anyone else feel like we need a complete overhaul of the unemployment system? 🤔 this stuff happens way too often

I went through something similar a few months ago! Definitely don't deposit those checks - you're smart for not cashing them. When I called EDD, they told me to keep the physical checks as proof and they eventually sent me a letter with instructions on how to return them. The key thing is to be proactive about calling them because if you wait too long, they might assume you're trying to keep the money. Also, make sure you have your exact return-to-work date handy when you call - they'll need that info to recalculate everything. Hang in there, it's stressful but totally fixable! 💪

This thread has been so helpful! I'm planning ahead for when my baby arrives in a few months and had no idea you could split up the PFL. Reading everyone's experiences here has given me a much better understanding of the process. A couple questions for those who've been through this: 1) When you file that second claim online, do you reference your original PFL claim number anywhere, or is it treated as completely separate? 2) Does the one-week waiting period apply to the second claim too, or just the first one? Thanks for creating such a supportive space to share info - dealing with EDD is stressful enough without having to figure it all out alone! 🙏

I'm currently going through this process right now and wanted to share what worked for me! I had my baby in October, took 6 weeks initially, and just successfully got approved for my remaining 2 weeks. Here's what I learned: The online application is definitely the way to go - I got it processed in about 10 days vs the horror stories I heard about phone wait times. When filling it out, be specific about why you're splitting the leave (I mentioned needing to coordinate with my partner's return to work). One thing nobody warned me about - make sure to submit your application at least 2-3 weeks before you actually want to start your leave. The processing time + waiting period can really add up, and you don't want to be stuck without income during your leave period. Also, keep screenshots of everything! The EDD system can be glitchy and having proof of what you submitted has saved me multiple times. Good luck @Kendrick Webb - you've got this! The system is frustrating but your benefits are there waiting for you. 💪

ugh, the EDD (assuming youre in CA) is such a clown show 🤡 I've been waiting on a claim for months. solidarity, friend

I went through something similar last year! The key thing is to be really specific when you call - don't just say "I didn't get paid." Tell them exactly: "I was on approved FMLA leave from 2/10-2/16, submitted my PFL claim properly, but received zero payment for those dates." Also ask them to check if your claim was processed at all or if it got stuck somewhere in the system. Sometimes they'll say it was "under review" and never actually got processed. If the first person can't help, politely ask to speak with someone who handles PFL claim discrepancies specifically. You got this! 💪

This is such a relief to read! I'm 8 months pregnant and my partner has been stressing about the PFL application process after hearing horror stories. Bookmarking this thread - the Trusted Referee number and paper form backup plan are game changers. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions! It's crazy that we have to crowdsource these workarounds when the system should just work properly in the first place.

Wow, what a journey! I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved. As a new parent myself (my daughter is 6 months old now), I know how stressful it is to deal with bureaucratic nightmares when you're already sleep-deprived and financially stretched. The fact that we have to jump through so many hoops and rely on community knowledge-sharing just to access basic benefits is absolutely maddening. For anyone else dealing with ID.me issues, I'd also recommend documenting EVERYTHING - screenshots, call logs, reference numbers, etc. I learned this the hard way when dealing with my own PFL claim. Having that paper trail saved me when there were discrepancies later in the process. Also, don't forget that the PFL clock starts ticking from when you first become eligible, not when you finally get through the system. So even if there are delays in processing, you should still receive retroactive payments for the full period you're entitled to. Congratulations on your new daughter, Ravi! Hope you get to enjoy some quality bonding time with her once all this administrative chaos is behind you.

Hey OP, just wondering - have you tried creating a new account with a different email? Sometimes that works if your old account has been inactive for a while.

I went through this exact same situation last year! What finally worked for me was using the ID.me verification process. Go to the EDD website and look for the "Verify Identity" option - it should let you verify who you are using your phone and ID, then you can update your email address associated with the account. It took about 30 minutes to complete the verification, but once I did that, I was able to reset my password and change my email to one I could actually access. Way easier than waiting on hold for hours or mailing documents. Hope this helps!