SDI to PFL transition: When to apply, pay differences, and required docs?

I found a way to solve SDI to PFL transition issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZJIpYWnFuw

I just went through this! Here's what I learned: • Apply for PFL about 2 weeks before your SDI ends • PFL pays about the same as SDI (60-70% of your wages) • You don't need a doctor's note for PFL, but you do need docs for the family event (like a birth certificate) • A copy of the birth certificate is fine, don't send the original • If you're applying by mail, send it in early to allow for processing time Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Heads up, the EDD website has been glitchy lately. I tried to apply online and kept getting errors. Ended up having to call them 🙄

Just a heads up, make sure you calculate your benefits correctly. I thought I'd get the same as SDI, but it was slightly different. Check their calculator on the website to be sure.

Anyone else feel like navigating these benefits is like trying to solve a rubik's cube blindfolded? 🤯 The system is so complicated!

Hey guys, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at EDD! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

Quick question - does anyone know if you can backdate PFL? I forgot to apply right away and now I'm worried I missed out on some benefits 😰

PSA: Keep ALL your paperwork and correspondence with EDD. I learned the hard way that they can ask for stuff months later, and if you don't have it, you're SOL.

Has anyone else noticed that the pay stubs for PFL look different from SDI? Threw me for a loop the first time I saw it.

Protip: If you're having trouble with the online system, try using a different browser. Chrome seems to work best for me.

Just wanted to add my experience to this thread! I recently made the SDI to PFL transition and here are a few things I wish I had known: • You can actually overlap the applications slightly - I applied for PFL about 10 days before my SDI ended and there was no gap in payments • The weekly benefit amount might be slightly different due to how they calculate it, but it's usually within $10-20 of your SDI amount • Make sure your employer knows you're switching from SDI to PFL - they might need to update their records • If you're using direct deposit, the account info carries over automatically which is nice Also, regarding the documents @Emma Johnson mentioned - for adoption cases like @Finley Garrett asked about, you'll need either the adoption decree or placement documentation from the agency. Birth certificates are only needed for biological children. Hope this helps someone! The transition was way less stressful than I expected once I got the timing right.