Anyone else feel like we need a complete overhaul of this system? It's 2023, why are we still dealing with lost documents and hour-long hold times? 🤔

This exact thing happened to me last month! I uploaded my son's birth certificate twice and still got that letter. Turns out their system had a glitch and wasn't properly processing PDF files over a certain size. I ended up having to compress the file and re-upload it as a smaller PDF. Also make sure you're uploading it in the right section - I accidentally put mine under "medical documents" instead of "relationship verification" the first time 🤦‍♀️ Keep screenshots of everything you upload with timestamps as proof!

Congrats on getting your notice! That's definitely a positive step forward. I just went through this process a few months ago. After you get the notice of computation, the next steps are usually: 1. Review everything carefully (like others mentioned) 2. Wait for your EDD debit card to arrive (if you haven't gotten one already) 3. Continue certifying for benefits every 2 weeks 4. Be patient - first payment can take 2-4 weeks after the notice One thing I wish someone had told me: even if everything looks correct on your notice, there might still be additional identity verification or medical certification requirements that could delay payments. Keep checking your online account and respond to any requests immediately. The waiting is the hardest part, but you're on the right track! 🤞

I got my notice of computation about 3 weeks ago and just wanted to share my timeline for anyone wondering what to expect! Here's how it went for me: Week 1: Got the notice, spent like 2 hours going through every detail with a magnifying glass lol. Found one small error with my employer's name but decided it wasn't worth appealing since the wages were correct. Week 2: Debit card arrived! Still no payments though. Started getting anxious and called like 50 times (couldn't get through obvs). Week 3: FINALLY got my first payment! It was actually for 2 weeks worth since I'd been certifying the whole time. So hang tight everyone - the notice really is a good sign that things are moving. The hardest part is just waiting it out after that. Make sure you keep certifying every 2 weeks even if you don't see payments right away! @Mateo Rodriguez - you should definitely be excited! Getting the notice means you're almost there 🎉

Just wanted to add that you should also download the EDD mobile app if you haven't already! It makes it super easy to check your payment status and certify for benefits right from your phone. Really helpful when you're dealing with a newborn and don't always have time to sit at a computer. Plus you can set up push notifications so you'll know immediately when there are updates to your claim. Congrats on your little one!

Congrats on your little one! I'm actually in a similar boat - just had my son 5 weeks ago and I'm on PFL right now. Everyone's advice here is spot on about the biweekly payments. One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand exactly when your certification periods are. Mine are every two weeks on Sundays, and I learned the hard way that if you miss your certification deadline, your payment gets delayed until the next cycle. Also, keep your phone handy when you're expecting payments because sometimes EDD will text you about payment status updates. The waiting can be nerve-wracking when you're budgeting for a new baby, but once you get into the rhythm it becomes pretty predictable!

anyone else feel like we need a complete overhaul of the unemployment system? 🤔 this stuff happens way too often

I went through something similar a few months ago! Definitely don't deposit those checks - you're smart for not cashing them. When I called EDD, they told me to keep the physical checks as proof and they eventually sent me a letter with instructions on how to return them. The key thing is to be proactive about calling them because if you wait too long, they might assume you're trying to keep the money. Also, make sure you have your exact return-to-work date handy when you call - they'll need that info to recalculate everything. Hang in there, it's stressful but totally fixable! 💪

I just wanted to add my experience as someone who had a very similar dual-job situation last year! One thing that really saved me stress was creating a "PFL prep checklist" that included things like gathering all my wage statements, scheduling the doctor appointment early, and even preparing a simple one-page summary for my doctor about both jobs and their physical requirements. Another tip that helped me: I actually called both of my employers' HR departments before I filed anything, just to let them know my timeline and ask about any company-specific policies. My main job had a supplemental benefit I didn't even know about, and my part-time job was super accommodating about flexible deadlines during my final weeks of pregnancy. The process seems overwhelming at first, but you're already on the right track by asking questions and planning ahead. The key is just staying organized and being completely transparent about your work situation on all the forms. You've got this, and congratulations on your upcoming little one! 🍼

I'm jumping in as someone who just completed this exact process 3 months ago with twins! What really helped me was creating a dedicated email folder for all EDD correspondence and taking screenshots of everything I submitted online. The system can be glitchy and having your own digital trail is a lifesaver. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: when you transition from PDL to PFL after birth, there's sometimes a gap where you might not receive payments for a week or two while they process the new claim. Plan your budget accordingly! Also, your PFL benefits might be calculated differently than your PDL benefits depending on your base period wages, so don't assume they'll be the same amount. The fact that you're planning this out so thoroughly at 36 weeks shows you're going to navigate this successfully. Just remember to be patient with the system - it's not perfect, but the benefits are definitely worth the paperwork hassle. You're doing everything right by asking these questions now rather than scrambling at the last minute!