UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above - it actually worked!). The rep confirmed my payment WAS sent to the Money Network card even though I had direct deposit set up. Apparently for first-time maternity leave payments they sometimes default to the card for security reasons?? Anyway, I activated my card and the money is there! For future payments they said direct deposit should work as expected. Just wanted to update in case anyone else has this problem.

Thanks for sharing this update! Yes, this is a common issue with first payments that many claimants encounter. For anyone reading this thread in the future: 1. Always activate your Money Network card even if you set up direct deposit 2. First payments often default to the card regardless of your settings 3. Subsequent payments should follow your chosen payment method 4. If your payment status shows "issued" but hasn't arrived in 3-5 business days, contact EDD directly Glad you were able to get it resolved!

I feel for you so much right now. My twins were born with complications last year and I had to piece together different leaves. One thing no one mentioned yet - if your baby's condition is severe enough, you might qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in California. It's meant for ongoing care needs though, not just temporary recovery from surgery. Another thing - sometimes your employer will allow you to go negative on PTO or take an unpaid personal leave beyond what's legally required. Doesn't hurt to ask. The whole system is so broken for parents of medically complex kids.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: I forgot to mention - when you apply for the caregiving PFL after baby bonding, they'll likely ask why you can't return to work briefly between the two claims. THIS IS A TRAP! The law does NOT require you to return to work between claims, but many EDD reps think it does. Your response should emphasize the continuous nature of care from bonding with a newborn to medical caregiving for the same child. Be very clear that there was no break in your caregiving responsibilities - you've been caring for your child continuously since birth, and their medical needs now require extending that care. I had my doctor write a letter specifically explaining why continuous care was medically necessary for my child's condition, which finally got my second claim approved.

oh and heads up - when u transition from pregnancy SDI to baby bonding PFL after birth thats when u WILL need a completely new application! don't get confused and think its all automatic. totally different claim for that part.

You know what's really infuriating? I called my EDD office 27 TIMES last month asking this EXACT question and got 3 completely different answers from 3 different representatives!!! One told me I needed a new claim, one told me just a doctor's note would work, and one said I needed some special form. The whole system is designed to confuse us and deny benefits. I bet half the women who get pregnant never get the full benefits they deserve because it's too complicated to figure out what to do when circumstances change!!! 😡😡😡

this whole system is a JOKE. they expect new moms with freaking newborns to jump through all these hoops just to get money we're entitled to after paying into the system for years. i had my baby in 2023 and it took SEVEN WEEKS to get my first disability payment. and then another 3 week delay transitioning to baby bonding. i ended up having to borrow money from family which was humiliating.

Quick update on my previous comment - if you do go to the office, try to be there at least 30 minutes before they open. The lines get extremely long, especially at month-end when everyone is desperate for their payments to pay rent. Also, check if the office near you requires appointments now. Some EDD offices changed their policies after COVID and now require scheduled appointments for certain services.

Anyone notice how weird it is that EDD still uses Bank of America for this stuff? My friend in Nevada gets her unemployment on a different bank card. Wonder why California sticks with BofA.

Just to give you the most current information - I confirmed with EDD last month that they are planning to switch from Bank of America to a new provider for debit cards sometime in early 2026. But for now, all SDI and PFL payments still go through BofA if you select the debit card option. As others mentioned, if your card is expired, Bank of America will automatically send you a new one when your first payment is issued. This typically takes 7-10 business days, though some people have reported delays. If you're really concerned, you can also check your payment status through your SDI Online account. Once it shows "Paid" with an amount and date, you know the money has been sent to BofA.