Hey OP, any luck getting through yet? Keep us updated!

I've been in the exact same situation! What finally worked for me was using the web portal to check for any missing documents or requirements first. Sometimes they're waiting on something from your end but don't clearly communicate it. Also, try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays mid-morning (around 10-11 AM) - I found those times had slightly better luck than the crazy early morning rush. The system is definitely frustrating, but don't give up! Your persistence will pay off eventually.

UPDATE: My claim was approved! It took 8 days total, which is way better than I expected after my SDI nightmare. The payment is already pending in my account too. Thanks everyone for the advice and reassurance! For anyone dealing with this transition in the future: make sure your dates don't overlap between claims, triple check your paperwork, and contact your HR department to ensure they respond quickly to EDD's verification requests.

That's such great news! 8 days is really reasonable, especially considering how stressful the whole process can be. Your update will definitely help other parents going through the same transition. It's so important to share these success stories since we mostly hear about the horror stories online. Congratulations on your new baby and enjoy your bonding leave! 🍼✨

Congrats on getting it resolved! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - applied for baby bonding PFL on 2/10 and still showing "claim received" status with no payments. My estimated payment date was supposed to be last Tuesday but nothing came through. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the system has been a mess this year with delays and processing issues. I'm going to try calling again this week, but if that doesn't work I might have to use that Claimyr service too. It's so stressful when you're counting on this income and have a newborn to take care of. Thanks for sharing your experience - at least now I know I'm not alone in this!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Applied for baby bonding PFL on February 15th and my account still just shows "claim received" with no updates. My estimated payment date was March 5th and nothing came through. Called the EDD number about 6 times but keep getting the "too many callers" message and disconnected. It's really frustrating because we planned our budget around having this income and now we're scrambling to cover expenses with our newborn. Reading all these responses makes me feel a bit better knowing it's not just me, but also worried that I might be looking at weeks more of waiting. Think I'm going to try that Claimyr service if I can't get through by phone this week. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it helps to know others have eventually gotten it resolved even if it took way longer than it should have.

I'm going through something similar with my grandmother who needs care after a fall. One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned - make sure you check if your employer offers any additional paid family leave benefits beyond what California PFL provides. Some companies have policies that supplement the 60-70% wage replacement or provide full pay for a certain number of days. Also, since you're dealing with a stroke specifically, you might want to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging or stroke support groups. They often have resources about navigating care benefits and can sometimes help with paperwork or provide advocacy if you run into issues with EDD. The stroke recovery timeline can be unpredictable, so having all your documentation organized from the start will help if you need to extend your leave beyond the initial period. Good luck with everything!

I went through this exact situation with my mom after her stroke two years ago. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple daily care log from day one - just noting what assistance I provided each day (helping with medications, physical therapy exercises, meal prep, transportation to appointments, etc.). The EDD never asked for it, but having that detailed record gave me peace of mind and could have been useful if they questioned my claim. I also took photos of any adaptive equipment I helped set up in her home (grab bars, shower chair, etc.) as additional documentation of the care environment. Another tip - if your dad will need ongoing therapy appointments (PT, OT, speech), those transportation and assistance hours count toward your care time too. I didn't realize this initially and was only tracking direct personal care. The whole process took about 2-3 weeks for my first payment, but it was such a relief when it finally came through. Hang in there - you're doing everything right by getting this sorted out early!

Hey there! Dad of twins here who went through this exact process in late 2024. Yes, fathers absolutely qualify for California PFL for baby bonding - it's one of the best kept secrets that more dads need to know about! A few practical tips from my experience: - You can actually start the PFL application process online before the baby arrives by creating your EDD account and reviewing the DE2508 form requirements - The 8 weeks don't have to be consecutive - I took 4 weeks immediately after birth, then saved the remaining 4 weeks for when my wife went back to work at 3 months - EDD's phone system is brutal, but their online portal actually works pretty well once you get familiar with it - Make sure your employer knows this is STATE law, not company policy - they can't negotiate away your rights One thing I wish someone had told me: California PFL is funded through employee payroll deductions (SDI), so you've literally been paying for this benefit with every paycheck. Don't feel guilty about using something you've already paid into! The bonding time was incredible and honestly made me a better dad. Your boss's attitude will change once they see you come back refreshed and ready to work. Stand your ground - this is about your family!

Just wanted to jump in as another dad who successfully navigated this process! My son was born in October 2024 and I took the full 8 weeks of PFL for bonding. A few things that really helped me: 1. **Documentation is key** - I kept a folder with all my paperwork (birth certificate copies, EDD correspondence, HR forms) and it saved me when there was a small hiccup with my claim. 2. **The "waiting week"** - Something I don't think anyone mentioned yet is that there's typically a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so factor that into your financial planning along with the processing delays others mentioned. 3. **Your employer's attitude will likely improve** - My boss was also making passive-aggressive comments before my leave, but once I actually took the time and came back refreshed and focused, the whole dynamic changed. They realized the world didn't end because I was gone for 8 weeks. 4. **Use your state representative if needed** - If EDD gives you major runaround, don't hesitate to contact your state assembly member's office. They have constituent services that can help cut through bureaucratic delays. The bonding time was absolutely life-changing. Those early weeks are so precious and you can never get them back. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for taking what's legally yours. You've earned this benefit through your payroll contributions, and your baby deserves to have their dad present during those crucial early weeks. Congrats on the upcoming arrival! March babies are the best 😊