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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.
While the system definitely has flaws, there are specific procedures for handling gaps in coverage. The important thing is documenting that the medical condition was continuous, even if there were administrative delays in getting appointments or paperwork. EDD will typically backpay if you can show the qualifying condition existed during the gap period.
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!
So glad to hear this worked out! For anyone else reading this thread in the future, this is why documentation from healthcare providers is so critical during pregnancy disability and PFL claims. Always get paperwork that clearly covers any potential gaps, and don't be afraid to ask your provider to specifically note that a condition was continuous even if there were appointment delays.
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.
In theory this all sounds great but BofA's customer service for these EDD cards is AWFUL. I wasted hours trying to get through to someone competent who could actually help. Their automated system keeps asking for card info you don't have!!!
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!
Great news! This is exactly why speaking with an agent is so important - these transition issues almost always require manual intervention. Make sure your doctor sends the certification via fax with a cover sheet clearly stating your EDD Customer Account Number and claim details. Keep that fax confirmation as proof of submission.
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????
No, that's actually normal. Your doctor submits the initial certification with the estimated due date, but after delivery, they need to submit a final certification with the actual delivery date and recovery period. Make sure your doctor knows when you actually gave birth so they can send in that final paperwork. This is critical for the transition to baby bonding PFL.
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.
Miguel Hernández
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
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Yuki Tanaka
•This is somewhat inaccurate. The EDD recommends filing your PFL claim for baby bonding NO EARLIER than 9 days before your disability claim ends, but you CAN file it on the final day of disability. However, filing at least a week before is best practice to avoid potential payment gaps. The system hasn't changed - this has been the recommendation for years.
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Aaliyah Jackson
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!
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KylieRose
•Great news! Yes, definitely submit your PFL baby bonding claim about a week before your disability extension ends to ensure smooth processing. Glad everything worked out!
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