Thank you all for the detailed information! I'm going to call EDD tomorrow to confirm all of this and make sure I understand the process correctly. Sounds like I need to: 1. Continue UI until the baby arrives 2. Apply for PFL once the baby is born using the DE 2501F form 3. Be prepared with birth documentation 4. Understand that my UI claim timeline doesn't extend 5. Plan for a possible gap when transitioning back to UI after PFL ends It's definitely more complicated than I expected, but I'm grateful to know that the option exists.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - when you do apply for PFL, make sure to keep copies of everything you submit. I've seen cases where EDD "loses" documentation and people have to resubmit, which can delay payments. Also, if your wife has complications during delivery or needs extended recovery time, you might be able to get additional PFL weeks beyond the standard bonding period. The maximum is usually 8 weeks for bonding, but medical care for a family member can extend that. Document everything and don't be afraid to ask questions when you call. Congrats on the upcoming baby!

Just wanted to update everyone - my claim status FINALLY changed today! Exactly 12 business days after I received the CUIAB decision. All my weeks switched from disqualified to paid, and my payment is pending in the system. Such a relief! Thanks for all your advice and support through this stressful process.

Congratulations on getting your favorable decision and finally seeing the update! Your timeline matches what most people experience - that 10-14 business day window seems pretty standard. This is really encouraging for others who might be going through the same stressful waiting period after winning their appeals. Did you get the full back pay amount you were expecting, or were there any surprises when the payments processed?

Thank you so much for this detailed response! This really helps. I think you're right that I probably didn't complete the direct deposit setup. I'll call EDD first thing tomorrow morning and see if I can either get confirmation or possibly switch to direct deposit if my payment hasn't processed yet.

Hey Peyton! I went through this exact same situation a few months ago and was pulling my hair out trying to figure it out. Here's what I learned: if you can't find the payment method info in UI Online (which seems to be the case for most people), the fastest way is definitely calling EDD. But here's a pro tip - try calling right when they open at 8 AM. I got through on my second try when I called at 8:02 AM on a Tuesday. Also, since you mentioned this is your first time filing, there's a good chance you're getting the Money Network card since that's the default. Most people I know who got direct deposit remember specifically entering their banking info because it was kind of a pain to dig up routing numbers and all that. Hope you get this sorted out quickly! The waiting game with EDD payments is stressful enough without not knowing where the money is going.

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and tried multiple approaches. First, I sent a fax with all my payment documentation yesterday. This morning, I used Claimyr to get through to EDD (it actually worked!), and I spoke with a representative in the Collections Department. She confirmed they received my payment, but it was sitting in an "unprocessed payments" queue because there was a one-digit error in my account number reference! She manually matched my payment to my account while I was on the phone and said I'll receive an updated statement within 5-7 business days showing a zero balance. She also put a hold on any collection activities in the meantime. Thank you all for your help! What a relief to finally get this resolved.

This whole thread is giving me anxiety because I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now! I paid my $3,200 overpayment 10 days ago and just got a collection notice yesterday. Reading everyone's experiences here is both terrifying and reassuring - terrifying because it seems like this happens constantly, but reassuring because people DO get it resolved eventually. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service and the fax approach. Has anyone had luck with emailing EDD directly, or is phone/fax really the only way? I've been documenting everything but I'm getting so stressed about potential wage garnishment. Also, for anyone else dealing with this - I found it helpful to set up account alerts with my bank so I have immediate notifications of any transactions. That way if EDD tries to take money again (which apparently happens sometimes), I'll know right away. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories and solutions. This community is literally saving my sanity right now!

anybody else notice how the edd website NEVER explains any of this stuff clearly?? feels intentional so people miss out on benefits tbh

This thread is incredibly helpful - I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Got laid off in early February but didn't file until mid-March because I honestly had no idea I needed to file immediately. My former company's HR department didn't mention anything about timing when they handed me my termination paperwork. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like I should definitely try to get my claim backdated. The fact that multiple people here have succeeded gives me hope. I'm going to try calling EDD first, and if that doesn't work out, I'll look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned. It's really frustrating that this isn't explained clearly anywhere. You'd think something this important would be front and center on the EDD website or mentioned during layoffs. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and advice - this community is way more helpful than any official EDD resources I've found!