Can I file new EDD SDI claim for postpartum depression after PFL ended months ago?

Yes, you'll need to file a brand new SDI claim since it's been more than 2 months since your previous benefits ended. The supplemental form (DE 2525) is only for extending an existing claim that hasn't ended yet. Your situation is actually pretty common - postpartum depression can develop months after delivery. Make sure your doctor clearly documents that your condition is pregnancy-related since that will affect how your benefit amount is calculated. Also, since you returned to work between claims, you'll have a new 7-day waiting period before benefits start paying out. Hope you get the help you need!

Thank you so much for clarifying! I wasn't sure if there was some special connection since it's technically pregnancy-related. I'll file a new claim right away. Just to make sure I understand - my doctor needs to use the DE 2501 form for this new claim, right? And does she need to specifically mention that it's postpartum depression related to my December pregnancy, or will that be obvious?

I had this EXACT thing happen to me last year! I thought I was fine and went back to work after my PFL but then BOOM the depression hit me like 3 months later. I filed a new claim and it was fine, just make sure your doc writes that its postpartum depression on the form. Good luck mama it gets better I promise!!!

That's reassuring to hear. Did your claim get processed quickly? I'm worried about paying bills if there's a big delay.

This is definitely a new claim situation. The DE 2525 Supplemental Certification is only used for continuing disabilities within the same benefit period. Since you returned to work and it's been over 60 days since your previous claim ended, you need to file a completely new SDI claim online through SDI Online.\n\nImportant things to know:\n1. You'll have the 7-day unpaid waiting period again\n2. Make sure your doctor clearly indicates it's postpartum depression related to your recent pregnancy\n3. Your benefit calculation might be different based on your recent work history\n4. File as soon as possible - benefits can't be backdated more than 7 days from filing date\n\nAlso, your employer may require you to concurrently file for FMLA/CFRA protection for this new leave, so check with HR about that aspect too.

Is the 60 day thing a hard rule? I thought if ur disability was related to the same condition you might be able to reopen? I'm confused about this bcuz I had a similar issue with my back injury last year.

To clarify for everyone - there are specific rules about this:\n\nIf you recover and return to work, then become disabled again due to the SAME OR RELATED condition within 60 days, you can file a supplemental certification (DE 2525).\n\nIf more than 60 days have passed since your previous claim ended OR if it's an unrelated condition, you must file a new claim (DE 2501).\n\nIn your case since it's been 2.5 months and you returned to work, you definitely need a new claim even though it's pregnancy-related.

Thank you for the detailed explanation. That 60-day rule makes sense now. Guess I've got some paperwork ahead of me!

I had SUCH a nightmare trying to get through to EDD when I was dealing with postpartum anxiety last year. I kept calling that 1-800 number for WEEKS and either got disconnected or was on hold for 2+ hours only to have someone tell me they needed to transfer me (then disconnected).\n\nFinally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD agent in under 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd\n\nIt was worth it for me because I had specific questions about my postpartum claim that I couldn't get answered online. The EDD agent I spoke with was actually super helpful once I finally got through to a human!

omg thank u for this!!! i've been trying to reach someone about my claim for DAYS!!

Just my two cents, but EDD is such a broken system!!! I had postpartum depression with my first kid and they made everything SO DIFFICULT. Took them 6 weeks to process my claim and by then I was practically better already! And then they underpaid me because they \

this happened to me too!! they

When you file your new claim, make sure you're using the most current DE 2501 form if your doctor is submitting a paper form. The process is much faster if you file online through SDI Online and have your doctor submit their portion electronically. You'll get a receipt number right away and can track progress.\n\nAlso important to note that for 2025, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $1,622 (it went up from last year). Your actual amount will depend on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period.\n\nTake care of yourself during this time - postpartum depression is serious but treatable. Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor if your symptoms worsen while waiting for your claim to process.

Thank you so much for the compassionate response. I've started the online application but got stuck on the employer section. Do I list my current employer's info even though I haven't worked there very long since returning from my last leave? My base period earnings would have mostly been from before my pregnancy.

my sister went thru this last yr. she said make sure when u file the new claim u check that its pregnancy related even tho its months later. its important for how they calculate ur benefits or something

has anyone else had trouble with their doctor coding things correctly for postpartum stuff? my doctor put

This is excellent advice. The medical provider should specifically indicate \

I had no idea about the specific code. I'll definitely make sure my doctor uses the right terminology. Thank you both for this tip!

To answer your question about the employer section - yes, list your current employer's information. The claim form needs your most recent employer's details regardless of how long you've been back. The base period calculation is done automatically by EDD based on your Social Security Number - they pull your wage information from their system.\n\nAnd to expand on what others have mentioned about the diagnosis coding - the F53.0 code specifically for postpartum depression is important, but also make sure your doctor indicates an estimated recovery time that's realistic for your condition. Typically postpartum depression treatment might take 2-3 months or more, so having the doctor estimate too short a period could result in you needing to get multiple extensions.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - postpartum depression is incredibly difficult and you're brave for seeking help. I went through something similar with my second child. Just wanted to add a couple things that helped me navigate the process: 1. When filing online, take screenshots of each step as you complete it. The system sometimes glitches and you don't want to lose your progress. 2. If your doctor isn't familiar with EDD forms, you might want to give them a heads up about what specific information EDD needs. Some providers haven't dealt with SDI claims before and might need guidance on the medical certification requirements. 3. Consider asking your doctor's office to submit the medical portion electronically if they can - it's usually faster than mailing paper forms. The waiting period and paperwork stress is real, but focus on getting the treatment you need. Your mental health is the priority here. Sending you support during this tough time! 💙

I'm going through something very similar right now - had my baby in October and thought I was doing fine until about 6 weeks ago when the depression really hit hard. Just wanted to share that I filed my new SDI claim last week and it was approved within 5 days! The key things that helped me were: 1) My doctor was very specific about it being postpartum depression related to my pregnancy (used the F53.0 code that others mentioned), 2) I filed everything online through SDI Online which was much faster, and 3) I made sure to indicate it was pregnancy-related when filling out the application. The hardest part for me was the 7-day waiting period when you're already struggling financially, but hang in there - it does get processed pretty quickly once you have all the right documentation. Also, don't feel guilty about needing this time - postpartum depression is a real medical condition and you deserve support. Wishing you all the best! ❤️