idk if this helps but i had to deal with pfl last year and they kept loosing my docs 🤦‍♂️ make sure u get confirmation when u send stuff in

Been through this twice now - the key is to be proactive! When they send that vague "additional information" request, call them ASAP to get specifics. In my experience, they usually want employment verification (like a letter from HR), medical documentation if it's health-related, and sometimes wage statements. Also, send everything via certified mail or their online portal if they have one - regular mail has a habit of "disappearing" with government agencies. Good luck! 🤞

This has been such a helpful thread! I'm just starting my PFL baby bonding leave next week and was totally clueless about how the payment schedule works. Reading everyone's experiences has really put my mind at ease - I was expecting some kind of fixed monthly payment like a regular paycheck, but the certification-based system actually makes more sense once you understand it. I'm definitely going to set up those text notifications and direct deposit right away based on all your advice. The tip about certifying on the very first eligible day and then expecting payment within 2-3 business days is exactly the kind of concrete timeline I needed. And building in that 3-5 day buffer for budgeting is so smart - I was planning to cut things way too close. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences and timelines. This community is way more informative than any official EDD documentation I've found!

Wow, this thread is incredibly thorough! As someone who just started my PFL application process last week, I'm bookmarking this entire conversation. The clarification about the certification-based schedule vs. fixed calendar dates is exactly what I was confused about. I was trying to figure out if payments come on the 1st and 15th or something like that, but now I understand it's all tied to when you complete your biweekly certification. The practical tips about text notifications, direct deposit setup, and keeping a calendar tracker are going straight into my preparation checklist. And that advice about building in a 3-5 day payment buffer for budgeting is gold - I was definitely planning to cut things too close financially. One quick question for those who've been through this - should I expect any kind of confirmation email or notification when my initial claim is approved and I'm placed on the certification schedule? I submitted everything but haven't heard back yet and I'm getting a bit anxious about the timeline. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences! This community knowledge is way better than anything I found on the official EDD site.

Yes, you can split up your PFL baby bonding time! You have 12 months from your baby's birth to use all 8 weeks. You can take it in increments as small as 1 day if your employer approves. Just remember that each time you want to claim a new portion of your PFL, you need to submit a new claim form for that specific period. Many parents save some PFL time for holidays or when their partner goes back to work. The only requirement is that you take it within that first year.

Just wanted to add my experience from going through this transition last month! I filed my PFL claim exactly 7 days before my SDI ended (following the advice I found here actually), and the transition was seamless - no gap in payments at all. One tip that really helped me: when you're filling out the PFL application online, there's a section that asks about "previous claims" - make sure to reference your SDI claim number there. It seems to help EDD connect the two claims faster. Also, don't panic if your EDD account looks weird for a day or two during the transition - mine showed confusing status updates but the payments came through on schedule. The whole process was way less scary than I expected after reading everyone's horror stories!

I went through this exact same issue last month! What worked for me was going to the EDD office in person with my ID and Social Security card. I know it's a pain, but the staff there were actually really helpful and got me back into my account within about 30 minutes. They can override the security question thing if you have proper ID. Might be worth checking if there's an office near you that's open for walk-ins.

I had a similar issue a few months ago and here's what finally worked for me: I used the "Account Recovery" option on the EDD website, but the key was being very patient with the process. It took about 3-4 business days for them to verify my identity through their automated system. Make sure you have your SSN, driver's license number, and the phone number/email associated with your account ready. If the automated recovery doesn't work, there's also a "Contact EDD" form you can fill out specifically for account access issues - it's buried pretty deep in their help section but it exists. They'll usually get back to you within a week. Don't give up, the system is frustrating but it does work eventually!

I'm so glad you're helping your sister navigate this - having family support during such a difficult time makes all the difference! One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet: if your sister does approach the 52-week maximum, she might also want to look into whether she qualifies for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if her complications are expected to last longer than a year. These are federal programs separate from EDD benefits. Also, make sure she keeps detailed records of all her medical appointments, treatments, and how her condition affects her daily activities. This documentation could be crucial if there are any disputes about her continued eligibility. The stress of dealing with benefits while recovering from serious complications is incredibly overwhelming. Encourage her to focus on her health first - the paperwork and phone calls can wait if she's having a particularly difficult day. Her recovery is the most important thing right now. 💙

I'm a new mom dealing with postpartum anxiety and depression after a difficult pregnancy, and reading through this thread has been so reassuring! I had no idea that mental health conditions resulting from pregnancy complications could potentially qualify as a separate disability claim. My situation is a bit different - I only used about 16 weeks total for my pregnancy/delivery/recovery, but now I'm struggling with severe postpartum depression that my psychiatrist says could require months of treatment and time off work. I've been afraid to even ask about extending my leave because I thought I was "done" with my benefits. Based on what @Miguel Castro shared about their doctor classifying postpartum depression as a separate condition, it sounds like I should talk to my psychiatrist about this approach. Has anyone else successfully used mental health complications as grounds for continued or new disability claims after using standard maternity leave? Sofia, I hope your sister gets the answers and support she needs. It's clear she's lucky to have you advocating for her during such a challenging time. This whole experience really shows how much the system needs to better support families dealing with pregnancy complications! 💕