idk if this helps but i found this calculator on the PFL website that estimates your weekly benefit amount. saved me a bunch of math headaches lol

Just went through this process a few months ago! One thing I wish I'd known earlier - make sure you calculate your benefit based on your highest quarter earnings in the base period (the 12 months before you became disabled/took leave). Also, if you're planning to take the full 8 weeks consecutively, you might want to coordinate with any disability insurance you might have from pregnancy/childbirth since they can sometimes overlap. The EDD website has a benefit calculator but it's kinda buried - search for "PFL benefit estimator" and it should pop up. Good luck with everything! 🍼

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My partner has been trying to file for PFL for the past week and keeps getting the verification error. It's so reassuring to see we're not the only ones experiencing this nightmare. Reading through everyone's experiences, I'm definitely going to try the new ID.me account approach first thing tomorrow morning. The fact that multiple people have had success with this gives me hope. I had no idea the January system update was causing so many problems - EDD really should have communicated this better to users. One question for those who successfully got through - after creating the new ID.me account, did you have to wait any specific amount of time before calling EDD to link the accounts, or were you able to call immediately? We're also cutting it close with timing, so every day counts at this point. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and solutions. This thread is incredibly helpful for those of us navigating this frustrating system!

This thread has been a lifesaver! I'm going through the exact same verification nightmare right now with my EDD PFL application. My baby is due in 2 weeks and I've been stuck on this error for 5 days straight. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to try creating a new ID.me account tomorrow morning and then use one of those callback services to reach EDD. It's frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops, but at least now I have a clear plan of action instead of just repeatedly hitting refresh and hoping the error goes away. Quick question - for those who successfully got through, did the EDD rep mention anything about how long this verification issue is expected to last? I'm wondering if other expecting parents should be warned about starting their applications even earlier than the usual 2-3 week recommendation. Thanks again to everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions. This community is amazing!

When my twins were sick last year I had the same problem! So frustrating right? I ended up going to the actual EDD office in person. Had to wait for 2 hours but at least I finally talked to someone who could help. If you have an office nearby might be worth trying.

Just wanted to add that if you're dealing with RSV specifically, make sure to ask your pediatrician for a detailed medical certification that explains why YOU need to be home caring for the baby (not just that the baby is sick). EDD sometimes pushes back on caregiving claims if the medical cert doesn't clearly state the parent's presence is medically necessary for the child's recovery. Also, if you do end up using the caregiving option instead of extending bonding time, keep in mind that caregiving PFL has different rules - you can take it intermittently if needed, which might be helpful if your baby's recovery isn't linear. Hope your little one feels better soon and that you get this sorted out quickly!

I'm a HR specialist who deals with leave administration. Here's what you need to know: 1. EDD PFL eligibility is based on your contributions to SDI, not your length of employment or hours worked. If you see SDI deductions on your paystub, you likely qualify. 2. You apply directly to EDD for PFL benefits. Your employer doesn't approve/deny these benefits. 3. Job protection is completely separate. Without FMLA/CFRA eligibility (1 year, 1250 hours), your employer isn't legally required to hold your position. 4. However, many employers have separate paternity leave policies that might provide job protection even without FMLA/CFRA eligibility. 5. Replacing an employee on bonding leave (even a non-FMLA eligible one) can sometimes create legal risks for employers, so many will hold your position regardless. My advice: Review your company handbook, speak with HR about their paternity leave practices (not just policies), and get any agreements in writing.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're planning to take PFL for baby bonding, you should also consider the timing strategically. PFL baby bonding leave must be taken within the first year after your child's birth, but it doesn't have to be taken immediately. Since you're concerned about job security, you might want to consider taking a shorter initial leave (maybe 2-4 weeks) right after birth, then saving the remaining weeks for later in the year when you've hit that 12-month employment mark and would qualify for CFRA job protection. Also, don't forget that if your partner is also eligible for PFL, you can coordinate your leaves. California allows both parents to take their full 8 weeks each - they don't have to share a combined amount like some other states. Good luck with your new addition!

To summarize what everyone has said: 1. PFL payments occur biweekly after certification 2. First payment may take a bit longer (up to 3 weeks after approval) 3. EDD debit card receives funds slightly faster than direct deposit 4. Holidays and weekends can delay payment processing 5. Payment issues do sometimes occur, requiring you to contact EDD I recommend setting up account alerts in your online EDD account so you'll get an email when payments are processed. This helps you track exactly when to expect funds.

Just wanted to add that you should also download the EDD mobile app if you haven't already! It makes it super easy to check your payment status and certify for benefits right from your phone. Really helpful when you're dealing with a newborn and don't always have time to sit at a computer. Plus you can set up push notifications so you'll know immediately when there are updates to your claim. Congrats on your little one!