I'm currently going through this exact same nightmare! Applied for PFL 9 days ago after having my baby and it's like my application disappeared into a black hole. The EDD online system is absolutely useless - just shows "application submitted" with zero indication of what's happening behind the scenes. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both comforting and infuriating. Comforting to know this is "normal" but infuriating that in 2025 we still can't get basic status updates on our own benefits! I've been checking the portal multiple times a day like it's going to magically update. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service if I don't hear anything by next week. The thought of spending hours every day trying to get through to EDD while dealing with a newborn sounds like torture. It's ridiculous that we have to pay a third party just to communicate with our own state agency, but at this point I'll try anything. Thanks for posting this and to everyone who shared their experiences - at least now I know what to expect and that there are ways to actually get through to a real person when the system inevitably fails us!

I'm going through this exact same frustrating experience right now! Applied for PFL 6 days ago after my baby was born and the complete lack of status updates is driving me crazy. It's 2025 and we literally have better tracking for pizza deliveries than for our own government benefits! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though - sounds like 2-3 weeks is unfortunately the norm, and there are actually some workarounds to get through to EDD. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service if I don't hear anything by next week, and I just set up the text alerts that someone mentioned (had no idea that was even an option). It's so reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with EDD's stone-age system, but also infuriating that new parents have to go through this stress when we're already exhausted and worried about finances. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this thread is going to save my sanity over the next week or two!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - caring for my mom after her hip replacement surgery. From what I've learned through this whole process, you're absolutely doing the right thing by using multiple submission methods. I faxed mine first, then uploaded it online the next day just to be safe. One thing that might help ease your anxiety - I noticed on the EDD website that they actually recommend using the online upload system now because it creates an automatic confirmation in your account. You should be able to see a record of your uploaded documents in your UI Online portal under "Form Submissions" or something similar. Also, keep in mind that even though you got your benefit calculation notice quickly, the actual approval process can still take 1-2 weeks after they receive the medical certification. But since you've covered all your bases with both fax and upload, I'd say you're in good shape! Just stay on top of those bi-weekly certifications when they become available.

I went through this exact same process last year when I was on PFL to care for my elderly father after his stroke. You're definitely overthinking this - having both faxed AND uploaded the DE2647DF form puts you in a really good position. From my experience, EDD actually prefers the electronic submissions (fax and online upload) over physical mail because it's faster for them to process. The fact that you've already received your benefit calculation notice is encouraging, even though as others have mentioned, it's not directly tied to the medical form processing. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you have your fax confirmation receipt saved somewhere safe. I had to reference mine twice when dealing with EDD reps. Also, if you do decide to call them for confirmation, try calling right at 8:00 AM when they open - that's when I had the most luck getting through. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, especially when you're depending on that income. But based on what you've described, it sounds like you've done everything right. Just focus on completing your certifications when they become available and try not to stress too much about the form submission - you've covered all the bases!

Diego, I totally understand your confusion! I went through the exact same thing when I had my son last year. The 6-week SDI for vaginal delivery definitely caught me off guard too - I think a lot of us expect 8 weeks because that's what we hear about for total disability leave. Everyone here has given you really solid advice about filing for PFL. I just wanted to add that when you do file, make sure to check if your employer offers any additional paid leave that might run concurrently with your PFL benefits. Some companies have their own parental leave policies that can supplement what you get from the state. Also, if you're planning to take the full 8 weeks of PFL bonding time, start thinking now about whether you want to take it all consecutively or if you might want to take some of it intermittently later (like a few days here and there). You have up to 12 months from your baby's birth to use all your PFL bonding time, which gives you some flexibility. The most important thing right now is getting that PFL application submitted soon so you don't have any gaps in payments. You're being really smart by planning ahead - it shows you're going to handle this transition just fine!

Diego, I'm so glad you asked this question because I was in the exact same boat just a few months ago! The panic is so real when you see that 6-week end date instead of the 8 weeks you were expecting. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about the transition from SDI to PFL. I just wanted to add my experience with the timing - I filed my PFL application about 10 days before my SDI ended and it was processed seamlessly. The key is having all your documents ready to go. One thing that really helped me was setting up a simple folder (physical or digital) with all my maternity leave paperwork - SDI notices, baby's hospital records, employer info, etc. It made filling out the PFL application so much less stressful when I wasn't scrambling to find everything while dealing with a newborn. Also, don't stress too much about EDD not responding to your portal message yet - 3 days is actually pretty normal for them, especially this time of year. Your situation is very routine and you're handling it exactly right by being proactive and asking questions. You've got this! The transition might seem confusing now, but once you file that PFL claim, you'll have a total of 14 weeks of benefits (6 SDI + 8 PFL) which is really good coverage. Just remember to file soon to avoid any payment gaps!

Glad to hear your card finally arrived! I'm actually going through something similar right now - my PFL claim was approved 6 days ago and I'm anxiously waiting for my card too. It's so stressful when you have bills coming up and no access to the money that's supposedly already been issued. Your timeline of 12 business days gives me hope that mine should arrive soon. Did you end up calling to check on it, or did you just wait it out? Also, how easy was it to transfer the funds to your regular bank once you got the card?

I'm currently waiting for my PFL card too - claim approved 5 days ago for baby bonding. Reading through all these experiences is really helpful! Question for those who've been through this: once you get the card, do you need to call to activate it or can you activate it online? Also, are there any fees for transferring money from the EDD card to your regular bank account? Trying to plan ahead so I can access my funds as quickly as possible when it arrives.

I'm so sorry for your loss with your mom - that must make this time even more overwhelming. I went through something similar with my husband's leave when our daughter was born last year. Since you've confirmed he has RUIA deductions, definitely go through the Railroad Retirement Board. One thing that helped us was calling RRB directly at 1-877-772-5772 - they were actually much easier to reach than EDD and way more helpful. The railroad system has different rules but the benefits can be comparable depending on his specific situation. Also, some railroad companies have additional family leave policies beyond what RUIA provides, so definitely check with HR about any supplemental benefits. The timing will be different than California PFL, but the good news is you'll likely get clearer answers once you're dealing with the right system. Railroad workers deal with this all the time, so RRB should be able to walk you through everything step by step. Good luck with everything!

I'm a railroad worker myself (BNSF) and went through this exact situation two years ago when my son was born. Since your husband has RUIA deductions, he'll definitely need to go through the Railroad Retirement Board, not California EDD. The good news is that RRB is generally much more responsive than state agencies. For railroad workers under RUIA, you get sickness benefits that can be used for family bonding, but the process and timing are different. He'll need to apply after the baby is born and will need documentation like the birth certificate. The benefit amount is based on his railroad earnings, and there's typically a 4-day waiting period. One important thing - make sure he coordinates with his railroad's crew management or HR about the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as well. Railroad FMLA works a bit differently than regular FMLA, and he might be eligible for unpaid protected leave beyond what RUIA covers. Some railroads also have their own supplemental family leave policies. The RRB customer service line (877-772-5772) is your best bet for getting accurate information specific to his situation. They can walk you through the whole process and timeline. Hang in there - it's confusing at first but once you get connected with the right people it gets much clearer!