Hey Paolo, I just wanted to chime in with some encouragement since I can really hear the stress in your original post. I went through a very similar situation about 6 months ago - also got disqualified for missing documentation when transitioning from disability back to UI, and I was absolutely panicking about the whole process. The good news is that your case sounds very straightforward since you now have exactly what they originally asked for. In my experience, EDD tends to be pretty reasonable about these kinds of documentation oversights, especially when you provide a clear explanation and the required paperwork like you did. While you're waiting, try not to refresh your portal obsessively (I know, easier said than done!). The status changes can be pretty random and don't always reflect what's actually happening behind the scenes. Focus on the fact that you've done everything you can at this point - you submitted a thorough appeal with the doctor's note and explanation letter. Based on what others have shared here about timelines, you should have some kind of update within the next few weeks. And honestly, cases like yours where it's just a missing document (that you now have) seem to have good success rates during that pre-appeal review phase. Stay positive!

I'm actually dealing with a very similar situation right now! Got disqualified when switching from disability back to UI because I didn't realize I needed medical clearance documentation. Just like you, I submitted my appeal with the doctor's note and a detailed explanation letter about 2 weeks ago. My status also changed from "disqualification" to "appeal" and I've been wondering the same thing - is this good news, bad news, or just neutral? Reading through all these responses is really helpful, especially hearing from @4ae5077595c6 who seems to know the system well. The 2-3 week timeline for pre-appeal review gives me some hope that we might hear something soon. I'm trying not to get too anxious about it, but it's hard when you're waiting for benefits you really need. At least we both have the documentation they originally asked for now, which seems to put us in a better position than if we were appealing empty-handed. Fingers crossed that both our cases get resolved during that pre-appeal review phase and we can avoid the whole hearing process altogether!

I went through something very similar just a few months ago! Got laid off on a Wednesday but couldn't file until the following Monday because my mom was in the hospital and I was basically living there for those few days. I was absolutely convinced I'd screwed myself out of a week of benefits. When I finally got around to filing, I saw the backdating option and explained the situation honestly - hospital stays, medical emergency, couldn't focus on paperwork, etc. EDD approved it without asking for any additional documentation. The backdating showed up in my account about 10 days later. The stress of waiting to hear back was honestly worse than the original emergency! But it worked out fine in the end. Family emergencies are exactly the kind of "good cause" situations EDD recognizes for backdating requests. Since you've already filed and requested the backdating, you're in good shape. Just keep an eye on your account over the next couple weeks and don't hesitate to call if you don't see it reflected. Sometimes a quick phone call can move things along faster than waiting for the system to process everything automatically.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - got laid off last Friday and just filed today due to a family medical emergency that required my immediate attention over the weekend. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring! For anyone else in this position, I wanted to add that when I called EDD's customer service line earlier today to ask about backdating, the representative told me that as long as you file within a reasonable timeframe (she said usually within 2-3 weeks) and have a legitimate reason for the delay, they're generally pretty understanding about backdating requests. She also mentioned that family emergencies, medical issues, and even confusion about the filing process are all considered valid reasons for delays. The key is being honest and detailed in your explanation when you request the backdating. Sean, it sounds like you did everything right by filing promptly and explaining your situation clearly. Based on what I'm reading here from others who've been through this, you should be fine! The few days delay with a family emergency as the reason is exactly the type of situation EDD's backdating policy is designed to handle.

This is exactly the kind of detailed, helpful thread that makes this community so valuable! I'm bookmarking this entire conversation because it covers everything from the immediate solution (Tele-Cert at 1-866-333-4606) to the long-term fix (using Claimyr to reach EDD reps). What really stands out to me is how EDD doesn't publicize these backup options at all. Like, why isn't the Tele-Cert number prominently displayed on their website? Why don't they mention it when their online system goes down? It's almost like they want people to get stuck in the system. @Javier Morales - thanks for coming back to update us with your success! That's so rare in these forums but it's incredibly helpful for future people dealing with the same issue. Going from locked out and panicked to fully resolved in one day is pretty amazing. For anyone else reading this thread in the future: save that Tele-Cert number (1-866-333-4606) in your contacts RIGHT NOW, before you need it. And remember that Claimyr seems to be a legitimate way to actually reach EDD without the endless busy signals. Sometimes paying a small fee to connect with a real person is worth avoiding weeks of stress and missed payments.

This thread is absolutely incredible! I've been dealing with EDD for over a year now and I had NO IDEA about the Tele-Cert number at 1-866-333-4606. It's mind-blowing that they have this backup system but don't advertise it anywhere obvious. I've been completely dependent on their website, which goes down constantly or has mysterious "technical issues" right when I need to certify. @Javier Morales - your story gives me so much hope! Going from complete panic to everything resolved in one day is amazing. I'm definitely trying Claimyr next time I need to reach them. I've wasted literally dozens of hours calling their regular number just to get busy signals or disconnected after waiting on hold forever. One thing I'd add for future readers - make sure you write down that confirmation number from Tele-Cert somewhere safe! I learned the hard way with other EDD stuff that having those reference numbers can save you if there are any disputes later about when you certified or if payments get delayed. This community is seriously a lifesaver. The fact that we have to crowdsource basic information that EDD should be providing upfront is ridiculous, but at least we're helping each other navigate this broken system!

I've been tracking my call attempts too and can confirm the patterns everyone's mentioning. After 89 attempts over 10 days, I finally got through yesterday at 3:15pm on a Thursday. What worked for me was using the comma trick (dial the main number, then when the menu starts, press 1,2,1 really quickly to skip the long intro). Also noticed that when you get the busy signal, waiting exactly 2-3 minutes before calling back seems more effective than calling immediately. The system seems to temporarily "remember" your number if you call too rapidly. Tuesday-Thursday 2:30-4pm is definitely the sweet spot, and yes, avoid Mondays like the plague. Still took 45+ attempts even during the "good" times, but at least I knew I wasn't wasting my time during impossible hours.

After reading through everyone's experiences here, I'm convinced the official hours are basically meaningless. I've been calling for 3 days straight during "business hours" and got nothing but busy signals. The lunch break blackout that nobody mentions officially is particularly infuriating - like why wouldn't they stagger breaks so the phones stay staffed? At this point I'm seriously considering just paying for one of those callback services everyone keeps mentioning. My time is worth more than spending entire days hitting redial. Has anyone here actually gotten through on their first try during the posted hours, or is that just a myth?

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar employer address issue right now - my claim has been pending for 2 weeks because EDD has my previous employer's old office address from before they relocated. I've been calling daily with no luck getting through, but seeing Dylan's success story gives me hope. I'm definitely going to try calling right at 8am tomorrow and mention specifically that it's for "employer address correction for a flagged claim" like Miguel suggested. It's so frustrating that this can't be fixed online, but at least now I know what to expect for timing once I do get through. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in HR and deals with EDD employer verifications regularly. When EDD sends verification requests to the wrong address, it creates a backlog on both ends - we employers never receive the forms to respond, and claimants get stuck in limbo. If you know your employer's current correct address, you might also try reaching out to your former employer's HR department directly to let them know EDD might be trying to contact them at an old address. Sometimes they can proactively call EDD to provide the correct information, which can speed up the process. Obviously this only works if you're on decent terms with your former employer, but it's worth considering as an additional avenue while you're trying to get through to EDD yourself.