I'm on week 5 now and honestly feeling defeated. The most frustrating part is that I did everything right - submitted all documents, followed up with my employer, double-checked everything multiple times. Yet here I am still waiting while my savings dwindle. What really gets me is how they make us jump through hoops just to apply, but then their end of the process is completely broken. I've started keeping a detailed log of every call attempt, every hold time, every rep interaction because at this point I feel like I need evidence of this dysfunction. Has anyone had any luck getting actual concrete answers about what's causing these massive delays? I'm starting to think the 2-3 week timeline was never realistic to begin with.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the 3 week wait is absolutely ridiculous and you're not alone! I just got my payment after waiting 7 weeks, so don't lose hope. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the 1-877-238-4373 number at exactly 8:01 AM (not 8:00 - that's when everyone calls) and pressed 1-2-1. I had to do this for 3 straight days but finally got through to someone who could actually see what was holding up my claim. Turns out there was a tiny discrepancy in my employer's submitted dates that no one had bothered to tell me about. Once they fixed it, payment came within 5 business days. Also, definitely check the EDD portal daily - sometimes status updates appear there before they tell you. The system is completely broken but unfortunately persistence is the only thing that seems to work. Hang in there! 💪

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.

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! 🍼💙

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! 💪

Just wanted to say hang in there, OP! I know how stressful this can be, especially with a newborn. You've got this! 💪

Hey Sofia! I went through this exact same situation a few months ago. One thing that really helped speed up my claim was making sure I had submitted proof of my employment history - sometimes they need your pay stubs or a letter from HR confirming your employment dates and wages. Also, check if you need to verify your identity through ID.me if you haven't already - that was a big holdup for me. The waiting is so nerve-wracking when you have bills to pay, but don't give up! Keep checking your online account every few days for updates and don't hesitate to call if it's been over 3 weeks since you submitted everything.