Wait I thought PFL was only for bonding with a new baby?? I didn't know you could use it for taking care of sick family members too! Learn something new everyday I guess.

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what happened in case it helps someone else. I filed a new claim online and had my husband's cardiologist complete the new certification form. As suggested, I made sure they included specific language about the defibrillator vest and supervision requirements. I called EDD using the Claimyr service that was recommended (which actually worked great - connected me to a real person in about 8 minutes) and the rep confirmed that I was doing everything correctly. She added a note to my file about the urgency of my husband's condition. My claim was approved in 6 days, and I've already received the first payment. Thank you everyone for your help!

One important thing to remember is that EDD pays based on the week you certify, not when they process the payment. So if you submitted a timesheet that covered multiple weeks with different work hours, make sure you check how they broke it down by week. Sometimes this causes confusion when the math doesn't seem to add up.

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The agent explained that for PFL with part-time work, they do send a separate notice showing the calculation, but it comes 5-7 days after the payment. She confirmed my hours were recorded correctly and walked me through the formula (similar to what @helpful_person described above). My advice to anyone else with this issue - check your mail for the notice, and if you don't get it within a week after payment, definitely call. And yes, document EVERYTHING!

Look I'm just gonna be real with you - EDD's internal systems are a MESS. Half the time the different departments don't even communicate properly. I've had plenty of issues with them over the years. My sister had a similar situation and they never even connected her old UI penalty with her pregnancy claim. But why risk it? Pay off what you owe if you can, and be super transparent going forward. The fact that you closed your previous claim when you returned to work actually works in your favor - shows you weren't trying to double-dip long term.

random question but how far along are you? i'm 6 months and just starting to figure out all this paperwork stuff too! the whole process is SO confusing... i'm filling out my DE2501 next week! 🤰

The EDD debit card message means your PFL claim has been approved, but there's a specific process to follow now. Here's what's happening: 1. Your PFL baby bonding claim has been processed and approved 2. EDD has authorized Bank of America to issue you a debit card 3. Bank of America will mail this card to your address on file 4. Your benefits will be loaded onto this card 5. The card is valid for 3 years (which explains the message) Important steps to take: - Watch for a plain envelope from Bank of America in the next 5-7 business days - Once received, activate the card immediately by calling the number on the sticker - Set up online access to manage your card at prepaid.bankofamerica.com/eddcard - Consider setting up direct deposit from your card to your personal bank account The online account might still show "received" status temporarily - the systems don't always update simultaneously. The benefit card message from the phone system is confirmation of approval.

Update: You were all right!! My debit card came in the mail today in a very plain envelope that I almost threw away. I've activated it and there's already money on it! Such a relief. I'm going to set up direct deposit to my regular bank account as suggested. Thanks everyone for helping this sleep-deprived new mom figure this out! The EDD seriously needs to improve their communication system though!

my cousin had her baby in january and she said they changed the system and now u need to file for bonding leave atleast 10 days before disability ends or u get a gap!!! just letting u know

UPDATE: You were all right! I just checked my EDD account and my next payment is scheduled for 3/18, exactly two weeks after my last payment. Thank you everyone for your help and advice! Now I need to make sure I submit my baby bonding claim on time!