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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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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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Sending positive vibes your way, OP! Dealing with EDD while on maternity leave is the last thing you need. Hope it gets sorted out quickly! 💖👶
Thank you so much! It's definitely added stress I didn't need, but I'm grateful for all the advice here.
I went through something similar a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was getting a written statement from HR that clearly breaks down exactly what they're paying vs what EDD should be covering. Make sure it includes specific dollar amounts and dates. Also, if you have direct deposit, screenshot your bank statements showing the actual amounts you're receiving from your employer - this helped prove my case when EDD kept insisting I was getting full salary. The whole process took forever but having that documentation made all the difference. Hang in there mama! 💪
This is really helpful advice! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and hadn't thought about getting bank statements as proof. Did you have to submit all of this through the appeal process or were you able to resolve it just by calling them with the documentation?
I had to go through the full appeal process, but having all that documentation ready made it so much smoother! I submitted everything together - the HR letter, bank statements, and my original appeal form. The key was showing the clear difference between what my employer was actually paying vs what EDD thought they were paying. It still took about 8 weeks to resolve, but they ruled in my favor and I got all my back payments. Definitely worth the extra effort to gather all that proof upfront! @Connor Byrne
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This is such a relief to see resolved! I'm actually going through the exact same thing right now - I'm at week 5 of my baby bonding leave and my payment didn't show up yesterday. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially knowing about the mid-claim review process. It's absolutely ridiculous that EDD doesn't notify people about these automatic reviews - it causes so much unnecessary stress and panic when you're already dealing with a new baby and tight finances. I'm going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning at 8am sharp. Thanks Gabriel for posting this and updating us with the resolution - it gives me hope that I can get this sorted out quickly too!
So glad Gabriel's story helped you! I'm new to this community but going through my first PFL claim right now (just started week 2 of baby bonding). This thread has been incredibly eye-opening - I had NO idea about these mid-claim reviews that happen around week 4. It's honestly shocking that EDD doesn't warn people about this ahead of time. I'm definitely going to bookmark this post so I know what to expect when I hit that halfway point. Good luck getting through to them tomorrow morning - sounds like the 8am timing really works based on what others have shared here!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm currently on week 3 of my baby bonding leave and had no idea about these mid-claim reviews that happen around week 4. Reading Gabriel's experience and everyone's helpful responses has been incredibly valuable - I feel way more prepared now for what might happen next week. It's absolutely unacceptable that EDD doesn't inform claimants about these automatic reviews beforehand. The stress of thinking your benefits just disappeared for no reason, especially when you have bills due and a new baby to care for, is completely unnecessary. Thank you Gabriel for sharing your story and keeping us updated with the resolution. I'm bookmarking this post as a reference and will definitely try the 8am calling strategy if I run into the same issue. This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating the chaos that is California EDD!
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I'm going through this exact same situation and this thread has been such a lifesaver! I was on pregnancy disability from July through September 2024, then transitioned to PFL for baby bonding through December. Like so many others here, I had no idea about the tax withholding option when I applied - I was just focused on getting through the application while dealing with morning sickness and then recovery. Reading everyone's experiences has really helped me understand that I need to report my two 1099-G forms separately and that both benefits are federally taxable but CA state exempt. The 12-15% federal tax estimates people are sharing are actually really helpful for planning, even though it's scary to think about owing that much when we're already adjusting our budget for a new baby. I'm planning to use TurboTax based on all the positive feedback here about how it handles EDD benefits correctly. And I'm definitely going to look into those tax credits everyone mentioned - it's encouraging to know that having lower income from leave and a new baby might actually help us qualify for credits that could offset some of the tax liability. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences! It's so frustrating that EDD doesn't provide any guidance on the tax implications when you're applying, especially when you're already overwhelmed with everything else that comes with having a baby.
I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you too! I'm actually in almost the exact same boat - was on pregnancy disability earlier in 2024 and then PFL for baby bonding, with no tax withholding because nobody explained that option clearly. It's honestly ridiculous that EDD doesn't provide better guidance about the tax implications when you're already dealing with so much stress. Your plan to use TurboTax sounds solid based on what everyone's shared here. One thing that's given me some peace of mind is knowing that even though we'll owe federal taxes on the benefits, the combination of lower income from leave plus the new baby means we'll likely qualify for credits we wouldn't normally get. It definitely helps offset some of that tax bill! Wishing you smooth filing - sounds like you're well prepared now with all the great advice from this community!
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was on pregnancy disability from June through August 2024, then switched to PFL for baby bonding through December. Like everyone else here, I didn't realize I needed to elect tax withholding when I applied - I was so focused on just getting the benefits approved while dealing with pregnancy complications and then a newborn. Reading through all these responses has really clarified things for me. Now I understand that I need to report my two 1099-G forms separately (one for SDI, one for PFL) and that both are federally taxable but California state exempt. The estimates of owing 12-15% in federal taxes are helpful to know for budgeting, even though it's not what any new parent wants to hear! I'm planning to use TurboTax since so many people here have had success with how it handles EDD benefits correctly. And I'm definitely going to make sure I explore all the potential tax credits - it's encouraging to know that having lower income from extended leave plus a new baby might actually help us qualify for credits like the Child Tax Credit and EITC that could offset some of the tax liability. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences! It's honestly frustrating that EDD doesn't explain any of these tax implications when you're applying, especially when you're already overwhelmed with everything that comes with having a baby. This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating this confusing process!
I'm so glad you found this thread helpful! Your timeline sounds almost identical to what I went through last year - pregnancy disability followed by PFL with no tax withholding elected. It really is frustrating how EDD provides zero guidance on the tax implications when you're already stressed about everything else. Your plan to use TurboTax is smart - I had great success with it for handling the separate 1099-G forms correctly. One thing that really helped me was having all my paperwork organized before starting, including both EDD forms and any other tax documents. The Child Tax Credit and lower income from leave definitely helped offset some of the federal taxes owed, so make sure TurboTax catches all the credits you qualify for. You're definitely well-prepared now with all the advice from this community - filing doesn't have to be as scary as it initially seems!
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This thread has been absolutely life-changing for me! I'm currently 5 weeks into my PFL bonding time and have been panicking about my return to work because I'm still dealing with severe postpartum joint pain and fatigue that my doctor says could take months to resolve. I had completely given up hope and thought I'd have to choose between my health and financial stability, but reading everyone's detailed experiences here has shown me there might actually be a path forward. The specific advice about working with specialists, being detailed about functional limitations, and applying 10 days before PFL ends is exactly what I needed to know. What gives me the most hope is seeing how many different types of legitimate complications have been successfully covered - it's clear that when properly documented, the system does recognize that some people need more recovery time than the standard timeline allows. I'm scheduling appointments with both my rheumatologist and OB next week to start preparing my documentation. The tip about downloading the DE2501 form ahead of time and bringing specific requirements to help doctors fill it out properly is brilliant - I never would have thought of that! Thank you to everyone who took the time to share such detailed, practical advice. This community support is incredible and honestly feels like a lifeline when you're trying to navigate such a complex system while recovering from childbirth. You're all amazing! 💕
I'm so happy this thread was helpful for you! It sounds like you're in a really similar situation to what many of us have faced. Joint pain and fatigue are absolutely legitimate medical conditions that can significantly impact your ability to work, especially when your doctor is already saying it could take months to resolve. Working with your rheumatologist is definitely the right call - they'll be much better equipped than your OB to document specific functional limitations related to joint pain and how it affects your ability to perform work tasks. Make sure they include details like how long you can stand/sit, lifting restrictions, and how fatigue impacts your concentration and productivity. The fact that you're starting this process 3 weeks before your PFL ends puts you in a really good position timing-wise. And having a specialist who's already acknowledged this will be a long-term issue is actually great for your documentation - it shows this isn't just normal postpartum recovery that should resolve quickly. Don't lose hope! So many people in this thread have successfully navigated this process with various complications. Your health absolutely comes first, and you deserve the time you need to properly recover. Keep us updated on how your appointments go - this community is rooting for you! 💕
This is such valuable information! I'm currently 3 weeks into my PFL bonding time and had no idea this was even possible. I've been dealing with ongoing pelvic floor dysfunction that's making it impossible to sit for long periods (which is basically my entire job as a software developer), but my doctor just keeps saying "give it more time" without explaining any options for extending benefits. Reading through everyone's experiences about working with specialists and getting detailed documentation gives me so much hope. I'm definitely going to ask for a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist and start preparing the DE2501 form documentation early based on all the advice here. The tip about applying 10 days before PFL ends to minimize gaps is so helpful - I wouldn't have thought to be that proactive! Also really appreciate everyone emphasizing not to feel guilty about needing more recovery time. The pressure to "bounce back" quickly is so real, but every situation is different. Thank you to this amazing community for sharing such detailed, practical guidance. This thread is literally a lifesaver for moms trying to navigate these complex systems! 💕
Pelvic floor dysfunction is absolutely a legitimate reason for extended disability benefits! As a software developer who needs to sit for long periods, you have a really clear connection between your medical condition and inability to perform job duties. Definitely get that referral to a pelvic floor PT - they're amazing at documenting specific functional limitations like "cannot sit for more than X minutes without severe pain" which is exactly what EDD needs to see on the DE2501 form. Your situation sounds very similar to others here who have been successful with their claims. Don't let your doctor brush this off with "give it more time" - you deserve proper documentation and support for a condition that's genuinely preventing you from working! The fact that you're starting this process early puts you in a great position. Keep advocating for yourself! 💕
Sunny Wang
This thread is absolutely incredible - I've been lurking in this community for months but had to create an account just to thank everyone for sharing such detailed, real-world experiences! I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my first baby and scheduled for a C-section in early May. My HR department gave me a single pamphlet about "California disability benefits" and basically said "figure it out yourself," so finding this treasure trove of actual user experiences is like striking gold. I've been taking notes on everyone's advice and wanted to share what I'm planning based on all your insights: ✅ Schedule conversation with OB about 8-week C-section recovery certification at my 36-week appointment ✅ Set up dedicated filing system (both physical and digital) for all documents ✅ Screenshot EVERYTHING during online applications ✅ File SDI immediately after delivery, PFL about 10 days before SDI ends ✅ Budget for 2-3 week potential payment gap ✅ Check with employer about supplemental disability benefits ✅ Set phone reminders for bi-weekly certifications One question I haven't seen addressed - has anyone dealt with this process while also managing gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications? I'm wondering if having additional medical conditions affects the SDI timeline or certification process at all. Also, does anyone have experience with EDD's mobile app, or is the desktop website the way to go? I'm trying to prepare for managing this while potentially stuck on the couch recovering! Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your knowledge - this community is amazing! 🙏
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Jamal Wilson
•Welcome Sunny! Your checklist is absolutely perfect - you're going to be so well prepared! Regarding gestational diabetes, I actually had GD with my pregnancy and it didn't affect my SDI timeline at all. The SDI for C-section recovery is separate from any pregnancy complications, so your GD shouldn't impact the standard 8-week certification. However, if you end up needing bedrest or time off work BEFORE delivery due to GD complications, that could qualify for additional SDI weeks (pregnancy disability). Definitely mention this to your OB when discussing the certification. As for the mobile app - honestly, stick with the desktop website if possible. The EDD mobile app is notoriously glitchy and missing features. I tried using it for my bi-weekly certifications and it kept timing out. The desktop site isn't perfect either, but it's much more reliable. If you're stuck on the couch, even using your phone's browser to access the desktop version works better than the app. You're being incredibly smart to plan this all out in advance - that preparation will save you so much stress when you're dealing with a newborn!
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Marilyn Dixon
This thread is such a lifesaver! I'm 31 weeks pregnant with my second baby (first was vaginal delivery so this C-section process is all new to me) and have been so confused about the SDI/PFL timing. My first pregnancy was in 2022 and the rules felt different back then, plus I only needed 6 weeks recovery time. Reading through everyone's experiences has clarified so much! I had no idea about the potential payment gaps or that you need to apply for PFL separately - I was definitely planning to file both at the same time like a previous commenter mentioned (glad I read about that mistake first!). Quick question for the group: Has anyone dealt with this process while also coordinating childcare for their older child during recovery? I'm trying to figure out if the SDI payments will be enough to cover both my reduced income AND the extra childcare costs I'll need while I'm recovering. My 3-year-old usually goes to daycare part-time, but I'm thinking we might need full-time care for those first few weeks post-surgery. Also, is there any benefit to having your partner take PFL bonding time AFTER you finish your 8 weeks, or is it better to overlap? I'm trying to maximize our total time at home with the new baby. Thank you all for sharing such detailed experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that makes all the difference!
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