I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been absolutely invaluable! I work full-time as an accountant and also do IHSS care for my disabled cousin (about 16 hours/week). I was completely panicking about how to fill out the DE2501 form correctly, but reading everyone's real experiences has given me so much confidence. What I've learned from all of you is that EDD actually NEEDS the complete employment picture - listing both jobs isn't a problem, it's a requirement! I'm going to follow everyone's advice and add a clear note like "CONTINUING IHSS CARE - NOT TAKING MATERNITY LEAVE" next to my cousin's care entry on the form. The most reassuring thing from this discussion is understanding that EDD handles these dual employer situations all the time, especially with IHSS providers. As long as I'm transparent about which job I'm taking leave from and honest about my IHSS wages during certification, everything should work smoothly. Thank you SO much to everyone who shared their successful experiences here! The EDD website is completely useless for explaining these common scenarios, but this community has been a total lifesaver. I feel prepared to submit my paperwork without all the anxiety I was feeling before!

I'm in almost the exact same situation! I work full-time at a credit union and also do IHSS care for my disabled stepfather (about 20 hours/week). Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief - I was honestly considering not applying for PFL at all because I was so confused about how to handle the dual employer situation on the forms. What's really clicked for me from all these responses is that EDD actually WANTS complete transparency about all employment. They're not trying to catch you in some kind of trap - they just need the full picture to calculate your benefits correctly based on the wages you're actually losing. I'm planning to list both my credit union job and IHSS position on the DE2501, but I'll add a clear note like "CONTINUING IHSS SERVICES - NO LEAVE REQUESTED" for the stepfather's care. Then I'll just be completely honest about those wages during my bi-weekly certifications. This community discussion has been 1000x more helpful than anything on the EDD website! You've all saved me from weeks of stress and second-guessing. I feel so much more confident about getting my paperwork submitted correctly now. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your real-world experiences!

This is absolutely ridiculous! I'm going through the exact same thing right now - been approved for 3 weeks and still waiting. The worst part is that EDD acts like this is totally normal when people are dealing with serious family situations and counting on this money. I've been calling every day but either get disconnected or told "it's being processed" with no real timeline. Reading everyone's experiences here is both comforting and infuriating - it's clear this is a systemic problem that they just refuse to fix. I'm definitely going to try that complaint form and calling my assembly member's office. Thanks for posting this @Grace - we need more visibility on these delays so maybe something actually gets done about it! 😤

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I'm dealing with the exact same issue - got approved for PFL 10 days ago but still no payment in sight. The timing couldn't be worse since I'm already stressed about my family situation and now I'm panicking about rent being due soon. I've tried calling but keep getting the runaround with "it's processing" responses that don't mean anything. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring (I'm not alone!) and scary (some of you have been waiting over a month?!). I'm definitely going to try calling first thing in the morning and look into that complaint form and assembly member contact. Thank you @Grace for posting this - it's clear this is a widespread problem that needs more attention. Solidarity to everyone going through this mess! 🙏

I'm experiencing the exact same issue! My PFL was approved 5 days ago and I'm still waiting for the payment to appear in my account. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring - I was starting to worry that there was something wrong with my specific claim, but it's clear that these delays are unfortunately just how the system works right now. I've definitely joined the obsessive bank account checking club! 😅 I'm probably refreshing my banking app every hour hoping to see that deposit finally show up. It's become such a nervous habit at this point. The information that Yara shared about the 7-14 business day processing timeline after approval is really helpful to know, even though it's frustrating when you're depending on that money. At least now I have realistic expectations instead of just wondering what's going wrong. I'm planning to try the early morning calling strategy that Caesar mentioned tomorrow - sounds like that's our best bet for actually getting through to speak with someone. Also going to double-check all my banking information online tonight just to make sure there's nothing on my end causing delays. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and timelines! It's so comforting to know we're all dealing with this stressful wait together. This community has been such a lifesaver for managing the anxiety around this situation. Hoping we all see our payments come through soon! 🤞

I'm going through this exact same frustrating situation right now! My PFL was approved 3 days ago and I'm still anxiously waiting for the payment to hit my account. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief - I was starting to panic that I had made some mistake on my application or that there was an issue with my banking info, but it sounds like these delays are just the unfortunate reality of how backed up the system is. I've definitely become a card-carrying member of the "obsessive bank account checking" club! 😅 I'm probably refreshing my banking app every 20 minutes hoping to see that deposit magically appear. It's honestly becoming a compulsive habit at this point. The 7-14 business day timeline that Yara shared after actually getting through to someone is really helpful to set realistic expectations, even though it feels like forever when you're counting on that money for bills and groceries. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy that Caesar recommended - sounds like that's our best shot at actually reaching a human being. Also planning to triple-check my banking details online tonight just to make absolutely sure there's nothing on my end causing any holdups. Thanks to everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences! It's so comforting to know we're all dealing with this nerve-wracking wait together. This community support has been a total lifesaver for managing my anxiety about this whole situation. Here's hoping we all see those payments come through soon! 🤞💪

Hi Mei! I just wanted to add my experience to this incredibly helpful thread. I went through almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago - developed gestational hypertension at 36 weeks, went on early disability, then had a c-section with infection complications that extended my total disability time to about 13 weeks. I was absolutely terrified that the extension would somehow eat into my PFL time because my employer's HR person kept making comments about "combined leave limits" (which turned out to be completely wrong!). But I got every single day of my 8 weeks of baby bonding leave after my disability ended! What really helped me was understanding that California specifically designed these programs to be separate so that medical complications wouldn't penalize parents by reducing their bonding time with their babies. It's actually a really parent-friendly system once you understand how it works. One practical tip that saved me stress: I created a simple spreadsheet tracking my disability periods, extension dates, and when to file my PFL claim. Having it all laid out visually made me feel so much more in control during an already overwhelming time. Also, don't let anyone make you feel guilty about taking the full medical time you need. Recovery is recovery, and bonding time is bonding time - they serve completely different purposes and you're entitled to both! You're being so smart to research this ahead of time. Wishing you a smooth rest of your pregnancy and delivery! 💕

Hi Mei! I'm a newer member here but wanted to share my experience since I went through something very similar just 4 months ago. I had gestational diabetes that progressed to preeclampsia around 34 weeks, which put me on disability much earlier than expected. Then I had delivery complications that extended my disability to nearly 12 weeks total. I was SO anxious about whether this would affect my PFL eligibility - I remember staying up at night googling and finding conflicting information everywhere! But I'm happy to confirm what everyone else has said: I got my complete 8 weeks of PFL for baby bonding after my extended disability ended. What really clicked for me was when an EDD rep explained it this way: "Disability pays you when you CAN'T work due to medical reasons. PFL pays you when you COULD work but choose not to in order to bond with your baby." They're addressing completely different situations, which is why they don't affect each other at all. The paperwork felt overwhelming at first, but staying organized really helped. I kept everything in a binder with dividers for disability forms, PFL forms, and doctor's notes. Also, my OB's office was amazing - they actually have a checklist they use for patients going through extended disability to make sure all the documentation is complete. You're going to get through this just fine! The fact that you're researching early shows you're already on the right track. Focus on your health and trust that you'll get all the benefits you're entitled to. Can't wait for you to meet your little one! 🍼

Just wanted to share my recent experience extending my PFL claim! I was in the exact same situation as you OP - originally planned to return to work but needed an extra 3 weeks. Called EDD yesterday morning right at 8am and actually got through on my first try (couldn't believe it!). The rep was super professional and understanding. Had my claim number, original date (March 15th), new date (April 5th), and a brief explanation ready. The whole call took maybe 8 minutes and she gave me a confirmation number plus said I'd get an email within 24 hours. Already saw the update in my online portal this morning! Don't stress about it too much - they really do handle these requests all the time. The key is definitely calling right when they open and having all your info organized beforehand. Good luck OP! 🙌

I'm in almost the exact same situation! Was supposed to return next week but my doctor thinks I need another 2-3 weeks to fully heal. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea so many people successfully extend their PFL claims. The consistent advice about calling right at 8am seems to be the magic formula. I'm definitely going to prepare all my info beforehand like everyone suggests. It's so reassuring to hear that the reps are generally understanding about these requests. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - makes this feel way less intimidating! Going to give it a shot tomorrow morning. 🤞