One more important detail: For PFL (baby bonding), you need to file your claim within 41 days of when you want benefits to begin. So once your doctor completes the pregnancy disability release, don't delay in submitting your PFL claim. There's no automatic transition - they're technically separate benefits that you have to apply for individually. As for your company's STD, that's completely separate from the state programs. Some company plans will not pay if you're receiving state benefits (they consider it duplicative), while others will supplement to bring you closer to your full salary. You really need to review your specific plan details.

Since your baby is due in December and your FMLA resets in January, you're in a great position to maximize your protected leave. Remember that FMLA/CFRA is about job protection, while SDI/PFL is about wage replacement. They run concurrently when both are available, but since yours resets in January, you'll essentially get extra protected time. Just make sure you: 1. Have clear documentation from your doctor for the disability release 2. Apply for PFL promptly after being released from disability 3. Keep HR informed of all transitions 4. Understand exactly how your company STD works with state benefits And if you need to speak with EDD directly (which I highly recommend before your delivery), try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM for the best chance of getting through.

Just wanted to update you - I remember now that I actually got a letter in the mail about my claim approval BEFORE it showed as approved online. So you might want to check your physical mail too. The SDI Online system sometimes lags behind the actual processing.

UPDATE: My claim was just approved this morning! It took exactly 16 days. I checked the EDD website and it now shows my claim as approved with a benefit amount. I should get my first payment in 2-3 business days according to the message. Thank you all so much for your help and reassurance. The stress relief is huge!

Update: I've had several clients resolve this successfully by doing the following: 1) Have your doctor fax a "Disability Claim Closure Request" (they should know what this is) to EDD specifying the exact end date 2) Once that's processed (usually 2-3 business days), your PFL claim should automatically activate If you need this resolved immediately, calling is still your best option. Be very specific with the agent about needing to close the disability claim on the original expected return-to-work date so your PFL can begin.

let us know what happens! i might need to do PFL after my disability ends next month too

Quick clarification on something important: Your father may qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits instead of returning to his UI claim. If his stroke occurred before he could return to work, his disability claim could potentially be backdated to when his medical condition began (the date of his stroke).\n\nHowever, be aware that there's a maximum filing timeframe - claims filed more than 49 days after the disability began may be disqualified unless there's a good reason for the delay. In your father's case, if you file within 49 days of his stroke, you should be fine.\n\nAlso, once the SDI claim is approved, he would receive approximately 60-70% of his regular wages (based on a calculation of his highest quarter earnings in the base period), up to the maximum weekly benefit amount, which is $1,620 in 2025.

Thank you for this additional information. So if I understand correctly, we should focus on the SDI claim first since it can be backdated to when he had the stroke, and then separately try to resolve the UI claim for the February-to-stroke period? The SDI benefit amount sounds much better than what he would get from UI anyway.

my cousin works for edd and she says most appeals for this type of situation actually get approved if u have good medical documentation. the first-level review is often pretty cursory but the appeals board looks at everything more carefully. don't give up!!!

Based on your follow-up questions, I wanted to clarify a few things: 1. Regarding payment during appeal: Technically, the overpayment is still due while under appeal. However, you can request a temporary hold due to financial hardship or set up a minimal payment plan ($10-20/month) to show good faith while your appeal is pending. 2. Legal representation: While not required for the initial appeal, if it moves to an Administrative Law Judge hearing, having representation is beneficial. As someone mentioned, check for legal aid services in your area. 3. Documentation strategy: Focus on having your doctor specifically address why your condition prevented you from working at THAT job. Mental health disabilities are legitimate disabilities under SDI, but the documentation needs to be explicit about how your condition prevented you from performing your specific job functions. Keep us updated on your progress. Many appeals are successful with proper documentation!