Unpopular opinion: maybe we should all just be grateful this benefit exists at all? Some states don't even have PFL...

Hey Diego! I totally get your frustration - the waiting is the absolute worst part of this whole process. I went through something similar a few months back. Here's what I learned: The approval date and payment date are two totally different things. When they say "approved," it usually means they've decided you're eligible, but then it still has to go through their payment processing system, which is... let's just say not exactly lightning fast 😅 From my experience and what I've seen others post here, you're looking at roughly 7-14 business days from approval to actually seeing the money in your account. I know that's a huge range, but it really does vary. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts with my bank so I'd know the second any deposit came in. Saved me from obsessively checking my account every hour! Also, if you haven't already, definitely verify your direct deposit info is correct in the system. I've seen people wait weeks only to find out there was a typo in their routing number. Hang in there - it WILL come! And when it does, it's usually the full amount all at once (at least for shorter claims).

Just went through this exact transition 3 months ago! You can definitely apply tomorrow (Friday) after your disability ends, just make sure your PFL start date is Saturday. I made the mistake of waiting until Monday to apply and lost those weekend days - EDD doesn't backdate baby bonding benefits. Also, have your DE2501 claim number ready from your disability claim as it makes the application process much smoother. The online system will ask if you're transitioning from SDI to PFL, so select that option. Good luck with your remaining 5 weeks of bonding time!

I'm currently going through this transition too and called EDD yesterday to get clarity! The rep confirmed that you can apply on your last day of disability (Friday) OR the day after, as long as your PFL start date is the next business day. The key is NO GAP between your disability end date and PFL start date. What really helped me was having all my paperwork organized beforehand - your DE2501 number from disability, baby's birth certificate info, and your employer's info. The online system is pretty straightforward once you select "transitioning from SDI to PFL" option. Don't stress too much, you've got this! Those 5 weeks of bonding time will be so precious.

It looks like you've gotten some good advice already. One additional tip: When you do get through to EDD, ask them if there's anything specific delaying your claim. Sometimes there's a simple issue that can be resolved immediately. Also, if your claim gets approved but you need funds urgently, you can request that they expedite the payment. They don't advertise this option, but if you explain your financial hardship (needing formula and diapers certainly qualifies), they can sometimes process the payment faster than the standard timeline. Baby bonding PFL should be more straightforward than disability claims, so hopefully once you reach someone, they can resolve it quickly. Good luck!

I went through this exact same nightmare with my PFL claim earlier this year! Here's what finally worked for me: I called at exactly 8:01am on a Tuesday and kept pressing 1-2-4 (the prompts for PFL claims) over and over without hanging up. If you get the "too busy" message, immediately redial and try again. It took me about 45 minutes of constant redialing, but I finally got in the queue. Also, try calling the SDI line at (800) 480-3287 instead of the main EDD number - sometimes they can help with PFL claims too and the wait times are shorter. One more thing - check if your employer submitted the proper forms (DE 2501 and DE 2500A). Sometimes the delay is because your HR department didn't send in the paperwork EDD needs. I had to bug my HR three times before they actually submitted everything correctly. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is when you're trying to bond with your baby and worrying about money! 💙

Hey OP, what was the reason for your PFL claim? I'm about to file one for bonding with my newborn and I'm scared after reading all these horror stories 😰

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had a similar experience last year - waited 5 weeks for my PFL payments while caring for my mom after her surgery. What finally worked for me was contacting my state assemblyperson's office. They have caseworkers who specifically help with EDD issues. It took about a week after I contacted them, but they got my payments released. You can find your representative on the CA legislature website. Also, document everything - dates you called, case numbers, etc. It helps when you finally get someone on the phone. Hang in there! 💪

Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to make us give up? It's like they're playing 4D chess and we're playing checkers 🙃

I'm going through the PFL process right now and honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the horror stories! 😅 But reading through everyone's experiences here is actually super helpful. Quick question - for those who got approved eventually, what was the one thing you wish you'd known before starting the application? Trying to avoid the common pitfalls if possible!