UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning using the Claimyr service someone mentioned below. It actually worked! The agent found the issue immediately - my employer submitted verification with my return-to-work date listed as the day my disability ended instead of the end of my baby bonding period. The agent has escalated it to be corrected and said my claim should be processed within 7-10 days. Just posting this update in case it helps anyone else stuck in pending limbo. I'll update again when (if?) the money finally comes through.

This thread is so helpful! I'm a new mom going through the exact same thing - submitted my baby bonding PFL 3 weeks ago and it's been stuck in pending the whole time. Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel less crazy for being stressed about it. @Mateo Rodriguez really glad you finally got through and found the issue! I'm definitely going to check with my HR about the employer verification dates because that seems to be a common problem. Has anyone had success with the state legislature offices? I heard they sometimes have direct lines to EDD for constituent services when there are processing delays.

Finally got it resolved! We ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and it actually worked - got us through to a real person after trying for almost a week on our own. The agent said there was a mismatch between the baby's birthdate on the hospital records and what we entered (we put 03/12 instead of 3/12 - seriously, that was the issue). Fixed it on the spot and the claim was processed two days later. Thanks everyone for your help!!

So glad to hear you got it resolved! That date format issue is absolutely ridiculous - who would think that 03/12 vs 3/12 would cause a complete system rejection?? This whole thread has been super helpful though. I'm bookmarking that Claimyr service and the assembly member tip for future reference. It's crazy that we need all these workarounds just to access benefits we're legally entitled to, but at least there are solutions. Congrats on getting your baby bonding claim approved - enjoy that precious time with your little one! 🍼

I went through almost this exact scenario two years ago! I was 30 weeks pregnant when I finally got a job offer after months of searching. Here's what I learned: First, regarding SDI timing - you typically can't get pregnancy disability benefits until 4 weeks before your due date unless there are complications. Since you mentioned potential gestational hypertension, definitely discuss this with your OB as it might qualify you for earlier benefits. Second, about pausing/restarting SDI - as others mentioned, you can't technically "pause" it. If you return to work, your claim ends and you'd file a new one after delivery. BUT here's the key thing no one mentioned: make sure you have enough recent wages to qualify for a new claim. Since you've been unemployed for months, your benefit calculation might be based on older wages. My advice: If you get a job offer, consider negotiating a start date that gives you a few weeks to work before delivery. This accomplishes several things: 1) You establish some recent wages for potential future SDI claims, 2) You build goodwill with the employer, and 3) You get some income flowing again. Also, don't forget about WIC and other assistance programs while you're navigating this - pregnancy qualifies you for additional support that can help bridge financial gaps. The system is frustrating but manageable if you plan ahead. Feel free to ask if you want more details about my experience!

I'm currently going through a very similar situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far! I'm 32 weeks pregnant and was unemployed for about 4 months before landing a position last month. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of all my options with dates. I mapped out when I could potentially start SDI (with and without complications), when I'd deliver, and what my benefit eligibility would look like under different scenarios. This helped me make a more informed decision about whether to take a job offer. I ended up taking a position and being upfront with my employer after the offer about my pregnancy timeline. They were actually really understanding and we worked out a plan where I'd work for about 6 weeks, take maternity leave, and then return. Having those recent wages has definitely helped with my benefit calculations. A few practical tips: 1) Start gathering all your employment documentation now (pay stubs, tax forms, etc.) - you'll need this for any benefit applications, 2) If you have any pregnancy complications, document everything with your doctor as it could qualify you for earlier SDI, 3) Consider reaching out to a benefits counselor at EDD or through community organizations - they can sometimes explain your specific situation better than the general website info. The whole system is definitely confusing, but having a clear plan and understanding your options makes it much less stressful. Wishing you the best with whatever path you choose!

I went through this exact same confusion when I filed for baby bonding PFL last year! The EDD paperwork is so overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with a new baby. Just wanted to echo what others have said - the EDDCAN is usually in the top right corner of your correspondence, and it's that 10-digit number starting with a letter. One thing that helped me was taking a photo of that number and saving it in my phone since you'll need it multiple times throughout the process. Also, don't stress too much about the online account setup - once you get past that initial hurdle, the rest of the process is much more straightforward. Congrats on your new little one!

I had this exact same issue when I filed for my baby bonding claim a few months ago! The EDD Customer Account Number is definitely confusing to find at first. Like others mentioned, it's usually in the top right corner of your letters, but I also want to add that if you received multiple pieces of mail from EDD, check ALL of them because sometimes the EDDCAN is more prominent on one letter than another. I found mine clearest on the "Notice of Computation" letter rather than the initial approval letter. Also, pro tip: once you find it and get your SDI Online account set up, bookmark that login page because the EDD website is a maze and finding the login again can be just as frustrating! Hope this helps and congratulations on your new baby!

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I went through something similar with my PFL claim last year! The activity record showing "determination, payment 0.00, reduction 0.00" with no reason is pretty standard when they're still processing your claim. It's essentially a placeholder entry that gets created when they start reviewing your case. Since your claim summary still shows "pending," that's actually a good sign - it means they haven't made a negative determination yet. When PFL claims get denied, you'll typically see a clear denial reason and they'll send you a Notice of Determination explaining why. A few things that might help while you wait: - Check if you have any outstanding documents they requested - Make sure your certifications are up to date - Look for any interview notices in your inbox The waiting is definitely stressful, but "pending" usually just means they need more time to process everything. PFL claims can take a few weeks, especially if they need to verify your medical certification or employment information. Hang in there!