Since you mentioned you're expecting in March 2025, I wanted to add one more thing: California expanded PFL benefits from 8 weeks to 10 weeks starting January 2025. If you do decide to apply later, you'd be eligible for the expanded benefit period. Just FYI!

Hey Ravi! Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this decision last year. You're absolutely right that you don't have to file for PFL - it's completely optional. I ended up taking my full 12 weeks of bonding leave through my company's policy without filing for state benefits, and it was totally fine. One thing I'd suggest is getting your HR's policies in writing so you're crystal clear on what documentation they need for job protection vs. what EDD would need if you changed your mind later. Also, congrats on the upcoming arrival! March babies are the best (totally not biased as a March baby myself 😊). You sound like you've really thought this through and have your finances sorted - trust your instincts!

Hey Sarah! I just went through something similar earlier this year - had to change my PFL start date from planned to immediate due to unexpected childcare issues. The good news is that EDD really doesn't care about your employer's feelings or convenience, they only care about whether you qualify for the benefit and have your paperwork in order. Since you already have your birth certificate submitted and you're within the bonding window (baby born in June), you should be totally fine. The key things are: 1) Make sure you and your employer report the same actual start date on all forms, 2) Don't file your claim until after you've actually started your leave, and 3) Keep documentation of HR approving the date change. I had zero issues with my payments even though I changed my date with literally one day notice. Your employer might be annoyed but that's their problem, not EDD's! You're entitled to this benefit and sometimes life happens. Don't stress too much about it - focus on your family and let the system work as it's supposed to.

I went through the exact same thing last year when my babysitter quit with zero notice! Had to switch my PFL start date from my planned date to immediate. I was so worried EDD would give me problems, but honestly they processed everything normally. The only thing that mattered was making sure my employer submitted their portion with the correct new start date that matched what I put on my claim form. Got my first payment right on schedule. Your childcare emergency is totally valid - that's exactly the kind of situation PFL is meant to help with! Don't let HR make you feel bad about it, you're using a benefit you've earned.

Ive been dealing with this for 6 months now. its a nightmare. dont let them ghost you keep calling!!!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 3 weeks ago and still nothing. The waiting is so stressful, especially when you really need that income. I tried calling a few times but keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Has anyone had luck getting through during specific times of day? Maybe early morning or late afternoon? Really hoping we both get some movement on our claims soon! 🤞

am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we only get 8 weeks? other countries get way more time with their babies 😤

Just a heads up, sometimes the system glitches and shows your claim as inactive even when it's not. If that happens, don't panic! Just call and they can usually sort it out pretty quick.

I just went through this exact situation last year! Filed my SDI claim about 2 weeks after my disability start date because I was also using up my accrued PTO first. The process was super smooth - just make sure you have your doctor's portion ready to go since that's usually the bottleneck. Also heads up, when you do your bi-weekly certifications later, they'll ask about ANY income you received during those specific 2-week periods, so keep track of exactly which dates your sick pay covered. The EDD system is actually pretty good at handling these mixed situations where people use employer benefits first. Good luck with everything and congratulations on your little one! 👶

Just wanted to add my experience - I was in a very similar situation with my second baby in 2024. Started leave on a Friday, used my PTO for the first 10 days, then filed my SDI claim. The key thing that helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet tracking exactly which dates I received sick pay vs when I expected to start receiving SDI benefits. This made the bi-weekly certifications SO much easier later on. Also, don't stress about the timing - EDD sees these mixed benefit situations all the time, especially with maternity leave. The most important thing is being accurate with your dates, not the speed of filing. You've got plenty of time within that 49-day window!