I just went through this exact situation 2 months ago! I was 38 weeks when I mailed my DE2501 and was panicking just like you. Here's what happened with mine: Day 5: Nothing online yet, called EDD with no luck Day 7: Still nothing, started freaking out Day 9: FINALLY showed up in my UI Online account as "Claim Filed" Day 14: Got my approval letter in the mail Day 16: First payment hit my EDD Debit Card The key thing that saved my sanity was setting up text alerts through UI Online so I got notified the moment my claim status changed. Also, even though it felt like forever, everything was backdated to my last day of work just like others mentioned. One tip: if you haven't already, make sure your mailing address is updated in your UI Online account. I've heard of people having delays because EDD had their old address on file. You've got this! The waiting is torture but it WILL get processed. Try to focus on getting ready for those twins - that's way more important than stressing about EDD right now! 🍼👶👶

I'm also a first-time mom and went through this same anxiety spiral a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was calling EDD first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM sharp) - I had much better luck getting through then versus later in the day. Also, don't panic if you give birth before it's fully processed! My baby came 5 days early while my claim was still pending, and everything worked out fine. The hospital social worker actually helped me follow up with EDD and made sure I knew exactly what to expect for the processing timeline. In the meantime, make sure you have your employer's information handy (like your last day of work and wage info) because EDD might need to verify that when they process your claim. And if you're planning to breastfeed, ask your doctor about getting the pumping supplies covered through your insurance now - one less thing to worry about later! Wishing you a smooth delivery and hope your claim gets processed soon! 🙏

when i had my baby last year i waited 8 WEEKS for my pfl payment!! i called literally 30+ times. finally i contacted my state assembly members office and they have special liasons who work with edd. they fixed my claim in 3 days after i suffered for 2 months. google your local assembly member and email their office explaining your situation

Just checking back - any success with reaching EDD? The transition flag issue is something I've seen frequently cause delays. If you've tried all the phone methods without success, I'd recommend: 1. The assembly member contact suggestion above - excellent advice 2. Try the alternate PFL customer service number: 1-833-978-2511 (sometimes has different staffing/wait times) 3. If your employer has an HR benefits coordinator, they may have direct contact channels with EDD One more note: make sure you're continuing to certify for your PFL benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the initial approval. Many claimants don't realize you still need to certify during the pending period.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim about 3 weeks ago and it's been complete silence since then. The anxiety is real when you're counting on that money for bills. I've been trying the phone number every day with no luck - either busy signals or I get disconnected after waiting for hours. Reading through all these comments is actually really helpful though - I had no idea about contacting assembly members or trying different times to call. I'm definitely going to try that 1:30pm calling time that @Fatima Al-Sayed mentioned, and I love the idea of asking disability to transfer you. Going to start documenting everything from now on too. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in navigating bureaucracy just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but at least we're all helping each other figure it out. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Filed my PFL claim over a month ago and it's like it vanished into thin air. The lack of communication is the worst part - you don't know if there's an error, if you're missing something, or if it's just sitting in a massive backlog somewhere. I've tried calling at different times but keep getting the runaround. Reading everyone's suggestions here has been incredibly helpful though! I had no idea about the assembly member option or using auto-redial apps. Going to try the fax route too since the online system seems so glitchy. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a PhD in bureaucracy just to access benefits we're entitled to, but I'm grateful for this community where we can share strategies and support each other through this mess. Hang in there everyone - persistence seems to be key even when the system feels designed to wear us down! 💪

UPDATE: The EDD procedure for returning uncashed benefit checks changed last year. You should: 1. Write "VOID" across the check in large letters 2. Complete form DE 2612 (Voluntary Return of Benefit Payments) 3. Mail both to the address on the DE 2612 form via certified mail You can download form DE 2612 from the EDD website or request it when you speak with a representative. This creates a paper trail showing exactly what you returned and why.

I'm a new parent dealing with something similar but from a different angle - my PFL claim was initially approved but then I got a notice saying they're "reviewing" it and all payments have been suspended. Meanwhile I see posts like this where people are getting TOO many payments after appeals. The inconsistency in how EDD handles these cases is mind-boggling. @Miguel - it sounds like you're getting great advice here, especially about contacting a tier 2 specialist and using that DE 2612 form to return the checks properly. One thing I'd add is to screenshot or photocopy everything before you send it back, including the voided checks. I learned this the hard way when dealing with other government agencies - they have a habit of "losing" paperwork. Having visual proof of what you returned and when can save you months of headaches later. Good luck getting this sorted out, and congratulations on your new baby!

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! 💙