I'm going through something similar with my grandmother who needs care after a fall. One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned - make sure you check if your employer offers any additional paid family leave benefits beyond what California PFL provides. Some companies have policies that supplement the 60-70% wage replacement or provide full pay for a certain number of days. Also, since you're dealing with a stroke specifically, you might want to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging or stroke support groups. They often have resources about navigating care benefits and can sometimes help with paperwork or provide advocacy if you run into issues with EDD. The stroke recovery timeline can be unpredictable, so having all your documentation organized from the start will help if you need to extend your leave beyond the initial period. Good luck with everything!

I went through this exact situation with my mom after her stroke two years ago. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple daily care log from day one - just noting what assistance I provided each day (helping with medications, physical therapy exercises, meal prep, transportation to appointments, etc.). The EDD never asked for it, but having that detailed record gave me peace of mind and could have been useful if they questioned my claim. I also took photos of any adaptive equipment I helped set up in her home (grab bars, shower chair, etc.) as additional documentation of the care environment. Another tip - if your dad will need ongoing therapy appointments (PT, OT, speech), those transportation and assistance hours count toward your care time too. I didn't realize this initially and was only tracking direct personal care. The whole process took about 2-3 weeks for my first payment, but it was such a relief when it finally came through. Hang in there - you're doing everything right by getting this sorted out early!

Thanks for asking this question! I'm actually in a similar situation where I might need to return earlier than expected. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful. It sounds like the key takeaway is to contact EDD ASAP and document everything. I'm definitely going to try the online portal first like @Natalia Stone mentioned, but good to know about the calling service as a backup option if I can't get through. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - this community is so helpful! 🙏

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! Definitely call EDD as soon as possible - I made the mistake of waiting a few days thinking it wouldn't matter, but they told me I should have reported it immediately. The good news is they were able to update my return date without too much hassle once I got through to someone. Just be prepared for potentially long wait times on the phone. Also, make sure you have your claim number ready and be clear about your new return date. They'll ask you to confirm it multiple times. One thing that helped me was writing down exactly what I wanted to say before calling so I didn't get flustered. Hope this helps and congrats on being able to return to work sooner! 💪

I'm going through something similar right now! I got PFL checks while my employer was supposed to cover the difference, and I'm so confused about what to do. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - sounds like the key is definitely getting through to an actual EDD person to document everything properly, not just mailing the checks back. @Micah Franklin - you're definitely not alone in this confusion! The whole system of employer benefits + state benefits is so poorly explained. I hope you get through to someone soon. Let us know what happens! Has anyone tried calling EDD super early in the morning like 7:55am right before they open? I've heard that sometimes works better than calling right at 8am when everyone else is calling too.

I'm dealing with something very similar! Got SDI checks while on employer-paid leave and panicking about the same things. After reading all these responses, I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy AND use certified mail as backup. One thing I learned from my HR department - they said to make sure I document EVERYTHING because sometimes these situations can take months to fully resolve. I'm keeping a spreadsheet with dates, times of calls, reference numbers, etc. Also wanted to mention - if you have a union representative at work, they might be able to help navigate this too. Mine was actually the one who told me about the potential tax form issues @PrinceJoe mentioned. Hang in there! You're being super responsible by handling this proactively instead of just cashing the checks and hoping for the best like some people do.

Hey there! Dad of twins here who went through this exact process in late 2024. Yes, fathers absolutely qualify for California PFL for baby bonding - it's one of the best kept secrets that more dads need to know about! A few practical tips from my experience: - You can actually start the PFL application process online before the baby arrives by creating your EDD account and reviewing the DE2508 form requirements - The 8 weeks don't have to be consecutive - I took 4 weeks immediately after birth, then saved the remaining 4 weeks for when my wife went back to work at 3 months - EDD's phone system is brutal, but their online portal actually works pretty well once you get familiar with it - Make sure your employer knows this is STATE law, not company policy - they can't negotiate away your rights One thing I wish someone had told me: California PFL is funded through employee payroll deductions (SDI), so you've literally been paying for this benefit with every paycheck. Don't feel guilty about using something you've already paid into! The bonding time was incredible and honestly made me a better dad. Your boss's attitude will change once they see you come back refreshed and ready to work. Stand your ground - this is about your family!

Just wanted to jump in as another dad who successfully navigated this process! My son was born in October 2024 and I took the full 8 weeks of PFL for bonding. A few things that really helped me: 1. **Documentation is key** - I kept a folder with all my paperwork (birth certificate copies, EDD correspondence, HR forms) and it saved me when there was a small hiccup with my claim. 2. **The "waiting week"** - Something I don't think anyone mentioned yet is that there's typically a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so factor that into your financial planning along with the processing delays others mentioned. 3. **Your employer's attitude will likely improve** - My boss was also making passive-aggressive comments before my leave, but once I actually took the time and came back refreshed and focused, the whole dynamic changed. They realized the world didn't end because I was gone for 8 weeks. 4. **Use your state representative if needed** - If EDD gives you major runaround, don't hesitate to contact your state assembly member's office. They have constituent services that can help cut through bureaucratic delays. The bonding time was absolutely life-changing. Those early weeks are so precious and you can never get them back. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for taking what's legally yours. You've earned this benefit through your payroll contributions, and your baby deserves to have their dad present during those crucial early weeks. Congrats on the upcoming arrival! March babies are the best 😊

Anyone else notice that EDD seems to call more often on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Or am I just imagining things?

Don't panic! I've been in the same boat. When EDD calls and you miss it, they usually don't leave a voicemail which is super frustrating. Here's what worked for me: immediately check your UI Online account for any updates or messages, then try calling back using the 1-800-300-5616 number. If you can't get through today, try again first thing tomorrow morning. Also, keep your phone on you at all times for the next few days - they might try calling again. The good news is that missing one call won't hurt your claim, but definitely stay on top of it. You got this! 💪