When to switch from pregnancy SDI to PFL after delivery? Confused about timing!

Congrats on the baby! I just went through this whole process a few months ago. You need to file a separate PFL claim - it doesn't automatically switch over. The general process is: 1. Stay on SDI until your doctor releases you from disability (usually 6-8 weeks after birth depending on if you had a c-section) 2. File for PFL right before your SDI ends 3. Your doctor will need to certify when you're medically able to return to work (end of SDI) 4. You don't need your pediatrician to sign anything for PFL anymore - they changed that rule in 2024 Make sure to watch the date ranges carefully. Your SDI claim will show an end date, and you want your PFL claim to start the very next day so there's no gap.

ur gonna run into problems cuz u alredy started SDI. they only give u 4 weeks before due date for pregancy disability. since ur at 34 weeks thats more then 4 weeks until Jan 28. they might deny ur claim or cut it off

I had my baby in October and dealt with this exact situation. Here's what you need to know: 1. SDI for pregnancy typically covers up to 4 weeks before your due date and 6 weeks after birth (8 weeks for c-section). BUT since you have complications and your doctor took you off work earlier, you can receive SDI for longer before birth. 2. You must file a SEPARATE claim for PFL. This is where people often get confused. They are two different benefits that require separate applications. 3. Timing: About 1-2 weeks before your SDI benefits end, log into your EDD account and file for PFL. Mark the start date as the day after your SDI ends. 4. For the PFL bonding claim, you'll need your baby's birth certificate info. You don't need a pediatrician certification anymore. 5. If your SDI claim is already approved, save the customer account number - you'll use the same one for PFL. One more tip: call EDD if your SDI end date seems wrong after delivery. Sometimes they automatically set it for 6 weeks postpartum, but if you had a c-section, they need to extend it to 8 weeks (you need to tell them).

nobody tells you this but when you switch from sdi to pfl theres like a week delay in payments usually!!! set aside some money if u can. happened to me and i was STRESSED about rent

I've helped several clients navigate this transition. Let me clarify a few points about transitioning from Pregnancy Disability to Paid Family Leave: 1. **Medical certification timing**: Your doctor should submit a DE 2501 form with your initial disability claim. After delivery, they'll need to certify when you're released from disability (6 weeks for vaginal/8 weeks for C-section typically). 2. **PFL filing**: File your PFL claim 1-2 weeks before your disability ends. Be precise with dates - your PFL should start the day after your SDI ends. 3. **Documentation**: For PFL bonding claims, you'll need to provide your child's birth certificate information (name, date of birth, etc.), but the pediatrician certification requirement was eliminated. 4. **Benefit calculation**: Your weekly benefit amount should be the same for both SDI and PFL since they use the same calculation method. 5. **Maximum benefits**: Remember that SDI provides up to 52 weeks if medically necessary, while PFL provides 8 weeks of bonding time. If you're having trouble reaching an EDD representative to sort out any issues with your transition (very common), check out Claimyr.com - they can connect you directly to an EDD agent without the usual wait. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd This transition period is often confusing, but with proper planning, you shouldn't experience any gap in benefits.

That's exactly right. File the PFL claim 1-2 weeks before your SDI ends, but set the PFL start date for the day immediately after your SDI end date. This ensures there's no gap in your benefits.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I just went through this nightmare in November 2024. They DENIED my PFL claim because they said I didn't submit something on time even though I DID EVERYTHING RIGHT!! Took SIX WEEKS of calling EVERY DAY before someone fixed it. My baby was almost 3 months old by the time I got paid. EDD is completely USELESS and INCOMPETENT!!!

This whole thread is making me nervous...I'm due in March and havent even started thinking about this stuff yet 😬 Anyone know if theres a checklist somewhere of all the EDD things you need to do and when? My pregnancy brain can't keep track of all these details lol

my friend just had her baby & she said she got a letter in the mail from EDD about 2 weeks before her SDI ran out that explained how to file for PFL. so they do kinda remind you? but i'd still keep track of it yourself to be safe!!

Thanks everyone for all your helpful advice! I feel so much better about this whole process now. I've added calendar reminders for: 1. After baby arrives - confirm my SDI end date (6 or 8 weeks depending on delivery type) 2. 2 weeks before SDI ends - file for PFL 3. Make sure PFL start date is the day after SDI ends And I'll definitely keep all documentation carefully. Hopefully I won't run into any issues, but if I do, at least I know about resources like Claimyr to help reach EDD faster. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your experiences!

Hey Nia! Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me - when you file your PFL claim, make sure to have your baby's birth certificate info ready (full name, date of birth, place of birth). I made the mistake of starting the application without it and had to stop halfway through. Also, if you end up having a C-section, don't forget to update EDD about your delivery method so they can extend your SDI from 6 to 8 weeks. I forgot to do this initially and had to call them later to fix it. Good luck with everything - you've got this! 🍼