I'm going through something really similar right now! I'm 28 weeks pregnant and just started a new job 2 months ago, so I've been panicking about the same things. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about PDL either! One thing I wanted to add that might help you: when I called my previous employer's payroll department, they were able to tell me exactly how much I earned during the time periods that would count toward my base period. It was way easier than trying to dig through old tax documents or paystubs. You might want to try calling any employers you had during that Oct 2024-Sept 2025 timeframe. Also, my doctor mentioned that if you're having any pregnancy complications or discomfort that affects your ability to work, you can potentially start your disability leave even earlier than 36 weeks. Don't feel like you have to push through if you're struggling - the whole point of these protections is to help you have a healthy pregnancy and recovery. Good luck with your HR meeting tomorrow! I'm definitely going to ask about PDL at my next appointment too.

I'm so glad you found all this information helpful! As someone who works in benefits administration, I wanted to add one more important point that might ease your mind even further. Since you mentioned your doctor is taking you out at 36 weeks for medical reasons, make sure to keep detailed documentation of all your medical appointments and any work restrictions your doctor gives you. This will be crucial not just for your SDI claim, but also for PDL protection. California PDL specifically covers time off for prenatal appointments and pregnancy-related medical conditions, so your job should be protected from the moment your doctor certifies you can't work. Also, don't let HR brush you off if they claim they "don't know about PDL" - it's been California law since 1978 and applies to all employers with 5+ employees. If they seem uninformed, you can direct them to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) website which has detailed employer guidance. One last tip: consider documenting your HR conversations in writing (even just a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed). It helps protect you if there are any disputes later about what benefits you're entitled to. You're doing everything right by being proactive about this. Best of luck with your leave and congratulations on your upcoming arrival!

One more important detail - when you apply for PFL, you'll be asked to provide your baby's date of birth and documentation. The PFL claim date should be the day after your pregnancy disability ends (in your case, July 7th). Don't put your baby's birthdate as the start date for PFL - that would create an overlap with your disability claim which can cause problems. Just to clarify: 1. Pregnancy Disability: May 1 - July 6 2. Baby Bonding PFL: Should start July 7 You apply for PFL around June 29th, but specify July 7th as the start date for benefits. This ensures a smooth transition without gaps or overlaps.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same situation last year! All the advice here is spot-on. I applied for PFL about 8 days before my disability ended and had zero gap in payments - it was seamless. One small tip that helped me: when you're filling out the PFL application online, save it as a draft first and double-check all your dates before submitting. I caught a mistake where I accidentally put my baby's birth date instead of my PFL start date (thanks to Riya's advice above, I knew this was wrong!). Also, don't stress too much about the birth certificate - I used the hospital discharge paperwork and it was totally fine. The birth certificate took like 3 weeks to arrive anyway. You've got this mama! Focus on healing and bonding with your little one. The paperwork will work out! 💕

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to fill out the form now but wait until about 10 days before my SDI ends to send it in. I'll make triple sure all my info matches exactly and that I put 3/16 as my start date. Fingers crossed for a smooth transition!

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - when you fill out the form, use blue or black ink only (no gel pens!) and write clearly. EDD can be picky about handwriting legibility and I've heard of forms being rejected for messy writing. Also, if you're planning to take the full 8 weeks of bonding leave, make sure you specify that clearly on the form. Some people accidentally put shorter timeframes and then have to file additional claims later. Good luck with your transition!

I heard they're updating the EDD system soon. Maybe wait a few weeks and see if things improve? 🤔

I'm dealing with the exact same thing! Filed my baby bonding claim 6 weeks ago and it's like it disappeared into a black hole. The phone system is absolutely useless - either busy signals or that weird silent line you mentioned. I've started keeping a spreadsheet of every time I've tried calling (sad, I know, but at least I feel like I'm doing something). Has anyone had luck with the online chat feature, or is that just as broken as everything else?