Thanks for starting this thread @Zoe Papanikolaou! I'm in a similar situation - just submitted my PFL claim last week and already feeling anxious about the wait. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful, even if some of the timelines are pretty scary 😬 I'm definitely going to take the advice about checking the online portal regularly and making sure I have all my medical documentation organized. It's frustrating that we have to be so proactive just to avoid unnecessary delays in a system that's supposed to help us during difficult times. Has anyone found it helpful to keep a log or checklist of what they've submitted and when? I'm thinking of starting a simple spreadsheet to track everything so I don't miss anything important.

I'm also new to this process and just filed my PFL claim yesterday. Reading through all these experiences is both helpful and a bit overwhelming! It sounds like the key takeaways are: check your online portal constantly, have all medical docs ready, and be prepared to wait 4-6 weeks minimum. The inconsistent notification system seems to be a real problem - I'm definitely going to follow @Luca Russo and @Benjamin Johnson's advice about checking for requests that might not get properly sent out. @Zoe Stavros your spreadsheet idea is brilliant! I'm going to set one up today. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it really helps to know what to expect even if the process is frustrating. Fingers crossed we all get through this smoothly! 🤞

Same thing happened to me a few months ago! The whole reporting wages thing is such a pain. I ended up having to call multiple times before I got someone who could actually help. One thing that worked for me was calling right at 8am when they open - way shorter wait times. Also, when you do get through, ask them to check if your mailing address is correct in their system. Turns out mine was wrong and that's why my form never came. They were able to update it and send a new one electronically through the UI Online portal. Saved me like 2 more weeks of waiting! The whole system is a mess but hang in there - you'll get it sorted out eventually.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! My PFL claim got suspended 3 weeks ago after I reported wages from a part-time job I picked up, and I'm still waiting for that stupid 2580GF form. It's so frustrating because I need that money and they're making us jump through all these hoops. Reading through everyone's responses here is actually really helpful though - I had no idea about the electronic delivery option or that address issues could cause delays. Definitely going to try calling at 8am sharp tomorrow and ask about getting it sent to my UI Online account. This whole system is such a mess but at least we're all suffering together! 😅 Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips!

As someone who just went through this process successfully, I can confirm what others have said - you keep the same claim number but file a new DE 2501F application for your second portion. I split my leave (4 weeks initially, then 4 weeks later) and it worked out great. Here's what made the difference for me: - Filed my second application 3 weeks before my planned return to leave - Made sure my employer completed their section showing I returned to work between portions - Called EDD using the online portal's callback feature (way better than waiting on hold) - Had all my original claim documentation ready when filling out the second form The online system worked fine for me - no need to mail anything. Just make sure you reference your original claim number and dates clearly. The whole second application took about 2 weeks to process. One thing that surprised me: there's literally no minimum time you need to be back at work between portions. I only worked 5 days between my first and second leave and it was totally fine. Don't stress too much about the process - it's more straightforward than all the conflicting info online makes it seem. Good luck with your split leave!

Just wanted to add my recent experience to help others! I successfully completed a split PFL leave last month and the process was actually much smoother than I expected after reading all the horror stories online. Here's what worked for me: - Kept my original claim number from the first portion (took 5 weeks initially) - Filed a new DE 2501F application online about 3 weeks before my second portion (remaining 3 weeks) - Made sure my employer filled out the work verification section accurately - Used the EDD online portal's callback feature instead of waiting on hold for hours The key thing that saved me stress was being super organized with my documentation. I kept screenshots of everything from my first claim and made sure to reference all the right dates and claim numbers on my second application. My employer was initially confused about the split leave concept, but once I showed them the official EDD guidelines, they were totally supportive. The whole second application was approved within 10 days and payments started right on schedule. For anyone planning this - don't let the confusing information online scare you! With good planning and organization, it's totally doable. The split option is such a lifesaver for new parents who need flexibility with their bonding time.

Welcome to the twin parent club! 🎉 I went through this exact same confusion with my twins in 2023. Your HR department definitely mixed something up - it's ONE application for PFL baby bonding regardless of how many babies you're bonding with. I made the mistake of initially trying to submit two applications and the second one got rejected with a note saying I already had an active claim. The way I think about it: you're taking time off work to bond with your new family additions, not separate time off for each individual baby. The 8 weeks covers your bonding period with both twins together. One tip: when you fill out the application, just use one baby's info but maybe mention in any comments section that you have twins. Some people also attach both birth certificates when they submit documentation, though I'm not sure if that's required. Good luck and congratulations again!

I went through this same situation with my twins last year! Your HR department is definitely giving you incorrect information. You only need to submit ONE PFL application for baby bonding, even with multiples. The benefit is based on YOUR leave from work to bond with your new family, not per child. I was also confused initially and called EDD to confirm - they told me that whether you have 1 baby or 5 babies, you still get the same 8 weeks of PFL for bonding. When filling out the DE2508 form online, just enter one of your twins' information and maybe add a note in the additional comments section mentioning that you have twins. Make sure you have both birth certificates ready in case EDD requests additional documentation during processing. And don't worry about the timing - since you're at 6 weeks postpartum, you're right on track to apply for PFL if your disability benefits are ending soon. Hang in there - the newborn twin phase is brutal but it does get easier! The financial stress is real with double everything, so getting your PFL sorted will definitely help. Congratulations on your babies! 🎉

This thread has been so incredibly helpful! I'm a new mom currently on PFL and was already starting to worry about this exact situation since I'm also planning to take some additional unpaid leave after my baby's first birthday. Reading through everyone's experiences - especially the horror stories about overpayments - has really opened my eyes to how important it is to get this right. The way @Zara Mirza explained it as EDD asking "when does your eligibility for these specific benefits end?" rather than "when are you physically returning to work?" finally made it click for me. It's honestly scary how the form wording makes it seem like they want your actual return date, but clearly that's not what they're looking for at all. The fact that so many people had success by putting the day after baby's birthday (even with additional leave) and zero people had good outcomes from putting their actual return date makes this decision pretty clear! @Samuel Robinson - definitely go with February 16th. After reading all these real experiences, it seems like the safest and most correct approach. Thanks for asking this question that so many of us new parents needed answered!

I'm so glad you asked this question! As someone who works in payroll and deals with EDD issues regularly, I can confirm what everyone else is saying - definitely put February 16th (the day after your baby's birthday) on your final certification. The certification is purely about telling EDD when your benefit eligibility ends, not tracking your actual work arrangements. PFL baby bonding benefits legally end on your child's first birthday, regardless of any additional leave you've negotiated with your employer. I've seen so many employees get burned by putting their actual return date thinking they're being "honest" - but EDD's system will keep paying benefits until the date you specify, creating overpayments that are a nightmare to resolve. Your HR department already has your LOA documentation and knows these are completely separate processes. Save yourself the stress and potential financial headache - put February 16th and you'll be golden!