This thread has been absolutely incredible! I'm 18 weeks pregnant and have been putting off researching maternity leave because every official resource I found was so confusing and overwhelming. Reading through everyone's real-world experiences has been a game-changer. I love how @Sara Unger laid out that timeline spreadsheet - I'm definitely stealing that idea! And @Sophia Nguyen's advice about keeping copies of everything and taking screenshots is so smart. I work in tech and even I wouldn't have thought to screenshot the EDD portal pages, but given all the horror stories about their system, that's brilliant. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone dealt with having multiple jobs while filing for SDI/PFL? I have a full-time job plus some freelance work on the side. I'm wondering if the freelance income complicates the benefit calculation or if I need to report it separately? Also, @Hattie Carson, thank you so much for starting this conversation! Your questions were exactly what I needed to see answered. This community is amazing - I've learned more from this thread than from hours of trying to navigate the EDD website. You all are lifesavers! 🙏✨

This thread is absolutely incredible - thank you all for sharing your experiences! As someone who's 25 weeks pregnant and has been procrastinating on figuring out the whole SDI/PFL situation, reading through everyone's real-world advice has been a total lifesaver. I'm particularly grateful for the timeline breakdown from @Destiny Bryant and the tip about creating the SDI account early from @Dyllan Nantx. I had no idea about the mailed verification code taking a week - I definitely would have been scrambling at the last minute! One question I haven't seen addressed: does anyone know if changing jobs during pregnancy affects your SDI/PFL eligibility or benefit calculation? I'm considering a job change in my second trimester but I'm worried it might mess up my base period calculations or create complications with the claims process. Also, @Sophia Nguyen's advice about keeping copies of everything and taking screenshots is brilliant - I'm starting that documentation system right now while I have time to get organized. @Hattie Carson thank you for asking all the right questions! This thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for other expecting parents navigating this confusing system. You all have turned what felt like an impossible maze into a clear, manageable process. This community is amazing! 🌟

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling right at 8 AM when they open - that's when I had the most success. Also, make sure you have all your documentation ready before you call (claim number, social security number, the incorrect date you entered, and the correct date). The rep will need all of this info to make the change. One more tip - if you get disconnected (which happens way too often), don't give up! Keep trying. I know it's frustrating but it's really important to get this fixed before it affects your next payment. You've got this! 🙏

I dealt with this exact same situation a few months ago and it was such a headache! Here's what worked for me: I called the 1-800-300-5616 number that others mentioned, but I also sent a detailed message through UI Online at the same time explaining the error. In the online message, I included my claim number, the incorrect date I had entered, and the correct back-to-work date. Make sure to be super specific about the dates. It took about a week to get a response online, but they were able to fix it without me having to stay on hold for hours. The key is to act fast though - the longer you wait, the more complicated it can get. Also, keep records of everything you submit in case you need to reference it later. Don't panic, this happens more often than you'd think and they're used to fixing these kinds of mistakes!

Oh wow, this thread is so helpful! I'm actually dealing with a similar EDD date error right now - they have my bonding leave start date wrong by a whole month. Reading everyone's experiences and tips is giving me hope that this can actually get resolved. I'm definitely going to try the multi-pronged approach - calling (maybe at lunch time like @Maxwell St. Laurent suggested!), contacting my assembly member, AND doing the written appeal with documentation. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops for what should be a simple date correction, but I'm grateful for this community sharing what actually works. Time to start my own spreadsheet and get organized! Thanks everyone for the real-world advice 💪

This is such a common issue with EDD unfortunately! I went through something similar last year where they had my disability dates completely wrong. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the disability insurance number (not the main EDD line) at exactly 8:00 AM and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The DI reps seem to have more authority to make these date corrections on the spot. Make sure you have your SDI number ready and all your original paperwork. When I explained the discrepancy and provided the correct dates from my physician's form, they were able to fix it immediately and even backdated my payments. Also, if you're still having trouble getting through by phone, try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays - Mondays and Fridays are usually swamped. Don't give up, this is definitely fixable! 🙏

I'm actually going through this right now! Just filed my SDI claim last week and I was in the exact same boat - my physical license still shows my old apartment but I updated my address with DMV online when I moved 6 weeks ago. I was so paranoid about it that I called EDD to double-check, and the rep basically laughed and said "honey, we don't even look at your physical license - we just need to know where to mail your stuff." She said as long as the address on my DE2501 form is where I actually live and receive mail, I'm golden. My claim was approved within 3 days with zero issues! The only thing that slowed me down was waiting for my doctor's office to fax back the medical certification - they kept "forgetting" to send it. Don't stress about the address thing at all, focus on staying on top of your medical paperwork!

Adding my experience as someone who just went through this process - I had the same exact worry! My DL still showed my college address but I'd been living with my boyfriend for over a year. When I filed my SDI claim in September, I used my current address on all the forms and had zero issues. The claim processed normally and I got my EDD debit card within a week at my correct address. The key thing is making sure your current address is consistent across all your paperwork - the DE2501, your employer's records, and what you tell your doctor. I actually brought a utility bill to my doctor's appointment just to make sure they had the right address for the medical certification. Don't overthink it - the system is more flexible than you'd expect!

Just remember to breathe, OP. It's a lot, but you've got this! 💪

One thing that really helped me was creating a checklist before I started filling anything out. I went through each form and wrote down exactly what documents I needed, then gathered everything first before touching the paperwork. Also, if you're doing this for bonding leave (new baby), make sure you have the birth certificate or adoption papers ready - they'll need certified copies. And don't be afraid to call if you have questions! I know the wait times are brutal, but it's better to ask than to guess and get it wrong.