I'm also going through this with my 6-week-old right now! Just wanted to add that I discovered you can actually track the status of your DE 2580GF form through the EDD website once they receive it. After you mail it in (which unfortunately is the only option), log into your EDD account and look under the "Claim Status" section - there's a spot that shows when they've received your continued certification forms. I mailed mine last Thursday using Priority Mail with tracking and it showed up in my online account as "received" by Tuesday. Still waiting for it to process but at least I know they have it! Also, pro tip for other sleep-deprived parents - set yourself a phone reminder to mail the form within 2-3 days of receiving it. I almost forgot about it completely until I found it buried under a pile of baby stuff on my kitchen counter! The system definitely needs to be updated but knowing there's at least some way to track it online helps with the anxiety.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation for my 2-month-old! Just wanted to share that I called EDD yesterday and they confirmed what everyone here is saying - the DE 2580GF form absolutely must be mailed, no online option available. What really helped calm my nerves was learning about their "batch processing" system - they told me they process all PFL certification forms in batches twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays), so as long as your form arrives by Monday or Thursday, it gets processed in the next batch. I'm planning to use Priority Mail with tracking tomorrow and will make copies like everyone suggests. It's honestly such a relief to find this community of other new parents going through the same bureaucratic nightmare! The rep also mentioned they're working on digitizing this process but gave no timeline (shocker, right?). Hang in there everyone - we're all figuring this out together while running on minimal sleep!

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm in a somewhat different situation but wanted to share in case it helps anyone else. I had an old SDI overpayment (not unemployment) from 2021 that I was still paying off when I went on maternity leave last year. What I discovered is that EDD treats all overpayments the same way regardless of which program they're from - UI, SDI, PFL, etc. So even though my overpayment was from State Disability Insurance, it still affected my PFL benefits initially. However, I was able to get it resolved by calling the overpayment collections line (the separate number someone mentioned earlier - 1-866-962-0741) and explaining my situation. They were able to put a temporary hold on collections during my maternity leave period, which allowed me to receive my full PFL benefits. The key was calling them BEFORE I filed my PFL claim and getting the arrangement set up in advance. Once I returned to work, the collections resumed automatically. It saved me so much stress during those first few months with my baby. For anyone dealing with any type of EDD overpayment (not just unemployment), that collections line is definitely worth calling to discuss your options. They seem to have more flexibility than the regular benefits line when it comes to working out arrangements.

I'm currently in a very similar situation and this thread has been so helpful! I have an unemployment overpayment from 2020 that I've been paying off monthly, and I'm due in January 2025. Reading everyone's experiences has given me a much clearer picture of what to expect. Based on all the advice here, I'm planning to make a large payment in December to get my balance to zero before filing any claims. The tip about calling the overpayment collections line (1-866-962-0741) to get my exact balance and explore options has been a game-changer - I had no idea that line existed! One question for those who have been through this: when you got written confirmation of your zero balance, did you request it through the collections line or the main EDD line? I want to make sure I'm asking the right department for the documentation I'll need. Also, has anyone had experience with the timing between pregnancy disability and PFL claims when there was a previous overpayment history? I'm wondering if I should expect any delays between the two benefit periods even if my account is clear. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it's so reassuring to know I'm not alone in dealing with this situation and that there are concrete steps I can take to avoid issues!

I'm also navigating this process for the first time and this thread has been SO helpful! I just wanted to add that I called EDD yesterday (after trying for hours to get through) and the representative told me something interesting - they said that while the automated system shows "14 days for processing," their internal goal is actually to process pregnancy disability claims within 10 business days when possible, since they recognize the urgency for expecting mothers. However, she confirmed that holidays do pause the business day count, and they're currently running behind due to year-end staffing. She recommended calling back if you don't see any movement by January 10th, as that would indicate a potential issue rather than just holiday delays. Also, for anyone filing in the future - she mentioned that submitting your claim online rather than by mail can save 2-3 days in processing time, since mailed claims have to be manually entered into their system first. Hope this helps! Sending positive vibes to everyone waiting for their payments! ✨

I'm currently going through my first pregnancy and this thread has been a lifesaver! I'm only 28 weeks but already starting to stress about the timing of everything, especially after reading about these holiday delays. One thing I wanted to ask - has anyone had experience with claims getting processed faster if your employer proactively submits their portion early? My HR department mentioned they can submit employer verification as soon as I file my initial claim, rather than waiting for EDD to request it. I'm wondering if that helps speed things up at all, or if it just sits in their system until they get to processing the whole claim anyway? Also, for Zainab and others waiting - I know the financial stress is real, but it sounds like you'll definitely get your backdated payments once things process. The waiting is horrible but at least you won't lose any money! Keeping my fingers crossed that everyone starts seeing payments roll in early January! 🤞✨

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 2 months ago and it feels like I'm stuck in limbo. The phone system is absolutely brutal - I've probably made 50+ calls and only gotten through once, just to be told they needed more documentation (which I had already submitted twice). One thing that's helped me stay organized is creating a spreadsheet with all my call attempts, confirmation numbers, and what was discussed each time. Also screenshot everything in your online account - I've had things mysteriously disappear from my portal before. Has anyone tried faxing documents instead of uploading them online? I'm wondering if that might be more reliable. At this point I'm willing to try anything! 😩

I'm dealing with the same frustration! Been waiting 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. One thing that helped me was calling the disability insurance number (1-800-480-3287) instead of the main PFL line - sometimes they can transfer you or give you updates since PFL claims go through the same system. Also, if you have a case worker assigned, try asking for their direct extension when you do get through. I finally got one after my 4th successful call and it's been a game changer for follow-ups. The whole system definitely needs an overhaul, but hang in there! You'll get through eventually. Keep detailed records of everything like others mentioned - it really does help when you finally talk to someone. Good luck! 🤞

Thank you everyone for all your advice!! I called my OB office today and they said they submit the medical certification electronically, but I need to let them know when I'm ready to file. I also created my SDI Online account (took like 10 minutes) and talked to my HR department. They gave me a separation notice that I'll need to upload when I file my claim. I'm still a little confused about the transition from disability to baby bonding though... do I need to file a whole new claim for that? And how do I make sure there's no gap between the two?

Great job on being proactive and getting your account set up early! 👏 One additional tip that helped me - when you're ready to file on Dec 8th, make sure you have your most recent pay stub handy. The system will ask for wage information and having exact figures speeds up the process. Also, regarding the transition to PFL - you can actually apply for baby bonding PFL up to 12 months after your baby's birth, so there's flexibility there. But like @Jamal Harris mentioned, timing it right prevents payment gaps. One last thing - save your confirmation number and print/screenshot the final submission page when you file. I've seen people have issues where EDD couldn't locate their claim initially, and having that documentation saved the day. You're doing everything right though - sounds like you'll be much better prepared than most first-time filers!