i had my baby in dec n i just wanna say - there is NO WAY ur gonna be able to work with a newborn!! like seriously even checking emails was impossible for me. if they expect u to actually work while u have a tiny baby they r delusional lol

I went through something similar with my first baby! Here's what I learned the hard way - you need to separate the emotional/relationship aspect from the legal/financial aspect. Your boss sounds well-intentioned, but small companies often don't understand CA leave laws. Key questions to ask yourself: 1. Will you actually be WORKING or just available/on-call? There's a huge difference legally. 2. What happens if you have complications and need more time off? 3. Is this arrangement documented anywhere official? My advice: Thank your boss for the generous offer, but also educate yourself on your legal rights. You can say something like "I really appreciate this offer! Let me just make sure I understand all my options under CA law so I can plan properly." Most reasonable employers will respect that you're being thorough. Also consider that even if their offer is financially equivalent to state benefits, the official leaves give you job protection and clear legal frameworks. Sometimes the "safe" choice is worth more than a few extra dollars. Feel free to accept their offer if it works better for your family, but make sure you're making an informed decision rather than just going with what seems easiest in the moment!

Pro tip: If you're gonna call EDD, make sure you have snacks and a good podcast queued up. You're gonna be there for a while 😅

Same here! I've been dealing with this for about two weeks now. What helped me was using a different device - turns out my laptop had some browser compatibility issues with their site. Also, try logging out completely and clearing your cache before logging back in. Sometimes the session gets stuck and causes weird errors. If you're still having trouble, document everything (screenshots, error messages, dates/times) - it'll help if you need to escalate later. This whole system is such a pain but we'll get through it! 💪

oh that makes sense, didnt realize there was waiting periods for company benefits

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this during what should be a special bonding time with your baby. This sounds like a really stressful situation, but everyone here has given you excellent advice about taking PFL first before unemployment. One thing I wanted to add - when you do file your PFL claim, make sure to keep copies of everything your employer sent you about the "relocation" and reapplication requirement. If you end up pursuing legal action later, having that documentation showing the timeline (that they notified you of this while you were on protected leave) could be really important. Also, don't let them pressure you into making any quick decisions about reapplying or accepting their terms. You have rights here, and it sounds like they're hoping you'll just quietly go away. Take your time to get proper legal advice before responding to their demands. Hang in there - you've got this! Focus on your baby and your recovery first, and the rest will work itself out.

PSA: If your claim is taking forever, check if you qualify for any local assistance programs. Some cities/counties have emergency funds for situations like this. It's not a solution, but it might help tide you over.

Hey OP, I went through this exact same nightmare last year. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Call the technical support line instead of the main number - it's 1-833-978-2511. They can sometimes transfer you to the right department faster. 2. Try calling right at 8 AM on weekdays. Set multiple alarms and start dialing exactly when they open. 3. If you have any documentation from your doctor or employer, make sure it's uploaded to your online account. Sometimes they're waiting for something you don't even know about. 4. Keep certifying for benefits even if you haven't been paid yet - don't let your claim lapse! I know it's super stressful when you're counting on that money. Took me about 5 weeks total but I did eventually get all my back pay. Don't give up! 🤞

Just to add some reassurance - I received about 6 weeks of backpay all at once when my PFL baby bonding was finally approved. The good news is that once the claim is approved, the payment typically arrives within 24-48 hours via EDD debit card or direct deposit (if you set that up). If it's been more than 4 weeks since he filed and you've heard nothing, I would definitely try to contact EDD to check the status. Sometimes claims get stuck due to simple verification issues that can be quickly resolved once you speak with a representative.

I went through this exact situation with my wife's PFL claim last year! The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're counting on that income. A few things that might help while you wait: 1. Document everything - keep copies of all forms submitted and any confirmation numbers 2. Your husband should definitely keep certifying for benefits even after he returns to work - you can still certify for past weeks 3. The backpay WILL come once approved - we got 7 weeks all at once and it was such a relief Also, since he took time off before the birth, check if his employer has any other leave policies that might cover those January weeks. Some companies have separate parental leave benefits or allow you to use sick time for family bonding. Hang in there - I know the financial stress is overwhelming but the payment will come through! 💙