EDD direct deposit vs. paper checks for PFL - any delays in 2025?

congrats on ur baby!! i chose paper checks for my baby bonding last fall and got my first one in about 18 days. not super fast but at least i didnt have to deal with those stupid debit cards lol

Direct deposit is definitely the fastest option now. EDD has improved their system significantly in 2025. I just finished my 8 weeks of baby bonding PFL and had zero issues with direct deposit - payments hit my account within 2-3 days after each certification. Just make sure you double check your account information when you enter it, as one incorrect digit can delay everything.

When I was on PFL for my twins back in January, I chose paper checks and kinda regretted it. First check came pretty quickly (about 12 days) but then there were USPS delays with the others. Some took almost 2 weeks to arrive after EDD said they were mailed! One even got lost and I had to request a replacement which was a whole other headache. If I could do it over, I'd probably risk the direct deposit just for peace of mind knowing exactly when the money would arrive.

The paper check vs. direct deposit decision really depends on your specific situation. Here are the facts for 2025 PFL claims: 1. Direct deposit: Typically 1-3 business days after certification is processed 2. Paper checks: 5-7 business days for processing + mail delivery time (varies by location) The Money Network cards are being phased out completely by August 2025, so that's becoming less of an option anyway. If you're concerned about security, direct deposit to a major bank with good fraud protection is actually safer than paper checks, which can be stolen from mailboxes. Just ensure you're using the official UI Online portal for setup, not responding to any emails about your banking details.

I just finished my maternity leave and switched to baby bonding PFL in March. I was stressing about this same decision! I went with paper checks because my bank accounts got compromised in that big data breach last year. First check came 14 days after approval, then the rest were pretty regular - about a week after each certification. One tip: if you go the paper check route, set up informed delivery with USPS so you know exactly when checks are coming to your mailbox. Saved me a ton of anxiety checking the mail every day!

my sister did direct deposit for her baby bonding in february and it was super fast BUT then EDD suddenly decided they needed to verify her identity halfway thru and stopped all payments for like 3 weeks!!!! paper checks might be slower but seem to have less random problems like that idk

Just to clarify something important - if you're transitioning from Pregnancy Disability Leave (SDI) to Baby Bonding PFL, your payment method from your disability claim will automatically carry over to your PFL claim unless you specifically change it. Many people don't realize this and end up waiting for a check when their payment was actually issued via direct deposit or vice versa.

The ENTIRE California EDD system is designed to make it as DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE to get YOUR OWN MONEY!! I've been through this nightmare THREE TIMES with three different kids. Paper checks get "lost" in the mail. Direct deposit "fails" for mysterious reasons. The debit cards get "flagged for fraud" when you try to use them. It's ALL BY DESIGN! They WANT people to give up so they can keep our money!!!

I actually just finished my 8 weeks of baby bonding PFL last month and chose paper checks. First payment took about 12 days after approval, then the rest came pretty regularly about 5-6 days after certifying. I had one check that was delayed in the mail for almost 2 weeks though, which was super stressful since we were counting on that money for bills. If your financial situation is tight, direct deposit might be better just for the reliability factor. Good luck with your decision and congrats on your little one!

I went through this exact decision last October for my PFL claim and ended up choosing direct deposit after going back and forth for days! My biggest concern was also security, but I figured my credit union has pretty good fraud monitoring. The payments came through like clockwork - usually 2-3 days after I certified biweekly. The one thing I'd suggest is setting up account alerts on your bank account so you get notified immediately when deposits hit. That way if something goes wrong, you'll know right away instead of waiting and wondering. Also make absolutely sure you enter your routing and account numbers correctly when you set it up - I triple checked mine because I was so paranoid about typos causing delays. Whatever you choose, just remember the most important thing is getting those benefits to support you and your baby girl during this time!