@Caesar Grant, I totally get your stress! I'm dealing with the same thing right now - my second payment was supposed to hit last week and nothing. What really helped me was checking the "Payment History" section in the online portal first before calling. Sometimes there's a little note that explains what's going on (like "payment processing" or if they need additional documentation). Also, if you haven't already, make sure your bank didn't flag it as suspicious and put a hold on it. I had that happen with my first payment and didn't realize for days. My credit union held it because it was an "unusual large deposit" 🙄 Keep us posted on what you find out! We're all in this together.

@Caesar Grant I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My second PFL payment is about 8 days late and I'm starting to panic too. What I've learned from calling (after waiting 2+ hours on hold) is that sometimes there's a "processing lag" between when they say it's sent and when it actually hits your account. The rep told me to give it 3-5 more business days before panicking. One thing that might help while you wait - if you're really tight on bills, some utility companies and credit card companies will work with you if you call and explain you're waiting on a delayed government benefit payment. I got a 10-day extension on my electric bill just by being honest about the situation. Also, double-check that your direct deposit info matches EXACTLY what's on file with your bank - even something like "Street" vs "St" can cause delays. Hang in there! 💪

To answer your question about the birth certificate - you don't need to wait for the official birth certificate to arrive before applying for PFL. When you file your PFL claim, you can initially provide the hospital discharge papers or other documentation showing you had the baby. You can always provide the birth certificate later once it arrives. And yes, you can typically use PTO to supplement SDI and PFL to get to 100% of your normal wages, but that's entirely up to your employer's policies. Some allow it, some don't, and some require you to use PTO first before state benefits kick in. Definitely check with your HR department.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation! I had a UI overpayment from 2021 that I was still paying off when I went on maternity leave in 2023. Like everyone said, it didn't affect my SDI or PFL at all - got my full benefits on time. One thing I'd add is to screenshot/save all your documentation when you file online. The EDD system can be glitchy and sometimes forms don't save properly. I learned this the hard way when my initial SDI filing seemed to disappear and I had to resubmit everything. Also, set up direct deposit if you haven't already - it's so much faster than waiting for paper checks, especially when you're dealing with newborn chaos! You've got this mama! The hardest part is just the anxiety of not knowing, but sounds like you're being super proactive about getting everything sorted.

I'm currently going through a name change with EDD myself and wanted to share what I've learned! The most important thing is to be consistent with your current legal name across all documents. Since you've already updated Social Security and your employer has your married name, definitely use that on your SDI claim. Here's what worked for me: I called EDD at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday morning and got through in about 25 minutes (way better than the horror stories!). The representative was actually really helpful and updated my name in their system immediately. She told me that as long as I filed my claim with my current legal name and provided supporting documentation, there wouldn't be any issues. For the DE 2501 form, use your married name and in the additional information section, just mention that your previous EDD account was under your maiden name. Upload your marriage certificate as supporting documentation. The rep I spoke with said they see this situation frequently and have processes in place to handle it smoothly. Don't stress too much about creating timing issues - you're being super proactive by addressing this now! The fact that you've already updated your address and contacted your doctor's office shows you're on top of things. Focus on getting ready for your little one instead of worrying about the paperwork. You've got this! 💕

I'm going through pregnancy disability leave planning right now too and wanted to add something I learned from my HR department that might help! When you update your name with EDD, make sure you also notify your employer's payroll/HR team about the potential name discrepancy. My HR rep told me that sometimes there can be delays in wage verification if the names don't match exactly between EDD's records and what the employer has on file. Since you mentioned your work already has your married name, you should be good, but it's worth double-checking that they'll report your wages under your married name when EDD requests verification. Also, if you have direct deposit set up from your old unemployment claim, make sure that bank account is still active and under the right name! I almost forgot about that detail. Wishing you the best with your claim and congratulations on your upcoming little one! 🍼

I missed an EDD call too about 6 months ago and was totally panicked! Here's what worked for me: I sent a secure message through my EDD online account explaining that I missed their call and asking what they needed. They responded within 3 business days with exactly what documents were missing from my application. Turned out it was just a clearer copy of my doctor's certification form. Sometimes the missed call is just a routine follow-up, not necessarily a major issue with your case. Also, make sure your voicemail is set up and not full - they might try calling again! Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞

Been in your shoes before! First thing - don't panic, missed calls from EDD are super common and usually not a disaster. Here's what I'd recommend: 1) Check your EDD online portal ASAP for any status updates or messages, 2) Look through all your email folders (including spam) for any correspondence, 3) Try calling the main PFL line early in the morning when wait times are shorter, and 4) If you can't get through by phone, send a secure message through your online account explaining you missed their call and asking for next steps. In my experience, they're pretty understanding about missed calls since their phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate. Keep all your paperwork handy in case they need to verify something. You've got this! 👍

I've dealt with E311 errors before - super frustrating! One thing that worked for me was making sure my address exactly matched what's on file with the Social Security Administration. Even something as small as "Street" vs "St" can cause issues. Also, if you've moved recently, EDD might still have your old address on file. You can try updating your address through their online portal first, then wait 24-48 hours before trying to submit your PFL application again. The system needs time to sync the changes. Hope this helps!

I went through the exact same thing a few months ago! Error E311 had me pulling my hair out. What finally worked for me was calling the SDI (State Disability Insurance) line instead of the regular EDD number - they're better equipped to handle PFL issues. The number is 1-877-238-4373. Also, try filing your application super early in the morning like 6 AM when their servers aren't overloaded. I know it's stressful with your October timeline, but you've still got time. Don't give up! The system is terrible but once you get through, the benefits are worth the hassle.