The entire system is designed to create these gaps so they don't have to pay you. I had THREE different gaps during my pregnancy disability and baby bonding period. Every time it was because of THEIR delays in processing paperwork that THEY required. And then they act like it's your fault! The whole CA disability system is broken, especially for new mothers. I spent more time fighting with EDD than bonding with my baby during the first month. It's criminal.

Final update: Success! The psychiatrist completed both the EDD supplemental certification and my employer's continuous leave form. He documented that my condition has been ongoing since the original certification expired. HR has confirmed my job protection stays intact with no need to use PTO. Now just waiting on EDD to process the payment for those gap weeks. Thank you everyone for your help!

I work with EDD claimants regularly, and I can provide some clarification on this common issue: The Bank of America EDD debit cards are completely managed by BofA, not EDD directly. This creates a disconnect that frequently causes problems for claimants. For your specific situation: 1. Call BofA EDD Card Services (1-866-692-9374) to check if a card was issued 2. If a card was issued but not received within 10 business days, request a replacement 3. Ask BofA about the status of funds on the account - they can tell you if money has been deposited For future reference, once you receive your card, immediately set up direct deposit to your personal bank account through the BofA prepaid website. This way, all future payments will automatically transfer to your personal account without needing to use the card. Also, be aware that your first PFL payment might be larger than subsequent ones if it includes retroactive benefits from your filing date.

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! Called the BofA EDD card number and after pressing 0 about 20 times, got a real person. Turns out they sent my card on May 5th but to my old address (even though I updated it with EDD months ago). They're sending a replacement card with expedited shipping (should arrive in 3 business days) and I was able to verify that my benefit payment is sitting in the account waiting for me. I also set up direct deposit for future payments so I won't have to deal with the card again. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely call BofA directly and be persistent. The EDD and BofA systems don't communicate well with each other, so address updates in one system don't transfer to the other automatically. Thanks everyone for your help!

UPDATE: I finally got through to an EDD agent (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above - actually worked!) and found out my claim was stuck because they never received my doctor's certification to close out my pregnancy disability. Even though my doctor swore they sent it! The agent helped me file a request for backdate and is sending me the forms to have my doctor resubmit. Should be resolved in 7-10 days. Fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your help!

wait what happens if my doctor already submitted the disability paperwork before i even gave birth?? like they put my due date but i'm still pregnant?? will that mess everything up????

I've been through PFL twice now and here's what I learned: the "normal" processing time is 7-14 days, BUT that assumes everything goes perfectly. If there's ANY issue with your claim - even something tiny - it can get stuck in processing limbo for weeks without anyone telling you. Some tips: 1) Check your EDD account daily to see if they've posted any notices requesting additional info 2) Make sure your employer responds to their verification request promptly 3) Call if you don't see movement after 10 business days And yes, 100% confirmed there is NO waiting period for PFL baby bonding. That's only for disability claims.

UPDATE: My claim was just approved this morning! Took exactly 9 days from submission to approval. No waiting period deducted, so all 5 weeks were approved. Thanks everyone for your help!

Just to give you hope, my PFL baby bonding claim was stuck for 6 weeks, then I discovered they needed additional info from my employer (which they never told me about). Once I got my HR to submit the missing wage info, my claim was processed in 2 days. Check if there's something similar holding up your claim. Also, I've found that calling on Wednesdays between 1-2pm has better luck getting through than mornings when everyone is calling.

Glad you found the message in your account! This is extremely common with the new system - the notification emails often go to spam or don't send at all. Once you've submitted that employer verification, give it 3-5 business days and then call again if it's not processed. The PFL division is legally required to make a determination within 14 days of receiving all required documentation.