I just went through this nightmare last week! The EDD PFL system is so buggy. Here's what finally worked for me: 1) Use Firefox or Edge instead of Chrome, 2) Turn off ALL browser extensions temporarily, 3) Make sure you're on a stable internet connection (not public wifi), and 4) Fill out the application in one sitting without leaving the page idle. I also found that submitting between 6-8 AM worked better than during peak hours. If you're still getting errors, take screenshots and call the PFL phone line at (877) 238-4373. Yes, you'll be on hold forever, but they can sometimes push your application through manually or tell you exactly what's wrong. Don't give up - I know how stressful this is when you need the benefits! 🤞

I feel your frustration! I just went through this exact same nightmare two months ago. After trying everything everyone mentioned (different browsers, clearing cache, etc.), what finally worked for me was using my phone instead of my computer. Sounds weird, but apparently the mobile version of the EDD site sometimes works better than the desktop version. I used Safari on my iPhone and it went through on the first try after days of errors on my laptop. Also, make sure you're not copying and pasting any information - type everything manually. The system seems to get confused by copied text sometimes. If you're still stuck after trying mobile, you can also visit a local EDD office in person. I know it's a hassle, but they can help you submit the application directly. Don't lose hope - this system is terrible but you'll get through it eventually!

This entire thread has been so educational! I'm currently 6 weeks postpartum and back at work, but my company just announced "organizational changes" coming in Q2. Reading through everyone's experiences here has made me realize I need to start preparing now in case layoffs hit my department. The key takeaway seems to be: file for PFL baby bonding BEFORE any layoff happens, even if you suspect it's coming. I had no idea about the employment requirement for PFL eligibility - I always thought it was just about having paid into SDI. Thank you @StarSailor for clarifying that you need to be employed OR actively job searching while on PFL. @Miguel - you definitely made the smart move filing when you did. The fact that you still have several months left in your 12-month window for baby bonding gives you such a good safety net. I'm going to start gathering all my documentation (birth certificate, pay stubs showing SDI contributions, etc.) just in case I need to file quickly. One question for the group - if you're still breastfeeding, does that impact your ability to meet the "available for work" requirement during PFL baby bonding? I know it's supposed to be bonding time but the availability requirement seems like it could create complications for nursing mothers.

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm currently 4 months postpartum and just heard rumors about potential layoffs at my company in the coming weeks. Reading through everyone's experiences here has given me the roadmap I needed to protect my benefits. The consensus seems crystal clear: file for PFL baby bonding IMMEDIATELY while still employed, even if layoffs are just rumors at this point. I had no idea about the timing requirements or that you need to be employed when you apply. Like several others mentioned, I thought it was just about having paid into SDI during my employment. @Miguel - you handled this perfectly by filing when you did. The peace of mind of having that claim submitted and timestamped before any layoff drama must be huge. Really hoping your approval comes through quickly! One thing I'm wondering - for those who successfully got their baby bonding benefits approved, how long did it typically take from filing to receiving your first payment? I want to make sure I file with enough buffer time before any potential layoff, but I'm also trying to plan my finances if I do need to take that leave unexpectedly. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences so openly. This kind of real-world guidance is exactly what new parents need to navigate California's complex benefit system!

I'm going through this exact nightmare right now too! Been approved for over 2 weeks and still haven't seen a penny. What makes it even more stressful is that I had to take time off work for my mom's medical situation, so I'm already behind on everything financially. I've called probably 10 times and keep getting the same "your payment is processing" nonsense with no actual timeline. It's honestly insulting that they expect us to just wait indefinitely while dealing with family emergencies. I'm definitely going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning and look into that assembly member suggestion - never thought about going that route but it sounds like it might actually get results. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences, it helps knowing I'm not going crazy and that there are actual strategies that work! Fingers crossed we all get our payments soon 🤞

This whole situation is absolutely maddening! I'm currently dealing with the same issue - got approved for PFL about 2.5 weeks ago but still no payment. What's really frustrating is that when you're already dealing with a family crisis, the last thing you need is to become a full-time advocate just to get money you're legally entitled to. I've been calling every few days but keep hitting that same wall of "it's processing" with zero actual information. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both comforting and terrifying - glad to know it's not just me, but wow, 5+ weeks for some people?! That's completely unacceptable. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy and look into contacting my assembly member's office. Thanks to everyone sharing their tips and experiences - it's clear we have to stick together and help each other navigate this broken system. Hoping everyone gets their payments 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! 🤞