I'm currently going through this exact same nightmare! Filed my PFL claim 6 weeks ago to care for my husband after his heart surgery, and it's still stuck on "pending processing" with absolutely zero communication from EDD. I've called probably 30+ times and either get busy signals or sit on hold for 2-3 hours before getting disconnected - it's beyond frustrating! What's really helped me is setting multiple alarms to call right at 8am (seems to be the sweet spot based on everyone's advice here), and I just started documenting every single call attempt with dates/times. I'm also planning to contact my assembly member's office next week if there's still no movement. One thing I discovered that might help others - there's actually a complaint form on the EDD website under "Contact EDD" that lets you file a formal complaint about processing delays. I submitted one last week, so we'll see if that generates any response. It's absolutely ridiculous that we're all having to become experts at navigating government bureaucracy just to access benefits we've already paid into. This system desperately needs an overhaul! Hang in there everyone - we shouldn't have to fight this hard for basic support during family crises. 💪

I'm dealing with the exact same situation! Just filed my PFL claim about 2 weeks ago to care for my elderly grandmother after her stroke, and I'm already getting worried seeing it stuck on "pending processing." Reading through everyone's experiences here is both helpful and honestly pretty scary - it's clear this isn't just bad luck but a systematic problem with how EDD processes claims. I'm definitely going to try that 8am calling strategy that everyone keeps mentioning, and I'm already bookmarking my assembly member's contact info just in case. It's so frustrating that we have to become experts at navigating government bureaucracy when we're already dealing with family health crises. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and tips - this community support means a lot even though the whole situation is maddening. Really hoping we all see some movement on our claims soon! 🤞

I'm currently 32 weeks and planning ahead for this same transition! Reading all these responses is both helpful and nerve-wracking. It sounds like the system is hit-or-miss, so I'm definitely going to set multiple calendar reminders starting at week 6 of my disability period to check for the PFL email. One question I haven't seen answered yet - if you don't get the automatic email and have to call EDD, is there a specific time of day that's better for getting through? I keep hearing about how impossible it is to reach them, and I'm worried about trying to navigate their phone system with a newborn! Also, has anyone had success using the EDD online chat feature for this, or do you absolutely have to call? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so helpful to hear real stories instead of just the official EDD website info!

I went through this exact situation last month! I'm a first-time mom too and was SO worried about the transition. Here's what actually happened: I got the automated email 5 days before my SDI was set to end, which was a huge relief. The email came from the same EDD account that sends all the SDI notifications (@edd.ca.gov). It had a direct link to apply for PFL and clear instructions. BUT - and this is important - I had checked "yes" on my original disability application when they asked if I planned to apply for PFL afterward. I think that's what triggers the system to send the email. My advice: definitely set calendar reminders, but also log into your EDD online account regularly during your last week of disability. Sometimes the PFL application link shows up there even if the email gets lost. And if you don't see anything by 3-4 days before your disability ends, call immediately. Don't wait! The PFL application itself was pretty straightforward once I had the link. Just make sure you have your SDI claim number handy when you fill it out. Good luck mama, you've got this! 💪

Wow, this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - my EDD account got locked for my family leave claim and the password reset emails aren't working properly. Reading through all these different solutions gives me so much hope. I had no idea there were so many different approaches to try! I'm definitely going to start with the mobile app method since several people mentioned success with that, then try the technical support line at 1-866-333-4606 with those specific menu options Noah shared. If those don't work, I'll move on to the browser clearing method and maybe even try a different device like Sofia suggested. It's really frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops just to access our own accounts, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing their experiences. You all are lifesavers! Will definitely update if I find something that works. 🙏

I'm new to this community but going through the exact same nightmare right now! My EDD account is locked for my family leave claim and I've been pulling my hair out trying to get back in. This thread is absolutely amazing - I had no idea there were so many different approaches to try! I'm definitely going to work through all these suggestions systematically. Starting with the mobile app since that seems to have the highest success rate, then that technical support line at 1-866-333-4606 (seriously, how did I not know about this separate number?), and if all else fails I'll try the browser clearing method and different device approach. It's honestly ridiculous that accessing our own benefits requires this level of detective work, but I'm so grateful for everyone sharing their experiences here. This is what community support should look like! I'll definitely report back on what ends up working for me. Fingers crossed! 🤞

Just want to chime in as someone who's been through this process twice! The bi-weekly payments are definitely the norm, and I actually found it helpful for budgeting since it spreads out the income over the leave period. One tip I wish someone had told me - if you have any issues with your certification forms not showing up in UI Online (which happened to me once), you can actually call the automated phone line to complete your certification over the phone. The number is 1-866-333-4606. It saved me when the website was down during my certification window. Also, keep screenshots or records of when you complete each certification just in case there are any disputes later. EDD's system isn't perfect and having your own documentation can be a lifesaver!

For anyone still following this thread - I just wanted to add that if you're getting the EDD debit card for your PFL payments, be aware that there are ATM fees if you use machines outside of Bank of America's network. I didn't realize this and got hit with $3-4 fees a couple times before I figured out where the fee-free ATMs were located. You can find participating ATMs on the Bank of America website or use their mobile app. Also, you can transfer money from the debit card to your personal bank account online for free, which is what I ended up doing to avoid the ATM fees altogether. Just thought I'd share since every dollar counts when you're on leave!

I actually had success getting through to EDD by calling the Spanish language line (even though I don't speak Spanish) - they transferred me to an English speaker and the wait was only about 45 minutes compared to the 3+ hours I was spending on the regular line. Might be worth a try! Also, make sure you have all your documentation ready before you call - they'll want your claim numbers, dates, and be able to explain exactly what happened. I've heard they're more helpful when you come prepared with specific details rather than just saying "I messed up my claim." Good luck mama! 🍀

I went through this exact same nightmare! Here's what finally worked for me: I called EDD at exactly 8:00 AM and asked to speak with a "Tier 2 specialist" - don't let them transfer you to anyone else. Explain that you need to "correct the benefit period dates" due to filing error. The specialist was able to cancel my PFL claim for the first 8 weeks postpartum and retroactively file SDI for that same period. Then I filed a new PFL claim for the remaining weeks. It took about 2-3 weeks to process but I got all the backpay. The key is being super specific about what you need - don't just say you made a mistake. Tell them you accidentally filed PFL during your SDI-eligible recovery period and need the claims adjusted. Stay persistent and document everything! You've got this mama! 💪✨