This thread is incredibly valuable! I'm currently helping my elderly neighbor navigate the PFL system to care for her husband who has dementia, and we've been running into the exact same draft submission issues. The technical workarounds you've all shared are going to be so helpful - especially the tips about using Chrome, clearing cache, and trying during off-peak hours. What really strikes me is how many people are dealing with these same system glitches. It seems like EDD's 2025 system update created more problems than it solved! I'm definitely going to try the early morning submission approach first, and if that fails, we'll look into the phone options. @Zainab Mahmoud - I'm so glad you got your claim resolved and that your father can get the care he needs during his recovery. Your persistence really paid off! This whole conversation gives me hope that there are solutions, even when the system seems completely broken. Thank you everyone for creating such a supportive and informative discussion. It's communities like this that help us get through these bureaucratic nightmares! 💙

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent experience since it might help others facing similar issues. I just went through the PFL application process for bonding leave with my adopted daughter, and I encountered the exact same draft submission problem that @Zainab Mahmoud described. After reading through all the helpful advice in this thread, I tried the early morning submission approach at around 6:30 AM and it worked perfectly! My claim went through on the first try with an immediate confirmation number. I think the server load issue that @Emma Davis mentioned is definitely real - I had tried multiple times during lunch hours and evenings with no success. For anyone still struggling with this, I'd also recommend checking that your browser isn't blocking any scripts or pop-ups from the EDD website. I noticed my browser's privacy settings were pretty strict and might have been interfering with the submission process. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - this thread was incredibly helpful for a newcomer trying to navigate the EDD system for the first time! The community support here is amazing. 💕

Friendly reminder to everyone: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Keep copies of all forms, note down every call (date, time, who you spoke to), and save all emails. It'll save your butt if theres ever a dispute.

If the care recipient has a legal guardian or power of attorney, they might be able to sign on their behalf. You'll need to include documentation proving the legal relationship (like court papers or POA documents) along with your claim. I had to do this for my elderly parent and it worked, though it did add a few extra weeks to the processing time. Make sure to include a cover letter explaining the situation too!

Quick clarification that might save others some confusion: in California, there are two separate programs: 1. State Disability Insurance (SDI) - this covers your pregnancy disability before birth (if needed) and your recovery period after birth (typically 6 weeks for vaginal delivery or 8 weeks for c-section). This requires doctor certification. 2. Paid Family Leave (PFL) - this covers baby bonding time and gives you up to 8 weeks of paid leave. No doctor certification needed, just proof of relationship to the child. The transition between these two programs is where most people get confused. They are separate claims but both managed through the same EDD system and SDI Online account.

As someone who just went through this transition last month, I can confirm you absolutely DO NOT need new doctor paperwork for PFL baby bonding! The medical certification is only required for the SDI disability portion (your recovery period). Here's what you'll need to do: 1. File a new PFL claim using form DE2508 through your existing SDI Online account 2. You'll need your baby's birth certificate information (not the actual certificate, just the details) 3. Set your PFL start date for the day AFTER your disability ends 4. File about 1-2 weeks before your disability period ends to avoid payment gaps The whole process took me maybe 15 minutes online. No doctor visits, no medical forms, no hassle! Just make sure you don't overlap the dates between your disability and PFL claims. Congratulations on your new baby! 🎉

I'm going through the same thing right now! My application has been pending for 6 weeks and I'm getting really stressed about it. I tried calling the main number but kept getting disconnected after being on hold for hours. Has anyone had luck with contacting them through their website's messaging system? I'm wondering if that might be faster than trying to call. Also, @b83406405c6c have you checked if your employer submitted their portion yet? Sometimes that's what holds things up.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I was in a similar situation last year - my application sat in limbo for almost 6 weeks. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. I called first thing Monday morning around 8:00 AM (less busy time) 2. Had my application confirmation number ready 3. Asked specifically about what documents they were waiting for Turns out they needed additional medical documentation that I thought was optional. Once I submitted that, my approval came through in about a week. Also, don't feel bad about being persistent - this is YOUR benefit that you've paid into. You have every right to get answers about your application status. Keep detailed records of every call attempt and interaction. Hang in there - I know how nerve-wracking it is when you really need that leave approved! 💪

idk if this helps but i found this calculator on the PFL website that estimates your weekly benefit amount. saved me a bunch of math headaches lol

Just went through this process a few months ago! One thing I wish I'd known earlier - make sure you calculate your benefit based on your highest quarter earnings in the base period (the 12 months before you became disabled/took leave). Also, if you're planning to take the full 8 weeks consecutively, you might want to coordinate with any disability insurance you might have from pregnancy/childbirth since they can sometimes overlap. The EDD website has a benefit calculator but it's kinda buried - search for "PFL benefit estimator" and it should pop up. Good luck with everything! 🍼