


Ask the community...
im sorry this is happening to you EDD is THE WORST!!!! my claim got denied to i just gave up and went back to work early even tho my doctor said not to but i couldnt fight with them anymore
I'm sorry you had that experience. This is exactly why EDD needs to improve their processes - people who genuinely need and deserve these benefits shouldn't have to choose between their health and financial survival. For anyone reading who's in a similar situation, please don't give up - use the appeal process and reach out to your state representatives as the original poster is doing.
One thing I want to add - when you submit your appeal, call the Appeals Board 7-10 days after sending it to confirm they received it. Don't assume they received and processed it, even if you sent it certified mail. Getting a confirmation number for your appeal is crucial. I'd also recommend keeping a detailed log of every interaction with EDD - who you spoke with, date/time, what was discussed, any confirmation numbers. This documentation can be invaluable if your case drags on.
One more important detail: For PFL (baby bonding), you need to file your claim within 41 days of when you want benefits to begin. So once your doctor completes the pregnancy disability release, don't delay in submitting your PFL claim. There's no automatic transition - they're technically separate benefits that you have to apply for individually. As for your company's STD, that's completely separate from the state programs. Some company plans will not pay if you're receiving state benefits (they consider it duplicative), while others will supplement to bring you closer to your full salary. You really need to review your specific plan details.
Thank you for mentioning the 41-day deadline! I had no idea. I'm going to call HR tomorrow to get clear on how our STD works with the state benefits. This is all so complicated, but I'm grateful for all the help!
Since your baby is due in December and your FMLA resets in January, you're in a great position to maximize your protected leave. Remember that FMLA/CFRA is about job protection, while SDI/PFL is about wage replacement. They run concurrently when both are available, but since yours resets in January, you'll essentially get extra protected time. Just make sure you: 1. Have clear documentation from your doctor for the disability release 2. Apply for PFL promptly after being released from disability 3. Keep HR informed of all transitions 4. Understand exactly how your company STD works with state benefits And if you need to speak with EDD directly (which I highly recommend before your delivery), try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM for the best chance of getting through.
wait so ur getting more money than expected and ur complaining??? lol just saying what most people would think 🤣
Haha I get it, but I've seen too many horror stories of EDD coming back months later demanding repayment with interest and penalties. Not worth the stress!
This is exactly why EDD overpayment issues are so problematic. The temptation to keep unexpected funds is understandable, but EDD absolutely will discover the error eventually, and the repercussions can include financial penalties, interest charges, and potential ineligibility for future benefits. Always report overpayments immediately.
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The representative confirmed it was a system error. Apparently when I filed my new claim, the system interpreted it as a request to reopen my December claim and automatically applied a 40-day extension (which I never asked for). They're correcting both claims now - closing the incorrect extension on my old claim and properly processing my February claim. They're sending me instructions for returning the overpayment. Thank you everyone for your help and advice!
How did you finally get through to them? I'm still struggling with my claim issue and can't reach anyone.
I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Normally I wouldn't pay for something like that, but after days of trying, I was desperate. Got connected to a rep in about 25 minutes. Worth it to get this resolved before it became a bigger problem!
Update: I've had several clients resolve this successfully by doing the following: 1) Have your doctor fax a "Disability Claim Closure Request" (they should know what this is) to EDD specifying the exact end date 2) Once that's processed (usually 2-3 business days), your PFL claim should automatically activate If you need this resolved immediately, calling is still your best option. Be very specific with the agent about needing to close the disability claim on the original expected return-to-work date so your PFL can begin.
Thank you so much! Just called my doctor this morning and they're sending the closure request today. They admitted someone in their office probably checked the wrong box on a form which triggered the extension. Really appreciate everyone's help!
Will do! I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and actually got through to EDD this morning! The agent confirmed my doctor sent in a correction and they're processing it now. She said my PFL should start on time with no gap. Such a relief!
Ethan Taylor
After you get through to someone at EDD and they fix your claim, make sure you specifically ask them to note in your file that you're still on SDI for postpartum recovery. Also request a direct phone number or extension for the representative you speak with, as you might need to follow up. And just to clarify for your planning: once your SDI pregnancy disability claim ends (after your 4-6 weeks postpartum depending on delivery type and complications), you'll need to file a separate claim for Paid Family Leave for bonding time. That's a different claim entirely, even though it's through the same EDD system. Don't wait until your disability ends to start that application process - you can begin it about 1-2 weeks before your disability is scheduled to end to minimize gaps in payment.
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•This is really helpful information, thank you! I didn't realize I needed to file an entirely separate claim for PFL. How long does that application typically take to process? I want to avoid any gaps in payment.
0 coins
Ethan Taylor
•PFL claims usually process faster than disability claims - typically 7-10 days if everything is submitted correctly. I'd recommend starting the application about 2 weeks before your disability ends. You'll need your baby's birth certificate or hospital documentation, and you'll create a new claim in the same SDI Online system. The good thing is that once your disability claim is properly adjusted, the transition is usually smoother because they already have most of your information in the system.
0 coins
Yuki Ito
I finally got my postpartum payment issue resolved! For anyone dealing with this: they fixed it retroactively and I received all my back benefits in one lump sum. EDD told me this happens constantly with pregnancy claims - apparently their computer system needs updating to better handle the transition from pregnancy disability to postpartum recovery. Hang in there!!
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•That's a relief to hear! If you don't mind me asking, how long did the whole process take from when you first noticed the issue until you got your full payment?
0 coins
Yuki Ito
•It took almost 3 weeks total 😩 About a week of trying to reach someone, then another 10 business days for the adjustment to process. But they did fix it properly once I got through to the right person.
0 coins