Does EDD send an approval letter for PFL baby bonding claims?
I recently filed for baby bonding PFL after my maternity disability ended and I'm trying to figure out what to expect next. My disability claim went through fine and payments started automatically, but the PFL process seems different. Do they actually send you an official approval letter for Paid Family Leave claims? I'm nervous because my employer is asking for proof that my leave is approved, and I don't know what documentation I'm supposed to give them. I can see my claim is in the system when I log into my EDD account, but there's no status update yet. Has anyone gone through this recently?
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Ben Cooper
Yes, EDD does send an approval letter for PFL! I got mine about 10 days after filing my claim. It shows your weekly benefit amount, your claim period, and the total amount you're eligible for. I needed to provide this to my HR department too. Check your mail carefully - the letter comes in a standard EDD envelope that's easy to miss. If it's been more than 2 weeks, you might want to call them to check on status.
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Khalid Howes
AuthorThanks! It's been about 8 days since I filed, so maybe I should give it a few more days before panicking. Did you need to do anything after getting the letter, or did payments just start automatically?
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Naila Gordon
they sent me a text message and an email first then the letter came like 4 days later
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Cynthia Love
That wasn't my experience at ALL. I got ZERO communication and then suddenly money appeared in my account. No text, no email, no notification whatsoever! I kept checking my mail for some kind of approval letter but never got one. Called EDD three times and hung up after waiting 90+ minutes each time. The system is completely broken!!!
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Darren Brooks
I recieved my approval letter about 2 weeks after I applied for baby bonding. It showed all my info and the exact dates for my leave. My HR department made a copy of it and gave it back to me. I think your supposed to get one but you know how EDD is... sometimes things get delayed or lost in the system lol. When I had my first baby in 2023 I had to call them cause my letter never came.
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Rosie Harper
This is the correct information. The approval letter is called the "Notice of Computation" (DE 429D) and it details your weekly benefit amount and total claim amount. If you need documentation for your employer before the letter arrives, you can request a claim status letter through your UI Online account under "Contact EDD" or you can call and request one. Also note that the approval letter and payments are often processed separately, so you might start receiving payments before or after getting the letter.
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Elliott luviBorBatman
I filed for baby bonding PFL back in March and had a similar issue. Called EDD over 40 times and couldn't get through! Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have this demo video: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 that shows how it works. The agent confirmed my approval letter had been sent out but was probably delayed in the mail. She was able to email me a confirmation letter right away that I could show my employer. Definitely worth it after wasting days trying to get through myself.
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Demi Hall
does it actually work? ive heard of services like this but was always skeptical
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Elliott luviBorBatman
Yes it worked for me! I was connected to an EDD rep in about 15-20 minutes. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected constantly. They just called me back when they had an agent on the line.
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Cynthia Love
When I had my twins last year, I went from pregnancy disability to PFL with no gap, but my PFL approval letter got lost in the mail. I had to call EDD a million times to get them to resend it! Apparently they had sent it to my old address even though I'd updated everything online. The system is so frustrating!! Make sure your address is correct in ALL their systems because sometimes the disability system and PFL system don't talk to each other properly.
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Khalid Howes
AuthorOh that's a good point! I just moved right before having the baby so I'll double check that all my info is updated correctly. The last thing I need is for important documents to get lost in the mail.
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Rosie Harper
To clarify for everyone on this thread: Yes, EDD does send an official approval notice for PFL claims, typically within 7-14 days of filing. This document is officially called the "Notice of Computation" (form DE 429D) and includes: 1. Your weekly benefit amount 2. Your maximum benefit amount 3. Your benefit period dates 4. The qualifying reason for your claim If you need immediate proof of your claim before receiving this letter, you have three options: 1. Call EDD and request a claim status letter 2. Submit a request through your UI Online account under "Contact EDD" 3. If you can see your claim in the system, take a screenshot of the claim summary page Most employers are familiar with EDD's processing timelines and should be willing to accept provisional documentation while waiting for the official notice. If your employer is being difficult, you can suggest they contact EDD directly to verify your claim status.
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Khalid Howes
AuthorThis is extremely helpful information! I think a screenshot of my claim page might work as a temporary solution until I get the official letter. My HR contact has been understanding so far, just wants something on file. Thank you!
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Demi Hall
wait i thought ur employer doesnt need any approval stuff from u for baby bonding? my HR just had me fill out their own paperwork and didnt ask for anything from EDD
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Ben Cooper
Different employers have different policies. Some require the EDD approval documentation while others just need their internal forms. It often depends on how your company manages PFL and FMLA/CFRA leave coordination. Legally, you don't have to provide the EDD letter to use your leave rights, but many companies request it for their records.
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Darren Brooks
Just wondering if you ever got your approval letter? I'm applying for baby bonding next month and want to know what to expect
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Khalid Howes
AuthorYes! It actually came in the mail yesterday. It took exactly 12 days from when I submitted my application. The letter shows all my claim details including the weekly benefit amount ($1,480) and the total claim period (8 weeks). My HR department was satisfied with it.
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Nolan Carter
Congrats on getting your letter! That's really helpful to know the timeline. I'm expecting my first baby in a few months and trying to plan everything out in advance. Did you have any issues transitioning from disability to PFL, or was it pretty seamless? I've heard some people have gaps between the two benefits and I'm worried about that happening.
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