Can't reach California Paid Family Leave? Claimyr connects you to a live EDD agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the EDD drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
Just a heads up, they recently changed some of the eligibility requirements. Make sure you check the latest info on the EDD website!
Thanks for starting this thread Paolo! I'm in a similar situation and this is already super helpful. One thing I'd add is to make sure you have your Social Security number, employment info, and details about why you need the leave ready when you fill out the form. Also, if you're caring for a family member, you'll need their info too. The EDD website has a pretty good checklist of required documents - definitely worth checking out before you start the application process.
Join the conversation
To summarize for the original poster: 1. Stop certifying for UI right before starting SDI (ideally no gap, but definitely no overlap) 2. You don't need to formally close your UI claim 3. Submit your DE2501 for pregnancy disability with doctor certification 4. After delivery, you'll file DE2508 for baby bonding PFL 5. Keep documentation of all transition dates 6. Make sure you know your login info for both UI Online and SDI Online accounts And don't stress too much - this is a common transition that many pregnant workers navigate successfully!
Thank you so much! This has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more prepared now for how to handle this transition. I'll make sure there's no overlap between benefits and keep detailed records of all my claim dates. Really appreciate everyone's advice!
One thing I'd add - if you're working part-time with variable hours, make sure your doctor is aware of this when they fill out the disability certification. Sometimes doctors will put an earlier disability start date if they know you're doing physical work, even if it's just part-time. Also, keep track of any work hours you have between now and when you start disability - you'll need to report those earnings on your final UI certification. The transition can feel overwhelming but you're asking the right questions early, which puts you ahead of the game!
This is such a good point about the doctor being aware of your work situation! I hadn't thought about how my variable part-time hours might affect when my doctor recommends starting disability. Since I'm doing some physical tasks at work (even though it's not full-time), should I mention specific job duties to my doctor when we discuss the disability start date? I want to make sure I'm not putting myself or the baby at risk by working too close to my due date.
Join the conversation
My cousins' daughter moved to Florida after maternity leave and tried to get unemployment but got denied because they said she wasnt available for CA work. Maybe it depends on who reviews your claim? The system is so inconsistant!!!
The key is how you explain your situation. If you say you're unavailable for CA work because you prefer to work elsewhere, that's a denial. But if you explain you had to move due to spouse's employment (good cause), AND you're available for work in your new location, that should be approved. If denied, appeal immediately and cite the relevant EDD policy about spousal relocation as good cause.
As someone who recently went through a similar transition, I wanted to share some additional perspective. When I moved from California to Texas after my maternity leave, I was initially nervous about the unemployment process, but it worked out smoothly once I understood the steps. A few things that helped me: - Document EVERYTHING about your husband's job offer and your move - dates, salary info, start date, etc. EDD may request this later - Start researching childcare options in NC now so you can honestly say you're "able and available" for work when you certify - Consider reaching out to NC school districts before you move - many are hiring for fall and some might be willing to do virtual interviews The interstate unemployment system is actually designed for situations like yours. California wants to help people who leave for legitimate reasons (like spousal relocation), not penalize them. Just be completely honest in your application about why you're leaving and where you'll be looking for work. Good luck with the move! Having a newborn during a cross-country relocation is stressful enough without worrying about benefits.
Join the conversation
when i had my baby in 2024 it took like 3 weeks so 6 weeks seems way too long honestly
That's what I was thinking! Everyone I know got their baby bonding approved much faster.
Update?? Were you able to get through to EDD?? I'm stressed out for you!!
I finally got through yesterday! Turns out they needed verification from my employer about my leave status, but the request was sent to an old HR email address we don't use anymore. The agent resent the request to the correct email and said once they hear back, my claim should be processed within 48 hours. And yes, they'll backpay from my original filing date!
That's such a relief! I'm so glad you finally got through and figured out what the hold-up was. It's crazy that they sent the employer verification to the wrong email and didn't bother to follow up when they didn't hear back. The EDD system really needs better communication protocols. Hope you get your backpay soon!
Paolo Esposito
Quick question - did you receive a DE 2517-04 notice? That's usually sent when there's an issue with the claim filing timeframe. Might be worth checking your mail/inbox.
0 coins
Liam Fitzgerald
•I don't think I got that notice. Should I be worried?
0 coins
Paolo Esposito
•Not necessarily, but keep an eye out for it. If you do get one, respond to it ASAP.
0 coins
Mae Bennett
Hey @a8fc72ec4b13! First off, congrats on your new baby! 🎉 I went through something similar last year. A few things to check: Make sure your SDI claim covered the full period you were unable to work (usually 6-8 weeks post-delivery). For PFL, you definitely need to file a separate claim - it's not automatic. You can do this online through the EDD portal. Since your baby is already 2 months old, I'd prioritize getting that PFL application in ASAP because there are filing deadlines. Also, double-check that all your medical documentation was submitted correctly for the SDI claim. Sometimes missing paperwork can cause partial payments. Good luck! 🍀
0 coins
Ana Rusula
•Thank you so much @b82135e541c1! This is really helpful advice. I'm definitely going to check my SDI claim period and get that PFL application submitted today. I had no idea it wasn't automatic - that explains a lot! Really appreciate you taking the time to break it all down for me. 🙏
0 coins