Sending positive vibes your way, OP! Dealing with EDD while on maternity leave is the last thing you need. Hope it gets sorted out quickly! 💖👶

I went through something similar a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was getting a written statement from HR that clearly breaks down exactly what they're paying vs what EDD should be covering. Make sure it includes specific dollar amounts and dates. Also, if you have direct deposit, screenshot your bank statements showing the actual amounts you're receiving from your employer - this helped prove my case when EDD kept insisting I was getting full salary. The whole process took forever but having that documentation made all the difference. Hang in there mama! 💪

Yes, you certify the same way through SDI Online. And your weekly benefit amount will be exactly the same as your disability payments - it's calculated using the same formula (approximately 60-70% of your wages).

This is such helpful info! I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my first and already stressing about navigating all these claims. Bookmarking this thread for when I need it. Question - if I'm planning to take the full 8 weeks of PFL bonding time, do I need to specify that upfront in my application or can I decide later how much time to take?

Update: I FINALLY got through this morning! Used a combination of the tips here - called at 8:01am exactly, used the Spanish option trick, and kept redialing after getting the busy message. Got through on my 12th try and spoke to a very helpful rep who found the issue. Apparently there was a mismatch between my baby's birthdate on two different forms which triggered a manual review. She fixed it right away and said my claim should be processed within 48 hours! Thank you all for the helpful suggestions!

Wow, reading through all these experiences makes me realize I'm not alone in this struggle! I've been trying to reach EDD about my PFL claim for my newborn for over a week now. My claim has been stuck in "pending" status for almost 3 weeks and I'm getting really worried about when I'll receive my first payment. The tips about calling at 8:01am sharp and using the Spanish option sound promising - definitely going to try those tomorrow. It's honestly ridiculous that new parents have to become expert phone warriors just to get the benefits we're entitled to. Has anyone had success with the callback feature on the EDD website, or is that just as useless as everything else? Thanks to everyone sharing their strategies - it gives me hope that I'll eventually get through!

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that helped me tremendously during my EDD appeal last year. Beyond all the great advice here about documentation and evidence, I'd strongly recommend practicing your testimony out loud beforehand. I actually recorded myself explaining my situation multiple times and listened back to identify where I was rambling, getting emotional, or unclear. During the actual hearing, I was much more composed and articulate because I'd rehearsed the key points. Also, if your former employer shows up to the hearing, don't get rattled if they say things that aren't true. Stay calm, stick to your facts, and address any lies in your rebuttal time. The ALJ will notice inconsistencies. One last tip - when you submit your evidence packet, include a brief cover letter summarizing your case and referencing each piece of evidence by number. It makes it easier for the judge to follow your argument. You've got this! The fact that you're being so thorough in preparing shows you're taking it seriously, which will come across during the hearing.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of being wrongfully terminated AND having benefits denied is overwhelming. I went through a similar situation with a medical office that created a hostile work environment, then fired me when I raised concerns. Here's what I learned from my successful appeal: **Documentation is everything** - Your evidence sounds strong! Make sure to organize it chronologically and create a clear timeline showing: - Your positive work history before raising concerns - Specific incidents of hostile behavior - When you reported issues - The timing of your termination (retaliation pattern) **Key points for your hearing:** - Emphasize that you were fired for raising legitimate workplace concerns, not performance issues - If they can't provide documented warnings or specific misconduct incidents, that strengthens your case - The burden is on them to prove you committed "misconduct" (not just poor performance) **Practical tips:** - Submit ALL evidence before the hearing deadline - Practice explaining your situation clearly and factually - Don't get emotional during testimony - stick to documented facts - If your supportive coworker can testify live rather than just provide a written statement, that carries more weight The 28% statistic includes people who don't prepare well. With your documentation and preparation, your odds are much better. Keep certifying for benefits while appealing - you'll get backpay if you win! Stay strong - employers who create hostile environments and then lie to deny your benefits deserve to be challenged!

Hey Joshua! Great questions - I went through something similar last year. Here's what I learned: 1. Your employer cannot deny your PFL benefits request since those go directly through EDD, not your employer. However, since you don't have FMLA protection yet, they're not required to hold your job or provide unpaid leave time. 2. If you're fired mid-leave, you should still receive your PFL benefits as long as you were eligible when you applied and continue to meet the ongoing requirements. The benefits are tied to your previous work history and contributions to SDI, not your current employment status. Just be prepared that without FMLA protection, there's no guarantee your job will be there when you're ready to return. You might want to have a frank conversation with your employer first - some are more flexible than legally required, especially in today's job market. Good luck with everything and congrats on the new baby! 🍼