I'm dealing with this exact same error right now! It's so reassuring to see I'm not alone in this frustration. I've been trying for three weeks and getting nowhere with the automated system. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the common thread is that there's usually some kind of data mismatch or corruption on EDD's end that only a human can identify and fix. I'm going to try the early morning calling strategy first since that seems to work for most people, but the in-person office visit idea is really appealing as a backup plan. Has anyone had success with the online chat support, or is phone/in-person the only way to actually reach someone who can help with these system-level issues?

I just went through this exact same issue two weeks ago! Error E311 is usually caused by a data mismatch between what you're entering and what's stored in EDD's system. In my case, it turned out that my employer had reported my wages under a slightly different version of my name (they used my full middle name while I was using just the initial). The phone reps were able to see this discrepancy and fix it within a few days. I'd definitely recommend trying the early morning calling strategy - I got through on my second try at 8:02 AM. Also, have all your employment history, SSN, and personal info ready when you call so they can cross-reference everything in their system. Don't give up, this is totally fixable once you get the right person on the line!

Hi Maya! I'm new to this community but currently going through the exact same situation - just finished my PDL a few weeks ago and planning to start PFL baby bonding in early January. This entire thread has been absolutely incredible! Reading everyone's real experiences is so much more valuable than the confusing EDD website. Based on all the detailed advice shared here, I'm convinced that the 9-10 day window before your start date is definitely the way to go. I wanted to add one small thing I learned from my own research - when you're gathering documents, make sure your return-to-work documentation from your PDL clearly shows the date you actually returned. Some people have had issues where their return date wasn't clear, and EDD questioned whether they were trying to claim benefits while still on disability leave. Also, I love how supportive everyone has been in sharing their experiences here! It's so helpful to have a community of people who actually understand the challenges of navigating EDD. Your December 15th plan sounds solid with all the preparation tips everyone has shared. Wishing you the smoothest application process possible!

Hi Maya! I just went through this exact process a couple months ago and wanted to share my experience since it sounds like we had nearly identical situations - finished PDL, returned to work briefly, then planned PFL baby bonding. I applied exactly 8 days before my intended start date through the online portal and everything went perfectly! Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. The online system definitely handles future start dates well when you're in that 7-14 day window 2. Make absolutely sure your DI claim shows "Paid" for all weeks before applying (I actually called to double-check this was fully closed) 3. Have your certified birth certificate ready - not just a copy, but the official one with raised seals 4. Screenshot your confirmation page immediately after submitting One thing I wish I'd known - check with your employer about their specific coordination policies for PTO during PFL. My company required me to use vacation days concurrently, which I found out too late and it affected my planning. The timing you're considering (around 9-10 days before December 15th) sounds perfect based on all the experiences shared here. You're being really smart to research this thoroughly in advance! This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating EDD's complexities.

Hey, congrats on the new baby! Sorry you're dealing with this stress. If it makes you feel any better, I had a similar issue last year and it all worked out eventually. Sending positive vibes your way! ❤️

I went through this exact same nightmare when my daughter was born 6 months ago! Same thing - sent everything in, then crickets for weeks. What finally worked for me was faxing a copy of everything again with a cover letter explaining it was my second attempt and including the original date I sent it. Apparently my first submission got "lost in the system" 🙄 Got a call back within 3 days after that. Also, if you have a case number from when you first applied, make sure to reference that in any follow-up communication. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these agencies unfortunately. Hang in there!

Hang in there, OP! I know it's frustrating, but your benefits are protected even if you've returned to work. They'll backpay you for the time you were out. Just keep following up and don't let them forget about you!

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Filed my PFL claim 2 weeks ago for bonding time and still haven't heard anything back. It's so stressful not knowing when the payment will come through, especially when you're already juggling work and a new baby. @Ellie Simpson's checklist looks super helpful - definitely going to try calling first thing in the morning. Has anyone had luck with the secure messaging through the online portal, or is calling still the better option?

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating issue right now! My husband is trying to file for PFL after our daughter was born last month, and we keep getting that "driver's license already assigned to account" error. We've been calling EDD for over two weeks with no luck getting through to anyone. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea there were so many different approaches to try! We're definitely going to call the Identity Verification unit at (866) 401-2849 tomorrow morning, and I'm also going to look up our assemblyperson's office on that website someone mentioned. The "ghost account" explanation makes perfect sense too. My husband did start looking at the EDD website a few months ago when I was pregnant, just to understand the process, but never actually submitted anything. That's probably what caused this whole mess. It's so reassuring to see that others have gotten this resolved, even though it shouldn't be this complicated in the first place. New parents have enough to worry about without having to become EDD troubleshooting experts! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this thread is going to save us so much time and stress.

This thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm currently dealing with this exact same issue - my wife and I just had our first baby 10 days ago and I've been trying to file for PFL but keep getting that dreaded "driver's license already assigned to account" error. Like others mentioned, I'm pretty sure I browsed around the EDD website a few months ago when we were preparing, which probably created one of those "ghost accounts." I've been calling the main EDD number every day for a week with zero success - just busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting for hours. It's incredibly stressful when you're sleep-deprived from a newborn and your paternity leave is already ticking away. Reading everyone's solutions here gives me so much hope! I'm definitely going to try calling the Identity Verification unit at (866) 401-2849 first thing tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work, I'll contact our assemblyperson's office. I had no idea either of those options even existed. The afternoon calling tip is great too - I've been trying mornings when probably everyone else is calling. It's absolutely ridiculous that new parents have to jump through all these hoops just to access benefits we've paid into, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing real solutions. Will definitely update if any of these approaches work for me. Thanks everyone for turning what felt like a hopeless situation into something manageable!