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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 🤞
Hey Joshua! Great questions - I went through something similar last year. Here's what I learned: 1. Your employer cannot deny your PFL benefits request since those go directly through EDD, not your employer. However, since you don't have FMLA protection yet, they're not required to hold your job or provide unpaid leave time. 2. If you're fired mid-leave, you should still receive your PFL benefits as long as you were eligible when you applied and continue to meet the ongoing requirements. The benefits are tied to your previous work history and contributions to SDI, not your current employment status. Just be prepared that without FMLA protection, there's no guarantee your job will be there when you're ready to return. You might want to have a frank conversation with your employer first - some are more flexible than legally required, especially in today's job market. Good luck with everything and congrats on the new baby! 🍼
hi @Isabella Silva thank you for the info. From my understanding PFL is a “wage loss” program and from a previous discussion with a representative I wouldn’t be able to receive benefits if I were to quit as they only replace hours that I’ve lost from work. Would this be the same case if they were to fire me mid-leave? Hope that makes sense.
That's a really important distinction @Joshua Villaruel! You're absolutely right to clarify this. From what I understand, if you're fired while on approved PFL, it could potentially affect your benefits since PFL is indeed designed to replace wages you're losing due to taking leave from work. If there's no job to return to, the logic is that you're not actually losing wages from leave anymore - you're unemployed for a different reason. However, this can get complicated depending on the timing and circumstances of the termination. I'd strongly recommend calling EDD directly to discuss this specific scenario before making any decisions. They can give you the most accurate information about how termination during PFL would affect your specific case. @Isabella Silva might have more insight on this too since she mentioned going through something similar!
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! 💪
Aiden O'Connor
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.
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DeShawn Washington
•Oh that's super helpful - I didn't know about the 41-day deadline! I have my birth certificate scanned and ready to upload. Is there anything else I should have ready when I apply for the PFL part?
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Aiden O'Connor
•Have your child's birth certificate, your last day worked before disability started, and the date you want PFL to begin (likely the day after your disability ends). You'll also need your employer contact info. If you've moved since starting disability, update your address on your online profile before submitting the PFL claim - this is a common reason for delays!
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
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.
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Hannah Flores
•That's frustrating that you got conflicting information! From what I've read in this thread, it sounds like some reps can close the disability claim immediately and let you apply for PFL right away, while others might be giving you outdated info about processing delays. Maybe try calling back and asking to speak with a different representative? It seems like the process can vary depending on who you talk to. Definitely don't wait the 3-5 days if you don't have to - that's precious bonding time you'd be losing!
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