Anyone else feel like we need to start a petition or something to get the government to fix this mess? It's not fair that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to.

Wow, this whole thread is so relatable! I'm currently on week 4 of trying to get my PFL claim processed and it's been absolutely exhausting. The fact that we have to resort to paying third-party services just to talk to someone at our own state agency is honestly insane. I've been hesitant about using those calling services because I wasn't sure if they were legit, but hearing multiple people confirm they work is really helpful. At this point, $20 seems like a small price to pay for my sanity. Thanks for sharing your experience @Jungleboo - gives me hope that there's actually a light at the end of this tunnel! 🤞

I'm a new parent who recently navigated a similar childcare crisis, and I wanted to share one more resource that hasn't been mentioned yet: many hospitals and healthcare systems actually have their own internal childcare referral networks or partnerships that aren't widely advertised to staff. Since you're in healthcare, I'd suggest reaching out directly to your employee assistance program (EAP) if your employer has one. They sometimes have emergency childcare vouchers or can connect you with providers who specifically work with healthcare families and understand shift work/on-call schedules. Also, consider looking into au pair programs through agencies like Cultural Care or Au Pair in America. While there's typically a longer application process, some families have had luck finding au pairs who were already in the country and looking to transition to a new host family more quickly. The stress you're feeling is completely valid - balancing a 4-month-old, work demands, and an impossible childcare market would break anyone. From reading all the excellent advice in this thread, it sounds like you have a solid action plan forming. Take it one step at a time, and remember that whatever solution you find doesn't have to be perfect or permanent - it just needs to work for your family right now.

I'm a working mom who went through an almost identical situation when my daughter was about the same age. The desperation you're feeling is so real - I remember crying in my car after another daycare rejection call while pumping between patient visits. One thing that saved me was connecting with other healthcare workers through our hospital's lactation support group. It turned out several of us were struggling with the same childcare issues, and we ended up forming an informal childcare co-op where we'd cover for each other during emergency situations. Even if your hospital doesn't have a formal group like this, you might be able to start one by putting up a simple flyer in the break room. Also, I wanted to mention that when I finally did speak with an EDD representative (after many failed attempts), they told me that maintaining your employment relationship is crucial for PFL eligibility, but taking unpaid leave through FMLA/CFRA while actively searching for childcare can actually strengthen your case if you do eventually need to quit for "good cause." The most important thing is that you're not alone in this, and the incredible response to your post shows there's a whole community of parents who've faced these impossible choices. Whatever you decide, document everything and trust that you're doing the best you can in a broken system. Sending you so much support!

I'm in a similar boat right now! Just submitted my bonding claim paperwork last week and the waiting is killing me. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking at the same time 😅 It sounds like 2-4 weeks is pretty typical, but that range is so wide! I keep checking my email obsessively hoping for an update. Has anyone tried reaching out before the 2-week mark, or is it better to just wait it out? Also wondering if there's a specific day of the week they typically send out responses - probably overthinking this but when you're anxious, every little detail matters!

I'm currently in week 3 of waiting for my bonding claim response, and this thread is exactly what I needed to see! It's so reassuring to know I'm not alone in this anxious waiting game. The automated status check line that @Dmitry Smirnov mentioned sounds like a game-changer - definitely going to try that tomorrow. I've been hesitant to call because I didn't want to seem pushy, but it sounds like checking in is pretty normal. The range of experiences here (from 12 days to over a month) shows how inconsistent the process can be, but at least most people seem to get through eventually. Fingers crossed we all hear back soon! Thanks for creating this post, OP - sometimes just knowing others are going through the same thing makes all the difference. 🤞

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My pregnancy disability ends next week and I was getting the runaround from everyone too. After reading all these responses, I just went straight to edd.ca.gov and found the DE2508 form. You're absolutely right that it should be clearer - I wasted so much time asking my doctor and HR when I could have just filed it myself online from the beginning! One thing that helped me was realizing that your employer literally has nothing to do with PFL claims. They're not supposed to provide forms, fill anything out, or even process your claim. It's 100% between you and the state. Once I understood that, everything made way more sense. Thanks everyone for all the detailed explanations - this thread is going to help so many confused new parents! 🤱

OMG thank you all SO much for this thread! I was literally in tears yesterday thinking I was going to miss out on my bonding leave because nobody could give me a straight answer. Just filed my DE2508 online through my SDI account and it was SO much easier than I expected - took maybe 20 minutes total! For anyone else going through this same panic: the form is literally right there on the EDD website once you log into your SDI Online account. Click "File New Claim" then "Paid Family Leave" then "Bond with New Child." You'll need your baby's birth certificate and SSN but that's it - no doctor signatures or employer involvement needed at all. I cannot believe how much time I wasted calling around to people who had no idea what I was talking about. Live and learn I guess! Now I just have to wait for the first payment but at least I know it's processing. Thanks again everyone - you probably saved my sanity! 🙏💕

idk if this helps but I had luck emailing them through the contact form on their website. took like a week to get a response but at least I didn't have to deal with the phone nightmare

I had a similar issue last year and what finally worked for me was calling the 833-978-2511 number (the disability insurance line) instead of the main PFL number. For some reason it was easier to get through, and they were able to transfer me to the right department. Also, try calling right at 8 AM sharp - I literally had my phone ready to dial at 7:59:59 AM. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through these hoops, but sometimes you gotta work the system. Hope this helps!