EDD PFL payment method switch + check forwarding when moving out of state?

You need to call EDD directly to change your payment preference from checks to the debit card. There's no way to do this online unfortunately. For your address change, you can update that in your UI Online account under Profile > Contact Information, but I'd still recommend calling to make sure they connect the address change to your current PFL claim specifically. The system sometimes doesn't update everything at once.

when i moved last year i just filed a change of address with usps and my checks got forwarded no problem. took a few extra days sometimes but they all showed up

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD on the phone, you might want to check out Claimyr.com - I was in a similar situation (needed to change payment method ASAP) and they got me connected to an actual EDD agent in less than 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Totally worth it especially since you're moving so soon and need this resolved quickly!

THE EDD SYSTEM IS LITERALLY THE WORST. They constantly mess up payment preferences and addressing issues. I requested direct deposit THREE TIMES and still got paper checks for my entire maternity leave last year. You absolutely HAVE TO CALL to fix this. And good luck with that - their phone system is designed to make you give up. 😡 Also, MAKE SURE you call the right number! The PFL number is different than regular disability or unemployment. And when you move states, you have to keep filing certifications as if you still live in CA - don't let them tell you otherwise!

Just to clarify some misinformation: You can update your address online in your UI Online account, and USPS forwarding will work for your checks. However, changing your payment method from paper checks to the EDD debit card mid-claim does require a call to EDD. Also, moving out of state doesn't affect your benefit eligibility for a claim that's already approved. Your benefits are based on your CA employment and wages prior to filing, not your current residence. One important thing to note: If you do get switched to the EDD debit card, it will be mailed to your address on file, so make that change first or time it carefully with your move. The Bank of America EDD debit cards can take 7-10 business days to arrive after they're requested.

so glad i saw this thread! im about to submit my pfl application for baby bonding next week and was going to select paper checks. definitely going with the debit card option now! thx for the warning about how hard it is to change it later!!

I used Claimyr last month when I was having issues with my maternity leave to PFL transition, and it worked great. Was connected to an EDD rep in about 15 minutes after trying for days on my own. For your situation specifically, when I talked to the EDD rep, they told me that once your payment preference is set up initially (check vs. debit card), changing it mid-claim requires a specific form called a "Payment Method Change Request" that they have to process manually. That's why you can't do it online - there's no digital version of this form. When you do reach a representative, be sure to specifically ask for this form and confirm they're sending it to your new address. Good luck with the move and the new baby!

when i had my baby last year i went thru EXACTLY this!!! i got checks when i wanted the card too and it was such a pain! i ended up just keeping the checks cuz by the time i got thru to someone on the phone it was like halfway thru my claim anyway lol. but def update your address online ASAP and also set up mail forwarding with usps! also congrats on the new baby and good luck with ur move!!

UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and got through to EDD in about 12 minutes! The representative was super helpful and processed both my address change and switched me to the debit card for future payments. She said the card should arrive at my new Colorado address in 7-10 business days. Just wanted to update in case anyone else runs into a similar situation. Thank you all for the advice!