I'm really sorry you're going through this stressful situation while caring for your mom. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like you have some excellent actionable steps to take tomorrow. One thing I wanted to add that I learned when helping my aunt navigate similar issues - if you do end up needing to go the emergency conservatorship route, some counties have expedited processes specifically for terminal illness situations. When you call the probate court's self-help center (as Carmen suggested), make sure to emphasize that this is for a hospice patient with limited time. They often have special procedures that can fast-track these cases. Also, I noticed you mentioned having trouble reaching EDD by phone. In addition to the calling strategies others shared, try calling different regional offices if the main number isn't working. Sometimes the Fresno or San Bernardino offices have shorter wait times than the main Sacramento line, and they can all access your claim information. You're being such a devoted caregiver to your mom during this difficult time. Don't let the bureaucratic obstacles discourage you - there are people and systems in place to help, even if they're not easy to find initially. Wishing you success with all these leads tomorrow.

I'm heartbroken reading about what you're going through with your mom. This situation is incredibly stressful when you're already dealing with such an emotional time. From everything I've read in this thread, it sounds like you have several really solid options to pursue tomorrow morning: 1. The DE2501FC-PC form that Carmen mentioned seems like it could be your fastest solution since it's specifically designed for terminal illness situations 2. Contacting your mom's hospice patient advocate or social worker - they likely handle these benefit issues regularly and may have direct EDD contacts 3. The Public Guardian's office emergency authorization process that Maya detailed sounds very promising I'd recommend starting with the hospice team first thing in the morning since they're already involved in your mom's care and probably have the fastest turnaround on paperwork. Then tackle the EDD calls using the disability insurance line number Maya provided. You mentioned feeling desperate, but honestly, after reading all these responses, it sounds like there are multiple viable paths forward that people have successfully used in very similar situations. The system is frustrating and poorly designed, but you're not stuck. Take care of yourself too during this process - caregiving is exhausting even without bureaucratic nightmares added on top. Your mom is fortunate to have someone fighting so hard for her during this difficult time.

Just wanted to say hang in there, OP! I know how stressful this can be, especially with a newborn. You've got this! 💪

Hey Sofia! I went through this exact same situation a few months ago. One thing that really helped speed up my claim was making sure I had submitted proof of my employment history - sometimes they need your pay stubs or a letter from HR confirming your employment dates and wages. Also, check if you need to verify your identity through ID.me if you haven't already - that was a big holdup for me. The waiting is so nerve-wracking when you have bills to pay, but don't give up! Keep checking your online account every few days for updates and don't hesitate to call if it's been over 3 weeks since you submitted everything.

Wow, this thread is giving me so much hope! I'm due in May and have been absolutely dreading dealing with EDD based on all the horror stories I've heard from mom friends. The fact that they finally have a functioning online system feels like a miracle. Quick question for everyone - I work for a small company (only 8 employees) and my HR person has never dealt with PFL claims before. She's kind of freaking out about the whole process. Has anyone had experience with smaller employers who aren't familiar with the system? Are there any resources or guides that might help her understand what she needs to do on the employer side? Also, I'm planning to take my full 8 weeks of baby bonding leave right after my pregnancy disability ends. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like timing the transition is crucial. Should I submit my PFL application before I even give birth, or wait until I'm ready to transition from disability to bonding leave? Don't want to mess this up! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that's impossible to find on the official EDD website! 🙏

This is such great news! I'm currently pregnant with my second baby and remembering the absolute nightmare of trying to get information about my first PFL claim in 2023. I literally had to take time off work just to sit on hold with EDD for hours, only to get disconnected half the time. The fact that I can now see claim status, payment amounts, and processing timelines online is going to be life-changing. I was already dreading going through that whole process again, but this gives me so much hope that it'll actually be manageable this time around. One thing I'm curious about - does the new online system also show your claim history? Like if I want to reference what happened with my previous PFL claim from 2023, can I see those details? It would be really helpful for planning purposes to see exactly how much I received and when the payments came through last time. Thanks @PixelPrincess for posting about this - I never would have known about the updates otherwise! Definitely going to check out the online portal before my next claim. 🙌

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Just went through a name change after marriage and the EDD system is so confusing. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of every attempt to contact them - dates, times, reference numbers if you get any. Also, I found out from a friend who works in benefits that you can sometimes get faster service by calling right when they open at 8am or during lunch hours when call volume might be lower. The Claimyr service mentioned above sounds promising too. Make sure to document everything in case you need to file an appeal later. The stress of dealing with this while pregnant is awful - sending you good vibes that you get it resolved quickly!

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! The key thing that finally worked for me was being super persistent with the phone calls AND having all my documents ready before I called. Here's what I learned: 1) Call EDD at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - you'll get through faster, 2) Have your marriage certificate, old and new IDs, and SSN ready before you dial, 3) When you get through, specifically ask for the "name change department" - don't let them transfer you around, 4) Get a confirmation number for your name change request and write it down! The whole process took about 3 weeks once I got through to the right person. For your PFL claim, definitely use both names on all forms like "Anastasia [Maiden Name] Popov" until it's fully updated in their system. Also, give your employer's HR a heads up about the name situation so they're not surprised when processing your leave paperwork. Don't give up - you've got this mama! 💪

I had my baby last year and its so confusing the way everything works in California!!! I thought PFL and CFRA were the same thing but they're totally different right? And then theres SDI too? Why do they make this all so complicated for new parents????

Just want to add my support here - you're absolutely in the right! I went through something similar 3 years ago and my company initially tried the same argument. What helped me was getting everything in writing from them about WHY they were denying my request, then responding with the specific CFRA regulations that others have mentioned here. Once I had their denial documented, it became really clear they were violating state law. Also, don't forget that during your baby bonding leave, you'll be eligible for PFL benefits (about 60-70% of your wages) even though you've been on disability for months. The PFL and CFRA eligibility windows run independently. Stay strong and don't let them intimidate you - 7 years with the company means you've definitely earned these rights!