Since you mentioned you're expecting in March 2025, I wanted to add one more thing: California expanded PFL benefits from 8 weeks to 10 weeks starting January 2025. If you do decide to apply later, you'd be eligible for the expanded benefit period. Just FYI!

Hey Ravi! Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this decision last year. You're absolutely right that you don't have to file for PFL - it's completely optional. I ended up taking my full 12 weeks of bonding leave through my company's policy without filing for state benefits, and it was totally fine. One thing I'd suggest is getting your HR's policies in writing so you're crystal clear on what documentation they need for job protection vs. what EDD would need if you changed your mind later. Also, congrats on the upcoming arrival! March babies are the best (totally not biased as a March baby myself 😊). You sound like you've really thought this through and have your finances sorted - trust your instincts!

Hey Sarah! I just went through something similar earlier this year - had to change my PFL start date from planned to immediate due to unexpected childcare issues. The good news is that EDD really doesn't care about your employer's feelings or convenience, they only care about whether you qualify for the benefit and have your paperwork in order. Since you already have your birth certificate submitted and you're within the bonding window (baby born in June), you should be totally fine. The key things are: 1) Make sure you and your employer report the same actual start date on all forms, 2) Don't file your claim until after you've actually started your leave, and 3) Keep documentation of HR approving the date change. I had zero issues with my payments even though I changed my date with literally one day notice. Your employer might be annoyed but that's their problem, not EDD's! You're entitled to this benefit and sometimes life happens. Don't stress too much about it - focus on your family and let the system work as it's supposed to.

I went through the exact same thing last year when my babysitter quit with zero notice! Had to switch my PFL start date from my planned date to immediate. I was so worried EDD would give me problems, but honestly they processed everything normally. The only thing that mattered was making sure my employer submitted their portion with the correct new start date that matched what I put on my claim form. Got my first payment right on schedule. Your childcare emergency is totally valid - that's exactly the kind of situation PFL is meant to help with! Don't let HR make you feel bad about it, you're using a benefit you've earned.

Ive been dealing with this for 6 months now. its a nightmare. dont let them ghost you keep calling!!!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 3 weeks ago and still nothing. The waiting is so stressful, especially when you really need that income. I tried calling a few times but keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Has anyone had luck getting through during specific times of day? Maybe early morning or late afternoon? Really hoping we both get some movement on our claims soon! 🤞

I actually just went through this exact same thing last week! What finally worked for me was going to a physical EDD office. I know it's a pain, but they were able to update my direct deposit info on the spot. Took about 2 hours total including wait time, but way better than being stuck in phone hell. You can find office locations and hours on their website. Bring your ID, bank routing/account info, and a voided check or bank statement just to be safe!

I had this exact same issue a few weeks ago! What ended up working for me was switching to a different device entirely. I was trying on my phone and laptop with no luck, but when I borrowed my roommate's desktop computer it went through immediately. Something about the way different devices handle the verification process I guess? Also make sure you're not using any browser extensions or ad blockers - those can interfere with the bank verification. Worth a shot before you have to deal with calling or going in person!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! EDD denied my PFL claim last week claiming I received "full wages" when I was actually only getting 60% pay through my employer's temporary disability insurance. It's so frustrating because their automated system seems to flag ANY payment from an employer as "wages" without distinguishing between actual wages and benefits like sick pay or disability. One thing I learned from my HR department is that EDD often misinterprets how employers report these payments on their quarterly forms. When companies submit their DE-9 and DE-9C forms, sometimes the disability payments get coded incorrectly, which triggers these false denials. I'm filing my appeal this week and planning to include a letter from our benefits administrator explaining exactly what type of payments I received and referencing the specific insurance policy. I'm also going to request that my employer re-submit their quarterly reporting with corrected codes if needed. Have you checked with your wife's HR to see how they reported her sick leave payments to EDD? Sometimes the issue starts there and getting the employer to correct their reporting can actually resolve things faster than waiting for an appeal. Sending you strength during this incredibly stressful time - new parent life is hard enough without EDD making it worse!

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare with a newborn! Unfortunately, this is an incredibly common issue with EDD's automated system flagging any employer payments as "wages" even when they're clearly sick leave or disability benefits. A few things that might help speed up your case: 1. **Contact your Assembly member's office** - They have EDD liaisons who can sometimes get responses in 1-2 weeks instead of months. Find yours at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov 2. **Check your wife's employer reporting** - Ask HR how they coded her sick leave payments on their DE-9 quarterly forms to EDD. Sometimes the issue starts with incorrect employer reporting codes. 3. **Submit an expedited hardship request** with your appeal - Include documentation of overdue bills, low bank balances, and rent/utility notices to potentially cut wait time in half. 4. **Try the 1-800-300-5616 appeals line** - Sometimes has better connection rates than the main number. The good news is that these wrongful denials almost always get overturned once a human reviews the documentation. Make sure your appeal includes pay stubs, employer letter stating it was SICK PAY (not wages), and cite California Code of Regulations Title 22 Section 3302(s)-1. You've got this - don't let EDD's broken system defeat you!