Thank you so much for this amazing checklist! I'm going to start getting organized right away. It's so helpful to hear from someone who's been through it multiple times!

Hey Kai! I just went through this whole process last year and wanted to add a few more tips that really helped me: 1. When you create your SDI Online account, make sure to use the same email address consistently - I made the mistake of using different emails and it caused delays in getting notifications. 2. If you're planning to breastfeed, you might be eligible for additional disability time beyond the standard 6-8 weeks if you have complications. My doctor was able to extend my SDI for breastfeeding-related issues. 3. Keep copies of EVERYTHING - your paystubs, doctor's notes, all EDD correspondence. I had to provide documentation multiple times during my claims. 4. The weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period (usually 5-17 months before your claim). So if you got a raise recently, it might not be reflected in your benefit amount. 5. You can actually start collecting PFL baby bonding leave while your partner is also on their own PFL claim - both parents can take it simultaneously if needed. Hope this helps ease some of your stress! The whole process seems overwhelming at first but you've got this! 💪

my cousin said she just logged into her benefits account and filled everything out there first and then took the dr form in. might be easier that way??

I'm so sorry you're going through this - postpartum depression is already hard enough without having to navigate EDD's confusing system! I just want to emphasize what others have said: make sure you file your SDI claim online FIRST at edd.ca.gov before your doctor appointment tomorrow. When you complete the online application, you'll get a confirmation number that your doctor will need to reference on the DE2501 form. Also, if your doctor's office claims they "don't do disability forms," you can print the DE2501 yourself and bring it to them - it's literally part of their job to complete medical certifications for their patients. Don't let them brush you off! You deserve support during this difficult time. 💙

Just went through this exact transition 3 months ago! You can definitely apply tomorrow (Friday) after your disability ends, just make sure your PFL start date is Saturday. I made the mistake of waiting until Monday to apply and lost those weekend days - EDD doesn't backdate baby bonding benefits. Also, have your DE2501 claim number ready from your disability claim as it makes the application process much smoother. The online system will ask if you're transitioning from SDI to PFL, so select that option. Good luck with your remaining 5 weeks of bonding time!

I'm currently going through this transition too and called EDD yesterday to get clarity! The rep confirmed that you can apply on your last day of disability (Friday) OR the day after, as long as your PFL start date is the next business day. The key is NO GAP between your disability end date and PFL start date. What really helped me was having all my paperwork organized beforehand - your DE2501 number from disability, baby's birth certificate info, and your employer's info. The online system is pretty straightforward once you select "transitioning from SDI to PFL" option. Don't stress too much, you've got this! Those 5 weeks of bonding time will be so precious.

It looks like you've gotten some good advice already. One additional tip: When you do get through to EDD, ask them if there's anything specific delaying your claim. Sometimes there's a simple issue that can be resolved immediately. Also, if your claim gets approved but you need funds urgently, you can request that they expedite the payment. They don't advertise this option, but if you explain your financial hardship (needing formula and diapers certainly qualifies), they can sometimes process the payment faster than the standard timeline. Baby bonding PFL should be more straightforward than disability claims, so hopefully once you reach someone, they can resolve it quickly. Good luck!

I went through this exact same nightmare with my PFL claim earlier this year! Here's what finally worked for me: I called at exactly 8:01am on a Tuesday and kept pressing 1-2-4 (the prompts for PFL claims) over and over without hanging up. If you get the "too busy" message, immediately redial and try again. It took me about 45 minutes of constant redialing, but I finally got in the queue. Also, try calling the SDI line at (800) 480-3287 instead of the main EDD number - sometimes they can help with PFL claims too and the wait times are shorter. One more thing - check if your employer submitted the proper forms (DE 2501 and DE 2500A). Sometimes the delay is because your HR department didn't send in the paperwork EDD needs. I had to bug my HR three times before they actually submitted everything correctly. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is when you're trying to bond with your baby and worrying about money! 💙

Hey OP, what was the reason for your PFL claim? I'm about to file one for bonding with my newborn and I'm scared after reading all these horror stories 😰

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had a similar experience last year - waited 5 weeks for my PFL payments while caring for my mom after her surgery. What finally worked for me was contacting my state assemblyperson's office. They have caseworkers who specifically help with EDD issues. It took about a week after I contacted them, but they got my payments released. You can find your representative on the CA legislature website. Also, document everything - dates you called, case numbers, etc. It helps when you finally get someone on the phone. Hang in there! 💪