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UPDATE: I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended below, and got through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. She told me they received my paperwork but it was flagged for "additional review" because my employer reported a different PDL end date than what my doctor submitted. She was able to verify everything and pushed it through! Said I should see payment in 3-5 business days. Such a relief!
That's great news! This is exactly why calling is so important when there are delays. There's often some small discrepancy that can be resolved quickly but will cause indefinite delays if you don't bring it to their attention.
Pro tip for anyone reading this thread later: If you're pregnant and planning to transition from PDL to baby bonding, call your employer's HR department BEFORE submitting your PFL paperwork. Make sure they have the correct end date for your disability claim, and get it in writing if possible. So many of these delays happen because employers and doctors submit conflicting dates.
Success update: I finally got my retroactive baby bonding PFL approved after a similar interstate nightmare (NV/CA). The key was getting through to the Interstate Claims Unit and having them flag my file. Make sure you emphasize to the EDD that the issue wasn't your fault - it was a matter of administrative confusion between states. I had to cite the specific regulation that gives CA jurisdiction (Section 2708(a) of CA Unemployment Insurance Code), and then they finally processed my claim correctly. You're absolutely entitled to those benefits even if you're back at work now. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
This gives me so much hope! Thank you for sharing your success story and the specific regulation. I'll make sure to cite that section when I talk to them. Did it take a long time from when you finally reached the right department until you got your benefits?
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at EDD today! Used the Claimyr service that someone suggested and it actually worked - got connected in about 7 minutes instead of endless redialing. The agent confirmed I can still file for retroactive benefits since I'm within the 41-week window. She transferred me to the Interstate Claims Unit, and they're sending me a special package of forms to complete. They said I need to provide: - Proof of Arizona's claim closure - Documentation of all my attempts to file - Employment verification from both states - Birth certificate - Employer's confirmation of leave dates I should receive the forms in 5-7 days, and once I submit everything with all documentation, they said it could take 2-3 weeks to process but that I'm likely eligible for the full 8 weeks of benefits I missed. Such a relief to finally have some progress! Will update again when I know more.
That's fantastic news! Make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them. I also recommend sending it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The Interstate Claims Unit is much better at handling these complex cases than the general representatives. Wishing you a smooth process from here!
im sooo confused by all this! i thought pregancy disability and baby bonding were the SAME THING?? im 7 months pregnant and now im worried. do i need to file for disability first and THEN bonding leave later?? this is my first baby and i have no clue whats going on!! help!!
They're two separate benefits in California. First, you can claim State Disability Insurance (SDI) typically 4 weeks before birth through 6-8 weeks after birth (depending on delivery type). Then after your doctor releases you from disability, you can claim Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding for 8 weeks. Both use the same online system, but require separate applications. You'll likely file for disability first before your due date, then baby bonding after recovery.
UPDATE: I followed the advice here and successfully filed my PFL claim today! For anyone who finds this thread later - here's exactly what I did: 1. Completed my final disability certification and marked "able to return to work" 2. Logged into SDI Online and clicked "New Claim" 3. Selected PFL and baby bonding 4. Entered my baby's info and uploaded hospital discharge papers (they're letting me submit birth certificate later) 5. The start date for PFL was automatically set to the day after my disability ended Thanks everyone for your help! The EDD system is incredibly confusing but I think I've got it figured out now.
btw my sister had her baby right before thanksgiving and she said they did actually transition her automatically. so maybe they changed the system? she didn't have to file anything new she said.
This is actually a common misunderstanding. What likely happened is that EDD sent her the pre-filled DE2508 form electronically, she completed it quickly online without realizing it was a separate form (since much of the information is pre-filled), and then her benefits continued seamlessly. The system has not changed - you still need to complete and submit the DE2508 form, but the process can feel "automatic" if everything goes smoothly and you complete the electronic form right away.
Update: Thank you all SO much for your help! I found the form in my EDD inbox (it was labeled "PFL Bonding Transition" which is why I missed it at first). I've submitted the DE2508 online through my SDI account. The rep confirmed my disability ends on March 20th and my baby bonding should start March 21st with no gap if I've done everything correctly. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!
Dont get ur hopes up. Watch ur account like a hawk and call the SECOND there's any issue. The EDD is a nightmare.
Sounds like you're all set! Just keep an eye on your account after your disability ends to make sure the PFL payments start as scheduled. Enjoy this special time with your little one!
Julian Paolo
I remember being so confused about this last year! Just to add my experience - yes, all payments show in your regular EDD account but the categorization isn't always super clear. Sometimes they label things weird and it's confusing. I just had my second baby and this time I created a simple spreadsheet to track expected payment dates/amounts and then matched them against what showed up in my account. Made things much easier to understand.
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Noah Irving
That spreadsheet idea is brilliant! I'm definitely going to do that to stay organized. Thanks for the tip!
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