im in the same boat, expired everything lol. let me know if you figure it out OP!

I actually went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what worked for me: I used my Social Security card and birth certificate as primary documents, then added a utility bill and bank statement as supporting identity documents. The key is to call the technical support line (not the main EDD line) - they have a separate number for website issues. Also, try applying during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening when the system is less busy. The error might be due to high traffic rather than your documents. Good luck!

Thank you all SO much for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing I haven't lost my PFL benefits for the twins. I'll plan to file in July 2025 when my 12-month waiting period is up. And I'll make sure to be very clear on my application that it's for the twins born in Feb 2025. I think I'll try using Claimyr to talk to EDD directly too, just to have everything confirmed and noted in my account. With three babies under 2 years old, I honestly don't have hours to waste on hold! This has been such a relief - I was in tears thinking I'd lost that bonding time completely.

Congratulations on your twins! 🎉 As someone who works in benefits administration, I can confirm what others have said - you absolutely haven't lost your PFL benefits for the twins. The July 2025 timeline is correct, and you'll have until February 2026 to use those 8 weeks since PFL bonding leave must be taken within 12 months of the child's birth. One thing I'd add: when you file in July, make sure your employer is aware of your plans too. Some employers offer additional paid or unpaid leave that can run concurrently with PFL, which might help bridge the gap financially. Also, if you're planning to take the full 8 weeks consecutively, give them as much notice as possible since covering someone for 2 months requires planning. You're doing great managing such a challenging situation - three under two is no joke! 💪

lol good luck. i struck out so many times i just gave up. maybe in 2025 theyll fix my claim 😂

I had a similar nightmare with EDD last year! What finally worked for me was sending a fax (yes, a fax in 2024 🙄) to their disability services department. The fax number is (916) 464-3180. Write a clear letter explaining that you need to cancel an inaccurate SDI claim, include your claim number, SSN, and contact info. I got a callback within 3 business days! It's old school but apparently their fax system actually works unlike their phone system.

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!