I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 2 months ago and it feels like I'm stuck in limbo. The phone system is absolutely brutal - I've probably made 50+ calls and only gotten through once, just to be told they needed more documentation (which I had already submitted twice). One thing that's helped me stay organized is creating a spreadsheet with all my call attempts, confirmation numbers, and what was discussed each time. Also screenshot everything in your online account - I've had things mysteriously disappear from my portal before. Has anyone tried faxing documents instead of uploading them online? I'm wondering if that might be more reliable. At this point I'm willing to try anything! 😩

I'm dealing with the same frustration! Been waiting 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. One thing that helped me was calling the disability insurance number (1-800-480-3287) instead of the main PFL line - sometimes they can transfer you or give you updates since PFL claims go through the same system. Also, if you have a case worker assigned, try asking for their direct extension when you do get through. I finally got one after my 4th successful call and it's been a game changer for follow-ups. The whole system definitely needs an overhaul, but hang in there! You'll get through eventually. Keep detailed records of everything like others mentioned - it really does help when you finally talk to someone. Good luck! 🤞

Thank you everyone for all your advice!! I called my OB office today and they said they submit the medical certification electronically, but I need to let them know when I'm ready to file. I also created my SDI Online account (took like 10 minutes) and talked to my HR department. They gave me a separation notice that I'll need to upload when I file my claim. I'm still a little confused about the transition from disability to baby bonding though... do I need to file a whole new claim for that? And how do I make sure there's no gap between the two?

Great job on being proactive and getting your account set up early! 👏 One additional tip that helped me - when you're ready to file on Dec 8th, make sure you have your most recent pay stub handy. The system will ask for wage information and having exact figures speeds up the process. Also, regarding the transition to PFL - you can actually apply for baby bonding PFL up to 12 months after your baby's birth, so there's flexibility there. But like @Jamal Harris mentioned, timing it right prevents payment gaps. One last thing - save your confirmation number and print/screenshot the final submission page when you file. I've seen people have issues where EDD couldn't locate their claim initially, and having that documentation saved the day. You're doing everything right though - sounds like you'll be much better prepared than most first-time filers!

Just joined this community after my own PFL nightmare - my application has been "under review" for 8 weeks with absolutely no communication from EDD. I'm taking care of my partner after a major surgery, and the stress of fighting this broken system while managing a medical crisis is overwhelming. What really frustrates me is that I've been paying into this system for years, yet when I actually need the benefits, it's like pulling teeth to get basic information. I've called probably 60+ times and only got through twice - both times they just said "keep waiting" with no timeline or explanation. Reading all your stories here makes me feel less alone but also more angry about how broken this system is. We're all dealing with serious family emergencies that need our attention, but instead we're forced to become EDD experts just to access our own benefits. I'm definitely going to try the local EDD office strategy that @Alberto Souchard mentioned - sounds like that's been the most successful approach. Also planning to contact my state rep's office since several people have had luck with that route. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and tips. It's both heartbreaking and comforting to know we're all fighting the same fight. Will update everyone on my progress - we need to support each other through this bureaucratic nightmare! 💪

New member here dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! My PFL application has been stuck in processing limbo for 6 weeks now with zero communication from EDD. Like so many others here, I'm trying to care for a family member while simultaneously becoming a full-time EDD detective just to get basic updates on my own benefits. What really gets me is that we've all been paying into this system for years, yet when we actually need it during legitimate family emergencies, they make us jump through impossible hoops. I've called countless times and can rarely get through - and when I do, they just say "keep waiting" with no timeline or explanation. Reading everyone's experiences here is both comforting and infuriating - we're all fighting the same broken system! I'm definitely going to try the local EDD office strategy that @Alberto Souchard mentioned since that seems to be working for people. Also planning to reach out to my state rep based on the success stories here. Thank you all for creating this supportive community and sharing your strategies. It shouldn't take a village to access our own benefits, but at least we're not facing this nightmare alone! Will keep everyone updated on my progress. Stay strong everyone! 💪

I'm going through this exact situation right now! Filed my PFL claim on March 10th after my SDI ended, got my first payment last Friday for just one week, and have been anxiously checking my account every day since. Reading through all these responses is such a relief - I had no idea about the bi-weekly schedule or that the transition from SDI causes delays. It's so frustrating that EDD doesn't explain any of this clearly when you're applying. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially knowing the typical timeline helps so much when you're stressed about finances with a new little one!

Just want to add another data point for anyone else going through this - I had my baby in January and went through the exact same SDI to PFL transition. The payment timing that Evelyn outlined is exactly what happened to me: first PFL payment was one week, then regular bi-weekly payments every Thursday after that. The waiting period between that first payment and the second one felt SO long when you're already stressed about everything else with a newborn! But it did come through right on schedule. For what it's worth, I also never had to certify or fill out any additional forms for baby bonding PFL - once the initial claim was approved for my 8 weeks, everything processed automatically. The system definitely works, it's just not very transparent about the timeline which makes it nerve-wracking!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the exact same thing happened to me when my son was born 3 months ago! The SDI to PFL transition is definitely where most claims get stuck, and it's infuriating that EDD doesn't warn people about this issue. Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of trying: 1. Called at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday - got through after 42 minutes on hold 2. Had everything written down: claim number, SSN, baby's birth certificate number (not just date), and specific questions 3. Asked the rep to check my "claim transition status between SDI and PFL" - those exact words seemed to help 4. The rep found that my claims weren't linked and fixed it manually on the spot 5. Got my first PFL payment 3 days later! The representative told me this SDI/PFL linking issue happens to about 30% of baby bonding claims and they have to fix each one manually. It's completely ridiculous that their systems don't talk to each other properly. If calling doesn't work after a few attempts, definitely try your assembly member's office - they have staff dedicated to EDD issues and can escalate your case. You can find yours at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Don't give up! Your benefits are rightfully yours and this delay isn't your fault - it's EDD's broken system. Hang in there mama, you've got this! 💙

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly frustrating situation! I just went through the exact same nightmare with my PFL claim when my daughter was born 2 months ago. Like so many others here, my claim got stuck in the SDI to PFL transition and I spent weeks trying to get through to someone. What finally worked for me was calling at exactly 8:00 AM on a Wednesday morning - I got through after about 35 minutes on hold. The representative discovered that my SDI and PFL claims weren't properly linked in their system (apparently this happens to a shocking number of claims) and she fixed it manually during our call. I received my first payment within 48 hours! A few tips that helped me: - Have everything ready: claim number, SSN, your baby's birth certificate number, and write down your specific questions - When you get someone on the line, ask them to check your "claim transition status between SDI and PFL" - Be specific that you need them to verify the claims are properly linked in their system - Put the call on speaker so you can tend to your baby while waiting If the phone route doesn't work after a few more attempts, definitely contact your state assembly member's office - they have dedicated staff for EDD issues who can file official inquiries that bypass the regular system. You're absolutely not alone in this struggle, and it's not your fault that EDD's systems are so broken. Your benefits are rightfully yours - don't let their dysfunction discourage you from fighting for what you've earned. Hang in there and keep us updated! 💪❤️