online. Apparently it's pretty common but they don't notify you about it. The rep was able to release the hold immediately and I got my backpay within a few days. Definitely try the suggestions others have mentioned about calling early or using that callback service. Also, if you have any local EDD offices that do walk-ins, that might be another option. Hang in there - I know how stressful it is when you're counting on that money! 💪