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@Dylan Campbell That s'actually really good advice! I had a similar issue with another government site and it turned out my password manager extension was causing problems. Also @Emma Davis, if you re'still stuck, try typing the password manually instead of copy/pasting - sometimes there are hidden characters that mess things up.
@Emma Davis I went through this exact same nightmare a few weeks ago! What finally worked for me was doing the password reset on my phone using mobile data instead of WiFi, and making sure I was logged out of ALL other Google/browser accounts first. Something about having multiple sessions seemed to confuse their system. Also try incognito/private browsing mode - that cleared up the issue for me instantly. Hope this helps! 🙏
Had this exact issue just two weeks ago! What ended up working for me was clearing ALL my browser data (not just cache - cookies, stored passwords, everything) and then trying the password reset again in an incognito/private window. Apparently EDD's system gets confused if you have any old session data stored. Also, when you get the reset email, don't click the link directly - copy and paste it into a fresh browser window. I know it sounds weird but it worked for me after days of frustration. If that doesn't work, definitely try that technical support number someone mentioned - that's gold info right there!
This is such a great tip about clearing ALL browser data! I never would have thought to do that. The copy/paste trick for the reset link is really smart too - sometimes these government sites have the weirdest quirks. I'm definitely going to try this method first since it's something I can do right now without having to wait on hold. Thanks for sharing what worked for you!
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and found this thread super helpful! I tried the mobile app approach that StarSailor mentioned and it actually worked - I was able to reset my password through the app when the website kept failing. For anyone else struggling with this, I'd definitely recommend trying multiple approaches: the mobile app first, then the technical support line at 1-866-333-4606 that Noah shared (those menu options are a lifesaver!), and if those don't work, the browser clearing method Jamal described. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops, but at least there are several different ways to tackle this problem. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is amazing! 🙏
This whole thread is exactly what I needed to read right now! I've been trying to adjust my PFL dates for over two weeks and was starting to lose hope. The disability services line at 1-800-480-3287 is news to me - I can't believe there's been an alternative to that main EDD black hole this whole time! I'm definitely going to try the 8:02 AM strategy tomorrow with all my documentation ready. The assembly member backup plan is genius too - never thought about escalating through elected officials. One thing I'm curious about: has anyone had success with the online portal recently, or is calling still the most reliable way to get actual results? I submitted a request online about 5 days ago but haven't heard anything back yet. Really appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked instead of just complaining. This community support makes dealing with this bureaucratic nightmare so much more manageable! 🙏
I'm in the exact same situation! Just discovered this thread and feeling so much more hopeful now. The disability services line is completely new information to me too - I've been banging my head against the wall with that main EDD number for weeks. From what I've read in the comments above, calling seems to be getting better results than the online portal lately. Several people mentioned the online submissions taking a week or more with no response, while the disability line has been getting people through in 15-20 minutes when they call right at opening. I'm setting my alarm for 8:00 AM tomorrow to try that 8:02 strategy! Thanks for asking about the online portal - helps to know I'm not the only one waiting on that front. We've got this! 💪
I've been lurking on this thread and wow, you all have created an incredible resource here! As someone who's currently stuck in PFL date adjustment hell (going on week 3 now), reading through all these real strategies gives me so much hope. I had no clue about the disability services line at 1-800-480-3287 - that's a complete game changer! I've been torturing myself with the main EDD line and getting nowhere. The 8:02 AM timing tip is so smart too, and I love how specific everyone is being about what actually works versus just general advice. The assembly member escalation strategy blew my mind - I never thought about getting elected officials involved but it makes perfect sense that they'd have direct lines to cut through the bureaucracy. Definitely bookmarking that findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov site for backup. Planning to try the systematic approach tomorrow: disability services line at 8:02, all docs ready as PDFs, ask for confirmation email AND case number. If that doesn't work, I'll pivot to the assembly member route. Thanks everyone for turning what felt like an impossible situation into an actual action plan! This is exactly the kind of community support we need when dealing with these systems. 🙏
I work in HR and deal with these forms regularly. The most universally accepted terms are "Supplemental Disability Benefits" or "Wage Continuation Program." Both clearly indicate to EDD that your employer is providing additional compensation during your disability leave. I'd recommend calling your HR department first to see what they officially call the program in your benefits documentation - using their exact terminology can help avoid any confusion if EDD needs to verify details with your employer later. Also, make sure you understand whether your company pays the supplement directly to you or if they coordinate payments through EDD, as this affects how you'll need to report it during your ongoing certifications.
This is really helpful coming from someone who works in HR! I'm definitely going to call my HR department tomorrow to get their official terminology and clarify whether they pay me directly or coordinate through EDD. That's such a good point about using their exact wording to avoid confusion later. I'm learning so much from everyone's experiences here - thank you for taking the time to share your professional perspective!
I just went through this same situation a couple months ago! My company calls it "Short-Term Disability Supplement" and that's what I put on my form - it went through without any problems. One thing that really helped me was asking HR for an email confirming exactly what they call it and how much they'll pay, because I needed to reference it later when doing my certifications. Also found out that my company reports the payments directly to EDD, so I didn't have to worry about reporting it myself during the bi-weekly certifications. Definitely worth clarifying that part with your HR too! The whole process was way less scary once I had all the details straight from them.
That's really reassuring to hear your experience went smoothly! I love the idea of getting an email from HR with all the details - that's so smart to have it in writing for reference later. It sounds like having your company report directly to EDD makes the certification process much easier too. I'm definitely going to ask my HR about that when I call them tomorrow. Thanks for sharing what worked for you!
Oliver Schmidt
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I went through a similar situation with employment gaps and was worried about PFL eligibility too. The good news is that California's system is designed to help working parents, and your situation sounds like it should qualify. Since you worked from January-July 2024 at your original job, then had part-time work through December, you should definitely have enough earnings in your base period (which would be all of 2024 for an April 2025 claim). The fact that you're back with the same employer might actually work in your favor for job protection rights too. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - start gathering your documentation now! Keep all your pay stubs, employment letters, and any correspondence with your employer about your rehiring. Having everything organized will make the claims process much smoother when you're dealing with a newborn. Also, don't stress too much about the complex system - it seems overwhelming at first, but EDD has gotten better at processing maternity claims in recent years. You've got this!
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Axel Far
•Thank you so much! That's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through something similar. I'm definitely going to start organizing all my documentation now - that's such good advice. It's been really stressful worrying about whether I'd qualify, but everyone here has been so helpful in explaining how the system actually works. I feel much more confident now that I should be covered. Thanks for the encouragement!
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Vanessa Figueroa
Hey Aisha! Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 I just went through the PFL process myself last year and wanted to share a few things that might help ease your mind: Your work situation actually sounds pretty solid for PFL eligibility. Since you worked full-time from January-July 2024, plus had part-time earnings through December, you should easily meet the $300 minimum earnings requirement for your base period. The system looks at ALL your covered employment, not just one specific job. A couple practical tips from my experience: - Download the SDI mobile app once you create your account - it's way easier to check claim status than the website - When your doctor certifies you for disability, ask for a copy of the form they submit. Sometimes there are delays and having your own copy helps if you need to follow up - Start tracking your expected due date and count backwards 4 weeks - that's typically when you can start your pregnancy disability claim The rehiring situation is actually great news for job protection! Since it's the same employer, your previous service time might count toward FMLA/CFRA eligibility thresholds. You've got this! The system can be confusing but it sounds like you're asking all the right questions. Feel free to ask if you have any other concerns!
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Yuki Tanaka
•This is such helpful practical advice, thank you Vanessa! I had no idea there was an SDI mobile app - that will definitely make things easier. And asking for a copy of the certification form is brilliant - I wouldn't have thought of that but it makes total sense in case there are any processing delays. I'm going to start counting backwards from my due date to figure out the timing. It's so reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through this recently and that the process worked out well. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! 💕
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