Applied for EDD baby bonding PFL on Dec 9th - how long until approval?

it can take 2-3 weeks sometimes longer if they're backed up or holidays. check ur online account should show status

Thanks! I logged into my account but all I see is the claim submission date. No status or anything. Is there a specific place I should be looking?

The timeline varies but typically takes 10-14 business days for EDD to process baby bonding claims. Since you applied on December 9th, and we've had holidays, you're approaching that window now. You should check your UI Online account for status updates - look under

Thank you for the detailed info! This is my first claim - I didn't take pregnancy disability since I'm the dad. I'll check the Claim History section. Really hope it processes soon because we're cutting it close with our savings.

When I filed for baby bonding last year, I waited almost 3 weeks and heard NOTHING. Then suddenly money appeared in my account! EDD is super weird about communication. I spent HOURS trying to get through on the phone to check my status and never connected with anyone.\n\nI finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an EDD rep in about 15 minutes instead of spending all day redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5\n\nThe rep told me my claim was approved but stuck in their payment system. They fixed it right away once I actually talked to someone. Might be worth trying if you don't see updates soon.

Does that service actually work? I've been calling EDD for 2 days straight for my maternity leave question and can't get through at all.

Yes it worked for me! Was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days to reach EDD. Got through to a real person who fixed my issue.

The WHOLE SYSTEM is designed to make people give up!!! I applied for my baby bonding in October and didn't hear ANYTHING for 3.5 weeks. No emails, no letters, NOTHING on my account. Called 27 TIMES before someone picked up who told me they \

Oh no, that sounds awful! I had no idea December was a bad time to apply. We just timed it based on when my son was born. Now I'm really worried...

Hello there! I work in HR and help employees with their leave paperwork. For baby bonding PFL claims submitted in December 2025, we're seeing average processing times of 14-18 business days (not counting holidays). Since you applied on December 9th, you're still within that normal timeframe.\n\nA few things that might help:\n\n1. Verify your employer completed their portion through SDI Online\n2. Check for any correspondence in your physical mail (EDD often sends letters rather than emails)\n3. Ensure your claim application (DE2508) was completely filled out with no missing information\n4. Confirm your identity verification is complete if requested\n\nIf you reach the 3-week mark with no updates, then I would recommend contacting EDD directly. The online status doesn't always update properly, so a phone call would be your best option at that point.

Thank you for this info! My employer said they submitted everything, but I'll double-check with them tomorrow. I didn't receive any letters in the mail yet, and I don't think I got any requests for identity verification. I'll wait another week and then try calling if I don't see any updates.

When I had my baby in July, my PFL claim took exactly 12 days to process. But my sister applied in December last year and hers took almost 4 weeks! I think the holidays really delay everything. Just hang in there!\n\nBTW, make sure you also have your baby's birth certificate or hospital documentation ready. Sometimes they ask for that as verification before approving. Oh and the payments come on an EDD debit card if this is your first time - do you have that card already?

I don't have an EDD card yet! Is that something they send automatically or do I need to request it? And thanks for the tip about the birth certificate - I have it ready just in case.

They'll send the card automatically once your claim is approved. It usually arrives a few days before your first payment gets loaded onto it. If you already have a card from unemployment or disability in the past, they'll use that same card.

my wife just went through this whole process and it took 16 days to get approved then another 4 days for money to show up on the card. december is always slow with the holidays. good luck man!

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know my claim was finally approved! It took exactly 16 business days. I ended up calling EDD yesterday (used the Claimyr service that someone recommended here and it worked great - got through in about 10 minutes). The rep told me my claim was actually approved 2 days ago but the online system hadn't updated yet. She also said my EDD card should arrive within 7 days. Thanks everyone for the help!

Great news! Glad to hear it worked out. Enjoy your baby bonding time!