srsly why is edd so confusing?? i swear its designed to make us give up. i had a c-section last year and never got the extension because noone told me i could even get extra time! now i see this post and realize i was entitled to 2 more weeks??? thanks california 🙄

One more thing that helped me - I printed out a calendar and marked all my leaves on it: - Purple: PDL regular leave - Blue: PDL extension for C-section - Green: PFL baby bonding I brought this to my doctor appointment and my HR meeting so everyone was on the same page about dates. I also kept track of which forms were submitted when and who I talked to at EDD. Made a huge difference in getting everything straightened out!

This is SO helpful - thank you! I checked my pay stub and I definitely see the CA SDI deduction, so that's a relief. My doctor already filled out the medical certification part of the form and I'll be filing as soon as I stop working next week. I have a meeting scheduled with HR tomorrow to discuss PDL specifically (which I'd never heard of before this thread).

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I went through a very similar situation last year - started a new job and then found out I was pregnant just a few months later. The anxiety about leave eligibility is so real, but you're asking all the right questions. One thing I learned that might help you: when you meet with HR tomorrow about PDL, also ask if your company participates in the state's Voluntary Plan Program (VPP) for disability insurance. Some employers have their own disability plans that might provide different or additional benefits beyond the standard state SDI. It's worth checking since every little bit helps! Also, once you get through the initial SDI application, don't forget that you can actually apply for PFL while you're still on SDI (towards the end of your disability period). This helps ensure there's no gap between when your disability payments end and your family bonding payments begin. The whole system is definitely confusing when you're going through it for the first time, but it sounds like you're being proactive and getting the information you need. Wishing you the best with your leave and your new little one!

One more important detail - when you apply for PFL, you'll be asked to provide your baby's date of birth and documentation. The PFL claim date should be the day after your pregnancy disability ends (in your case, July 7th). Don't put your baby's birthdate as the start date for PFL - that would create an overlap with your disability claim which can cause problems. Just to clarify: 1. Pregnancy Disability: May 1 - July 6 2. Baby Bonding PFL: Should start July 7 You apply for PFL around June 29th, but specify July 7th as the start date for benefits. This ensures a smooth transition without gaps or overlaps.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same situation last year! All the advice here is spot-on. I applied for PFL about 8 days before my disability ended and had zero gap in payments - it was seamless. One small tip that helped me: when you're filling out the PFL application online, save it as a draft first and double-check all your dates before submitting. I caught a mistake where I accidentally put my baby's birth date instead of my PFL start date (thanks to Riya's advice above, I knew this was wrong!). Also, don't stress too much about the birth certificate - I used the hospital discharge paperwork and it was totally fine. The birth certificate took like 3 weeks to arrive anyway. You've got this mama! Focus on healing and bonding with your little one. The paperwork will work out! 💕

I heard they're updating the EDD system soon. Maybe wait a few weeks and see if things improve? 🤔

I'm dealing with the exact same thing! Filed my baby bonding claim 6 weeks ago and it's like it disappeared into a black hole. The phone system is absolutely useless - either busy signals or that weird silent line you mentioned. I've started keeping a spreadsheet of every time I've tried calling (sad, I know, but at least I feel like I'm doing something). Has anyone had luck with the online chat feature, or is that just as broken as everything else?