Fastest way to submit paper OBGYN forms for EDD pregnancy disability? Drop-off vs mail?

you have to mail it in. theres no dropoff option anymore since covid. they closed all the physical offices for claim stuff. make sure u keep copies!!! i didnt and regretted it when they 'lost' my paperwork.

That information isn't accurate. You CAN drop off your completed DE2501 form at an EDD office. They have secure drop boxes specifically for this purpose. I did this in January 2025 for my pregnancy disability claim and it processed about 5 days faster than when I mailed my forms for my previous pregnancy. Make sure to: 1) Make photocopies of EVERYTHING before submitting 2) Get a receipt if you drop it off in person 3) Include all required sections (both your part and your doctor's certification) Also, be aware that pregnancy disability and PFL baby bonding are two separate claims. You'll file the DE2501 now for disability, then after delivery you'll file a separate DE2508 form for the baby bonding portion.

when i had my baby last year i tried to drop off my form and the security guard told me they dont accept them anymore and I needed to mail it!!! so frustrating because i drove all the way there. maybe it depends on which office? idk the whole system is so confusing

I work in HR and help employees with maternity leave regularly. Here's the most up-to-date information for 2025: - Some EDD offices do have secure drop boxes for paper claims, but not all locations - The fastest processing option is actually for your doctor to file electronically (SDI Online) - If your doctor won't file electronically, certified mail is your next best option - Always, always keep copies of everything Before COVID, many offices accepted in-person submissions. During COVID, they stopped. Now, some locations have resumed this service but it's inconsistent. Call the specific office before going. Your biggest issue isn't actually mail vs. drop-off - it's that your doctor isn't filing electronically, which is significantly faster. For your next pregnancy (if you have one), I'd recommend finding a practice that uses SDI Online.

Trying to reach EDD by phone to ask these kinds of questions is IMPOSSIBLE. I spent 3 weeks trying to get someone to answer a similar question when I was pregnant last year. After being disconnected 6 times and waiting on hold for hours, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual EDD agent in less than 30 minutes who confirmed my local office had a drop box. Saved me so much stress! There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 Just sharing because I wish I'd known about this service earlier in my pregnancy!

OMG THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FAIL!!! I filed my paper pregnancy disability forms in December and they "lost" them TWICE!!! Had to resubmit everything and didn't get paid for 7 WEEKS!!!! By then I'd already given birth and was dealing with a newborn with no income! If your doctor gives you paper forms, DEMAND they file electronically - it's their job!!! My sister's doctor did electronic filing and she got approved in 5 days. FIVE DAYS!!! Meanwhile I was eating ramen and borrowing money because EDD is a disaster!!! Sorry for the rant but I'm still mad about how they treated me when I was pregnant and vulnerable.

One important clarification: When people talk about "disability" and "PFL" in these comments, they're referring to two separate benefits that often get confused: 1. Pregnancy Disability Leave (through SDI) - This is what you're filing for now with the DE2501 form. It covers 4 weeks before your due date and up to 6-8 weeks after birth (depending on delivery type). 2. Paid Family Leave (PFL) - This is the baby bonding portion that starts after your disability ends. You'll file a separate form (DE2508) for this later. Some comments above might be mixing up which offices handle which programs, leading to confusion. For your current situation with the DE2501 disability form, I recommend certified mail with return receipt. This gives you tracking and proof of submission.

my cousin works at edd and says they actually process the mailed forms faster than dropbox because the dropbox forms have to get entered manually by staff who are always behind. mail goes to a processing center. but who knows if thats true lol

Update: I called my local EDD office and they DO have a drop box! I'm going to make copies of everything tomorrow and drop it off. The person I spoke with also suggested sending a duplicate copy by certified mail as backup just in case (apparently they've been having staffing issues). I also spoke with my doctor directly about electronic filing and she said their office is actually transitioning to a new system next month that will support it, but it's too late for my claim. At least that's progress for future moms! Thank you all for the advice. This has been so stressful on top of being super pregnant, but I feel much more confident now about what to do.

That's such a smart strategy doing both drop-off AND certified mail! I'm 28 weeks pregnant and already stressing about this whole process. Your doctor's office upgrading their system next month gives me hope that maybe mine will too by the time I need to file. Quick question - when you called the EDD office, did you have to go through that nightmare phone system everyone talks about, or do individual offices have direct numbers? I've been dreading having to call them but it sounds like you actually got through to someone helpful! Wishing you the best with your claim processing and congrats on your upcoming arrival! 💕

I'm a new mom who just went through this exact process a few months ago! I was also panicking about timing and ended up doing a hybrid approach similar to what you're planning. A few additional tips from my experience: - When you make copies, scan everything to your phone/computer too as a digital backup - If you drop off at the EDD office, try to go early in the morning (I went right when they opened at 8am and there was no line) - Ask for a timestamp receipt if possible - some offices will give you one, others won't, but it's worth asking - Double-check that your doctor filled out EVERY section of the DE2501. Missing info is the #1 reason for delays Also, don't stress too much about the 2-week timeline. I submitted mine literally the day before my last day of work and everything worked out fine. The system is definitely frustrating but most claims do get processed eventually. You're being super proactive by handling this at 36 weeks - I waited until 38 weeks like an idiot! Sending you positive vibes for a smooth process and healthy delivery! 🤞