Can't get through EDD PFL phone line - need urgent help with baby bonding claim

Same boat!! I've tried calling like 25 times this month. My twins are 3 months old, and my claim has been stuck in 'pending review' for 6 weeks. Mortgage is due next week and I'm freaking out. Following to see if anyone has actual advice that works...

try calling right when they open at 8am sharp thats how i got thru last month

I worked for years with California's benefit systems, and unfortunately, the phone situation has been problematic for a long time. Here are some strategies that might help: 1. Call on Wednesday or Thursday - statistically fewer callers than Monday/Tuesday 2. If you get the automated system, try option 1, then 3, then 4 (varies based on current menu, but this sequence often routes to claim specialists rather than general information) 3. Use the online messaging system AND phone simultaneously 4. If your claim is showing online, check for any flags that say "information needed" - sometimes they're waiting for something but the notice got lost Your baby bonding claim should NOT take this long to process. Standard processing time is 14 calendar days if all documentation was complete. Did you transition from SDI/pregnancy disability, or is this a standalone PFL claim?

I was in the EXACT same situation last month - transition from SDI to baby bonding PFL and stuck in pending forever! I FINALLY got through using Claimyr - it's this service that connects you with an EDD agent without the wait. I was super skeptical but desperate. It worked in like 20 mins when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 Turns out my claim was held up because they needed clarification on my last day worked even though I had provided it already on my SDI claim. So frustrating! The agent fixed it on the call and my payments started processing the next day. You can check them out at claimyr.com

The transition from SDI to PFL is NOTORIOUS for delays. The EDD has serious system limitations with how these two programs connect, even though they're administered by the same department! When you transition from pregnancy disability to baby bonding, there's often a manual review process that gets backlogged. First, double-check that your DE2508 form for PFL was completely filled out, including your provider's information and your employer's details. Any missing information will cause delays. Second, the most effective calling strategy based on internal EDD metrics is Tuesday-Thursday between 1pm-3pm. The hold times are shortest during this window because most people call mornings or near closing time. Third, when you do get through, specifically ask the representative to check for "transition flags" on your account. Sometimes there's a system flag that needs manual clearance when moving from SDI to PFL that regular agents might not automatically check. Keep pushing! Your benefits are retroactive, so you'll get all money owed even with these delays.

Ok am I crazy or is it ridiculous that in 2025 we still cant just email someone???? Like why do we HAVE to call and wait on hold for hours when we have newborns to take care of??? The whole system is designed to make us give up i swear

when i had my baby last year i waited 8 WEEKS for my pfl payment!! i called literally 30+ times. finally i contacted my state assembly members office and they have special liasons who work with edd. they fixed my claim in 3 days after i suffered for 2 months. google your local assembly member and email their office explaining your situation

Just checking back - any success with reaching EDD? The transition flag issue is something I've seen frequently cause delays. If you've tried all the phone methods without success, I'd recommend: 1. The assembly member contact suggestion above - excellent advice 2. Try the alternate PFL customer service number: 1-833-978-2511 (sometimes has different staffing/wait times) 3. If your employer has an HR benefits coordinator, they may have direct contact channels with EDD One more note: make sure you're continuing to certify for your PFL benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the initial approval. Many claimants don't realize you still need to certify during the pending period.