EDD PFL for baby bonding stuck in 'pending processing' for 4+ weeks - what's normal?

Unfortunately, this is pretty normal right now. My baby bonding PFL claim took almost 5 weeks to process last month. The EDD rep (when I finally got through) said they're dealing with a huge backlog after that system update in February. One thing to check - did you properly complete the transition from SDI pregnancy disability to PFL baby bonding? That transition paperwork is where most delays happen. Make sure you submitted form DE2501F-A for the transition.

its been crazy since 2025 started!!! mine took 5 weeks too. submitted january 10 and didnt get approved till feb 15!! no explanation why just suddenly got the money. hang in there

I work as an HR benefits coordinator, and we've seen MAJOR processing delays since the EDD moved to their new system. The average we're seeing for baby bonding PFL is 4-6 weeks right now, even for perfectly completed applications. A few things to check: 1. Make sure your last day worked on your SDI claim matches what your employer reported 2. Verify your baby's birth certificate info was included correctly 3. Check that you completed the "transitioning to bonding" section on the DE2501F-A (not just the standard PFL form) If you've done all that, it's unfortunately just a waiting game. Contact your employer's HR - some companies have special EDD contacts who can check status faster than individual claimants.

Ugh, the EDD system is a NIGHTMARE right now!!! I filed my baby bonding claim on March 2nd and it was stuck in pending until JUST YESTERDAY (April 12th). That's SIX WEEKS!! No explanation, no updates, nothing. I called EVERY SINGLE DAY multiple times and could never get through. This is absolutely unacceptable when people have bills to pay and babies to care for. The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

Try Claimyr.com - it's the only way I finally got through to EDD after weeks of trying. It connects you directly to an EDD agent without the crazy wait. I was skeptical but it worked perfectly, got through in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. The agent was able to tell me exactly why my claim was delayed (missing employer verification) and pushed it through while I was on the call. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5

I wonder if it depends on which EDD office is handling your claim? My baby bonding PFL was approved in exactly 11 days last month. But I'm in San Diego county. Maybe different regional offices have different backlogs? Did anyone who got quick approval want to share what county they're in?

To update on my earlier comment - after checking with more clients (I'm a benefits counselor), I've found that claims with ANY documentation issues are facing the longest delays. If your claim is completely clean (all dates match, all documentation perfect, employer verification immediate), you might get processed in 2-3 weeks. But any tiny discrepancy puts you in the "manual review" queue, which is where the 5-6 week delays happen. And unfortunately, there's no way to know if you're in that queue through the online portal.

anyone else think its weird that the disability part goes so fast but baby bonding takes FOREVER?? like my pregnancy disability was approved in less than 2 weeks but then baby bonding took over a month! same baby same job same everything!!! make it make sense lol

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning using the Claimyr service someone mentioned below. It actually worked! The agent found the issue immediately - my employer submitted verification with my return-to-work date listed as the day my disability ended instead of the end of my baby bonding period. The agent has escalated it to be corrected and said my claim should be processed within 7-10 days. Just posting this update in case it helps anyone else stuck in pending limbo. I'll update again when (if?) the money finally comes through.