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!

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 happened to me too. Turns out there was a glitch in their system and my application got stuck. Keep calling and ask them to check if there are any technical issues with your application. Don't give up!

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.

When I resumed benefits, there was a slight delay (about 5 days) while they reprocessed my claim, but no major issues. The key was having that original phone conversation documented where the agent confirmed my plan to pause and resume. Keep notes of who you speak with and when. I also sent a follow-up secure message through my EDD account summarizing our conversation, which created an official record. Good luck!

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - if you have access to the EDD website, check the "Contact EDD" section for any local office phone numbers. Sometimes the regional offices have shorter wait times than the main customer service line. I was able to get through to the San Jose office after failing with the 1-800 number for days. They were able to help me with my PFL pause request just as well as the main line would have. Also, I've heard some people have luck calling right at 8am or during lunch hours (12-1pm) when call volume might be slightly lower. Hope your mother-in-law's surgery goes well!

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!