After you get this resolved, make sure to submit your PFL claim (DE2508F form) immediately! The claim can be backdated to the day after your disability ended, but only if you file within 41 days of that date. So if they backdate your disability end to today, you have 41 days to submit the PFL claim before you risk losing benefits. And definitely upload your baby's birth certificate or other proof of relationship in advance - that's another common delay point.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My baby is 4 weeks old and I've been stuck in this limbo for over a week. I called EDD yesterday and after waiting 2 hours, the rep told me they could manually close my disability claim but then said I'd have to wait 3-5 business days for it to "process" in their system before I could apply for PFL. Has anyone else been told about this processing delay? I'm worried I'm getting incorrect information because that seems to contradict what others are saying about being able to apply immediately after they close the disability claim.

PSA: Always keep copies of EVERYTHING you send to EDD. You never know when you'll need to reference it later!

Thanks for posting this @Evelyn! I'm actually going through something similar right now. The template from @Benjamin is super helpful - I'm definitely going to use that format. One thing I'd add is make sure you have your pay stubs handy when you fill this out, especially for the gross sick leave amount. Sometimes what you think you remember and what's actually on paper can be different! Good luck with your claim 🤞

Has anyone tried appealing instead of cancelling? I've heard sometimes that can be faster, but idk if it applies in this situation 🤔

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Just wanted to add - when you call to cancel your PFL claim, ask them to send you written confirmation via email or mail. I learned this from a coworker who had issues proving they cancelled their claim later on. Also, if you have any upcoming medical appointments related to your disability, mention those dates when you call - it might help expedite the process. The whole thing is such a headache but we gotta navigate it! 💪

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The rep said my application is processing normally but their system is backlogged. She said it could take up to 21 DAYS total for the transition from disability to PFL baby bonding. She also mentioned they're processing in the order received, and my payments will be retroactive to when my disability ended. So I guess I just keep waiting... 🙄 Thanks everyone for the advice and commiseration!

So glad you got through and got some clarity! The 21-day timeline is ridiculous but at least you know what to expect now. For anyone else reading this - definitely keep all your documentation and confirmation numbers during this transition period. I went through something similar last year and the retroactive payments did come through eventually, but the waiting period with no income is absolutely brutal. EDD really needs to fix this gap in coverage between disability and PFL - there's no reason families should have to go weeks without support during such an important time. Hang in there! 💪

I'm currently pregnant with my second and went through this process 3 years ago. One thing I wish someone had told me - if you're planning to breastfeed, factor that into your timing decisions too! I ended up needing to pump at work when I returned, and having those extra weeks at home in the beginning made establishing breastfeeding so much easier. Also, don't underestimate how you'll feel physically those last few weeks - even with a healthy pregnancy, I was SO ready to stop working by 38 weeks. The sleep deprivation alone was killing me! Just something to consider when you're talking timing with your doctor.

Just wanted to add another perspective on the waiting period - I used short-term disability through my employer to cover that first unpaid week, which was a lifesaver! Not everyone has this option, but if your company offers supplemental disability insurance, it might cover the EDD waiting period. Also, regarding the transition to PFL baby bonding - I found it helpful to create a simple timeline/checklist with all the key dates and forms I'd need. Something like: Week 36 - file PDL claim, Week 6 postpartum - get doctor clearance and apply for PFL, etc. Having it all written down made the whole process feel less overwhelming during those sleep-deprived newborn days!