Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful information! I'm going to talk to my doctor at my appointment next week and make sure they document everything properly when the time comes. I'll use all 8 weeks of my PFL first, then transition to disability for the PPD if I'm still struggling. It's such a relief to know I have options and don't have to worry about returning to work first. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and knowledge!

I'm so glad you found the support you needed here! Just wanted to add one more thing - when you do file that disability claim for PPD, make sure to keep detailed records of all your symptoms and how they're affecting your daily life. I kept a simple journal on my phone noting things like sleep disruption, anxiety levels, inability to concentrate, etc. My doctor said it really helped when filling out the DE2501 form because she could reference specific examples of how the PPD was impacting my ability to work. Also, don't hesitate to ask your doctor's office to expedite the paperwork if you're nearing the end of your PFL. Some offices are really good about getting disability forms processed quickly when they understand the urgency. You've got this, and remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical recovery! 💙

I'm a new member here and going through the exact same situation! My PFL payment has been stuck at "sent" status for 6 days now after transitioning from SDI to baby bonding leave. My first PFL payment came through perfectly, but this second one is just sitting somewhere in their system. Reading through all these comments has been incredibly reassuring - I was starting to think something was specifically wrong with my claim. It's frustrating that EDD doesn't proactively communicate about these technical issues when they know parents are counting on this income for essential expenses. Based on everyone's experiences here, I'm planning to try the Claimyr service tomorrow morning since the regular phone lines seem impossible to get through. Has anyone who used Claimyr been able to get confirmation about when the broader batch processing issue might be fully resolved? I'm worried this could affect my future payments too. Thank you all for sharing - this community has been more helpful than anything I could find on the official EDD website!

I'm a new member here and unfortunately dealing with this exact same issue! My PFL payment has been showing as "sent" for 5 days now with nothing appearing in my bank account. Just like everyone else, I transitioned from SDI to baby bonding PFL and my first payment came through fine, but this second one is completely stuck. This thread has been such a lifesaver - I was starting to panic thinking it was something wrong with my specific claim or bank account. It's so frustrating that EDD doesn't send any kind of alert about these technical issues when they know payments are delayed. The stress of not knowing what's happening while managing a newborn and expecting that income is overwhelming. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service first thing tomorrow morning based on all the positive feedback here. Has anyone had any luck with the regular EDD phone lines recently, or is the third-party service really the only viable option? I've tried calling twice and got disconnected both times after waiting over an hour. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - knowing this is a widespread technical issue rather than an individual problem makes me feel so much better!

Just to follow up on your question about the timing - for EDD PFL, you technically have up to 41 weeks from the first day you were eligible for benefits to file a late claim (with good cause). Since your appeal was successful, you've established good cause for the delay. Make sure when you call that you specifically mention you need to submit DE 2501F for retroactive certification for the weeks of [list your specific dates]. Also request information about the "continued claim certification" form for any weeks you were previously denied but should now be approved. Finally, ask them to note in your file that these requests are related to your successful appeal (have your appeal case number ready). This creates a paper trail in case you need to follow up later.

First of all, huge congratulations on winning your appeal! That's such a relief after all the stress you've been through. I'm currently dealing with a similar situation where my PFL claim was initially denied due to "insufficient documentation" even though I submitted everything they asked for. Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like you definitely need to pursue those retroactive payments - $2,800 is a significant amount that your family deserves. I know you're exhausted from the whole process (I totally get that feeling), but based on what everyone's saying, EDD won't automatically handle the weeks you didn't certify for. One thing I wanted to add - when you do call, try calling right when they open at 8 AM. I've had better luck getting through earlier in the day rather than later. Also, if you get disconnected (which happens way too often), don't give up! Sometimes it takes multiple attempts. You've already done the hardest part by winning your appeal. Now it's just about following through to get what you're owed. Your experience gives me hope for my own upcoming hearing - thank you for sharing the details about how it went!

Quick question - are you applying for state or federal parental leave? The rules can be different and sometimes you can qualify for one even if denied for the other.

Hey Dylan, I went through something similar with my PFL claim last year. First thing - don't panic! Even if you're outside the 41-day window, there are still options. I'd recommend calling EDD first thing in the morning (like 8am sharp) - that's when you have the best chance of getting through. When you do get someone on the line, ask them to pull up your claim and verify the exact dates. Sometimes their system shows different info than what you think. If you did miss the deadline, definitely file an appeal citing "good cause" - having a newborn and being overwhelmed is totally legitimate. I've seen people get approved even after missing deadlines when they can show they had valid reasons. Also, make sure you have your baby's birth certificate ready - you'll need it for the appeal process. And document everything going forward! You've got this! The system is confusing but don't let them intimidate you. Keep pushing! 💪

one more thing!! if u win your appeal you'll get all the back benefits from when u first applied!! my friend got like $7,500 in backpay after winning her appeal because it took 3 months to resolve! just make sure you keep certifying for benefits every two weeks even while your appeal is pending. you have to keep doing that or you wont get backpay even if u win.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that helped me tremendously during my EDD appeal last year. Beyond all the great advice here about documentation and evidence, I'd strongly recommend practicing your testimony out loud beforehand. I actually recorded myself explaining my situation multiple times and listened back to identify where I was rambling, getting emotional, or unclear. During the actual hearing, I was much more composed and articulate because I'd rehearsed the key points. Also, if your former employer shows up to the hearing, don't get rattled if they say things that aren't true. Stay calm, stick to your facts, and address any lies in your rebuttal time. The ALJ will notice inconsistencies. One last tip - when you submit your evidence packet, include a brief cover letter summarizing your case and referencing each piece of evidence by number. It makes it easier for the judge to follow your argument. You've got this! The fact that you're being so thorough in preparing shows you're taking it seriously, which will come across during the hearing.