Ugh, I feel your pain. I was locked out of my account for WEEKS. Had to send in physical mail to verify my identity. It was a nightmare. Hope you have better luck!

I went through this exact same issue last month! What worked for me was going to the EDD office in person with my ID and Social Security card. I know it's a pain, but the staff there were actually really helpful and got me back into my account within about 30 minutes. They can override the security question thing if you have proper ID. Might be worth checking if there's an office near you that's open for walk-ins.

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly stressful situation! The timing is absolutely awful, but I'm really impressed by how proactively you're handling everything. I went through a similar situation in late 2023 - got laid off during my PFL period (though not on the exact day it started like you). A few things that might help based on my experience: 1. **Document the layoff timeline**: Since you were laid off the exact day your PFL eligibility began, keep detailed records of when you notified your employer about your intended PFL start date vs. when they announced the layoff. This timing could be important if you ever need to challenge anything later. 2. **Get multiple confirmations about severance classification**: That email from HR is great, but I'd also suggest asking them to confirm what specific codes or language they're using when reporting to EDD and other agencies. Sometimes internal classification doesn't match external reporting. 3. **Consider the bigger picture**: With 3 months severance + 8 weeks PFL + unemployment eligibility after, you actually have a pretty good runway. It's not the situation you planned for, but you're not without options. 4. **Keep detailed records of everything**: Screenshots of applications, confirmation numbers from phone calls, copies of all correspondence. EDD can be unpredictable about what they might question later. You're asking all the right questions upfront instead of figuring it out after problems arise. That's going to serve you well through this process. Hang in there, and congratulations on your little one!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation during what should be a peaceful bonding time with your new baby! The timing is truly terrible, but you're being incredibly smart by getting all your ducks in a row upfront. I went through a somewhat similar situation two years ago (laid off during pregnancy, then navigated SDI → PFL → unemployment), and I wish I had been as proactive as you're being. A couple of additional thoughts that might help: **Health Insurance Continuity**: Since several people mentioned COBRA, I'd recommend calling your insurance company directly in addition to getting COBRA paperwork from HR. Sometimes there are grace periods or backdating options that can prevent coverage gaps, which is crucial with a newborn's frequent appointments. **Job Search Strategy**: Given that you have a substantial financial runway (3 months severance + 8 weeks PFL + UI eligibility), consider using part of your PFL time to quietly update your resume and LinkedIn while you're still in "bonding mode." It's much less stressful to start networking conversations when you're not in panic mode yet. **EDD Communication**: One tip I learned the hard way - whenever you speak to EDD on the phone, always ask for a confirmation number for the call and jot down the rep's name/ID if they provide it. This documentation can be invaluable if there are ever discrepancies later. You're handling an incredibly challenging situation with grace and intelligence. Your baby is lucky to have such a thoughtful, prepared parent. Wishing you the smoothest possible process with all the benefits paperwork!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL application 2.5 weeks ago and absolutely nothing in my online account. It's so stressful when you're counting on that money. I've been following some of the advice here - tried calling at 8am on the dot but still can't get through. One thing that helped me a little was checking if my employer submitted their portion correctly (if applicable). Sometimes delays happen on their end too. Also keeping screenshots of everything and documenting all my attempts to contact them. Really considering trying that Claimyr service even though I'm skeptical about paying for something that should be free. This whole system is just broken. Sending you solidarity - we shouldn't have to jump through these hoops when we're already dealing with family situations that qualify us for PFL in the first place! 😔

I'm going through this exact situation too - filed my PFL application almost 4 weeks ago and still radio silence from EDD. It's beyond frustrating when you're already dealing with a family situation that qualifies you for leave AND now you're stressed about money on top of it. I've tried the early morning calling strategy multiple times with no luck. What's really helped me is keeping a detailed log of everything - screenshots of my application confirmation, dates/times of call attempts, any emails or correspondence. I also contacted my local assembly member's office last week and they said they'd look into it, though haven't heard back yet. One thing I learned is that sometimes the delay can be on the employer's side if they haven't submitted their portion properly - might be worth double-checking with your HR department if that applies to you. The whole system is so broken, but hang in there - from what I've read here and elsewhere, people do eventually get their benefits, it just takes way longer than it should. We really need better support during these difficult times! 💙

Just to summarize the key points that have been shared: 1. The weekly benefit amount (WBA) calculation is identical for both SDI and PFL 2. Both are based on highest quarter earnings in the base period (roughly 5-18 months before the claim) 3. Current benefit rate is 60-70% of those wages, depending on income level 4. Key difference: PFL is subject to federal taxes while SDI is not 5. File the PFL claim (DE2508) 1-2 weeks before disability ends 6. Document everything to avoid transition problems Hope this helps with your planning!

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your wife's employer offers any supplemental benefits during the transition. Some companies will "top up" the difference between her full salary and the SDI/PFL payments. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to update your health insurance beneficiaries and look into whether you need to adjust any automatic bill payments during this period. The consistent payment amount is great, but it's still usually less than full salary so budgeting adjustments might be needed. Good luck with everything!

I'm currently going through this exact situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far! After using my full pregnancy disability and 8 weeks of PFL bonding, my postpartum anxiety became completely unmanageable. I couldn't even make it through a full workday without having multiple panic attacks. My therapist connected me with a psychiatrist who explained that postpartum mental health conditions can absolutely qualify as separate disability claims when they're severe enough to prevent you from working. The key is having it properly documented as a standalone mental health disability, not as an extension of pregnancy-related benefits. I'm in the process of filing now - my psychiatrist is handling the DE2501 form and specifically documenting it as "Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Features, Postpartum Onset" rather than just "postpartum depression." She's being very detailed about functional limitations like "unable to maintain focus during meetings due to intrusive thoughts" and "sleep disruption prevents completion of complex tasks." I waited about 5 weeks after my PFL ended to file, which my doctor said helps establish this as a new medical event rather than a continuation. One thing that's been helpful is keeping a symptom diary - tracking panic attack frequency, hours of sleep, specific work tasks I can't handle, etc. For anyone considering this: don't feel guilty about needing more time. These are legitimate medical conditions that deserve proper treatment, and California law recognizes that mental health disabilities can occur independently from pregnancy recovery. You're not "gaming the system" - you're accessing support that exists specifically for situations like this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I want to add some hope to this conversation! I successfully filed a separate mental health disability claim for severe postpartum anxiety and depression after exhausting both my pregnancy disability and PFL bonding time in late 2024. The key things that made my claim successful: - I waited about 6 weeks after my bonding time ended to create clear separation - My primary care doctor (not OB) filed it as "Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood" specifically noting it was triggered by but separate from childbirth - We documented specific work limitations: "unable to concentrate on tasks for more than 15 minutes," "experiences panic attacks when handling client communications," "severe insomnia prevents cognitive functioning required for data analysis" - I had been in therapy for 8 weeks and on medication for 4 weeks, showing ongoing treatment despite persistent symptoms The process took about 4 weeks from filing to approval, and I was initially granted 10 weeks with the option to extend if needed. Having detailed therapy notes really helped - my therapist wrote a letter explaining how my symptoms were interfering with daily functioning despite consistent treatment. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: start documenting everything NOW. Keep a daily log of symptoms, panic attacks, sleep patterns, and specific work tasks you can't handle. This concrete evidence really strengthens your case. You're absolutely not alone in this struggle, and seeking additional disability support doesn't make you weak - it makes you a responsible parent taking care of your mental health so you can better care for your baby in the long run. Hang in there! 💙