How long for EDD PFL decision? Husband applied for baby bonding 11/25 - still no payment

The standard processing time for PFL baby bonding claims is about 10-14 business days, but during busy periods (especially holiday season) it can take up to 3 weeks. Fathers get the same amount of time as mothers for bonding - 8 weeks total in California. He can check his claim status on the EDD website or through his UI Online account. If it shows 'pending' that means they're still reviewing it.

My husband just went through this last month! It took exactly 17 days from application to first payment. They never sent any approval notification, the money just showed up in our account. Make sure he keeps doing his certifications every 2 weeks even if he hasn't been approved yet.

OK LISTEN UP - EDD is ALWAYS slow this time of year! My husband waited 5 WEEKS for his first payment in December 2024!!! The money will eventually come but you NEED to be checking his account DAILY and keep all your documentation. And yes, dads get 8 weeks in CA but they can take it anytime within the first 12 months after birth. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and take screenshots of all confirmations!!

has he tried calling them? thats what i had to do. waited 3 wks then called and they said they needed additional info but never contacted me about it

If your husband is having trouble getting through to an EDD agent by phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helped me get through when I was stuck in a similar situation with my PFL claim. It basically holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. They have a video demo if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 It's worth it to actually talk to someone who can look up your husband's claim and tell you exactly what's going on - especially since you mentioned your savings are getting low. Sometimes there's just a simple issue holding things up that can be resolved in one phone call.

When my baby was born last year I also applied for bonding leave and it took exactly 14 business days for approval. One thing to note is that if your husband submitted on 11/25, remember that Thanksgiving and the day after were holidays, plus weekends, so you're actually only at about 9-10 business days so far. I wouldn't worry yet! And yes, dads get the full 8 weeks of PFL bonding time in California. He can take it all at once or split it up, but it must be used within the first 12 months after birth or adoption. The weekly benefit amount is based on his highest quarter of earnings in the base period (about 60-70% of his wages).

oh also make sure he put the right bank info for direct deposit! my friend's husband had his deposit rejected because he put the wrong account number and it delayed everything by another 2 weeks!

To follow up on the certification question you asked earlier - for PFL bonding claims, there's usually just one certification at the beginning, not ongoing certifications like with unemployment or disability. The initial certification should have been part of his application (DE 2501F form). Once approved, payments are generally made all at once for consecutive weeks of leave, unless he specifically requested intermittent bonding. If his claim is approved, he'll get a Notice of Computation in the mail showing his weekly benefit amount and maximum benefit amount. The direct deposit should follow shortly after approval.