EDD PFL identity verification delay holding up remaining baby bonding payments - stressed about timeframe

This happened to me in January! It's so frustrating that they start payments and THEN decide to verify identity. In my case, it took exactly 10 business days from when I uploaded the documents for them to process the verification and release the remaining payments. Make sure your husband checks his online account daily - they don't always send notifications when they update something. If you hit day 10 with no update, I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning (right when they open) to check on status.

they did this to me too!!! so annoying cuz like they already verified everything when we applied right?? we waited almost 3 weeks and then suddenly all the money showed up in one big payment. no explanation or anything just $$$$ in the account one day

I HATE the EDD identity verification nonsense! My theory is they're just randomly flagging accounts to look like they're preventing fraud, even though they already processed and approved your claim. Classic bureaucratic BS when we're just trying to bond with our babies! I had something similar happen with my disability before transitioning to PFL - they stopped my payments, demanded verification, then made me wait THREE WEEKS while I was recovering from a C-section with no income! Called every day and got nothing but excuses. The system is designed to wear you down so you'll give up.

This identity verification is becoming more common with EDD, but the timing is certainly frustrating. Based on current processing timelines, identity verification typically takes 7-14 business days. However, if you're approaching the end of his leave period, I'd recommend calling EDD directly to explain the situation. Make sure to mention that his leave period is ending soon, as this might help prioritize the review. One important thing to note: Even if his leave period ends before they finish verification, he will still receive all benefits he's entitled to as backpay. EDD will pay for the full approved period regardless of when the verification completes, as long as all documentation was submitted correctly.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an EDD representative quickly. I was in the exact same situation last month and spent days trying to call with no luck. Someone on this forum recommended claimyr.com and it got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 When I finally spoke to someone, they were able to expedite my identity verification since my leave period was almost over. Worth a try if you're desperate to get this resolved before he goes back to work!

This is a pretty standard part of EDD's fraud prevention measures for 2025. What's NOT standard is requesting it AFTER they've already started paying benefits - that's just poor process management on their part. Based on current processing volumes, identity verification is taking approximately 8-12 business days from receipt of documentation. Make sure all documents you submitted are clear and legible - if anything was blurry or cut off, that will cause additional delays. Also, check that you provided ALL requested documents. Sometimes people miss that they asked for multiple forms of ID or supporting documents. Missing even one requested item will put your verification in limbo. If you can get through on the phone, ask specifically for the "Identity Verification Department" as regular claims reps often can't help with these cases.

my husband just went thru this last month!! it was soooo annoying 😩 payments just suddenly stopped after the first one then they wanted all this verification stuff. we sent everything in and then crickets for like 2 weeks. what worked for us was having HIM call (not me) bcuz it's his claim, and he asked to speak to a supervisor. the regular person couldn't help but supervisor pushed it thru and we got paid 3 days later. definitely keep calling!!!!

After you get this resolved, make sure your husband files his final certification correctly. Since you mentioned he's going back to work next week, he'll need to report his return-to-work date on his final certification. If he doesn't do this accurately, it could trigger an overpayment notice months later. The specific question is on the certification form where it asks if there was any change in your eligibility - returning to work counts as a change, and he'll need to provide the exact date.

Just wanted to update everyone - we finally got through to EDD using Claimyr this morning! The rep confirmed they received all our identity verification documents and said the system shows they were "pending review." She put a note on the account about his leave ending next week and said she'd flag it as time-sensitive. Hopefully this helps speed things up! Will update again when/if we receive payment.