Just following up - were you able to complete the eligibility questionnaire? That should be your first priority to avoid UI complications. Then I'd recommend taking these steps: 1. Create an account on SDI Online if you don't already have one (separate from UI Online) 2. Ask your OB/GYN when they typically certify patients for pregnancy disability (some do 4 weeks before due date, others do 2-4 depending on your health) 3. Mark your calendar for when to file your claim (typically within 49 days of disability start) 4. Calculate your weekly benefit amount using the EDD calculator 5. Verify your employer's leave policies Based on your work history, you should have sufficient earnings in your base period. Remember that SDI/PFL benefits are approximately 60-70% of your wages up to the maximum weekly benefit amount.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I went through a similar situation with employment gaps and was worried about PFL eligibility too. The good news is that California's system is designed to help working parents, and your situation sounds like it should qualify. Since you worked from January-July 2024 at your original job, then had part-time work through December, you should definitely have enough earnings in your base period (which would be all of 2024 for an April 2025 claim). The fact that you're back with the same employer might actually work in your favor for job protection rights too. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - start gathering your documentation now! Keep all your pay stubs, employment letters, and any correspondence with your employer about your rehiring. Having everything organized will make the claims process much smoother when you're dealing with a newborn. Also, don't stress too much about the complex system - it seems overwhelming at first, but EDD has gotten better at processing maternity claims in recent years. You've got this!

I'm currently going through this exact situation too! My disability got extended due to postpartum depression, but I had already filed my PFL claim to start next week. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so helpful - especially knowing that this is actually pretty common. I tried calling EDD yesterday but couldn't get through after 2 hours of trying. Going to check out that Claimyr service that @Ava Garcia mentioned since so many people had success with it. It's really reassuring to know that EDD can adjust the dates as long as you catch it in time. Thanks @Fatima Al-Suwaidi for posting this and to everyone who shared their tips! It's such a relief to know I'm not alone in dealing with this confusing system while trying to recover and care for a newborn.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been so incredibly helpful! I'm 3 weeks postpartum and my doctor just extended my SDI for another week due to breastfeeding complications, but my PFL was already approved to start Monday. I've been stressing about this all weekend thinking I'd lose benefits or create some kind of overpayment issue. Reading everyone's experiences here, especially @Fatima Al-Suwaidi's successful resolution, has given me so much peace of mind. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service first thing Monday morning since it seems like multiple people had success with it. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to jump through these hoops when we're already dealing with recovery and newborn care, but at least knowing it's fixable makes it less overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories - this community is such a lifesaver for navigating California's confusing benefits system!

smh EDD needs to get there act together. how hard is it to have a working website in 2023?

Hey OP, any luck with resetting your password? Keep us updated!

Congrats on your baby boy! Mine just turned 1 and I miss those newborn days so much. Enjoy every minute!

Just wanted to add - when you file your PFL claim online, make sure you have your baby's birth certificate or hospital discharge papers ready. They'll ask for documentation to prove the birth date and that you're the parent. Also, if you're planning to take the full 8 weeks consecutively, you can indicate that on the application, but if you want to take it intermittently (like a few weeks now and a few weeks later), you'll need to file separate claims for each period. The system doesn't handle intermittent leave as smoothly as continuous leave unfortunately.

Had this exact same issue last month! The ID.me verification somehow changed my first name from "Michael" to "Micheal" (with an extra 'e'). I was freaking out because I thought it would mess up my whole claim. Here's what worked for me: 1. First, I tried fixing it through ID.me directly - didn't work, they said it had to be corrected on EDD's end 2. Used the EDD web portal to send a message (like StarSurfer mentioned) - included screenshots of my driver's license 3. Also called them using that early morning trick (call right at 8am when they open) 4. Got it resolved in about 10 business days The key is being persistent but polite. Don't let them brush you off! And definitely ask for that name discrepancy flag that Anastasia mentioned - wish I had known about that earlier. Good luck Oliver, you got this! 💪

This is such a frustrating but common issue! I went through something similar when my middle initial got dropped after ID.me verification. Here's what I learned from my experience: **Multiple approaches work best:** - Online message through EDD portal (fastest response time) - Phone call as backup (try calling right at 8am or use one of those callback services mentioned) - Keep all documentation handy (ID, screenshots, etc.) **Timeline expectations:** - Online messages usually get responses in 5-10 business days - Phone fixes can happen same day if you get the right rep - Don't panic if it takes up to 3 weeks total **Pro tip:** When messaging online, use "URGENT - Name Correction Needed" as your subject line. I noticed they prioritize those messages. The good news is this won't typically hold up your payments once you've reported it. They see these ID.me discrepancies all the time now. Stay on top of it and you'll be fine! @Oliver Becker - definitely try the online message route first with screenshots like StarStrider suggested. Much less stressful than sitting on hold for hours.