Can I check remaining PFL baby bonding benefits without calling EDD? Had baby in Oct, don't want to lose time

You can check your remaining PFL balance by logging into your EDD account, going to 'Claim History' and clicking on the specific PFL claim. There should be a section that shows 'Benefits Used' or 'Claim Balance' that will tell you exactly how many weeks you've used out of your 8-week entitlement. Make sure you're looking at your PFL claim specifically, not your pregnancy disability claim, as they're separate benefits with different timeframes.

I was in the EXACT same boat last year! Had my baby in September and didn't realize until months later that I had 2 weeks of bonding time left. The EDD website is SO confusing. Check under claim history, not payments!

Just to add some details that might help: You have 12 months from your child's birth to use all 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding. The weeks don't need to be consecutive, so you can split them up. The minimum you can take at once is 1 week. Also remember that you need to file a new claim form (DE 2501F) each time you want to use a portion of your remaining benefits - this is important and often overlooked. I'd recommend planning ahead since processing can take 1-2 weeks.

I spent HOURS trying to get this same info from EDD last month and never could get through on the phone. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to tell me exactly how many PFL weeks I had left and explained how to submit a claim for the remaining time. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5

OMG the EDD is THE WORST!!! I had my twins in November and they messed up my claim so many times I literally cried on the phone with them. I couldn't figure out the website AT ALL and when I finally got through after calling for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT the lady told me I still had 4 weeks left but then another rep told me I only had 2 weeks!!! How can they not even know their own system?? And don't even get me started on the wait times when you call. I had to put my phone on speaker and just leave it for HOURS!!!

Just adding one more important point: You need to let your employer know before taking any additional PFL time, preferably in writing. While EDD handles the benefit payments, your employer needs to approve your leave time. They can't legally deny your right to take PFL, but they do need proper notification according to their specific policies.

To correct some misinformation above - the proper form for PFL is indeed the DE 2508 form (Claim for Paid Family Leave Benefits), not the DE 2501F. The DE 2501 form is for Disability Insurance claims. Also, when you submit for your remaining weeks, make sure you clearly specify the exact dates you want to take off - this helps prevent confusion and processing delays.

hey so when you go back to take those extra weeks make sure u file like at least 2 weeks before u wanna start!!! i waited til the last minute and had to go like 3 weeks with no pay while they processed it even tho its supposed to be my money!!! edd is so slow