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!

Currently going through this transition myself and can confirm what everyone's saying - the weekly amount stays the same! I'm getting $743/week on both SDI and PFL. One thing I wish someone had warned me about though: make sure you download/screenshot your SDI payment history before your claim ends because once you transition to PFL, you lose access to that detailed SDI portal. I was trying to reference my payment dates for tax purposes and couldn't get back into the old system. The PFL side really doesn't give you much to work with in terms of tracking. Also, when you apply for PFL, they'll ask for your expected return to work date. Don't stress too much about getting this exactly right - you can always extend or shorten your leave as needed, but having a reasonable estimate helps them process everything faster.

Just want to echo what others have said and add a couple practical tips from my experience helping my sister navigate PFL for her husband's cancer treatments: 1. Apply ASAP once you have the doctor's form - there's no waiting period, but processing takes time and you want benefits to start when the leave begins. 2. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. EDD sometimes "loses" paperwork and you'll need to resubmit. 3. Your fiancé should inform his employer about both PFL (wage replacement) AND potentially FMLA/CFRA (job protection) - these are separate but can run concurrently. 4. If EDD requests additional documentation after the initial application, respond immediately. Any delay can pause your entire claim. The brain fog from neurological conditions is so real - maybe have your fiancé handle most of the paperwork side while you focus on preparing for your procedures. You've got this! The system is confusing but totally doable with the right documentation.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with my partner! One thing I learned that might help you is that you should definitely have your fiancé apply at least 2-3 weeks before the procedures if possible. While there's no official waiting period for PFL, the processing time can vary a lot depending on how complete your initial application is. Also, when you see your new neurosurgeon, it might be worth asking if their office has experience with disability/PFL forms. Some medical offices have staff who are really familiar with what EDD needs, which can save you from having to resubmit paperwork later. My partner's doctor's office actually had a checklist they use for these forms! One more tip - make sure your fiancé saves the confirmation number when he submits the application online. You can use it to track the claim status, which is super helpful when you're dealing with brain fog and trying to keep track of everything. The online portal is actually pretty user-friendly once you get familiar with it. Hope your procedures go smoothly and the PFL process is straightforward for you both! 💜

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.

I went through this exact same issue about 6 months ago! The E311 error is so frustrating. What finally worked for me was discovering that my middle initial was missing in EDD's system even though I had it on all my forms. Apparently when my employer first reported my info years ago, they left it off, and that tiny discrepancy was causing the verification to fail. I had to go to a local EDD office with my Social Security card, driver's license, and a recent pay stub to get it corrected in person. The whole process took about 3 hours at the office, but they fixed it on the spot. Might be worth checking if there are any small differences like that in how your name appears across different documents!

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!

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.

I totally feel your frustration! I've been in the exact same situation for about 3 weeks now. The automated system just keeps looping me back to the same useless menu options. What's really helped me is keeping a detailed log of every time I call - the time, how long I waited, which menu options I tried, etc. It sounds tedious but it's actually been therapeutic to document this madness, and if I ever do get through, I'll have all the details ready. Also, I've started treating it like a part-time job - blocking out 2-3 hours in the morning just for calling attempts. It's not ideal, but at least I'm not letting it ruin my entire day anymore. Hang in there! 💪