btw don't forget you have to actually file for PFL separately!!! the SDI doesn't automatically roll into PFL. my friend thought it was automatic and had like a 3 week gap with no income, total nightmare

Just wanted to add my experience from last month - my weekly benefit amount stayed exactly the same when I transitioned from SDI to PFL ($847/week for both). However, I did notice that the PFL payments seemed to process a day or two slower than my SDI payments used to. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind for budgeting. One tip: I started my PFL application about 10 days before my SDI was set to end, and the transition was seamless. The EDD rep I spoke with recommended applying 2 weeks early if possible to avoid any gaps. Also, make sure you have your SDI claim number handy when filing for PFL - it speeds up the process!

I just remembered something important! Make sure your fiancé continues certifying every two weeks while on PFL. A lot of people miss this step and then have payment delays. He'll get instructions on how to certify online or by mail once his claim is approved.

I went through a similar situation when my partner needed care after multiple medical procedures. One thing that really helped us was creating a simple timeline document for the doctor that showed exactly when each procedure was scheduled and what type of care would be needed on which days. This made it much easier for the doctor to fill out the DE2501F form accurately. Also, don't stress too much about the "family member" requirement - California has pretty broad definitions and domestic partners definitely qualify. The key is having good documentation of your shared household (joint bills, lease, etc.). Wishing you both the best with the procedures and the PFL application process!

PSA: Be careful about sharing too much personal info when trying to troubleshoot these issues online. Scammers are always looking for ways to steal identities. Stay safe out there, folks! 👀

I had a similar E311 error a few months ago and it turned out to be a mismatch with my address. Even though I had moved and updated my address with EDD online, their verification system was still using my old address from when I first filed. I had to call (took forever to get through) and specifically ask them to update the address in their verification database, not just my profile. Might be worth checking if you've moved recently or if there's any address discrepancy between what you're entering and what they have on file from previous claims or employers.

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD! For anyone with the same question in the future - yes, you need to submit a new DE2508 form for the second period of baby bonding, but no, it's not a completely new claim in terms of wage eligibility. It's considered accessing your remaining balance of the original entitlement. The representative confirmed all leave periods must be at least two weeks long (with some exceptions) and must be completed within 12 months of birth/adoption/placement. Thanks everyone for your help!

Great to see this got resolved! As someone who works in HR and deals with PFL questions regularly, I can confirm that Omar's update is spot on. The split baby bonding process confuses a lot of new parents and even some HR departments. Just to add a few tips for anyone else in this situation: 1) Keep your original claim number handy when you call EDD, 2) Make sure your employer knows about the intermittent leave plan from the start, and 3) Submit your new DE2508 at least 2-3 weeks before you want the benefits to start. The processing times can vary but planning ahead helps avoid gaps in pay. Congrats on your little one Omar!

Anyone else feel like we're living in a dystopian novel? "The year is 2023, and citizens must battle a labyrinthine phone system for basic survival." 🤡

I've been dealing with the same nightmare for over a month now. Here's what's worked for me so far: I started calling at 7:58 AM sharp (2 minutes before they officially open) and spam-dialing the number until I get through to the menu. Once I'm in, I select the options quickly and then just... wait. And wait. And wait. The longest I've been on hold was 4.5 hours, but I did eventually get through. I know it sounds insane, but I just put my phone on speaker, plugged it in to charge, and did other things while waiting. Also, make sure you have ALL your documents ready before you call - ID, Social Security card, any correspondence from EDD, your claim details, etc. When you finally get a human, you want to make the most of that precious time. Don't give up, everyone. The system is broken, but persistence does pay off sometimes.