EDD SDI just ended - immediate PFL application without filing recovery form?
My disability claim officially ended today and my final payment has already been issued. I checked my EDD account and it shows 'extension has ended.' I'm planning to transition to Paid Family Leave right away to bond with my 3-month-old, but I'm confused about the process. Do I need to officially submit that I've 'recovered' from my pregnancy disability before applying for PFL, or can I just directly submit a new application for PFL? The EDD website isn't clear about this specific transition timing, and I don't want to mess up and create a gap in benefits. Anyone done this recently? The SDI rep told me something about this when I initially filed, but honestly, I was still recovering from my C-section and don't remember the details.
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Ravi Choudhury
You don't need to file a recovery notice before switching to PFL. You can apply for PFL right away. Just make sure you do it immediately so there's no gap between your SDI ending and PFL starting. The system is designed to allow this transition without declaring recovery first - that would only be necessary if you were fully ending all benefits and returning to work. I just went through this in February.
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Isabella Silva
•Oh thank you SO much! I was freaking out thinking I might have to wait for some recovery form to process before applying. I'll submit my PFL application today then!
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CosmosCaptain
im pretty sure u have 2 fill out the recovery notice cuz thats what I had 2 do before my pfl started. better safe than sorry
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Freya Johansen
•That's not correct. For a straight transition from SDI to PFL for bonding, you DO NOT need to file a recovery notice. The system specifically allows for this transition without declaring recovery, since recovery forms are meant for people returning to work. Filing a recovery notice here would actually complicate the process unnecessarily and could potentially cause a delay. Please don't spread misinformation.
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Omar Fawzi
Actually, there's a specific process for transitioning from pregnancy disability to PFL bonding. You don't need to file a recovery notice when moving directly from SDI to PFL for bonding. That would only create confusion in the system. Instead, you simply file your PFL claim through SDI Online, and they consider your SDI pregnancy claim as automatically 'complete' rather than 'recovered' (which has different implications). Make sure your PFL start date is the day after your SDI end date to avoid any gap. Also, ensure your rights are protected under both CFRA and FMLA by notifying your employer about the transition if you haven't already.
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Isabella Silva
•This is so helpful, thank you! I'll make sure to set the start date as tomorrow so there's no gap. My HR department already has all my FMLA/CFRA paperwork filed, so that part should be covered. I was just getting confused about the EDD system requirements.
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Chloe Wilson
Congrats on your baby! I remember when I had mine in 2023, I stressed about the exact same thing. Just go straight to the PFL application.
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Diego Mendoza
I tried calling EDD for HOURS when I was in this exact situation last month. Total nightmare. Finally I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 10 minutes. They walked me through the whole process and confirmed I could apply for PFL right away. Saved me so much stress! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd
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Isabella Silva
•Thank you for this! I might try that service if I run into any issues with my application. The thought of calling EDD and sitting on hold with a crying baby is honestly terrifying.
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Anastasia Romanov
WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE SO CONFUSING??? EDD makes everything 10x more complicated than it needs to be. I had to file FOUR TIMES before my PFL went through properly after my disability. The first three times they said I 'hadn't completed my disability claim' even though it was definitely over. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!!
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StellarSurfer
•omg this is my nightmare. i'm about to have my baby next month and all this paperwork is making my anxiety through the roof
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Isabella Silva
Update: I submitted my PFL application today and it went through without any issues! The system didn't ask for any recovery notice, just the date my disability ended (which I put as today). Thanks everyone for your help!
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Freya Johansen
•Excellent! Glad to hear it went smoothly. One quick tip: check your account in about 3-5 days to make sure the claim is processing correctly. Sometimes there can be minor hiccups that are easier to address early. Enjoy this special bonding time with your little one!
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