I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent experience since it might help others facing similar issues. I just went through the PFL application process for bonding leave with my adopted daughter, and I encountered the exact same draft submission problem that @Zainab Mahmoud described. After reading through all the helpful advice in this thread, I tried the early morning submission approach at around 6:30 AM and it worked perfectly! My claim went through on the first try with an immediate confirmation number. I think the server load issue that @Emma Davis mentioned is definitely real - I had tried multiple times during lunch hours and evenings with no success. For anyone still struggling with this, I'd also recommend checking that your browser isn't blocking any scripts or pop-ups from the EDD website. I noticed my browser's privacy settings were pretty strict and might have been interfering with the submission process. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - this thread was incredibly helpful for a newcomer trying to navigate the EDD system for the first time! The community support here is amazing. 💕

Reading through this entire thread has been so enlightening and honestly a bit overwhelming! I'm currently preparing to file a PFL claim to care for my mom who's scheduled for knee replacement surgery next month, and I had no idea about all these potential technical issues with the EDD system. The advice about trying early morning submissions (around 6-7 AM) seems to be the most consistent solution that's worked for multiple people here. I'm also going to make sure I have all my documentation ready beforehand and use Chrome with cleared cache like @Ava Williams suggested. It's both frustrating and reassuring to see so many people dealing with the same system glitches - frustrating that EDD hasn't fixed these obvious problems, but reassuring that there are proven workarounds. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and will document everything with screenshots just in case. @Zainab Mahmoud - thank you for starting this discussion! Your experience and everyone's helpful responses have probably saved me (and many others) days of frustration. Hope your dad's recovery is going smoothly! @Anna Xian - congratulations on your adoption and thanks for the browser privacy settings tip - I wouldn't have thought of that! This community support is incredible. I'll report back on how my application goes when the time comes!

I went through this exact same issue last month! What worked for me was logging into UI Online and looking for the "Report Issue" or "Contact EDD" section. There's usually a form where you can explain the date discrepancy and attach supporting documents like your separation notice or pay stubs. It took about 10 business days, but they eventually corrected my dates without me having to call. Worth trying before you spend hours on hold!

Oh wow, I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My claim start date is showing as two weeks later than it should be, which is messing up my benefit calculation. I've been so stressed about having to call EDD because everyone says it takes forever to get through. Reading through these comments, I think I'm going to try that "Report Issue" form that @Sayid Hassan mentioned first - sounds way less painful than sitting on hold for hours. Has anyone else here had success with the online form approach, or should I just bite the bullet and try calling?

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation while managing two little ones! I actually work in HR and see this scenario fairly often - you're definitely not alone in having your job protection end before your planned PFL time. A few quick tips from what I've seen work well: 1. Don't panic about "canceling" your claim - you're just reporting an early return to work, which is totally normal and allowed 2. The 8AM call strategy others mentioned really does work better - I always tell employees to try first thing in the morning 3. When you do get through, ask for a confirmation number for updating your return date. Write down the agent's name/ID too if they give it 4. Screenshot your certification when you submit it showing your accurate return date From the employer side, we usually don't need proof that you contacted EDD about returning early - we just need you back at work! But definitely keep records of your communication with EDD for your own protection. The system is designed to handle early returns, and EDD agents deal with this daily. You're being super responsible by addressing it proactively. Hang in there - this will get sorted out! 💪

I just want to echo what others have said about not panicking - you're handling this exactly right by addressing it quickly! I went through a very similar situation last year when my job protection ran out earlier than expected. One thing I'd add is that when you call EDD (definitely try the 8 AM strategy!), be very clear about your exact return date and make sure they note it in your file. I also found it helpful to ask them to walk me through what I needed to do on my next certification - they actually explained the specific questions I'd need to answer differently now that I was returning to work. The agent I spoke with also mentioned that it's totally fine to have unused PFL weeks remaining - those don't just disappear. While you probably won't be able to use them later due to lack of job protection, it's good to know the benefits themselves aren't "wasted" from EDD's perspective. You've got this! Taking care of a newborn and toddler while dealing with work stress and government bureaucracy is SO hard, but you're being really proactive about getting everything sorted properly. That's exactly the right approach! 💙

my cousin said she just logged into her benefits account and filled everything out there first and then took the dr form in. might be easier that way??

I'm so sorry you're going through this - postpartum depression is already hard enough without having to navigate EDD's confusing system! I just want to emphasize what others have said: make sure you file your SDI claim online FIRST at edd.ca.gov before your doctor appointment tomorrow. When you complete the online application, you'll get a confirmation number that your doctor will need to reference on the DE2501 form. Also, if your doctor's office claims they "don't do disability forms," you can print the DE2501 yourself and bring it to them - it's literally part of their job to complete medical certifications for their patients. Don't let them brush you off! You deserve support during this difficult time. 💙

This thread has been incredibly helpful for so many of us dealing with this confusing situation! I wanted to add one more tip that might help others - when I was going through this process, I found it really helpful to create a simple timeline for myself to stay organized. Here's what I wish someone had told me: Write down your estimated disability end date (usually 6-8 weeks after delivery), then mark 1-2 weeks before that as your "apply for PFL" reminder. Also jot down your baby's birth date and make sure you have a copy of the birth certificate ready since you'll need it for the bonding application. The other thing that really helped was keeping a simple log of every conversation with HR, including dates and what was discussed. This came in handy when I needed to reference what they had told me about their policies versus what I was actually entitled to through EDD. For anyone still feeling overwhelmed by this process - you've got this! The fact that you're asking questions and seeking information means you're already on the right track. Don't let employer confusion stop you from getting benefits you've earned through your own paycheck contributions. The peace of mind of having that extra time with your new baby is so worth navigating this bureaucratic maze!

I just went through this exact same situation last month and it's SO frustrating how confusing the whole system is! Your HR is definitely mixing up two completely different things - job protection eligibility vs benefit eligibility. The fact that you're already receiving SDI means you've been paying into the system and absolutely qualify for the 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding benefits. Here's what I learned the hard way: apply for your PFL claim about 10-14 days before your disability ends (so around week 4-5 of your recovery). Don't wait until the last minute because there can be processing delays. The application is much simpler than the initial disability claim since you're already in their system. As for the job situation - I was in the same boat with no FMLA protection. I ended up having a really honest conversation with my manager and explained that I wasn't asking the company to pay me, just whether they could work with me since I'd be receiving state benefits I'd already earned. They actually agreed to let me return after the 8 weeks even though they weren't legally required to hold my position. Sometimes companies are more flexible than they initially let on! Even if your employer can't guarantee your job, don't let that stop you from claiming benefits you've been paying for. That's YOUR money from your paychecks. Worst case, you get 8 weeks of bonding time and payments, then figure out your next career move. Best case, your employer works with you. Either way, you deserve those benefits! Congrats on your new baby!