This thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - got the dreaded "missing information" letter with zero specifics. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key is checking multiple places: the SDI Online portal (thanks @Jace Caspullo for that tip!), the notices section in the regular EDD account, and potentially visiting a local office if all else fails. I'm going to work through the checklist @Zoe Wang provided and cross my fingers. It's so frustrating that they make this process so unclear, but at least we have this community to help each other navigate it! 💪

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating situation right now! Got my "missing information" letter yesterday and it's driving me nuts that they can't just tell us what's actually missing. After reading through all these helpful responses, I'm going to try the SDI Online portal first (had no idea that was different from the regular EDD site), then check the notices section more carefully. If that doesn't work, I might have to bite the bullet and either use that calling service or take a day off to visit the local office in person. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops just to figure out what they need from us! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is gold! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! It's been 6 weeks since I submitted my application and radio silence. I've been checking my online account daily and there's literally nothing - no status updates, no estimated timeline, nothing. It's so stressful especially when you're counting on that money. I tried the phone number but gave up after being on hold for 2 hours. Maybe we should all flood their social media pages until they respond? This is unacceptable for such an important program.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! After weeks of no response, I finally got through by calling right when they opened at 8am and selecting the option for "technical issues" instead of general inquiries - that line seemed to have shorter wait times. When I finally spoke to someone, they told me my application was missing a signature on one of the forms (even though I thought I had signed everything). They never sent me any notification about the missing document! Make sure to ask specifically if there are any missing documents or if your application is complete when you do get through. Also, document everything - dates you called, who you spoke with, reference numbers. Good luck, don't give up! 💪

I went through this same nightmare trying to pause my PFL benefits earlier this year! The phone system is absolutely broken. What finally worked for me was using the callback feature on the EDD website - you can request a callback instead of staying on hold. It took 3 days but they actually called me back and I was able to get everything sorted. When you do get through, make sure to ask for a confirmation number for your pause request. The rep told me that pausing preserves your remaining benefit weeks indefinitely (as long as it's within the 12-month benefit period), so you can take as much time as you need between your work period and resuming PFL. Also heads up - when you're ready to restart benefits after your mother-in-law recovers, you'll need to file a "continued claim" rather than a new claim. The process is pretty straightforward once you get past the phone system hurdle. Hope your mother-in-law's surgery goes well and she has a smooth recovery!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My baby is 6 weeks old and I've been on PFL for about a month, but my childcare provider just had a family emergency and won't be available for the next 3-4 weeks. I need to go back to work temporarily while we figure out alternative arrangements, then resume my remaining PFL time once our regular childcare is back. I've been lurking in this community for a while and seeing all the horror stories about EDD's phone system, but reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to try the 8:01 AM calling strategy with the PFL-specific number (1-877-238-4373) that several people mentioned, and I'm also going to send a detailed secure message through my online account right now. One question for those who have successfully done this - did you need any documentation from your employer when you returned to work temporarily? My HR department is asking if there's a specific form they need to complete, but I haven't been able to find clear guidance on the EDD website. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - it's given me so much more confidence that this is actually possible to navigate, even with EDD's terrible phone system!

Just wanted to update everyone - I successfully submitted my PFL application today and it went through without any issues! The online system was actually pretty straightforward once I got started. For anyone else in this situation, here's what I learned: 1) Apply immediately after your disability ends (don't wait for final payment), 2) Select "baby bonding" not "caregiving", 3) Make sure your doctor submitted the final medical cert with a clear end date, and 4) put today's date as your PFL start date to avoid gaps. Thanks to everyone who helped clarify this - you probably saved me weeks of headaches! 🙏

This is such valuable information! I'm 8 months pregnant and trying to plan ahead for this exact transition. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the key takeaways are: apply immediately when SDI ends, don't wait for final payment, choose "baby bonding" option, and make sure there's no gap in dates. I'm bookmarking this thread because the EDD website really doesn't explain this process clearly at all. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences - this is way more helpful than anything I've found on the official site!

Is it just me or does anyone else think its ridiculous how complicated they make this process? Like, we're already dealing with family stuff, why add all this stress? 🙄

Congratulations on getting approved! 🎉 One thing I learned during my PFL experience is to keep copies of everything you submit - not just the originals. I had to resubmit some paperwork because they claimed they never received it, and having my own copies saved me so much hassle. Also, if you're planning to return to work part-time at first, make sure you understand how that affects your benefits. Good luck with everything!