Starting CA EDD child bonding claim - need advice on process and agent call

Congrats on the new addition to your family! I went through this process last year. Make sure you have all your documentation ready - birth certificate, proof of employment, etc. They'll ask for dates you plan to take off work. Also, be prepared for a bit of a wait time when calling.

ugh good luck dealing with EDD. their phone lines are always jammed and you'll probably get disconnected a bunch of times before actually talking to someone 🙄

Hey, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

Make sure you understand the difference between bonding leave and pregnancy disability leave. You might be eligible for both depending on your situation. Also, your employer needs to be notified in advance. Good luck!

Pro tip: Keep a detailed log of all your calls, who you spoke to, and what was discussed. The EDD system can be a bit chaotic, and having this info handy has saved me multiple times when there were mix-ups.

I've been through this process twice now, so here's my comprehensive guide: 1. Gather all necessary documents before calling: birth certificate, recent pay stubs, employer info. 2. Understand your rights: CA offers up to 8 weeks of paid family leave. 3. Know the timeline: You can't file more than 41 days before you plan to start your leave. 4. Be prepared for questions about your work schedule and expected return date. 5. If you're also taking pregnancy disability leave, that's a separate claim you'll need to file. 6. Keep ALL paperwork they send you, even after your claim is approved. 7. Set up online account for easier management of your claim. 8. Don't be afraid to ask questions if anything is unclear. Remember, the agents are there to help. Stay patient and persistent!

anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to be as confusing as possible? 🤔 like they're hoping we'll just give up

Don't forget to factor in processing time when planning your finances. It can take a few weeks to get your first payment after approval.