EDD maternity leave ID verification deadline missed - can I still send documents?

Don't panic! Yes, you can still send the documents in. EDD gives those deadlines but they'll still process late documents. Make sure to include a brief note explaining the delay due to your pregnancy condition. I'd recommend sending it priority mail with tracking so you have proof it was sent. Also, call EDD to let them know you're sending the documents now - that way they can note it in your file.

same thing happened to me!! i was like 3 weeks late sending my stuff in and it was fine. they processed everything normal just took a little longer. dont worry!!

You should be ok sending them late BUT in my experience EDD is SUPER strict about what counts as proper ID and proof of residence!! Make sure you're sending EXACTLY what they asked for. I sent in my driver's license and a utility bill but they rejected the utility bill because it wasn't in my name (was in my husband's). Had to send a bank statement instead which delayed my claim by 2 more weeks. And they don't tell you there's a problem until you call them!!

When you mail the documents, include a cover letter with your EDD Customer Account Number, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and explain briefly why the documents are late. I've helped many clients with maternity leave claims, and EDD will generally still process late identity verification as long as the documents are valid. For proof of residence, make sure the document has YOUR name on it (not just your spouse's) and your current address, dated within the last 3 months. A mortgage statement with both names should be fine. Also, after mailing them, I'd recommend trying to call EDD to confirm they've received your documents. Unfortunately, their phone lines are notoriously difficult to get through, especially for the PFL department.

wait they make u mail stuff in for maternity leave? I just applied for preg disability and did everything online. didnt have to mail anything. are u sure its not a scam? there r alot of edd scams going around lately asking for ID and stuff.

Speaking from experience, send your docs ASAP, then call EDD every day until you get confirmation they received them!! They lost my documents TWICE during my maternity leave claim process. I ended up having to resubmit everything and my claim was delayed by 6 weeks!!! I had my baby before I got my first payment - it was a NIGHTMARE!!

When I was pregnant with my first, I got so overwhelmed with all the paperwork too! The pregnancy brain is REAL. My doctor told me it's because blood flow increases to support the baby and actually decreases to your brain sometimes! Anyway, I remember missing some deadline for my disability paperwork and I just included a note explaining that I was suffering from pregnancy-related brain fog and they were fine with it. Might help to mention that in your note!

One important tip: after you mail your documents, scan or take clear photos of them and upload them to your EDD online account as well. Go to the 'Upload Documents' section in your SDI Online account. This creates a backup method of submission and sometimes processes faster than mail. Also, check your online account daily for any new correspondence or status updates. EDD often updates the online status before you receive anything in the mail. Your mortgage statement with both names will be perfectly acceptable as proof of residence. Just make sure your ID is not expired.

Just to give you some peace of mind about the timeline: even with the delay, you should still receive your maternity disability benefits before your due date. EDD typically processes ID verification within 7-10 business days once received. After that, if everything else in your application is complete, you should start receiving payments within another 1-2 weeks. So roughly 3 weeks total from when you send in your documents, which still gives you plenty of time before your baby arrives in 8 weeks.

I went through this exact same panic when I was pregnant with my daughter! Missing that deadline felt like the end of the world, but honestly EDD is pretty understanding about late submissions, especially for pregnancy-related claims. I sent mine in 5 days late and included a brief note about pregnancy symptoms affecting my ability to keep up with mail - they processed it without any issues. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: when you call EDD to notify them about the late submission, ask them to put a note in your file about the pregnancy-related delay. This can help if there are any questions later. Also, keep copies of everything you send and get a tracking number so you have proof of delivery. You've got this mama - take a deep breath and get those documents sent tomorrow! 💙