oh also make sure he put the right bank info for direct deposit! my friend's husband had his deposit rejected because he put the wrong account number and it delayed everything by another 2 weeks!

To follow up on the certification question you asked earlier - for PFL bonding claims, there's usually just one certification at the beginning, not ongoing certifications like with unemployment or disability. The initial certification should have been part of his application (DE 2501F form). Once approved, payments are generally made all at once for consecutive weeks of leave, unless he specifically requested intermittent bonding. If his claim is approved, he'll get a Notice of Computation in the mail showing his weekly benefit amount and maximum benefit amount. The direct deposit should follow shortly after approval.

One more thing to be aware of - if your husband received SDI for Pregnancy Disability Leave before applying for PFL Baby Bonding, he should already have an EDD debit card. In that case, the PFL funds would go to the existing card, not a new one. But since you mentioned this is your first time with state benefits, I'm assuming he didn't have SDI first.

Has your husband checked his UI Online account? Sometimes the payment will show as issued there before the physical card arrives. It might give you peace of mind to see if the system shows the payment as processed yet.

When I was waiting for my PFL after disability last year my coworker told me she had luck submitting a new claim completely but idk if thats good advice actually lol. My sister-in-law said just keep calling until you get through but that took her like 3 full days of trying! This whole process is so confusing especially with a newborn.

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! Used the Claimyr service that someone recommended and was connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. Turns out my doctor DID file the DE2501F form but it was processed under a slightly different name (they had my middle name as my last name 🙄). The agent fixed it right there on the phone and said I should see payments within 3-5 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

Regarding notifying your department: YES, you should definitely communicate with both your department chair and HR. This is separate from your EDD benefits, but important for your job protection. Even as an adjunct, you may have rights under CFRA (California Family Rights Act) or pregnancy disability laws. I recommend: 1. Notifying your chair in writing of your pregnancy and expected leave dates 2. Asking HR about any paperwork they need for your leave 3. Clarifying your return-to-work expectations for future semesters 4. Getting documentation of everything in writing Many colleges have specific maternity leave policies for faculty - even adjuncts. Some departments will work with you on finding a substitute to finish the semester if needed or arrange accommodations. Don't miss out on any job protections by focusing only on the EDD benefits.

when i reopened my UI after all my baby benefits it was pretty simple but took like 3 weeks to get money again so save some $$ for that gap!!!

update us if the disability thing works!! i wish i had known about that option when i was going thru this last year. good luck!!

Will do! I'm filling out the DE2501 form right now and gathering my COVID test results and doctor's notes. Fingers crossed this works! 🤞