I'm in week 7 of waiting for my PFL claim to process and this thread is both validating and depressing! 😩 The system upgrade explanation makes total sense - it explains why so many claims that were filed around the same time are all stuck. I tried the assembly member route that @CosmicCaptain suggested and actually got a response within 24 hours! Their office said they've been flooded with EDD cases lately and are working with the department to push through the backlog. They asked me to send over my claim details and said they'd follow up within a week. Fingers crossed this helps! Also planning to try that claimyr service if I don't hear anything soon - $20 seems totally reasonable compared to the income I'm losing while waiting. Hang in there everyone, hopefully we'll all see some movement soon! 🙏

I'm dealing with the exact same situation! Filed my PFL claim about 5 weeks ago after my daughter was born and it's been complete silence from EDD. What's really frustrating is that I was getting regular SDI payments throughout my pregnancy and then they just stopped the day I switched to PFL - no explanation, no communication, nothing! 😤 I've been trying to call daily but either get the busy signal or sit on hold for hours just to get disconnected. The online portal is useless - just shows "claim under review" with no timeline or updates. It's so stressful trying to manage with a newborn and no income coming in! After reading through this thread, I'm definitely going to try reaching out to my assembly member tomorrow and maybe give that claimyr service a shot if I get desperate enough. This system is absolutely broken and it's affecting so many new parents when we need support the most. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least we're not suffering through this alone! 🤱💪

Same thing happened to me a few months ago! The whole reporting wages thing is such a pain. I ended up having to call multiple times before I got someone who could actually help. One thing that worked for me was calling right at 8am when they open - way shorter wait times. Also, when you do get through, ask them to check if your mailing address is correct in their system. Turns out mine was wrong and that's why my form never came. They were able to update it and send a new one electronically through the UI Online portal. Saved me like 2 more weeks of waiting! The whole system is a mess but hang in there - you'll get it sorted out eventually.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! My PFL claim got suspended 3 weeks ago after I reported wages from a part-time job I picked up, and I'm still waiting for that stupid 2580GF form. It's so frustrating because I need that money and they're making us jump through all these hoops. Reading through everyone's responses here is actually really helpful though - I had no idea about the electronic delivery option or that address issues could cause delays. Definitely going to try calling at 8am sharp tomorrow and ask about getting it sent to my UI Online account. This whole system is such a mess but at least we're all suffering together! 😅 Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips!

This thread has been so incredibly helpful! I'm a new mom currently on PFL and was already starting to worry about this exact situation since I'm also planning to take some additional unpaid leave after my baby's first birthday. Reading through everyone's experiences - especially the horror stories about overpayments - has really opened my eyes to how important it is to get this right. The way @Zara Mirza explained it as EDD asking "when does your eligibility for these specific benefits end?" rather than "when are you physically returning to work?" finally made it click for me. It's honestly scary how the form wording makes it seem like they want your actual return date, but clearly that's not what they're looking for at all. The fact that so many people had success by putting the day after baby's birthday (even with additional leave) and zero people had good outcomes from putting their actual return date makes this decision pretty clear! @Samuel Robinson - definitely go with February 16th. After reading all these real experiences, it seems like the safest and most correct approach. Thanks for asking this question that so many of us new parents needed answered!

I'm so glad you asked this question! As someone who works in payroll and deals with EDD issues regularly, I can confirm what everyone else is saying - definitely put February 16th (the day after your baby's birthday) on your final certification. The certification is purely about telling EDD when your benefit eligibility ends, not tracking your actual work arrangements. PFL baby bonding benefits legally end on your child's first birthday, regardless of any additional leave you've negotiated with your employer. I've seen so many employees get burned by putting their actual return date thinking they're being "honest" - but EDD's system will keep paying benefits until the date you specify, creating overpayments that are a nightmare to resolve. Your HR department already has your LOA documentation and knows these are completely separate processes. Save yourself the stress and potential financial headache - put February 16th and you'll be golden!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Ruby! I'm currently going through the PFL application process myself and this thread is super helpful. One thing I'd add - make sure to keep checking your online EDD account regularly. Sometimes there are updates or requests for additional info that you might miss if you're only waiting for mail. Also, if you haven't already, consider signing up for direct deposit if possible - it's usually faster than waiting for the debit card to arrive in the mail. Best of luck with your claim! 🤞

I'm going through the same process right now! Just wanted to add that I called EDD last week and they mentioned that if you don't receive your first payment within 21 days of approval, definitely give them a call. Also, make sure your address is updated in the system - I had a friend whose payment got delayed because they moved and forgot to update their info. The EDD website also has a "payment history" section where you can track the status of your payments once they start processing. Hope this helps and congrats on getting approved! 🎉

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As someone who's navigated the EDD system for mental health claims, I wanted to add a few points that might help: **For finding immediate care:** - Many urgent care centers now have behavioral health specialists who can provide same-day evaluations and complete SDI paperwork - Check if your area has "maternal mental health collaborative" programs - these are becoming more common in California and specifically designed for postpartum issues **Important timing detail:** When you file your new SDI claim, make sure to request that the effective date starts the day after your PFL benefits end. There's a specific field for this on the DE2501 form, and it helps prevent any gap in coverage. **Documentation tip:** Ask any new provider to specifically state in their medical certification that your current symptoms represent a "continuation and exacerbation" of your previously diagnosed postpartum depression. This language helps EDD understand that this isn't a completely new condition. The system is frustrating, but please don't lose hope. Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that deserves proper treatment and time to heal. You're being an excellent advocate for yourself and your baby by recognizing that you need more support right now. Keep us updated on how things go - this community is rooting for you! 💕

I'm in a very similar situation and your post really resonates with me. I just wanted to share something that helped me recently - many Kaiser locations (if you have Kaiser or know someone who does) have same-day mental health urgent care specifically for postpartum issues. They understand the time-sensitive nature of these situations. Also, I discovered that some community colleges have psychology programs where supervised graduate students provide low-cost therapy and can often see you within a few days. They may not be able to complete SDI paperwork directly, but they can provide documentation of your condition and refer you to someone who can. One more thing - when I was struggling to get appointments, I started calling offices first thing Monday morning right when they opened (usually 8am) and explaining it was urgent postpartum care. Many were able to fit me in as a "crisis" appointment that same week. Please don't give up. The fact that you're advocating for yourself shows incredible strength, even when you're struggling. PPD is so isolating but you're not alone in this fight. ❤️