I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 2 months ago and it feels like I'm stuck in limbo. The phone system is absolutely brutal - I've probably made 50+ calls and only gotten through once, just to be told they needed more documentation (which I had already submitted twice). One thing that's helped me stay organized is creating a spreadsheet with all my call attempts, confirmation numbers, and what was discussed each time. Also screenshot everything in your online account - I've had things mysteriously disappear from my portal before. Has anyone tried faxing documents instead of uploading them online? I'm wondering if that might be more reliable. At this point I'm willing to try anything! 😩

I'm dealing with the same frustration! Been waiting 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. One thing that helped me was calling the disability insurance number (1-800-480-3287) instead of the main PFL line - sometimes they can transfer you or give you updates since PFL claims go through the same system. Also, if you have a case worker assigned, try asking for their direct extension when you do get through. I finally got one after my 4th successful call and it's been a game changer for follow-ups. The whole system definitely needs an overhaul, but hang in there! You'll get through eventually. Keep detailed records of everything like others mentioned - it really does help when you finally talk to someone. Good luck! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the exact same thing happened to me when my son was born 3 months ago! The SDI to PFL transition is definitely where most claims get stuck, and it's infuriating that EDD doesn't warn people about this issue. Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of trying: 1. Called at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday - got through after 42 minutes on hold 2. Had everything written down: claim number, SSN, baby's birth certificate number (not just date), and specific questions 3. Asked the rep to check my "claim transition status between SDI and PFL" - those exact words seemed to help 4. The rep found that my claims weren't linked and fixed it manually on the spot 5. Got my first PFL payment 3 days later! The representative told me this SDI/PFL linking issue happens to about 30% of baby bonding claims and they have to fix each one manually. It's completely ridiculous that their systems don't talk to each other properly. If calling doesn't work after a few attempts, definitely try your assembly member's office - they have staff dedicated to EDD issues and can escalate your case. You can find yours at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Don't give up! Your benefits are rightfully yours and this delay isn't your fault - it's EDD's broken system. Hang in there mama, you've got this! 💙

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly frustrating situation! I just went through the exact same nightmare with my PFL claim when my daughter was born 2 months ago. Like so many others here, my claim got stuck in the SDI to PFL transition and I spent weeks trying to get through to someone. What finally worked for me was calling at exactly 8:00 AM on a Wednesday morning - I got through after about 35 minutes on hold. The representative discovered that my SDI and PFL claims weren't properly linked in their system (apparently this happens to a shocking number of claims) and she fixed it manually during our call. I received my first payment within 48 hours! A few tips that helped me: - Have everything ready: claim number, SSN, your baby's birth certificate number, and write down your specific questions - When you get someone on the line, ask them to check your "claim transition status between SDI and PFL" - Be specific that you need them to verify the claims are properly linked in their system - Put the call on speaker so you can tend to your baby while waiting If the phone route doesn't work after a few more attempts, definitely contact your state assembly member's office - they have dedicated staff for EDD issues who can file official inquiries that bypass the regular system. You're absolutely not alone in this struggle, and it's not your fault that EDD's systems are so broken. Your benefits are rightfully yours - don't let their dysfunction discourage you from fighting for what you've earned. Hang in there and keep us updated! 💪❤️

Going through this exact same situation right now! Filed my baby bonding PFL claim about 8 days ago and have been obsessively checking the mail for that Notice of Computation. The financial stress is so real when you're on unpaid leave - I literally made a spreadsheet tracking all our expenses and how long our savings will last! 😅 This thread has been incredibly helpful though. Based on everyone's timelines, it sounds like I should get my notice within the next few days, and then hopefully payment about a week after that. It's so frustrating that EDD doesn't provide clearer timelines, especially when new parents are already dealing with so much. @GalaxyGazer congrats on your payment processing! That gives me so much hope. Thanks for starting this discussion - it's exactly what so many of us are wondering but were too stressed to ask about!

I'm right there with you on the financial stress! Filed my baby bonding PFL claim about 3 weeks ago and just got my first payment yesterday - took exactly 9 business days after receiving my Notice of Computation. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're on unpaid leave and bills keep coming. One thing that helped ease my anxiety was setting up text alerts with my bank so I'd get notified the second any deposit hit my account (instead of obsessively checking the app 20 times a day!). Also, if you're really in a pinch while waiting, some utility companies and daycare centers will work with you on payment plans if you explain you're waiting for state benefits - doesn't hurt to ask. The financial uncertainty during what should be precious bonding time is so unfair, but hang in there - based on your timeline, you should see that money very soon! 💙

Hey Paolo! As a fellow new parent who just navigated this process, I wanted to share my experience. I started my bonding leave 3 weeks before my PFL claim was approved and it worked out perfectly - got all the retroactive pay in one lump sum once everything went through. A couple things that really saved me stress: First, I kept a simple log of every single day I was off (even just dates in my phone notes worked). Second, I made sure my employer's HR department had clear documentation about my intended start date matching what I put on the DE2508 form. The waiting period is definitely anxiety-inducing, especially when you're trying to balance new parent finances, but EDD does honor that retroactive payment from your official start date. In my case it took about 6 weeks total to see the first payment, but once it hit, it covered everything from day one. One small thing - when you do start your leave, resist any urge to "just quickly" check work emails or take calls. EDD can be surprisingly strict about you being completely off work during claimed days. Good luck with everything, and enjoy those precious bonding weeks with your little one!

Adding to all the great advice here - I'm currently going through this exact same process! Started my baby bonding leave 2 weeks ago while my claim is still pending. The financial uncertainty is definitely stressful, but I've been documenting everything like others suggested. One thing I learned from calling EDD (after many attempts) is that they actually expect people to start their leave before approval - it's totally normal and built into their system. The rep told me that as long as your DE2508 form clearly states your intended start date and you're eligible, the retroactive payment is guaranteed. What's been helping my anxiety is treating it like any other benefits situation - unemployment, disability, etc. The government programs are designed to help, they just move slowly. Keep all your paperwork, stay in touch with your employer's HR, and try not to check the EDD portal obsessively (easier said than done!). Hang in there Paolo - sounds like you're doing everything right. These bonding weeks are going to be amazing once all the paperwork stress is behind you!

Does anyone know if theres a maximum amount you can receive on PFL? I make decent money and I'm worried about taking a big pay cut if I need to use it.

@Arjun Kurti Since you started in November, you should definitely check your earnings history from any previous jobs too! California PFL looks at your earnings in the base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). If you had another job before November, those earnings might help you qualify even if your current job hours alone aren't enough. You can check your earnings online through the EDD website - they should have all your reported wages on file. Also, make sure to apply as soon as you know you'll need the leave, since there can be processing delays. Good luck! 🤞