After reading through all the comments, it sounds like what the person at your wife's work was referring to is the California Training Benefits (CTB) program through unemployment insurance, NOT an extension of PFL. To clarify the process for that (which is NOT designed as a parental leave extension): 1. Your wife would need to separate from her employer after PFL ends 2. She would apply for regular Unemployment Insurance 3. She would need to enroll in an approved training program 4. She would apply for the CTB program specifically This is NOT a seamless extension of benefits and has different eligibility requirements and benefit calculations. It also requires job separation, which means losing employer health insurance and other benefits. I'd strongly suggest speaking with an EDD representative directly before making any decisions based on this information.

I'm a new parent myself and went through this same confusion a few months ago. The unfortunate reality is that there's no legitimate 6-month PFL extension program in California. The 8 weeks of paid family leave for baby bonding is the maximum the state provides. However, here are some actual options that might help your situation: 1. Check if your wife's employer offers any supplemental parental leave benefits beyond what the state provides 2. Look into whether she has any accrued vacation/sick time that could extend her paid time off 3. Ask HR about a gradual return-to-work schedule or temporary part-time arrangement 4. See if your employer offers dependent care assistance or flexible spending accounts for childcare costs The California Training Benefits program others mentioned is real, but it's not designed for this purpose and would require your wife to quit her job first - which could create bigger financial problems given the loss of health insurance and other benefits. I'd recommend calling EDD directly to confirm there aren't any pilot programs or special circumstances that apply to your situation, but don't get your hopes up for a 6-month extension. Focus on practical solutions with her current employer instead.

Oof, been there done that. Got the t-shirt and everything. Hang in there OP, it'll get sorted eventually. Just gotta play the waiting game 🕰️

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Made a similar date mistake on my PFL application about 3 weeks ago. What I've learned so far: don't stress too much about it - these kinds of errors are apparently pretty common and fixable. I finally got through to someone last week (took literally 47 attempts over 3 days) and they said they see this all the time. They can correct it on their end, but you do need to speak to an actual person. The online messaging system is basically useless for this kind of issue. Keep trying to call, especially right at 8am when they open. Also, have your employment verification documents ready when you do get through - they'll likely ask for proof of your actual last work date. Good luck! 🍀

Pro tip: if you can't get through on the main line, try calling right when they open or just before they close. Sometimes you can catch a break in the queue.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim 6 weeks ago and still nothing. The waiting is killing me financially. I've been trying to call every day but can never get through. It's so frustrating when you need the money to survive and there's just radio silence from EDD. Has anyone had any luck with the online chat feature, or is that just as useless as the phone system?

Oof, been there done that. The PFL process is such a headache. Hang in there, OP! It'll get sorted eventually. In the meantime, document EVERYTHING. Every call, email, letter. It'll help if you need to escalate later.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL request 3 weeks ago and radio silence. It's so stressful when you're depending on those benefits. I've tried calling multiple times but can never get through - the line just goes busy or I get disconnected after waiting forever. Has anyone had luck reaching out to their local assembly member's office? I heard they sometimes help with EDD issues. Also wondering if there's a specific department or extension that might be less busy than the main number. This whole system really needs to be fixed - we shouldn't have to jump through so many hoops just to get a response! 😤

I used Claimyr after seeing your recommendation and it actually worked! Got connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. They fixed the issue on their end and I was able to submit my PFL claim right after. Thanks so much for suggesting this - would've been pulling my hair out for days otherwise.

So glad to hear Claimyr worked for you! I was in a similar situation a few months ago - had my baby in December and got stuck in that same SDI-to-PFL limbo. The system glitch is SO common but EDD never seems to fix it on their end. It's frustrating that we have to rely on third-party services just to access benefits we're entitled to, but honestly whatever gets you through to an actual human who can help is worth it. Hope your PFL payments start coming through quickly now! And congratulations on your new baby! 💙