Hey Malik! I just went through this exact transition last month and wanted to share a few tips that really helped me: 1. File your PFL claim online TONIGHT if possible - don't wait until Monday. The sooner you get it in, the sooner they start processing. 2. When you're filling out the application, there's a section where you can specify your desired start date. Since your SDI ended 1/15/25, put that date as your PFL start date to avoid any gap. 3. Have your baby's info ready (birth date, hospital records, etc.) but don't stress if you don't have the official birth certificate yet - the hospital paperwork works fine initially. 4. After you submit, you should get a confirmation email with your new claim number. Screenshot it! You'll need it if you have to call later. My whole process took about 8 business days from filing to first payment, which was way better than I expected. The key is getting that application submitted ASAP. Good luck!

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this transition in November! After my pregnancy disability ended, I was terrified about the gap in payments too. Here's what worked for me: I filed my PFL claim online at like 11 PM on a Sunday night (couldn't sleep anyway with the newborn!) and it was actually really straightforward. The whole application took maybe 15 minutes. Make sure you have your baby's birth info handy - I used the hospital discharge paperwork since I didn't have the official birth certificate yet. One thing that saved me stress - I called my bank ahead of time to let them know there might be a small delay between my SDI payments ending and PFL starting, just in case I needed to defer any automatic payments. Turned out I didn't need to, but it gave me peace of mind. Also, keep checking your SDI Online account every day after you file. You can track the status of your claim there, and it updates pretty quickly. Don't panic if it says "pending" for the first few days - that's totally normal. You've got this! The hardest part is just getting that initial application submitted. Once it's in the system, things move pretty smoothly.

I just went through this exact situation 2 months ago! I was 38 weeks when I mailed my DE2501 and was panicking just like you. Here's what happened with mine: Day 5: Nothing online yet, called EDD with no luck Day 7: Still nothing, started freaking out Day 9: FINALLY showed up in my UI Online account as "Claim Filed" Day 14: Got my approval letter in the mail Day 16: First payment hit my EDD Debit Card The key thing that saved my sanity was setting up text alerts through UI Online so I got notified the moment my claim status changed. Also, even though it felt like forever, everything was backdated to my last day of work just like others mentioned. One tip: if you haven't already, make sure your mailing address is updated in your UI Online account. I've heard of people having delays because EDD had their old address on file. You've got this! The waiting is torture but it WILL get processed. Try to focus on getting ready for those twins - that's way more important than stressing about EDD right now! 🍼👶👶

I'm also a first-time mom and went through this same anxiety spiral a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was calling EDD first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM sharp) - I had much better luck getting through then versus later in the day. Also, don't panic if you give birth before it's fully processed! My baby came 5 days early while my claim was still pending, and everything worked out fine. The hospital social worker actually helped me follow up with EDD and made sure I knew exactly what to expect for the processing timeline. In the meantime, make sure you have your employer's information handy (like your last day of work and wage info) because EDD might need to verify that when they process your claim. And if you're planning to breastfeed, ask your doctor about getting the pumping supplies covered through your insurance now - one less thing to worry about later! Wishing you a smooth delivery and hope your claim gets processed soon! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim about 3 weeks ago and it's been complete silence since then. The anxiety is real when you're counting on that money for bills. I've been trying the phone number every day with no luck - either busy signals or I get disconnected after waiting for hours. Reading through all these comments is actually really helpful though - I had no idea about contacting assembly members or trying different times to call. I'm definitely going to try that 1:30pm calling time that @Fatima Al-Sayed mentioned, and I love the idea of asking disability to transfer you. Going to start documenting everything from now on too. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in navigating bureaucracy just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but at least we're all helping each other figure it out. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Filed my PFL claim over a month ago and it's like it vanished into thin air. The lack of communication is the worst part - you don't know if there's an error, if you're missing something, or if it's just sitting in a massive backlog somewhere. I've tried calling at different times but keep getting the runaround. Reading everyone's suggestions here has been incredibly helpful though! I had no idea about the assembly member option or using auto-redial apps. Going to try the fax route too since the online system seems so glitchy. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a PhD in bureaucracy just to access benefits we're entitled to, but I'm grateful for this community where we can share strategies and support each other through this mess. Hang in there everyone - persistence seems to be key even when the system feels designed to wear us down! 💪

when i had my baby last year i waited 8 WEEKS for my pfl payment!! i called literally 30+ times. finally i contacted my state assembly members office and they have special liasons who work with edd. they fixed my claim in 3 days after i suffered for 2 months. google your local assembly member and email their office explaining your situation

Just checking back - any success with reaching EDD? The transition flag issue is something I've seen frequently cause delays. If you've tried all the phone methods without success, I'd recommend: 1. The assembly member contact suggestion above - excellent advice 2. Try the alternate PFL customer service number: 1-833-978-2511 (sometimes has different staffing/wait times) 3. If your employer has an HR benefits coordinator, they may have direct contact channels with EDD One more note: make sure you're continuing to certify for your PFL benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the initial approval. Many claimants don't realize you still need to certify during the pending period.

UPDATE: The EDD procedure for returning uncashed benefit checks changed last year. You should: 1. Write "VOID" across the check in large letters 2. Complete form DE 2612 (Voluntary Return of Benefit Payments) 3. Mail both to the address on the DE 2612 form via certified mail You can download form DE 2612 from the EDD website or request it when you speak with a representative. This creates a paper trail showing exactly what you returned and why.

I'm a new parent dealing with something similar but from a different angle - my PFL claim was initially approved but then I got a notice saying they're "reviewing" it and all payments have been suspended. Meanwhile I see posts like this where people are getting TOO many payments after appeals. The inconsistency in how EDD handles these cases is mind-boggling. @Miguel - it sounds like you're getting great advice here, especially about contacting a tier 2 specialist and using that DE 2612 form to return the checks properly. One thing I'd add is to screenshot or photocopy everything before you send it back, including the voided checks. I learned this the hard way when dealing with other government agencies - they have a habit of "losing" paperwork. Having visual proof of what you returned and when can save you months of headaches later. Good luck getting this sorted out, and congratulations on your new baby!