To summarize what you should do: 1. Continue your current SDI claim until it's exhausted (likely 3 more weeks) 2. File your PFL claim about a week before your SDI ends - indicate your employment status has changed 3. Take your full 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding 4. After PFL ends (about 11 weeks from now), file for unemployment 5. Start your job search once on unemployment This approach gives you about 3-4 months total with your baby before you need to start looking for work. And when you do start interviewing, you can honestly tell employers you took standard maternity leave time and are now ready to return to work - many won't even realize you were laid off during that period.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - being laid off with a newborn is incredibly stressful! Just wanted to add one more thing that might help: when you do eventually file for unemployment, they'll likely ask about your "last day worked" versus your "last day of employment." Since you were technically on SDI leave when you got laid off, make sure you're clear about these dates. Your last day physically working was probably before your baby was born, but your employment officially ended when they called you. This distinction can affect your benefit calculation and base period. Also, keep that termination call documented somehow (email follow-up, written notice, etc.) - you'll need proof of the layoff for unemployment. Hang in there, mama!

This is why I always use PayPal for online purchases. They have buyer protection and it's easier to dispute charges. Plus, you don't have to give your actual card info to every site you buy from.

I've dealt with this exact same issue before! Double charges are super frustrating. Here's what worked for me: First, check if both charges actually posted or if one is still pending - sometimes the first one will drop off automatically within a few days. If they're both posted, definitely contact the company first before going to your bank. Most legitimate businesses will refund the duplicate charge pretty quickly once you explain what happened. Just make sure to have your transaction details ready when you call or email them. Good luck getting this sorted out!

I went through this same nightmare trying to pause my PFL benefits earlier this year! The phone system is absolutely broken. What finally worked for me was using the callback feature on the EDD website - you can request a callback instead of staying on hold. It took 3 days but they actually called me back and I was able to get everything sorted. When you do get through, make sure to ask for a confirmation number for your pause request. The rep told me that pausing preserves your remaining benefit weeks indefinitely (as long as it's within the 12-month benefit period), so you can take as much time as you need between your work period and resuming PFL. Also heads up - when you're ready to restart benefits after your mother-in-law recovers, you'll need to file a "continued claim" rather than a new claim. The process is pretty straightforward once you get past the phone system hurdle. Hope your mother-in-law's surgery goes well and she has a smooth recovery!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My baby is 6 weeks old and I've been on PFL for about a month, but my childcare provider just had a family emergency and won't be available for the next 3-4 weeks. I need to go back to work temporarily while we figure out alternative arrangements, then resume my remaining PFL time once our regular childcare is back. I've been lurking in this community for a while and seeing all the horror stories about EDD's phone system, but reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to try the 8:01 AM calling strategy with the PFL-specific number (1-877-238-4373) that several people mentioned, and I'm also going to send a detailed secure message through my online account right now. One question for those who have successfully done this - did you need any documentation from your employer when you returned to work temporarily? My HR department is asking if there's a specific form they need to complete, but I haven't been able to find clear guidance on the EDD website. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - it's given me so much more confidence that this is actually possible to navigate, even with EDD's terrible phone system!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! It's been 6 weeks since I submitted my application and radio silence. I've been checking my online account daily and there's literally nothing - no status updates, no estimated timeline, nothing. It's so stressful especially when you're counting on that money. I tried the phone number but gave up after being on hold for 2 hours. Maybe we should all flood their social media pages until they respond? This is unacceptable for such an important program.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! After weeks of no response, I finally got through by calling right when they opened at 8am and selecting the option for "technical issues" instead of general inquiries - that line seemed to have shorter wait times. When I finally spoke to someone, they told me my application was missing a signature on one of the forms (even though I thought I had signed everything). They never sent me any notification about the missing document! Make sure to ask specifically if there are any missing documents or if your application is complete when you do get through. Also, document everything - dates you called, who you spoke with, reference numbers. Good luck, don't give up! 💪

Is it just me or does anyone else think its ridiculous how complicated they make this process? Like, we're already dealing with family stuff, why add all this stress? 🙄

Congratulations on getting approved! 🎉 One thing I learned during my PFL experience is to keep copies of everything you submit - not just the originals. I had to resubmit some paperwork because they claimed they never received it, and having my own copies saved me so much hassle. Also, if you're planning to return to work part-time at first, make sure you understand how that affects your benefits. Good luck with everything!