Pro tip: Always log out of your accounts on public computers or shared devices. Stay safe out there, folks! 💯

Have you tried looking in the Settings menu? Sometimes websites hide the logout option under Account Settings or User Preferences instead of putting it in the obvious places. Also, if you're on mobile, try switching to desktop view - the logout button might be more visible there.

To summarize what you should do: 1. Continue your current SDI claim until it's exhausted (likely 3 more weeks) 2. File your PFL claim about a week before your SDI ends - indicate your employment status has changed 3. Take your full 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding 4. After PFL ends (about 11 weeks from now), file for unemployment 5. Start your job search once on unemployment This approach gives you about 3-4 months total with your baby before you need to start looking for work. And when you do start interviewing, you can honestly tell employers you took standard maternity leave time and are now ready to return to work - many won't even realize you were laid off during that period.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - being laid off with a newborn is incredibly stressful! Just wanted to add one more thing that might help: when you do eventually file for unemployment, they'll likely ask about your "last day worked" versus your "last day of employment." Since you were technically on SDI leave when you got laid off, make sure you're clear about these dates. Your last day physically working was probably before your baby was born, but your employment officially ended when they called you. This distinction can affect your benefit calculation and base period. Also, keep that termination call documented somehow (email follow-up, written notice, etc.) - you'll need proof of the layoff for unemployment. Hang in there, mama!

You're right that childcare is a real challenge! Technically she would need to have childcare arrangements to be

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm in a similar situation - currently 32 weeks pregnant and was laid off 2 months ago. My doctor just told me today that I might need to stop working earlier than expected due to some pregnancy complications. @Naila Gordon - when you mention the DE2501 form, does the doctor need to specify an exact date when disability starts, or can it be a range? My OB said "probably within the next 2-3 weeks" but wasn't super specific about timing. Also wondering if anyone knows - once I transition from unemployment to disability, will I need to reapply for a new unemployment claim after I recover postpartum, or can I somehow reopen my existing claim? The thought of going through that whole application process again while dealing with a newborn sounds overwhelming!

Thank you everyone for all your advice!! I called my OB office today and they said they submit the medical certification electronically, but I need to let them know when I'm ready to file. I also created my SDI Online account (took like 10 minutes) and talked to my HR department. They gave me a separation notice that I'll need to upload when I file my claim. I'm still a little confused about the transition from disability to baby bonding though... do I need to file a whole new claim for that? And how do I make sure there's no gap between the two?

Great job on being proactive and getting your account set up early! 👏 One additional tip that helped me - when you're ready to file on Dec 8th, make sure you have your most recent pay stub handy. The system will ask for wage information and having exact figures speeds up the process. Also, regarding the transition to PFL - you can actually apply for baby bonding PFL up to 12 months after your baby's birth, so there's flexibility there. But like @Jamal Harris mentioned, timing it right prevents payment gaps. One last thing - save your confirmation number and print/screenshot the final submission page when you file. I've seen people have issues where EDD couldn't locate their claim initially, and having that documentation saved the day. You're doing everything right though - sounds like you'll be much better prepared than most first-time filers!

One more thing to note about your EDD Customer Account Number: you'll need this for all future interactions with EDD, not just your current baby bonding claim. If you ever need to file for disability, unemployment, or another PFL claim in the future, you'll use the same EDDCAN. I recommend storing it somewhere secure but accessible, like in a password manager or in your important documents file. And since you mentioned this is your first time filing for baby bonding, make sure you understand that the 8 weeks of PFL can be used all at once or split up (intermittently) within the first 12 months of your child's birth. You'll need to specify this on your claim form, and if you choose intermittent leave, you'll need to provide a schedule of your planned leave dates.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble locating your EDDCAN on the paperwork, sometimes it helps to look for it under different names. I've seen it labeled as "Customer Account Number," "EDD Account Number," or just "Account Number" on different forms. Also, if you have the EDD mobile app, once you do find your EDDCAN and get logged in, it's way easier to use than the website for checking your claim status and payment info. The app actually works pretty well compared to their terrible website! Good luck with your baby bonding claim - it's such a wonderful benefit to have that time with your little one.