Anybody else think its ridiculous that we pay into this system our whole working lives, but when we actually need it, its nearly impossible to use? 🤡 The whole thing needs an overhaul.

I just went through this whole process last month and finally got my payments! Here's what worked for me: I called the 1-877-238-4373 number at exactly 8:01 AM on a Tuesday and got through after about 30 minutes on hold. The rep was actually super helpful and walked me through the benefit calculation. They use your highest quarter earnings from the past 18 months, then it's about 60-70% of your weekly wage up to the max ($1,620/week in 2024). My payments started coming 2 weeks after approval, and they were backdated to when my leave started. Don't give up - persistence really does pay off with this system!

Just wanted to add my experience from last month - my weekly benefit amount stayed exactly the same when I transitioned from SDI to PFL ($847/week for both). However, I did notice that the PFL payments seemed to process a day or two slower than my SDI payments used to. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind for budgeting. One tip: I started my PFL application about 10 days before my SDI was set to end, and the transition was seamless. The EDD rep I spoke with recommended applying 2 weeks early if possible to avoid any gaps. Also, make sure you have your SDI claim number handy when filing for PFL - it speeds up the process!

Currently going through this transition myself and can confirm what everyone's saying - the weekly amount stays the same! I'm getting $743/week on both SDI and PFL. One thing I wish someone had warned me about though: make sure you download/screenshot your SDI payment history before your claim ends because once you transition to PFL, you lose access to that detailed SDI portal. I was trying to reference my payment dates for tax purposes and couldn't get back into the old system. The PFL side really doesn't give you much to work with in terms of tracking. Also, when you apply for PFL, they'll ask for your expected return to work date. Don't stress too much about getting this exactly right - you can always extend or shorten your leave as needed, but having a reasonable estimate helps them process everything faster.

To answer your question about the birth certificate - you don't need to wait for the official birth certificate to arrive before applying for PFL. When you file your PFL claim, you can initially provide the hospital discharge papers or other documentation showing you had the baby. You can always provide the birth certificate later once it arrives. And yes, you can typically use PTO to supplement SDI and PFL to get to 100% of your normal wages, but that's entirely up to your employer's policies. Some allow it, some don't, and some require you to use PTO first before state benefits kick in. Definitely check with your HR department.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation! I had a UI overpayment from 2021 that I was still paying off when I went on maternity leave in 2023. Like everyone said, it didn't affect my SDI or PFL at all - got my full benefits on time. One thing I'd add is to screenshot/save all your documentation when you file online. The EDD system can be glitchy and sometimes forms don't save properly. I learned this the hard way when my initial SDI filing seemed to disappear and I had to resubmit everything. Also, set up direct deposit if you haven't already - it's so much faster than waiting for paper checks, especially when you're dealing with newborn chaos! You've got this mama! The hardest part is just the anxiety of not knowing, but sounds like you're being super proactive about getting everything sorted.

Just want to echo what others have said and add a couple practical tips from my experience helping my sister navigate PFL for her husband's cancer treatments: 1. Apply ASAP once you have the doctor's form - there's no waiting period, but processing takes time and you want benefits to start when the leave begins. 2. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. EDD sometimes "loses" paperwork and you'll need to resubmit. 3. Your fiancé should inform his employer about both PFL (wage replacement) AND potentially FMLA/CFRA (job protection) - these are separate but can run concurrently. 4. If EDD requests additional documentation after the initial application, respond immediately. Any delay can pause your entire claim. The brain fog from neurological conditions is so real - maybe have your fiancé handle most of the paperwork side while you focus on preparing for your procedures. You've got this! The system is confusing but totally doable with the right documentation.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with my partner! One thing I learned that might help you is that you should definitely have your fiancé apply at least 2-3 weeks before the procedures if possible. While there's no official waiting period for PFL, the processing time can vary a lot depending on how complete your initial application is. Also, when you see your new neurosurgeon, it might be worth asking if their office has experience with disability/PFL forms. Some medical offices have staff who are really familiar with what EDD needs, which can save you from having to resubmit paperwork later. My partner's doctor's office actually had a checklist they use for these forms! One more tip - make sure your fiancé saves the confirmation number when he submits the application online. You can use it to track the claim status, which is super helpful when you're dealing with brain fog and trying to keep track of everything. The online portal is actually pretty user-friendly once you get familiar with it. Hope your procedures go smoothly and the PFL process is straightforward for you both! 💜

I had a similar E311 error a few months ago and it turned out to be a mismatch with my address. Even though I had moved and updated my address with EDD online, their verification system was still using my old address from when I first filed. I had to call (took forever to get through) and specifically ask them to update the address in their verification database, not just my profile. Might be worth checking if you've moved recently or if there's any address discrepancy between what you're entering and what they have on file from previous claims or employers.

I went through this exact same issue about 6 months ago! The E311 error is so frustrating. What finally worked for me was discovering that my middle initial was missing in EDD's system even though I had it on all my forms. Apparently when my employer first reported my info years ago, they left it off, and that tiny discrepancy was causing the verification to fail. I had to go to a local EDD office with my Social Security card, driver's license, and a recent pay stub to get it corrected in person. The whole process took about 3 hours at the office, but they fixed it on the spot. Might be worth checking if there are any small differences like that in how your name appears across different documents!