EDD SDI ending tomorrow - will I get partial payment & how to transition to PFL?
I've been receiving SDI benefits since my surgery in July, and my claim officially ends tomorrow (10/28/2025). My last payment was on 10/21 (I get paid biweekly). Will EDD automatically send me a payment for these final 7 days or do I need to do something special? Also, I need to care for my mom who's having her own surgery next week - will EDD automatically send me the PFL application through SDI Online after my disability period ends, or do I need to request it somewhere? First time dealing with this transition and worried about a gap in benefits since I can't return to work yet. Thanks for any help!
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Ravi Patel
They won't automatically send you an application for PFL. You need to manually file a new claim for Paid Family Leave through your SDI Online account. And yes, you should receive a partial payment for the remaining days in your benefit period - it won't be a full biweekly amount, just for those final days. The system calculates it automatically, so you don't need to do anything special for that part.
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Emma Johnson
•Thank you! So I just go to SDI Online and look for the PFL application option? Do I need to wait until after my disability officially ends tomorrow before I can apply for PFL?
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Astrid Bergström
u shud call them 2 make sure!!! my cousin didn't get her last payment bc of some glitch they never explained. better 2 check than hope they get it right tbh
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Emma Johnson
•Oh no! That's exactly what I'm worried about. I'll definitely call them to confirm.
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PixelPrincess
I went through this last year and it was a NIGHTMARE. They never automatically sent me the remaining payment AND they made me jump through hoops for PFL. Had to call them FIVE TIMES to sort out the mess because my disability and family leave claims got all mixed up in their system. Start calling NOW before your claim ends!!
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Omar Farouk
•This happened to me too! Except with me, they said I needed a new medical certification even though I was switching from SDI to PFL. Made no sense.
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Chloe Martin
You should receive your final SDI payment automatically, calculated for the partial period. For PFL, you need to file a separate claim - it's not automatic. Log into SDI Online, select "New Claim" and choose "Paid Family Leave." You can actually file your PFL claim up to 41 days before you need care benefits to begin, so you could file today. Make sure you have documentation ready showing your mom's need for care (her doctor will need to complete the medical certification form for PFL). The transition should be smooth if you file a few days before your disability ends. If you're having trouble reaching EDD by phone, check out Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you connect with an EDD agent without the endless redials. I used them when I needed to transition from SDI to PFL and got through in under 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd
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Emma Johnson
•Thank you so much for the detailed info! I didn't realize I could apply for PFL before my SDI ends - that's a huge relief. I'll check out that service too if I can't get through to EDD. Just to confirm - will I need a new doctor's certification from my mom's doctor for the PFL claim? I'm guessing my current doctor's certification for my surgery won't apply for the PFL claim?
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Diego Fernández
Just FYI, once you apply for PFL you're gonna get aks for more doccuments about your mom. Make sure you have her medical info and the date she needs care starting. they will let your claim sit for weeks if you don't have everything ready.
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Emma Johnson
•That's really good to know. I'll make sure to talk to her doctor this week and get everything ready before I apply.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
I just went through this exact situation in August! Yes, you'll get your final partial payment automatically - mine came about 10 days after my SDI ended. For the PFL transition, definitely don't wait until your SDI ends to apply. I made that mistake and had a 3-week gap with no income while waiting for approval. Also important: your weekly benefit amount might be different for PFL than what you were getting for SDI. Mine decreased by about $75/week which I wasn't expecting. Just something to budget for!
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Emma Johnson
•Oh wow, I had no idea the benefit amount could change. I'll definitely plan for that possibility. Really appreciate the heads up about applying early to avoid gaps!
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Omar Farouk
random question but does anyone know if bonding with baby PFL is different than caring for family member PFL? having baby next month but confused about all this
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Chloe Martin
•Yes, they're different subcategories of PFL. Bonding claims are generally simpler as you just need proof of relationship (birth certificate). For care claims like the OP is asking about, you need medical certification of the family member's condition. Same benefit amounts though, and both are accessed through the same PFL application process.
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