make sure u file ur claim as soon as ur doctor says u can go out! u get 4 weeks b4 ur due date for the pregnancy disability. and then 8 weeks after for baby bonding if u had c section (or 6 weeks if regular delivery). but DONT file the baby bonding part until after u have the baby - i made that mistake and had to start over lol

Congrats on baby #2! 🎉 Just wanted to add that if you run into any issues logging into your old account, don't panic. Sometimes the system locks you out after being inactive for so long. I had this happen and had to call the technical support line (different from the claims line) to get it unlocked. The number is 1-833-978-2511 and they were actually pretty helpful with account access issues. Also, once you're in, double-check that your direct deposit info is still correct - mine had somehow gotten cleared out over the years and I almost had my first payment sent as a paper check which would have delayed things even more. Good luck with everything!

btw my cousin had this same problem and they backdated her claim after she finally reached someone! so don't give up - keep calling until u reach a real person who can fix it!! u deserve those benefits!!!

I went through a very similar situation last year! The key thing to understand is that when you marked "recovered" on that certification, EDD automatically closed your SDI claim - even though you were entitled to the full 6 weeks post-delivery. This is a super common mistake because the forms are confusing. Here's what worked for me: Call EDD and specifically ask to speak with someone about "reopening a prematurely closed SDI claim due to certification error." Use those exact words. They can usually fix this and backdate your payments. One tip that helped me get through faster: Try calling the main number (1-800-480-3287) but press 1 for English, then 2 for employee, then 4 for disability insurance. Sometimes this routing gets you to someone faster than the PFL-specific line. Once your SDI is properly closed after the full 6-week recovery period, you can seamlessly transition to PFL for baby bonding. Don't let them tell you it's "too late" - you have rights here! Good luck and congratulations on your baby!

To summarize for you and anyone else reading this thread about PFL baby bonding filing timeframes: 1. Earliest filing date: 30 days before leave starts (May 2nd for June 1st start) 2. Latest filing date: Technically within 41 days after leave begins, but don't wait - file before leave starts 3. Required documents: Birth certificate, DE1PS from employer, employment info 4. Process time: Typically 7-14 days but can take up to 3 weeks for first payment 5. Certification: Must complete bi-weekly certifications once claim is approved Also, remember that baby bonding leave must be completed within 12 months of birth/placement, and the minimum duration for any baby bonding leave period is 2 weeks (except for the final period if less than 2 weeks remain).

Just wanted to add one more tip that saved us - make sure your husband's employer doesn't accidentally mark his leave as "disability" instead of "baby bonding" on the DE1PS form! My company's HR did this initially and it caused a 2-week delay while EDD sorted it out. The codes are different and it matters for processing. Also, if he's planning to take the leave in June, I'd recommend applying exactly on May 2nd (the 30-day mark) rather than waiting. Summer tends to be busier for EDD with all the vacation schedules, so earlier is better. Good luck with everything!

Update: My friend found a solution! Sharing in case anyone else faces this nightmare. The hospital where she's registered to deliver has an OB triage clinic that agreed to see her for an emergency visit. That doctor is going to continue her care AND complete her disability paperwork. The hospital actually said this happens fairly often! For anyone dealing with EDD forms without consistent prenatal care - the key was finding a doctor willing to review her previous records and then take over her care, even this late in pregnancy. The doctor said as long as they examine her once before completing the DE2501 form, they can certify her disability. Thank you all for the helpful advice through this stressful situation!

This is such a relief to hear! I'm so glad your friend found a solution through the hospital's OB triage clinic. It's really valuable that you shared this outcome - I had no idea hospitals had these emergency OB services for situations like this. For anyone else who might face this situation in the future, it sounds like the key steps are: 1) Contact the hospital where you plan to deliver and ask about OB triage or emergency obstetric services, 2) Have all your previous medical records ready to transfer, and 3) Don't panic about the EDD paperwork - as long as you get a doctor who can examine you and review your records, they can complete the disability forms even if they haven't been your regular OB. Your friend went through a really stressful situation that no pregnant woman should have to deal with, but I'm glad it worked out and she'll be able to get her benefits sorted out!

This happened to my cousin last year. Turns out there was a glitch in the system that was misreporting employer data. Might be worth asking if theres been any known issues like that recently.

This is such a frustrating situation! I'm dealing with something similar right now. EDD seems to have issues with their employer wage verification system. A few things that might help: 1. Make sure you have documentation showing the exact 40% you received - pay stubs, direct deposit records, anything official 2. If your employer has an HR department, see if they can provide a letter confirming the reduced wages during your leave period 3. Check if there's a specific form for reporting partial wage replacement - sometimes EDD just needs it in their exact format The appeal process is painfully slow, but don't give up! I've heard some people have success reaching out to their state assembly member's office for help navigating EDD issues. They sometimes have direct contacts that can expedite things. Hang in there - you're definitely not alone in this mess! 💪