I just submitted my SDI application online! Thank you all so much for the advice. I've set calendar reminders for 6 weeks after my due date to apply for PFL. Still nervous about the whole process but feel much more prepared now.

Great job filing your SDI application! Just wanted to add one more thing - when you do apply for PFL in about 6-8 weeks, make sure you have your baby's birth certificate ready. They'll need it to process your bonding claim. Also, don't panic if there's a small gap between when your SDI ends and PFL starts - that's normal and you can usually backdate the PFL claim to start right after SDI ends. Wishing you a safe delivery and smooth benefit process!

Congrats on the new baby! Don't stress too much about the paperwork - your little one is what's important. The EDD stuff will get sorted out eventually. Enjoy those newborn snuggles! 💖👶

I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! The key is to be very specific when you call - tell them you need to switch from SDI (State Disability Insurance) to PFL (Paid Family Leave) for bonding time. They have a specific department that handles these corrections. Also, make sure you have your claim number ready when you call. The good news is that once they fix it, you shouldn't lose any benefits - they'll just redirect your claim to the right program. Hang in there, mama! 💪

lol good luck getting anyone at EDD to pick up the phone. I've been trying for weeks 🤡

@Yuki Ito, I was in a very similar situation when my daughter was born. Here's what worked for me: Document EVERYTHING - get a letter from your pediatrician stating that you need to be the primary caregiver, keep records of childcare searches you've done (showing lack of availability/affordability), and any family circumstances that prevent others from helping. When I called EDD, I emphasized that this was a "compelling family obligation" (thanks to whoever mentioned that term!) and that I was actively seeking work-from-home opportunities. It took about 3 weeks to get approved, but I did get benefits. The key is being persistent and having your documentation ready. Also, consider looking into local childcare assistance programs while you're navigating this - sometimes there are subsidies available that can help you get back to work sooner. Hang in there! 💙

Just to answer your follow-up question about informing your employer: Yes, you should notify your employer before applying for PFL. California recommends giving your employer at least 30 days notice when possible. There's no specific form required for this notification, but it's best to do it in writing and keep a copy for your records. Regarding CFRA job protection with a small employer: As of 2025, CFRA covers employers with 5 or more employees, so if your company has at least 5 employees, you should be covered. CFRA would give you up to 12 weeks of protected leave, meaning they must return you to the same or comparable position when you return. If your company has fewer than 5 employees, you can still get PFL benefits, but you wouldn't have the legal job protection under CFRA. In that case, you might want to try negotiating a written agreement with your employer about your return.

I'm so glad to see you're getting such helpful responses here! I went through something very similar last year when my mom needed extended care after surgery. The biggest thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of everything - copies of all medical documentation, written communication with my employer, and screenshots of my online PFL application. One tip that saved me a lot of headaches: when you get the medical certification form (DE2501F) filled out by your son's doctor, ask them to be very specific about why your presence is required during his therapy sessions. The more detailed the medical justification, the smoother your approval process will be. Also, make sure to apply online through the EDD website rather than mailing forms if possible - it's much faster and you get confirmation that everything was received. You're doing the right thing by exploring PFL instead of unemployment. Your son is lucky to have such a dedicated parent advocating for his needs. This therapy program sounds like it could make a real difference for him!

Hey OP, hang in there. I know it's tough but it will get sorted eventually. Don't forget to take care of yourself while dealing with all this stress. 💜

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago. Here's what finally worked for me: I sent a message through the EDD portal explaining my situation and included my claim number, filing date, and a brief timeline of what happened. Then I also faxed the same information to their PFL department. It took about 10 days, but I finally got a callback and they were able to resolve the issue. Apparently there was a glitch in their system that was holding up payments for certain claims. Don't give up - keep documenting everything and stay persistent!