I totally feel your frustration! I went through the exact same thing a few months ago. What finally worked for me was calling the technical support line (1-833-978-2511) instead of the main PFL line. They can sometimes transfer you directly to a PFL specialist and the wait times seemed shorter. Also, try calling on Wednesdays or Thursdays - seemed like Mondays and Fridays were the absolute worst. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 💪

Oh my gosh, I'm dealing with the EXACT same nightmare right now! I've been trying for over 3 weeks and it's honestly making me lose my mind. The worst part is that my claim is time-sensitive and every day that passes feels like money slipping away. I've tried the 8 AM thing, calling throughout the day, even staying up late to call right before they close - nothing works! It's like they have maybe 2 phone lines for the entire state of California. Has anyone tried showing up in person at a local office? I'm getting desperate enough to consider it at this point! Thanks for posting this - at least I know I'm not alone in this madness 😤

Similar thing happened to me last month! The generic "missing information" letters are so unhelpful. What worked for me was going to my local EDD office in person - I know it's a pain, but the staff there could actually look at my file and tell me exactly what was missing (turned out to be a specific form my employer needed to resubmit). Sometimes the online system and phone reps can't see the same level of detail. If you can't get to an office, try the suggestion about checking your online account notices - that's where I found the most specific info. Hang in there!

I just went through this nightmare last week! The "missing information" letter is the most useless thing ever. Here's what finally worked for me: I logged into my SDI Online account (not just the regular EDD portal) and there was actually a detailed message in the inbox that listed exactly what was missing. In my case, it was because my doctor's office had submitted the medical certification but forgot to include the "functional capacity" section on page 2. Also, if you're doing bonding leave, make sure you uploaded a clear copy of the birth certificate - mine was apparently too blurry and they rejected it without telling me specifically why. The whole process took 6 weeks longer than it should have because of their vague communication. Don't give up though, just keep digging through every section of your online account!

I'm going through almost the exact same situation with my elderly father's care! Filed my PFL claim back in November and got the same "Declaration Missing" denial even though I submitted everything they requested - including the doctor's certification about my dad's inability to sign due to his dementia. The most infuriating part is that I've been caring for him for 3 years now and go through this same bureaucratic nightmare every single time I need to file a claim. What really helped me was keeping a detailed log with dates, times, and reference numbers for every single interaction. When I finally got through to someone last week (after literally 4 hours on hold), I was able to reference specific submission dates and confirmation numbers which seemed to move things along faster. Also, I started sending everything via certified mail with return receipts AND uploading to their online portal simultaneously. It's redundant but gives you proof they received everything when they inevitably claim they didn't. Hang in there Carlos - the system is broken but don't let them wear you down. Our parents deserve better than this! 💪

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this Carlos! I've been through a similar situation with my aunt's care and the PFL bureaucracy is absolutely maddening. The "missing declaration" issue is so common - it's like they have a checklist designed to trip people up. One thing that helped me was creating a "PFL survival kit" - a folder with copies of EVERY document, including photos of forms before I mail them, tracking numbers, confirmation screenshots from online submissions, and a detailed timeline of all interactions. I also learned to ask for the representative's full name and employee ID number during every phone call and to request email confirmations when possible. The appeals process is painfully slow, but don't give up! I waited 8 weeks for my appeal response, but it was eventually approved with retroactive payments. In the meantime, if you're facing financial hardship, some counties have emergency caregiver assistance programs that might help bridge the gap. Also, consider reaching out to your state assembly member's office - they often have caseworkers who specialize in helping constituents navigate state agencies like EDD. They can sometimes get through barriers that regular citizens can't. You're doing an amazing thing caring for your parent, and you deserve support, not obstacles. Keep fighting - the system is broken, but you're not! 💪❤️

I'm a benefits specialist who's helped many pregnant women navigate these transitions. You're absolutely correct that you can wait until 37-38 weeks to start SDI! The 36-week eligibility is just when you CAN start without additional medical justification, not when you MUST start. Here's what I always tell my clients: coordinate with your doctor early about your planned disability start date so they're prepared to certify it on the DE2501 form. Make sure you have a clear cutoff day where you stop UI and start SDI - no overlapping claims. Since you're actively interviewing, document that you're able and available for work while on UI. If you land a job, discuss start dates during offer negotiations. Many employers are willing to work with your timeline, especially if they want to hire you. One final tip: keep detailed records of all your benefit transitions. EDD's systems don't always communicate well between programs, and having your own documentation can save you major headaches if there are any processing issues later. You've got this!

As someone who went through this exact situation, I can tell you that you're absolutely fine waiting until 37-38 weeks! I was also job hunting while pregnant and delayed my SDI start until 37.5 weeks. My doctor had no problem certifying that date on the DE2501 form - she said the timing should be based on when you actually feel disabled by pregnancy, not some arbitrary government deadline. The key things that worked for me: 1) I coordinated with my OB early about my planned start date, 2) I made sure to stop my UI claims the day before SDI kicked in (super important!), and 3) I kept detailed records of everything in case EDD had questions later. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're gaming the system - you're entitled to finish your job search if you're still able to work! I actually ended up landing a great position during that time and was able to negotiate a post-maternity start date. Wishing you the best of luck with both your interviews and your upcoming little one! 🤞

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The duplicate submission worry is totally valid - I was stressed about the same thing. When I called EDD to cancel my online claim, the rep told me that as long as you get it canceled before they start processing it, you're good to go. They gave me a cancellation confirmation number which I kept in my records (definitely write that down!). One thing I wish I had known - make sure your doctor knows they need to use BLACK ink only for their signature and any handwritten parts. My doctor used blue ink the first time and EDD sent it back, which delayed everything by another 2 weeks. Also, if you're mailing it in, I'd recommend using a tracking service so you know exactly when it arrives. The peace of mind is worth the extra few bucks! Hope this helps and good luck with your claim! 🤞

Wow, this thread has been so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where I need to switch from online to paper submission for my PFL claim. Reading through everyone's experiences has given me a much clearer game plan. One question I have - for those who successfully made the switch, did EDD give you any kind of timeline for when the online claim would be fully canceled from their system? I'm paranoid about there being some overlap or confusion on their end. Also, has anyone had issues with their doctor's office charging extra fees for filling out the paper forms? My doctor's office mentioned something about an "administrative fee" which caught me off guard. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with EDD's maze of bureaucracy! 🙏