anyone else think its wild that in 2023 we still gotta jump through all these hoops just to get our benefits? smh

Hey Zainab! I went through something similar last year. For the direct deposit setup, make sure you have your routing and account numbers ready - sometimes the online system glitches out if you don't enter them perfectly the first time. Also, when you apply for PFL/baby bonding, you'll need your doctor to fill out the medical certification form (DE 2501). Start that process early because doctors can take forever to get paperwork back to you! Congrats on the upcoming baby! 🍼

lol good luck. EDD is a joke these days 🤡

I've been dealing with similar issues too! What I found helpful was clearing my browser cache and cookies before trying to update online - sometimes that fixes weird glitches. Also, if you're getting error messages, try screenshotting them. When I finally got through to a rep, having those screenshots helped them identify the specific issue faster. The whole system definitely needs an overhaul, but hang in there! 🤞

I'm currently going through the same waiting period after my SDI approval last week. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - it's reassuring to see that most people receive their cards within that 7-10 business day window. I especially appreciate the tips about the plain envelope (would have definitely tossed that as junk mail!) and being able to check the BofA EDD website for card status. The financial stress while waiting is real, but it sounds like the system generally works as advertised. Thanks for starting this thread Evan - it's exactly the kind of real-world timeline info that's hard to find elsewhere!

I'm in the exact same situation right now! My SDI claim was approved on Wednesday and I've been refreshing my mailbox constantly since then. This thread has been so reassuring - it's crazy how much better real people's experiences are compared to just seeing "7-10 business days" on the official websites. I had no idea about the plain envelope thing, so thank you everyone for that heads up! I would have 100% thrown that away thinking it was spam mail. I'm going to try creating that BofA EDD account tomorrow to see if there's any card status info. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of being unable to work. Really grateful for this community sharing their timelines - makes me feel way less alone in this process!

OP, any luck yet? Keep us posted!

I actually had the exact same e324 error when trying to set up my PFL claim last month! What finally worked for me was going into my ID.me account and making sure ALL my personal information matched EXACTLY what was on file with EDD - down to middle initials, address formatting, everything. Even tiny discrepancies can trigger that error. Also try logging out of both accounts completely, waiting about 30 minutes, then logging back in. The system seems to need time to sync sometimes. Hope this helps and congrats on your new family members! 🎉

good luck!! i had 2 go through the whole appeal thing last year and finally got approved. just make sure u turn it in on time!!

Just wanted to add my experience - I successfully appealed my SDI denial last fall and the date issue definitely tripped me up at first too! Like everyone else confirmed, you absolutely need the "date mailed" from your determination notice. But here's something that might help: when you submit your appeal, consider sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. EDD has to receive it within 30 days of that mailed date, not just postmarked. I almost missed my deadline because I assumed regular mail would be fine. Also, if you're close to the deadline like you are, you can actually submit the appeal online through EDD's website which gives you immediate confirmation. Good luck with your appeal - the process is stressful but don't give up!