OMG this exact thing happend to me last year! I was able to get it fixed but it took forever. Make sure you keep copys of EVERYTHING. The EDD lost my paperwork twice 🙄

I went through something similar a few months ago! The key is to call first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - you'll have a better chance of getting through. When you do get someone on the line, explain that your HR gave you incorrect guidance about filing order. Most reps understand this mix-up happens frequently. Also, ask them to put notes in your file about the conversation so if you need to call back, the next person will see what's going on. The backdating might still be possible even at 7 weeks if you can show it was due to misinformation. Don't give up! 💪

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 going through the exact same thing! EDD somehow put my return date as March 2025 when my doctor clearly wrote May 2025 on all the paperwork. It's been 6 weeks of trying to get this fixed and I'm losing my mind. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope though - I had no idea about the separate DI line that @Mateo Warren mentioned! I've been banging my head against the wall calling the main number. Also going to try the assembly member route and maybe even that claimyr.com thing if I get desperate enough. It's absolutely wild that we need a PhD in EDD navigation just to get basic benefits, but I'm so grateful for everyone sharing what actually works. This system is completely broken but at least we're all figuring it out together! 💪

Just remeber to bring EXTRA copies of EVERYTHING to your hearing cuz they always say they "didnt receive" something even when you sent it like 5 times already!

I'm going through something similar right now with EDD! They approved my PFL claim initially, then sent me a notice saying I owe them money back because they think I should have been on disability instead. But like you, I already used my disability benefits right after giving birth and then properly transitioned to PFL for bonding time. What's really frustrating is that when I called to ask for clarification, the first rep told me my claim was correct, but then a supervisor said it wasn't. It's like they don't even know their own rules! I'm also preparing for an appeal hearing next month. One thing that might help both of us - I found out that EDD has specific timelines for when you can transition from SDI to PFL, and if there's any confusion in their system about overlapping dates, it triggers these automatic reviews. Make sure you have documentation showing the exact end date of your SDI and start date of your PFL with no overlap. Good luck with your hearing! This whole process is exhausting but we shouldn't give up on benefits we're entitled to.

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! As someone who's currently 7 months pregnant and starting to research PFL benefits for when my husband takes his paternity leave, I can't believe how many hoops you all have had to jump through just to get benefits you've already paid for. Ellie, I'm so relieved you finally got everything resolved! The fact that it was just an address verification issue that caused weeks of financial stress is infuriating but unfortunately seems pretty typical from what I'm reading here. I'm definitely taking notes on all the strategies everyone has shared - the main EDD number sequence, calling right at 8am, the Claimyr service for emergencies, and even the in-person office visit option. It's sad that accessing basic benefits requires this level of strategic planning, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people share what actually works. The advice about doing a preemptive verification call before leave starts is brilliant - I'm definitely going to have my husband try that about a week before his planned start date. Better to catch any potential issues early than discover them when we're already counting on the income. Thank you everyone for being so generous with sharing your experiences and solutions. This thread is going to help so many families navigate EDD's broken system!

This whole thread has been such an emotional rollercoaster to read! I'm currently dealing with my own PFL nightmare - been waiting 6 weeks for my maternity leave payments and getting the same runaround with specialists who never call back. Reading everyone's stories makes me feel less alone in this struggle, but also so angry that EDD puts new families through this stress. What really strikes me is how all these delays seem to come down to such minor administrative issues that could be easily prevented with better communication. Address changes, employment date mismatches, missing forms - none of these should require weeks of phone tag with unreachable specialists! I'm definitely going to try the main number sequence (1-800-480-3287, press 1, 2, then 4) tomorrow morning at 8am sharp. And if that doesn't work, I think Claimyr might be worth the cost just to preserve my sanity at this point. Thank you Ellie for sharing your update about getting it resolved - it gives me hope that persistence really does pay off eventually. And thank you to everyone who's contributed strategies and encouragement. This community is proof that we're stronger when we support each other through these broken systems! 💪

About the transition between SDI and PFL that was mentioned - you'll get a notice toward the end of your disability period asking if you want to file for PFL. Say YES! The timing can be tricky - I had a 2-week gap between benefits because I didn't respond to that notice quickly enough. Just a heads up since we're talking about the whole process. But your original address question - definitely not an issue as long as you use your current address on the applications.

To answer your follow-up question about whether to include a note explaining the address situation - it's not necessary. The EDD form just asks for your current mailing address. They don't cross-reference it with your DMV records. Just fill out the form accurately with your current address and you'll be fine. Focus more on making sure your medical certification is completed correctly by your doctor - that's far more likely to cause delays than an address discrepancy.