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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
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Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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I just finished my entire maternity leave journey (SDI + PFL) and wanted to share some additional insights! My SDI payments came every other Wednesday starting about 12 days after processing, and the consistency was actually really good once it got going. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - you can actually check your payment history and upcoming payment dates in the EDD portal under "Payment Information." This helped me plan so much better than just guessing based on the 14-day cycle. For the SDI to PFL transition, I filed my PFL claim (DE2508) about 3 weeks before my SDI was set to end, and I still had a 2-week gap. But here's what helped - I called EDD right after filing PFL and asked them to expedite the processing since I was transitioning from an existing claim. The rep was actually helpful and flagged my account for faster review. Also, a practical tip for new moms: once you're on PFL baby bonding, you can still certify for benefits even while dealing with newborn chaos. The certification questions are simple (essentially just confirming you're bonding with baby and not working), and you can do it from your phone at 3am during those feeding sessions! The whole process is definitely confusing upfront, but the payments do become reliable. Just budget conservatively for those first few weeks and the transition period. Good luck with your delivery!
This is such comprehensive and reassuring information! Thank you for sharing your complete journey from SDI through PFL. The tip about checking payment history and upcoming dates in the EDD portal is brilliant - I had no idea that feature existed and it sounds like it would eliminate so much guesswork about timing. I'm definitely going to explore that section of my account once my claim gets processed. The insight about calling EDD to expedite PFL processing when transitioning from an existing SDI claim is really valuable. I wouldn't have thought to specifically ask them to flag my account for faster review, but it makes total sense since it's a continuation rather than a brand new claim. Even with that, having a 2-week gap sounds pretty typical based on what others have shared, so I'll definitely plan for that financially. I love the practical tip about certifying during those middle-of-the-night feeding sessions! It's exactly the kind of real-world mom advice that you don't get from official websites. Knowing that the PFL certification questions are straightforward and can be done on mobile during newborn chaos is actually really comforting as I think about managing everything with a new baby. Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed, practical advice from someone who made it through the entire process successfully!
I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant and planning to file my SDI claim soon, so this entire thread has been incredibly educational! Based on everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key takeaways are: expect 10-14 days for first payment after processing, payments come every 2 weeks on a day assigned based on your SSN/processing date, and budget for a 2-3 week gap when transitioning from SDI to PFL. One question I haven't seen addressed - has anyone dealt with twins or multiples? I'm expecting twins and wondering if that affects the SDI timeline at all, either for when I can start disability leave or how long it's approved for. My OB mentioned I might need to start leave earlier and recover longer, but I'm not sure how that translates to the EDD side of things. Also, for those who mentioned the EDD mobile app - does it work well for the initial application process, or is it better to use the full website for filing? I'm trying to decide the best approach when I submit my claim in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences! This has been way more helpful than anything I found on the official EDD website.
Great question about twins! I don't have personal experience with multiples, but I have a friend who had twins last year and her experience was definitely different from singleton pregnancies. Her doctor was able to certify her for SDI starting at 32 weeks (instead of the typical 36+ weeks) due to the higher risk nature of twin pregnancy, and her recovery period was extended to 8 weeks instead of 6 for vaginal delivery. The key thing is that your OB will determine the timeline based on medical necessity and document it appropriately on your SDI forms. EDD typically follows whatever your doctor certifies as medically necessary for multiples, since twin pregnancies are automatically considered higher risk. So if your doctor recommends starting leave earlier or extending recovery time, EDD should approve it as long as the medical documentation supports it. For the mobile app vs website question - I'd definitely recommend using the full website for your initial application. The mobile app is great for certifying benefits and checking status once your claim is established, but the initial SDI application has a lot of detailed forms and document uploads that are much easier to handle on a computer. You can always download the app afterward for the ongoing management part. Congratulations on your twins! The financial planning is definitely more complex with multiples, but at least now you have a good roadmap for the EDD process timeline.
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This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a new parent (baby arrived last month) and I was completely overwhelmed trying to figure out the PFL system. Based on everyone's advice, I ended up taking 3 weeks initially, then I'm planning to take my remaining 5 weeks in two chunks - 3 weeks in the spring and 2 weeks in the summer when my partner has more availability to help. One thing I learned that might help others: when you're planning intermittent leave, it's worth having a conversation with your payroll department too, not just HR. They need to coordinate with EDD on the wage verification, and mine mentioned that having the dates planned out in advance makes their job much easier. Also, for anyone worried about the paperwork - yes, there are additional forms for each period, but it's not nearly as complicated as the initial claim. The "Notice and Request for Additional Period" form is pretty straightforward once you've been through the process once. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it made navigating this whole system so much less stressful!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! I'm a first-time parent-to-be (due in May) and the whole PFL system seemed so overwhelming. Your point about talking to payroll is brilliant - I hadn't even thought about that aspect. It's really reassuring to know that the additional forms aren't as scary as they sound. I'm definitely going to plan out my intermittent leave schedule in advance and get everyone on the same page before I submit anything. Thanks for sharing your real-world experience - it makes this whole process feel much more manageable!
As someone who just went through this process last year, I can confirm that intermittent PFL for baby bonding is absolutely allowed! I took mine in three chunks: 3 weeks right after birth, 2 weeks when my partner went back to work, and then my final 3 weeks during the holidays when childcare was harder to arrange. A few practical tips that saved me headaches: - Submit your paperwork at least 3 weeks before you need each period to start (processing takes time!) - Keep a calendar specifically for tracking your PFL usage - it helps when filling out forms - If your employer uses a third-party leave administrator (like UNUM or MetLife), make sure they understand California's intermittent PFL rules too The 12-month window to use all 8 weeks gives you SO much flexibility. Just remember that your employer's policy might be more restrictive than EDD's, so definitely get that conversation with HR sorted out first. Good luck with your little one!
This is such practical advice, thank you! The 3-week advance notice tip is especially helpful - I hadn't realized the processing time could be that long. I love the idea of keeping a dedicated PFL calendar too. Quick question: when you mention third-party leave administrators, how do I find out if my company uses one? Should I ask HR directly, or is there another way to check? I want to make sure I'm talking to the right people when I start planning my intermittent leave schedule.
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I had this exact same issue a few weeks ago! What ended up working for me was switching to a different device entirely. I was trying on my phone and laptop with no luck, but when I borrowed my roommate's desktop computer it went through immediately. Something about the way different devices handle the verification process I guess? Also make sure you're not using any browser extensions or ad blockers - those can interfere with the bank verification. Worth a shot before you have to deal with calling or going in person!
That's really interesting about the device thing! I never would have thought that could make a difference. I've been struggling with this same verification issue for days now. I'll definitely try using a different computer - maybe my work laptop will have better luck than my personal one. Also good point about the browser extensions, I do have an ad blocker running that might be messing things up. Thanks for sharing what worked for you! 🙏
I ran into this same verification nightmare a couple months ago! What finally worked for me was a combination of things: first, I made sure I was using the exact name format that appears on my bank statements (including any middle initials or Jr./Sr. suffixes), and second, I had to temporarily disable my VPN - apparently that was blocking the verification process. Also try doing it during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening when their servers aren't as overloaded. The system is definitely glitchy but these steps got me through eventually. Don't give up!
Oh wow, the VPN thing is brilliant! I've been banging my head against the wall trying to figure this out and I totally have my VPN running 24/7. Never occurred to me that could be interfering with the bank verification. Definitely going to try disabling it and see if that does the trick. The name formatting tip is super helpful too - I might have been putting in my nickname instead of my full legal name. Thanks so much for sharing these solutions! 🤞
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As someone who's brand new to this community and California's benefit systems, I'm absolutely amazed by this entire thread! I had no idea that postpartum depression could qualify for disability benefits or that there was such complexity involved in navigating between SDI and PFL programs. What really strikes me is how Admin_Masters had the courage to share such a vulnerable situation, and how that openness brought out incredible support and knowledge from this community. The step-by-step guidance everyone provided - from the DE2501 forms to the EDD communication process - is exactly the kind of real-world information that's impossible to find in official documentation. It's particularly reassuring to learn that California recognizes mental health conditions like PPD as legitimate medical disabilities. The fact that you can pause PFL to address urgent mental health needs through SDI and then resume your remaining bonding time later shows there's real flexibility in the system, even when it's not immediately obvious. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences so openly - this thread has become such a valuable resource for new parents facing unexpected challenges. Admin_Masters, your follow-up with the successful resolution will definitely help others navigate similar situations. Wishing you continued healing in your recovery journey! 💙
I'm also completely new to this community and had zero knowledge about California's benefit systems before stumbling across this incredible thread! As someone just starting to learn about these programs, I'm honestly blown away by how much crucial information has been shared here. What really stands out to me is how Admin_Masters was willing to be so vulnerable during such a difficult time, and how that created space for everyone to share their expertise and support. The combination of detailed procedural guidance, personal recovery stories, and professional insights has created what feels like the most comprehensive resource on this topic I've ever encountered. It's incredibly encouraging to learn that mental health conditions like postpartum depression are treated with the same legitimacy as physical disabilities in California's system. For someone like me who's just beginning to understand these benefits, knowing that there's flexibility to address unexpected mental health challenges while preserving your bonding time provides so much reassurance. Thank you to everyone who contributed their knowledge and experiences - this thread perfectly shows how peer support makes navigating complex systems so much more manageable during vulnerable times. Admin_Masters, your courage in sharing your complete journey and providing that crucial resolution update will undoubtedly help other families facing similar situations! 💚
As someone who's completely new to this community and California's benefit systems, I'm absolutely blown away by this entire discussion! I had no idea that postpartum depression could qualify for disability benefits or that there was such flexibility to switch between SDI and PFL programs when mental health challenges arise. What really amazes me is how Admin_Masters had the courage to share such a deeply personal and vulnerable situation, and how that created space for this incredible community to rally with both detailed practical guidance and genuine emotional support. Reading through all the responses has been like getting a masterclass in navigating these complex systems that I never would have found through any official channels. It's particularly reassuring to learn that California treats mental health conditions like PPD as legitimate medical disabilities deserving of the same support as physical conditions. The fact that you can pause PFL to address urgent mental health needs through SDI and then resume your remaining bonding time later shows there's real flexibility built into the system, even when it's not immediately obvious how to access it. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences so openly - from the step-by-step procedural breakdowns to the personal recovery stories. This thread has become such a valuable resource that will help countless new parents facing similar unexpected challenges. Admin_Masters, your follow-up with the successful resolution process is incredibly helpful and shows real strength in turning a personal struggle into something that benefits others. Wishing you continued healing! 💜
I'm also brand new to this community and had absolutely no knowledge of California's benefit systems before finding this incredible thread! As someone just starting to understand these programs, I'm truly amazed by how much valuable information and genuine support has been shared here. What really strikes me is how Admin_Masters was brave enough to share such a personal struggle during an already overwhelming time, and how that vulnerability created this amazing resource for so many others. The detailed guidance everyone provided - from the specific forms needed to the timeline expectations - is exactly the kind of practical information that's so hard to find when you're actually dealing with these situations in real life. It's incredibly reassuring to learn that California recognizes mental health conditions like postpartum depression as legitimate disabilities deserving of support. For someone like me who's just learning about all this, knowing that there's flexibility in the system to address unexpected mental health challenges while still preserving your bonding benefits gives me so much peace of mind for the future. Thank you to everyone who contributed their experiences and expertise - this thread perfectly demonstrates how peer support can make navigating complex bureaucratic systems so much more manageable during the most vulnerable times. Admin_Masters, your courage in documenting this entire journey and sharing the successful resolution will definitely help other families who find themselves in similar situations! 🌸
Hassan Khoury
I'm dealing with the exact same frustrating situation right now! My PFL baby bonding claim has been stuck for over 2 weeks and I'm getting nowhere with the regular phone lines. After reading through all these incredibly helpful responses, I'm planning to try the Tuesday 8:00 AM strategy using 1-877-238-4373 with the 1-1-2 sequence. The insider tips about listening for background noise during that 3-4 second delay and using specific language like "PFL baby bonding claim stuck due to employer date issue" are game-changers I never would have known about. It's both heartbreaking and reassuring to see so many other new parents struggling with this broken system when we should be focused on bonding with our babies instead of fighting bureaucracy. Thank you everyone for sharing what actually worked - this community support gives me hope that persistence will eventually pay off! Going to charge my phone, write down my questions, and commit to however many redials it takes this Tuesday morning. 🤞
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Ethan Wilson
•You're absolutely not alone in this struggle! I'm a new community member here but I've been lurking and reading through everyone's experiences with these PFL claim issues. The solidarity and practical advice in this thread is incredible - it's like a survival guide for navigating EDD's broken system. The Tuesday 8am strategy with that specific phone sequence seems to be the most consistent approach that's actually worked for people. I love how everyone is sharing not just what to do, but the emotional support too because this really is exhausting when you're already sleep-deprived with a newborn. The insider knowledge from the former EDD employee about listening for audio cues and requesting Tier 2 specialists is pure gold. Wishing you success on your Tuesday morning attempt - we're all rooting for each other here! 💪
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Ava Rodriguez
I'm a new parent who just successfully got through to EDD PFL after weeks of trying! I used the Tuesday 8:00 AM strategy with 1-877-238-4373 and the 1-1-2 sequence that everyone's been recommending. It took 67 redials but I finally got through after listening for that background noise cue during the delay - that insider tip was absolutely crucial! My claim was stuck because my employer submitted the wrong transition date from pregnancy disability to baby bonding, just like so many others here. The rep was incredibly helpful and fixed it immediately - I should see payments within 5-7 business days. To anyone still struggling: download an auto-redial app, have your claim ID and baby's birth date ready, charge your phone fully, and DO NOT give up once you hear hold music no matter how long it takes. This thread gave me the exact roadmap I needed when I was desperate and overwhelmed. Thank you to everyone who shared what worked - your advice literally saved my family's financial situation! 🙏✨
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Paolo Marino
•Congratulations on finally getting through! This gives me so much hope as someone who's been stuck in this same nightmare for weeks. 67 redials sounds absolutely brutal but knowing it led to immediate resolution makes it totally worth it. The fact that your issue was also the employer transition date problem confirms what so many others are experiencing - it seems like this is a really common glitch in their system. I'm definitely going to download that auto-redial app and try the Tuesday 8am approach with all the tips from this thread. It's amazing how this community has basically created the definitive guide to actually reaching EDD when their official system is so broken. Thank you for coming back to share your success story - it means everything to those of us still fighting through this process! 🙌
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Ale D.
•@Ava Rodriguez I m'confused on the 1-1-2 sequence. After I call, I m'prompted to enter a 4-digit verification code. I enter the 4 digit code, and then the lady says For "Faster service have your claim number ready... I" ve'tried entering 1-1-2 before she speaks, so like 4 digit code + 1-1-2, and also 1-1-2 while she s'speaking. At what point do you enter it? your guidance is appreciated. I m'about to throw my phone out of frustration with this whole process.
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