Look I'm just gonna be real with you - EDD's internal systems are a MESS. Half the time the different departments don't even communicate properly. I've had plenty of issues with them over the years. My sister had a similar situation and they never even connected her old UI penalty with her pregnancy claim. But why risk it? Pay off what you owe if you can, and be super transparent going forward. The fact that you closed your previous claim when you returned to work actually works in your favor - shows you weren't trying to double-dip long term.

random question but how far along are you? i'm 6 months and just starting to figure out all this paperwork stuff too! the whole process is SO confusing... i'm filling out my DE2501 next week! 🤰

The EDD debit card message means your PFL claim has been approved, but there's a specific process to follow now. Here's what's happening: 1. Your PFL baby bonding claim has been processed and approved 2. EDD has authorized Bank of America to issue you a debit card 3. Bank of America will mail this card to your address on file 4. Your benefits will be loaded onto this card 5. The card is valid for 3 years (which explains the message) Important steps to take: - Watch for a plain envelope from Bank of America in the next 5-7 business days - Once received, activate the card immediately by calling the number on the sticker - Set up online access to manage your card at prepaid.bankofamerica.com/eddcard - Consider setting up direct deposit from your card to your personal bank account The online account might still show "received" status temporarily - the systems don't always update simultaneously. The benefit card message from the phone system is confirmation of approval.

Update: You were all right!! My debit card came in the mail today in a very plain envelope that I almost threw away. I've activated it and there's already money on it! Such a relief. I'm going to set up direct deposit to my regular bank account as suggested. Thanks everyone for helping this sleep-deprived new mom figure this out! The EDD seriously needs to improve their communication system though!

my sister tried to go from UI to SDI last year and they denied her SDI claim saying she wasn't eligible because she was already getting UI. had something to do with being "unemployed" vs "disabled" and you can't be both. anyone else run into this?

Thank you all SO MUCH for all this helpful information! I feel much more confident about my plan now: 1. Continue UI until 36 weeks 2. Stop certifying for UI completely before applying for SDI 3. Apply for SDI at 36 weeks with my doctor's help 4. After birth and recovery (likely 8 weeks with c-section), apply for PFL for 8 weeks of baby bonding 5. If I haven't found a job by then, return to UI but make sure I have childcare arrangements to be "available for work" I've made a note on my calendar to talk to my doctor about the DE2501 form at my 32-week appointment. This community has been incredible - thank you again for saving me from potentially making costly mistakes!

my cousin had her baby in january and she said they changed the system and now u need to file for bonding leave atleast 10 days before disability ends or u get a gap!!! just letting u know

UPDATE: You were all right! I just checked my EDD account and my next payment is scheduled for 3/18, exactly two weeks after my last payment. Thank you everyone for your help and advice! Now I need to make sure I submit my baby bonding claim on time!

I work with EDD claimants regularly, and I can provide some clarification on this common issue: The Bank of America EDD debit cards are completely managed by BofA, not EDD directly. This creates a disconnect that frequently causes problems for claimants. For your specific situation: 1. Call BofA EDD Card Services (1-866-692-9374) to check if a card was issued 2. If a card was issued but not received within 10 business days, request a replacement 3. Ask BofA about the status of funds on the account - they can tell you if money has been deposited For future reference, once you receive your card, immediately set up direct deposit to your personal bank account through the BofA prepaid website. This way, all future payments will automatically transfer to your personal account without needing to use the card. Also, be aware that your first PFL payment might be larger than subsequent ones if it includes retroactive benefits from your filing date.

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! Called the BofA EDD card number and after pressing 0 about 20 times, got a real person. Turns out they sent my card on May 5th but to my old address (even though I updated it with EDD months ago). They're sending a replacement card with expedited shipping (should arrive in 3 business days) and I was able to verify that my benefit payment is sitting in the account waiting for me. I also set up direct deposit for future payments so I won't have to deal with the card again. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely call BofA directly and be persistent. The EDD and BofA systems don't communicate well with each other, so address updates in one system don't transfer to the other automatically. Thanks everyone for your help!