I heard they're updating the EDD system soon. Maybe wait a few weeks and see if things improve? 🤔

I'm dealing with the exact same thing! Filed my baby bonding claim 6 weeks ago and it's like it disappeared into a black hole. The phone system is absolutely useless - either busy signals or that weird silent line you mentioned. I've started keeping a spreadsheet of every time I've tried calling (sad, I know, but at least I feel like I'm doing something). Has anyone had luck with the online chat feature, or is that just as broken as everything else?

when i had my baby last year i waited 8 WEEKS for my pfl payment!! i called literally 30+ times. finally i contacted my state assembly members office and they have special liasons who work with edd. they fixed my claim in 3 days after i suffered for 2 months. google your local assembly member and email their office explaining your situation

Just checking back - any success with reaching EDD? The transition flag issue is something I've seen frequently cause delays. If you've tried all the phone methods without success, I'd recommend: 1. The assembly member contact suggestion above - excellent advice 2. Try the alternate PFL customer service number: 1-833-978-2511 (sometimes has different staffing/wait times) 3. If your employer has an HR benefits coordinator, they may have direct contact channels with EDD One more note: make sure you're continuing to certify for your PFL benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the initial approval. Many claimants don't realize you still need to certify during the pending period.

I just want to say i had my baby 3 months ago and i found the whole process MADDENING. my disability claim was easy but then the transition to PFL was a total disaster. basically dont count on anything happening automatically - be proactive about everything! and congrats on the baby!! that part is amazing even if the paperwork is a nightmare lol

Hey Lukas! I'm a new mom who just went through this exact same process a few months ago, and I totally understand your confusion! The whole system is really poorly explained. Here's what I learned from my experience: You're absolutely right to be thinking about this now, but you don't need to DO anything yet. Right now you're on pregnancy disability (SDI), which will continue for 6-8 weeks after birth depending on your delivery type. The key thing is to stay organized and proactive. I'd suggest: 1. Create a folder (physical or digital) to keep all your EDD documents together 2. Mark your calendar for when your disability period should end (6-8 weeks post-birth) 3. About a week before that date, ask your doctor for your release form 4. File your PFL claim online the same day you get released Don't stress too much about the timing right now - you've got this! Focus on the baby prep and cross this bridge when you get there. The most important thing is being ready to act quickly once your disability ends so you don't have a gap in payments. Good luck with everything, and congratulations on your upcoming little one! 💕

unpopular opinion: maybe we should all just go back to work instead of relying on government handouts 🤷‍♂️

Has anyone tried faxing their documents instead of mailing? I've heard it can speed things up sometimes.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this during such a difficult time. Based on the helpful advice shared here, it sounds like you have several promising options to pursue immediately. I wanted to add one more resource that might help - many hospitals and hospice facilities have patient advocacy departments that specifically deal with insurance and benefit issues. They often have direct contacts at EDD and can sometimes expedite urgent cases like yours. Ask your mom's hospice if they have a patient advocate or social worker who handles benefit claims. Also, if you do get through to EDD, make sure to get the representative's name and employee ID number, and ask them to email you a summary of what was discussed. This creates a paper trail that can be crucial if there are any delays or miscommunications later. You're doing an incredible job advocating for your mom during this challenging time. Don't let the system wear you down - keep pushing and using all these resources people have shared. Sending you strength and hoping you get this resolved quickly.

I'm really sorry you're going through this stressful situation while caring for your mom. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like you have some excellent actionable steps to take tomorrow. One thing I wanted to add that I learned when helping my aunt navigate similar issues - if you do end up needing to go the emergency conservatorship route, some counties have expedited processes specifically for terminal illness situations. When you call the probate court's self-help center (as Carmen suggested), make sure to emphasize that this is for a hospice patient with limited time. They often have special procedures that can fast-track these cases. Also, I noticed you mentioned having trouble reaching EDD by phone. In addition to the calling strategies others shared, try calling different regional offices if the main number isn't working. Sometimes the Fresno or San Bernardino offices have shorter wait times than the main Sacramento line, and they can all access your claim information. You're being such a devoted caregiver to your mom during this difficult time. Don't let the bureaucratic obstacles discourage you - there are people and systems in place to help, even if they're not easy to find initially. Wishing you success with all these leads tomorrow.