Update on my repayment situation since people asked about payment plans: they set me up with a 24-month plan after I showed them my expenses and income. The minimum they would accept was $120/month for my case (I owed about $8,600). They were actually pretty reasonable about it when I explained my financial situation.

I'm going through something similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I have my interview next week and I'm terrified. Like you, I had a newborn during the pandemic and was looking for remote work but everything was so uncertain. One thing I realized reading everyone's responses is that I need to really emphasize that I was actively job searching for suitable work (remote positions) rather than just sitting around doing nothing. I kept a spreadsheet of all my applications during that time, so hopefully that will help show I was genuinely trying to find work that worked with my situation. The hardest part is that back then, EDD was literally telling people in our situation to apply for benefits, and now they're second-guessing everything. It feels like they're punishing us for doing what we were told to do during an unprecedented crisis. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's scary but at least now I know what to expect and that there are options even if the worst happens.

Hey, quick question - was it a paper check or the EDD debit card? If it's the card, you might be able to just request a new one without going through the whole replacement check process.

Oh man, I feel your pain! I did something similar with my unemployment check a few months ago - threw it out with a bunch of junk mail. The good news is that EDD can definitely help you out with a replacement. When I called, they put a stop payment on the original check and issued a new one within about 2 weeks. The key is being persistent with calling since their phone lines are always swamped. Try calling right when they open at 8am - that's when I had the most luck getting through. Also, have your Social Security number and claim details ready when you call. You got this! 💪

Ugh, I feel your pain. I'm in the same boat with SDI. These government systems are like trying to nail jello to a wall 🤦‍♂️

I went through something similar with my PFL claim last year. One thing that helped me was requesting a detailed explanation of the denial in writing. Sometimes there are specific issues like missing documentation or eligibility periods that aren't obvious from the online system. Also, if you're within the 8-week maximum for bonding leave, you might want to check if there's a gap in your claim dates that's causing the system to treat it as a separate claim rather than a continuation. The EDD customer service is rough, but if you can get through, ask them to check your "claim history" - sometimes there are backend issues that only they can see and fix.

btw when u do get thru make sure u ask them to EXPEDITE the payment. they can do special processing if ur experiencing financial hardship. don't let them tell u otherwise!

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Filed my PFL claim in early January for baby bonding and it's been stuck in "pending processing" for weeks. Got the award letter showing my benefit amounts but nothing online matches up. It's so reassuring to see I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the year-end crossing issue might be what's affecting both of us since my leave also started in late December. I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy and the disability line trick that @Kolton Murphy mentioned. Sofia, please keep us updated on what works for you - I'll do the same! We shouldn't have to be financial detectives just to get our rightful benefits. The stress of not knowing when (or if) payments will come while trying to care for a new baby is just awful.

Pro tip: Set up text alerts with your bank so you know the second that sweet, sweet government money hits your account. 💰

Thanks for sharing your experience, Ruby! I'm currently going through the PFL application process myself and this thread is super helpful. One thing I'd add - make sure to keep checking your online EDD account regularly. Sometimes there are updates or requests for additional info that you might miss if you're only waiting for mail. Also, if you haven't already, consider signing up for direct deposit if possible - it's usually faster than waiting for the debit card to arrive in the mail. Best of luck with your claim! 🤞