This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually about to go on SDI myself next month and had no idea about this timing difference between payments and the debit card. It's really reassuring to see that this is completely normal and that EDD starts payments right away even before the card arrives. The breakdown from @ApolloJackson about how the two systems work separately was super clear. I'm definitely going to bookmark this post and set up direct deposit right away to avoid any confusion. Thanks Emma for asking this question and everyone for sharing their experiences - this kind of real-world info is so much more helpful than trying to decode EDD's official documentation!

This thread is SO helpful! I'm currently waiting for my SDI approval decision and had no idea about this timeline difference between payments and debit cards. It's really reassuring to see that EDD starts payments immediately even before the physical card arrives - that actually seems like a good system since mail delays are so common. The fact that so many people experience the exact same confusion shows how poorly EDD communicates their process. Definitely going to set up direct deposit right away if I get approved to avoid the whole card waiting game. Thanks Emma for asking this question and everyone for sharing such detailed experiences! This is exactly the kind of real-world info you can't find on EDD's website.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely horrified reading about how systematic and widespread this scam has become! The fact that so many pregnant women are receiving these identical calls at precisely 36-40 weeks is deeply disturbing and shows these criminals are specifically studying pregnancy timelines and SDI patterns to target us at our most vulnerable moments. Brooklyn, you handled this situation perfectly by trusting your instincts and hanging up immediately. The vague "disability" identification without any proper credentials, calling from a blocked number, and asking about birth status are all massive red flags that scream scam. Legitimate EDD representatives would never need to ask if you've given birth since they receive that information when you file your PFL claim. What's particularly chilling is how these scammers are exploiting the natural anxiety pregnant women feel about the SDI to PFL transition. They're counting on us being tired, distracted, and worried about paperwork to lower our defenses. It's absolutely predatory behavior. I'm not currently pregnant but I'm saving this entire thread and the EDD fraud number (1-800-229-6297) for future reference and sharing it with friends who might be at risk. The collective wisdom and experiences shared here are invaluable for protecting other women from falling victim to this organized fraud. Thank you for having the courage to post about this suspicious call - your instincts and this discussion are undoubtedly going to save other pregnant women from becoming victims. Wishing you a safe delivery and smooth transition to PFL!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really disturbed by how many people have experienced this exact same scam! The pattern is so specific - calls at 36-40 weeks from vague "disability" representatives asking about birth status. This is clearly a coordinated effort targeting pregnant women when we're most vulnerable and distracted. Brooklyn, you absolutely did the right thing hanging up! The fact that they couldn't provide their name, department, or any claim details while calling from a blocked number are huge red flags. Real EDD reps would never need to ask if you've given birth - they get that info when you file your PFL claim. Reading everyone's advice has been so educational. I had no idea that legitimate EDD calls typically come from Sacramento area codes with proper identification. I'm saving the fraud hotline number (1-800-229-6297) and sharing this thread with other expecting friends. It's disgusting that scammers are preying on pregnant women during what should be an exciting time, but I'm grateful this community exists to warn each other. Thank you for trusting your instincts and sharing this experience - you're definitely protecting other women from becoming victims!

I'm dealing with the same frustrating issues! After reading through all these suggestions, I'm definitely going to try the early morning/late night approach and test different browsers. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a whole strategy guide just to submit basic paperwork, but I really appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked for them. One thing I wanted to add - I noticed that when I get those session timeout errors, sometimes if I go back to the previous page (don't refresh, just hit the back button) and then forward again, it lets me continue where I left off instead of starting over. Doesn't work every time, but it's saved me from re-entering everything a few times. Also, for anyone else dealing with this - I started taking screenshots at every step of the process, not just the error messages. That way if I do get through to a human eventually, I can show them exactly where in the process things keep breaking down. Hang in there everyone! This system is clearly broken but we shouldn't have to give up on benefits we're entitled to. Keep trying different approaches and times - something will eventually stick! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I just went through the exact same nightmare last month and finally got my claim submitted after trying literally everything. Here's what ultimately worked for me: 1. Use Firefox in private/incognito mode - clear ALL cookies and cache first 2. Try submitting between 5-7 AM or after 11 PM when traffic is lowest 3. Fill out your application in a Word doc first, then copy/paste everything in one session to avoid timeouts 4. If you get the spinning wheel of death, DON'T refresh - open a new tab, log back in, and your progress might still be there The most important thing: if the online system keeps failing, mail your paperwork certified mail as a backup! The EDD accepts mailed applications and at least you'll beat the deadline. I ended up doing both - kept trying online AND mailed everything just in case. Also, document every error with screenshots and timestamps. I had to escalate to a supervisor eventually and having that proof made all the difference. Don't give up - the system is completely broken but your benefits are worth the fight! You've got this! 💪

This thread is so helpful! I'm actually dealing with a name change situation too after my divorce was finalized last month. I've been dreading calling EDD but reading everyone's experiences and tips makes me feel way more prepared. I love the idea about calling exactly at 8 AM and having all documents ready beforehand. One question for those who've been through this - did you need to provide any additional documentation beyond the court order for the name change? My divorce decree has the name change included, but I'm wondering if I should also get an updated Social Security card first or if EDD can handle it with just the court documents. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed advice!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who successfully changed their name with EDD earlier this year. All the advice here is spot-on! The 8 AM calling strategy really does work - I got through on my third attempt using that method. One thing I'd add is to have a backup plan ready in case you get disconnected (which happened to me twice). I kept a notebook with the date/time of each call attempt and any reference numbers or agent names, which helped when I had to call back. Also, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the prep work, just remember that the EDD reps are actually pretty helpful once you get through to them - they deal with name changes regularly and will walk you through exactly what they need. The hardest part really is just getting someone on the phone. Stay persistent and you'll get it sorted out! 🙌

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who works in HR and has helped employees through the SDI process many times. A few additional things to keep in mind: 1. Make sure your employer has accurate wage information on file with EDD - your SDI benefit amount is calculated based on what they've reported, so any discrepancies could delay your claim. 2. If you're union, check if you have any supplemental disability benefits that could help bridge the gap between your SDI payments and full wages. 3. Some employers have a "disability coordination" policy where they'll pay you the difference between SDI and your full salary for a certain period. It's worth asking about even if it's not in your employee handbook. 4. Keep in mind that SDI benefits are subject to state income tax, so factor that into your budgeting. Also, don't worry too much about the horror stories - in my experience, about 85% of legitimate surgical disability claims get approved on the first try when all the paperwork is complete. The key is making sure your doctor is thorough with the medical certification. Best of luck with your procedure!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to make sure you understand exactly what your doctor needs to include on the DE 2501 form. When I had my gallbladder surgery last year, my doctor initially just wrote "post-surgical recovery" which wasn't specific enough for EDD. They sent it back asking for more details about functional limitations and expected recovery timeline. I had to go back to my doctor and ask them to be very specific - things like "unable to lift more than 5 pounds," "cannot sit for extended periods," "requires frequent rest breaks," etc. The second time around it got approved quickly. Also, if your surgery is scheduled for early in the month, you might want to consider timing your SDI application so that your waiting period falls mostly in one month rather than split across two months. It can make tracking your benefits easier, especially if you're using sick time during the waiting period. Hope your procedure goes smoothly and you have a quick recovery!