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UPDATE: I was able to log into my old EDD account and start my PFL application! For anyone who finds this thread later - yes, you use the same account for unemployment, disability and paid family leave. My dad's doctor was amazing and completed their portion within 24 hours. The online system was actually easier to navigate than I expected. Now I'm just waiting for the claim to be processed. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
Great news! The waiting period is usually the hardest part. If you don't see any updates after 10-14 days, that's when I'd recommend calling. Wishing your dad a smooth recovery!
Fantastic! Glad you were able to get everything submitted smoothly. Don't forget to certify for benefits every two weeks once your claim is approved - many people miss this step and it delays their payments.
This is such great information everyone shared! I'm actually in a similar situation - my mom just had hip surgery and will need help for the next few weeks. I had no idea you could use the same EDD account for different programs. Quick question for those who've been through this - do you need to be taking UNPAID leave to qualify for PFL? My work has a pretty good sick leave policy so I could technically use my accrued sick days, but I'd rather save those for emergencies. Can I choose to take unpaid FMLA leave and get PFL benefits instead? Also really appreciate the tip about the 7-day waiting period not applying to caregiving PFL. That's a huge relief since every day of lost income adds up when you're already dealing with medical expenses.
I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Got terminated while on maternity leave in December and my PFL is ending in two weeks. This thread is so helpful - I had no idea about applying a few days before PFL ends to get in the queue early. One question though - has anyone dealt with having to explain the pregnancy discrimination aspect during the UI interview? My employer gave some BS reason for the layoff but the timing was obviously related to my leave. I'm worried they might question my eligibility or think I quit voluntarily somehow.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too! The pregnancy discrimination angle is unfortunately common but shouldn't affect your UI eligibility as long as you were terminated (not quit). When they ask about the reason for separation, just stick to the facts - you were laid off/terminated while on approved leave. If they gave you a written reason, have that ready. The timing being suspicious doesn't disqualify you from benefits, it just makes their actions potentially illegal (which is a separate issue you might want to pursue with a lawyer). UI is focused on whether you're unemployed through no fault of your own, which you clearly are. Document everything about the termination just in case, but don't overthink it - you deserve these benefits!
I went through this exact transition last year and can confirm - use the date AFTER your PFL ends, not your original termination date. The EDD systems don't play well together if there's overlap. Also, definitely apply for UI a few days before your last PFL payment like others mentioned. One thing I didn't see mentioned - when you file for UI, they'll ask if you've received any benefits in the last 18 months. Make sure to mention your PFL benefits so they can properly coordinate between the programs. The rep I spoke with said this helps prevent any automated flags or delays. Hang in there - I know how stressful this whole situation is, especially with a new baby and depleted savings. The system works, it's just not always intuitive how to navigate the transitions.
Have you tried looking in the Settings menu? Sometimes websites hide the logout option under Account Settings or User Preferences instead of putting it in the obvious places. Also, if you're on mobile, try switching to desktop view - the logout button might be more visible there.
That's a really good point about checking the Settings menu! I always forget that some sites bury basic functions like logout in weird places. The mobile vs desktop tip is smart too - I've definitely noticed that mobile versions sometimes hide menu options that are clearly visible on desktop.
I had the same issue last week! Try looking for three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) or your username/initials in the header area. Some sites put the logout option in a dropdown when you click on your profile picture or name. If that doesn't work, you can always close your browser completely and clear your session that way - not ideal but it gets the job done!
Great advice! I've definitely been in situations where closing the browser was my only option when I couldn't find the logout button. It's not elegant but it works! The hamburger menu tip is especially helpful - I feel like every website uses those now but they're not always obvious, especially on mobile devices.
Just went through this same situation last month! My partner took 3 weeks initially and then filed for the remaining 5 weeks about 4 months later. The process was pretty straightforward - you do need to file a new DE2508 form but it's basically identical to the original application. The key things that helped us: 1) Keep all your original paperwork handy (especially the claim number), 2) Apply through the SDI Online portal if possible (much faster than paper), and 3) Make sure you're still within the 12-month window from when he first started PFL. One tip - when we called EDD to confirm everything was processed correctly, we mentioned it was a "continuation" of an existing claim and that seemed to help the rep understand what we were doing. The whole thing took about 2-3 weeks to get approved and payments started. Your August timing should work perfectly!
This is so reassuring to hear from someone who just went through it! The "continuation" tip is really helpful - I'll make sure to use that language when we call. Did you have any issues with the timing between when you applied and when the leave actually started? We're trying to plan the exact dates for August.
Just wanted to share my experience since I'm going through something similar right now! My wife took her initial 3 weeks of PFL in February and we're planning to use the remaining 5 weeks in June when I go back to work full-time. I called EDD last week to confirm the process and they told me the 12-month period definitely starts from the first day she took PFL leave (not our baby's birth date), so we have until February 2026 to use up the remaining weeks. The rep also mentioned that as long as you reference your original claim number on the new DE2508 form, it should process pretty smoothly. One thing I learned is that you can actually start the application process about 2-3 weeks before you plan to actually take the leave, which helps with timing. Hope this helps with your August planning!
PaulineW
I'm going through the same thing right now! Filed about 2 weeks ago and still showing pending. From what I've read in other forums, it seems like 2-4 weeks is pretty normal for initial processing, but it's so nerve-wracking when you're waiting for that money. I've been checking my account obsessively every day 😅 Have you gotten any correspondence from them yet, or is it just radio silence?
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GalacticGladiator
•Same here! Just filed my claim last week and it's been radio silence so far. The waiting is the worst part - especially when you're counting on that money to pay bills. I've been refreshing my UI Online account way too often too 😬 At least it sounds like 2-4 weeks is normal from what others are saying. Fingers crossed we both hear something soon!
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Paolo Ricci
I've been through this exact situation! My first claim took about 3.5 weeks to go from pending to paid, which was agonizing at the time but apparently pretty typical. A few things that helped me stay sane during the wait: 1) Set up text alerts in your UI Online account so you don't have to keep checking manually, 2) Make sure all your documents are uploaded correctly (I had to re-submit my ID verification which delayed things), and 3) Keep a record of all your certifications even while pending. The good news is that once it does go through, you'll get backpay for all those pending weeks! Stay strong, the wait is brutal but it will come through eventually 💪
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QuantumQuester
•This is super helpful, thank you! I didn't know about the text alerts - definitely setting those up now. Quick question though - when you had to re-submit your ID verification, did you get a notification about it or did you just figure it out on your own? I'm worried I might have missed something important 😰
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