Congrats on getting through, Yara! That's such a relief. For anyone else reading this thread, I'd also recommend documenting everything in writing after your call - date, time, agent name if they give it, and all the key points discussed. I learned this the hard way when I had conflicting information from different EDD reps and needed to reference my previous conversations. Also, that direct extension number is gold - definitely save it! Wishing you a smooth transition and congratulations on your little one coming soon! 🎉

Another tip that worked for me - if you're still having trouble getting through by phone, try reaching out to your local state assembly member's office. They often have direct contacts at EDD and can help expedite issues for constituents. I was stuck in a similar situation last year and my assembly member's office got me connected with an EDD supervisor within 48 hours. You can find your representative at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. It's a free service and they're surprisingly helpful with state agency issues!

Hate to say it, but sometimes you just gotta keep calling. I literally called 137 times in one day before I got through. It's exhausting but eventually it'll work.

This is so frustrating but unfortunately pretty common with EDD right now. A few things that might help: try calling the 2511 number instead of the main line - sometimes it has shorter wait times. Also, if you have any documentation from when you first filed (confirmation numbers, emails, etc.), keep those handy when you do get through. The rep will need them to locate your "missing" claim. Sometimes claims get flagged for review and temporarily disappear from your online portal, but they're still in the system. Don't panic - your claim isn't actually gone, it's just not visible to you right now. Keep us updated on how it goes!

hope it works out for u! sorry bout ur mother in law

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Going through this while navigating bureaucracy is incredibly difficult. Just wanted to add that when you submit your PFL application, make sure to clearly document the caregiving activities you're providing for your husband - things like helping him manage daily tasks he's struggling with due to his condition, accompanying him to medical appointments, and providing emotional support during the estate settlement process. EDD sometimes asks for specifics about what "care" looks like. Also, since you mentioned multiple trips to the UK, you might want to include a brief note explaining that the caregiving includes helping him handle his mother's affairs overseas, as this directly relates to his diagnosed condition. The international aspect shouldn't disqualify you as long as you're actively providing care. Wishing you and your family strength during this difficult time. The fact that his doctor was understanding and provided the proper diagnosis is a huge step forward.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now with my 5-month-old! The childcare shortage is absolutely insane. One thing that's helped me buy some time is looking into family daycare providers instead of just centers - they often have more flexibility and shorter wait times. I found mine through Care.com and Sittercity.com. Also, have you checked if your employer offers any kind of backup childcare benefits? Some companies partner with services like Bright Horizons that provide emergency care when your regular arrangement falls through. It's usually only a few days per month but it could help bridge gaps while you're figuring things out. I know it feels overwhelming but you're handling an impossible situation as best you can. The system is broken, not you!

I'm a working parent who went through a very similar childcare crisis last year, and I wanted to share something that ended up being a lifesaver for me. Have you looked into whether your area has any emergency or drop-in childcare centers? These are different from regular daycares - they're designed for parents who need temporary care while they're searching for permanent solutions or dealing with childcare disruptions. I found one through 211 (you can call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) that allowed me to use their services a few days per week while I was on waiting lists elsewhere. It was more expensive per day than regular daycare, but it kept me from having to miss work and lose income entirely. Some of these centers also have connections to permanent daycare spots that aren't advertised publicly. Also, since you mentioned being in healthcare, check if your state nursing association or other professional healthcare organizations have any member resources or bulletin boards for childcare referrals. Healthcare workers often understand each other's scheduling challenges better than general childcare providers. The combination of CFRA leave that others mentioned plus using these emergency childcare options strategically might give you the breathing room to find something permanent without having to quit entirely. You're dealing with an incredibly broken system, but you're not out of options yet!

Pro tip: if you can't get through on the main line, try calling right when they open or just before they close. Sometimes you can catch em off guard lol

Been in a similar situation before! The wrong end date thing is actually pretty common - when you get through to someone, just explain it was an input error and have your correct dates ready. For the 4-day payment issue, that could be because they're only counting weekdays or there might be a waiting period applied. Ask them to show you exactly how they calculated it and if there are any penalties or waiting periods affecting your payment. Also, don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if the first person can't help - sometimes you need someone with more system access to fix date issues.