Just wanted to add another tip that worked for me - if you're getting the "maximum capacity" message, try calling the Spanish language line (1-800-300-5616) and then asking to be transferred to an English-speaking agent. I know it sounds weird but my coworker suggested it and I actually got through faster that way! The wait time was still long but at least I didn't get the busy signal. Also, definitely have all your documents ready before calling - claim number, social security, employer info, and your baby's birth certificate info. They'll ask for everything to verify your identity and you don't want to waste time scrambling for paperwork when you finally get someone on the line!

Another thing that helped me was calling right after lunch around 1:30-2:00 PM on Wednesdays. I know everyone says mornings are best, but I think fewer people try the afternoon slots. Got through twice using this timing when the 8 AM method wasn't working for me. Also, if you're still having trouble, try reaching out to your state assembly member's office. They have constituent services that can sometimes help escalate EDD issues. I had to do this for my unemployment claim last year and they were able to get movement on my case within a week. Worth a shot when you're dealing with urgent financial needs! One more tip - document EVERYTHING. Keep records of every call attempt, reference numbers from your online messages, screenshots of your claim status, etc. If you end up needing to escalate or file an appeal, having that paper trail is crucial.

Anyone else feel like they need a law degree just to navigate this stuff? 🙃 Maybe we should start a support group: 'EDD Survivors Anonymous

I went through something similar last year! The key thing to understand is that SDI is designed to replace lost wages, so if you're getting 100% pay from your employer, EDD sees that as "no lost wages to replace." When you call for your appeal, ask specifically about: - Whether your employer is paying you directly OR if they're supplementing SDI benefits - If there's a coordination of benefits form your employer should have filed - Whether you can switch to a partial pay arrangement that would make you eligible Also, check your employee handbook - some companies have policies where they pay the difference between SDI and your full salary, which is different from just paying you 100% outright. That distinction matters to EDD! Keep pushing back on the appeal - I've seen cases where it took 2-3 attempts but people eventually got it sorted out. Don't give up! 💪

One more tip: In your appeal, clearly specify that you're requesting retroactive benefits from the start date of the original claim. Also, regarding the previous claim being approved when she listed herself as "mother" instead of "mother-in-law" - I wouldn't mention this in your appeal as it could potentially complicate things. Just focus on the current claim and the fact that mother-in-law is a qualifying relationship.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some encouragement - I went through a similar situation last year with my father-in-law's PFL claim being denied due to a relationship misunderstanding. The appeal process worked and he got all his retroactive benefits! A few things that helped us: 1. We submitted the appeal with a very clear cover letter explaining the error 2. Included multiple forms of documentation (marriage certificate, family photos with dates, even a notarized affidavit from other family members confirming the relationship) 3. Called EDD's PFL unit directly (not the general UI line) - the number is 1-877-238-4373 The whole appeal took about 6 weeks from start to finish, and he received a lump sum payment for all the missed weeks. Don't give up - this is exactly the kind of obvious error that appeals are designed to fix. Your MIL absolutely qualifies as your caregiver under the parent-in-law relationship category!

Based on everything you've shared, I believe your daughter will qualify for benefits, but the amount might be lower due to her part-time status. Here's a quick summary of what she should do: 1. Start gathering all employment documents now (paystubs, employment verification, etc.) 2. Have her doctor complete the DE2501 form when she's ready to stop working 3. File immediately once her doctor certifies her disability 4. Monitor her online EDD account regularly for updates 5. Watch for the transition from disability to PFL after delivery 6. Call EDD if anything seems delayed or incorrect With proper documentation and timely filing, she should receive both pregnancy disability and baby bonding benefits, even with the work gaps and part-time status.

One more thing to consider - if your daughter's morning sickness was severe enough that she had to leave work initially, she might have qualified for pregnancy disability benefits during that 10-week gap period too! If her doctor documented the severity of her symptoms at the time, it's possible she could have received SDI benefits for that period of inability to work due to pregnancy-related complications. It's probably too late to file for that period now (claims must be filed within a year), but it's worth knowing for future reference. Many people don't realize that severe morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, and other pregnancy complications can qualify for disability benefits even early in pregnancy - not just the typical 4 weeks before delivery that most people think about. The key is having medical documentation from her healthcare provider stating she was unable to work due to pregnancy-related medical conditions. This could be helpful information for other expecting parents reading this thread!

Just checking back - any updates on your claim? Did you ever get through to EDD or receive payment?

Congrats on getting it resolved! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - applied for baby bonding PFL on 2/10 and still showing "claim received" status with no payments. My estimated payment date was supposed to be last Tuesday but nothing came through. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the system has been a mess this year with delays and processing issues. I'm going to try calling again this week, but if that doesn't work I might have to use that Claimyr service too. It's so stressful when you're counting on this income and have a newborn to take care of. Thanks for sharing your experience - at least now I know I'm not alone in this!