I'm really sorry you're going through this stressful situation while caring for your mom. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like you have some excellent actionable steps to take tomorrow. One thing I wanted to add that I learned when helping my aunt navigate similar issues - if you do end up needing to go the emergency conservatorship route, some counties have expedited processes specifically for terminal illness situations. When you call the probate court's self-help center (as Carmen suggested), make sure to emphasize that this is for a hospice patient with limited time. They often have special procedures that can fast-track these cases. Also, I noticed you mentioned having trouble reaching EDD by phone. In addition to the calling strategies others shared, try calling different regional offices if the main number isn't working. Sometimes the Fresno or San Bernardino offices have shorter wait times than the main Sacramento line, and they can all access your claim information. You're being such a devoted caregiver to your mom during this difficult time. Don't let the bureaucratic obstacles discourage you - there are people and systems in place to help, even if they're not easy to find initially. Wishing you success with all these leads tomorrow.

I'm heartbroken reading about what you're going through with your mom. This situation is incredibly stressful when you're already dealing with such an emotional time. From everything I've read in this thread, it sounds like you have several really solid options to pursue tomorrow morning: 1. The DE2501FC-PC form that Carmen mentioned seems like it could be your fastest solution since it's specifically designed for terminal illness situations 2. Contacting your mom's hospice patient advocate or social worker - they likely handle these benefit issues regularly and may have direct EDD contacts 3. The Public Guardian's office emergency authorization process that Maya detailed sounds very promising I'd recommend starting with the hospice team first thing in the morning since they're already involved in your mom's care and probably have the fastest turnaround on paperwork. Then tackle the EDD calls using the disability insurance line number Maya provided. You mentioned feeling desperate, but honestly, after reading all these responses, it sounds like there are multiple viable paths forward that people have successfully used in very similar situations. The system is frustrating and poorly designed, but you're not stuck. Take care of yourself too during this process - caregiving is exhausting even without bureaucratic nightmares added on top. Your mom is fortunate to have someone fighting so hard for her during this difficult time.

Congratulations on your baby and first payment! As someone who just finished my 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding last month, I can definitely confirm that payments are automatic - no certifications needed! It was such a relief compared to when I was on unemployment years ago. The payments came like clockwork every two weeks, and I didn't have to think about it at all while adjusting to life with my newborn. One tip that helped me: I set up text alerts from my bank so I'd get notified when each payment hit my account, which gave me peace of mind without having to constantly check. The EDD website really should make this clearer - I remember being just as confused as you are now! Enjoy these precious early weeks with your little one! 💕

Congratulations on your new baby! I can totally understand the confusion - the EDD website makes everything sound way more complicated than it needs to be. I'm currently on week 3 of my PFL baby bonding leave and can confirm what everyone else is saying: the payments are completely automatic once you're approved! No weekly certifications required at all. I was so worried about this too because I remembered the stress of having to certify for unemployment benefits every two weeks, but PFL is totally different. Once your claim is approved, you'll just receive payments every two weeks until your 8-week period is up. The only thing you need to do is notify them if you return to work earlier than planned. It's honestly such a blessing when you're already overwhelmed with a newborn schedule! Just make sure your bank info is correct in your EDD account and you're all set. Enjoy this special time with your little one - the payments will take care of themselves! 💕

Just joining this community after finding myself in the exact same nightmare situation! My PFL application completely vanished after 6 weeks of waiting - not pending, not denied, just GONE. When I finally got through to someone (took 3 days of constant calling), they acted like it was totally normal and told me to "just reapply." No explanation, no apology, nothing. It's absolutely mind-blowing that in 2024, a state agency can lose our applications and treat it like no big deal. Meanwhile, I'm juggling a family medical crisis AND trying to decode this broken system. The stress is honestly making everything worse. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both validating and infuriating - we're all dealing with the same systemic failures. I'm definitely going to try the local EDD office strategy and reach out to my state rep. At this point, I'm willing to try anything! Thanks for creating a space where we can share strategies and support each other through this bureaucratic hell. Nobody should have to fight this hard for benefits they've earned! 😤💪

New to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD chaos! My PFL application has been in processing purgatory for 5 weeks now with absolutely zero updates. What's really getting to me is that I'm trying to care for my newborn while simultaneously becoming a full-time EDD investigator just to get basic information about my own benefits. The system is clearly designed to wear us down until we give up, but we can't afford to give up - we NEED these benefits! I'm going to try calling the local EDD office tomorrow morning (thanks @Alberto Souchard for that tip!) and also reach out to my state rep's office. It's both comforting and infuriating to see so many others going through the exact same nightmare. We shouldn't have to work this hard for benefits we've paid into, but at least we're not fighting this battle alone. Thanks everyone for sharing your strategies and experiences - it's the only thing keeping me sane right now! 🍼💙

As someone who's completely new to this community and California's benefit systems, I'm incredibly grateful to have found this thread! I had absolutely no idea that postpartum depression could qualify for disability benefits or that there was such flexibility to transition between SDI and PFL programs when unexpected mental health challenges arise. What strikes me most is how Admin_Masters had the courage to share such a vulnerable situation during an already difficult time, and how that openness created space for this community to rally with both practical guidance and genuine emotional support. Reading through all the detailed responses - from the step-by-step procedural advice to the personal recovery stories to the professional insights - has been like getting a masterclass in navigating these complex systems. It's particularly meaningful to learn that California recognizes mental health conditions like PPD as legitimate disabilities deserving of the same support as physical conditions. For someone new to understanding these programs, knowing that you can pause PFL to address urgent mental health needs through SDI and then resume bonding time later shows there's real flexibility built into the system, even when it's not immediately obvious. The fact that this thread now serves as such a comprehensive resource for other new parents facing similar challenges really demonstrates the power of peer support in navigating bureaucratic systems during vulnerable times. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences so openly - this kind of knowledge sharing fills such important gaps that official documentation often misses. Admin_Masters, your follow-up with the successful resolution will undoubtedly help countless others who find themselves in similar situations. Wishing you continued healing and recovery! 🌸

As someone who's brand new to this community and completely unfamiliar with California's benefit programs, I'm absolutely amazed by this entire discussion! I had no clue that postpartum depression could qualify for disability benefits or that you could actually switch between SDI and PFL when mental health needs arise. What really stands out to me is how Admin_Masters was brave enough to share such a personal and vulnerable situation, and how that created space for everyone to contribute their knowledge and support. Reading through all the responses has been like getting a comprehensive education in navigating these systems that I never would have found through official channels. It's incredibly reassuring to learn that California treats mental health conditions like PPD with the same legitimacy as physical disabilities. The fact that you can pause PFL to address urgent mental health needs through SDI and then resume your remaining bonding time later shows there's real flexibility in the system, even when it's not immediately obvious how to access it. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences so openly - this thread will definitely serve as a crucial resource for other new parents facing similar challenges. Admin_Masters, your follow-up with the successful resolution process is so valuable and will help others navigate this complex situation. Wishing you continued healing! 💙

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As someone who just navigated this process as a self-employed lash technician, I want to echo what everyone else is saying - you're in such a good position already! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, switching to W-2 now would honestly be a step backwards. Here's what really sealed the deal for me: I realized that as a self-employed beauty professional, I have something that most employees don't - CONTROL over my work environment and schedule. When morning sickness hit hard around week 8, I could reschedule clients without having to call in sick or use PTO. When I needed to leave early for an emergency prenatal appointment, I didn't need anyone's permission. Also, your existing clients are going to be your biggest asset during this time. I had clients who were so excited about my pregnancy that they started booking months in advance and even brought me snacks during appointments! You can't put a price on that kind of support. The paperwork really isn't as scary as it seems once you dive in. I kept a simple folder with my quarterly tax payments, 1099s, and profit/loss statements. When filing time came, I had everything ready to go. You've already built something amazing - don't let pregnancy nerves make you doubt that! Stick with what's working and enjoy the flexibility that comes with being your own boss during this special time. 💪✨

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As a self-employed esthetician who went through this exact situation 18 months ago, I can't stress enough how glad I am that I stayed self-employed! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, you're already golden - don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Here's the reality check nobody talks about: switching to W-2 while pregnant is risky business. Even with legal protections, I've seen too many women get their hours cut or face subtle discrimination once they start showing. Meanwhile, your current clients probably already love you and will be genuinely excited about your pregnancy! My biggest piece of advice? Start a "pregnancy benefits" folder RIGHT NOW with all your tax docs, 1099s, and SDI payment records. When I filed my claim, having everything organized made the process so much smoother. Also, the income calculation actually worked in my favor because they use your highest-earning quarter - I had one amazing month doing bridal parties that boosted my benefit rate significantly! The flexibility alone is worth staying self-employed. I could work around morning sickness, take breaks when I needed them, and gradually reduce my client load without asking permission from anyone. Plus, when you're ready to come back after baby, your established client base will still be there waiting for you. You've already built something successful - trust that! The benefits you're entitled to as a self-employed person who's been paying into the system are probably better than starting over somewhere new. You've got this mama! 💪