I'm a new parent dealing with something similar but from a different angle - my PFL claim was initially approved but then I got a notice saying they're "reviewing" it and all payments have been suspended. Meanwhile I see posts like this where people are getting TOO many payments after appeals. The inconsistency in how EDD handles these cases is mind-boggling. @Miguel - it sounds like you're getting great advice here, especially about contacting a tier 2 specialist and using that DE 2612 form to return the checks properly. One thing I'd add is to screenshot or photocopy everything before you send it back, including the voided checks. I learned this the hard way when dealing with other government agencies - they have a habit of "losing" paperwork. Having visual proof of what you returned and when can save you months of headaches later. Good luck getting this sorted out, and congratulations on your new baby!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where EDD processed my entire PFL claim after an appeal approval, even though I only planned to use 4 weeks now and save the rest for later in the year. @Miguel - based on all the advice here, it sounds like your best bet is: 1) Don't cash those checks, 2) Use Claimyr or keep trying to reach a tier 2 specialist, 3) Get them to switch your claim to intermittent, and 4) Return the uncashed checks with form DE 2612. One question for @Yara or @Paolo - when you dealt with this, did EDD automatically stop sending future payments once they corrected the claim to intermittent? Or did you have to do something additional to prevent more checks from coming? I'm worried about this happening again down the road when I actually want to use my remaining PFL weeks.

Just wanted to add my recent experience to help others! I successfully completed a split PFL leave last month and the process was actually much smoother than I expected after reading all the horror stories online. Here's what worked for me: - Kept my original claim number from the first portion (took 5 weeks initially) - Filed a new DE 2501F application online about 3 weeks before my second portion (remaining 3 weeks) - Made sure my employer filled out the work verification section accurately - Used the EDD online portal's callback feature instead of waiting on hold for hours The key thing that saved me stress was being super organized with my documentation. I kept screenshots of everything from my first claim and made sure to reference all the right dates and claim numbers on my second application. My employer was initially confused about the split leave concept, but once I showed them the official EDD guidelines, they were totally supportive. The whole second application was approved within 10 days and payments started right on schedule. For anyone planning this - don't let the confusing information online scare you! With good planning and organization, it's totally doable. The split option is such a lifesaver for new parents who need flexibility with their bonding time.

As a new parent who just went through this exact situation last month, I can definitely help clarify! You absolutely can split your PFL baby bonding leave - it's one of the most helpful features for new families. Here's what you need to know: - Keep your same claim number since you're within the 12-month period - File a NEW DE 2501F application for your second portion (not a completely new claim) - Submit the application about 2-3 weeks before your planned May return to leave - Make sure your employer completes the section verifying you returned to work between portions You can do this through your EDD online account - look for the option to file a new application rather than continuing an existing one. The system will recognize your claim number when you reference it. The most important thing is having your employer properly document that you worked between your leave portions. Even if it's just a week or two, EDD needs that verification for your second application to process smoothly. I'd also recommend keeping detailed records of your first claim (screenshots, dates, etc.) to reference when filling out the second application. It makes the whole process much easier! Don't worry - with proper planning, this is totally manageable. The split leave option is designed exactly for situations like yours where you need flexibility with your bonding time.

Hi Ava! I just went through this exact situation 3 months ago and wanted to share what worked for me. I was on SDI for hyperemesis gravidarum and my little one decided to arrive 4 weeks early! Here's what I learned: the moment you give birth, your SDI claim automatically needs to shift from "pregnancy complications" to "postpartum recovery." You can't stay on the pregnancy portion after delivery - that would technically be incorrect since you're no longer pregnant with complications. I called EDD from my hospital room about 18 hours after delivery (once I was feeling more alert). The representative was super helpful and explained that they see this situation constantly. She updated my claim immediately over the phone and told me what to expect next. My recovery period was 6 weeks for vaginal delivery, then I seamlessly transitioned to PFL bonding. The weekly benefit amount stayed exactly the same throughout - no changes there! One thing that really helped: I had my partner write down all our important info (my SSN, claim number, baby's birth details) on a note card that we kept with our hospital bag. When it came time to make the call, everything was right there and easy to reference. Your doctor's office will handle the paperwork side - they're used to this process. Mine had the updated forms submitted to EDD within 2 days of delivery without me even having to ask. You're going to do great! The fact that you're thinking about this ahead of time shows you're well prepared. The transition is much smoother than it seems when you're pregnant and worried about everything! 💕

Hi Ava! I'm a new mom who went through this exact transition just 4 months ago, and I wanted to share my experience to hopefully ease your worries! I was on SDI for severe pregnancy complications and my baby arrived 2.5 weeks before my claim was set to end. Like you, I was terrified of messing up my benefits, but it turned out to be much smoother than expected. Here's what happened: I called EDD within 12 hours of giving birth (my husband made the call while I was recovering). The representative immediately converted my claim from pregnancy disability to postpartum recovery - no paperwork needed from my end! My doctor's office automatically sent the updated DE2501 form with my delivery date within 24 hours. The key things that worked for me: • Called EDD ASAP after delivery (don't wait!) • Had all my claim info written down and ready • Let my doctor's office know I'd need the updated forms submitted quickly • Got 6 weeks of recovery at the same benefit rate • Received my PFL application notice automatically about a week before recovery ended The transition was completely seamless - no gaps in payments at all. Your weekly benefit amount will stay the same throughout SDI recovery and PFL bonding. You're being so smart by planning ahead! Having all your EDD info organized and ready will make everything go smoothly when baby arrives. Don't stress too much - this is a very common situation and EDD handles it routinely. You've got this mama! 💙

I'm a new mom who just went through this process a few months ago! Yes, you absolutely need to certify every two weeks for PFL - it's not automatic at all. The good news is that the PFL certification is much easier than SDI - you basically just confirm you're still bonding with your baby and haven't returned to work. My advice: Log into your EDD account the day your certification opens (usually every other Sunday) and do it right away. Don't wait! I made the mistake of putting it off once and almost forgot completely. Also, bookmark the EDD login page on your phone so you can easily access it during those middle-of-the-night feeding sessions when you might remember "oh shoot, I need to certify tomorrow!" The payments usually hit your account 2-3 business days after you certify, so you can plan your budget around that timeline. Congrats on your upcoming baby bonding time - it goes by so fast, but those payments really help make it possible to focus on your little one instead of worrying about money!

I'm currently on PFL right now (started in February) and can confirm you absolutely need to certify every two weeks! The process is pretty straightforward though - just log into your EDD account when the certification opens and answer a few simple questions about still being on bonding leave and not working. One thing that really helped me was setting up text reminders on my phone for the Saturday before each certification opens (they usually open on Sundays). That way I'd get the reminder and could plan to do it Sunday morning with my coffee before the baby woke up. The whole process takes maybe 2-3 minutes once you're logged in. Also, if you're using direct deposit, the payments are usually in your account by Wednesday if you certify on Sunday. Super reliable timing once you get into the routine. Don't stress too much about it - just stay on top of those certifications and you'll be fine!

Welcome to the twin parent club! 🎉 I went through this exact same confusion with my twins in 2023. Your HR department definitely mixed something up - it's ONE application for PFL baby bonding regardless of how many babies you're bonding with. I made the mistake of initially trying to submit two applications and the second one got rejected with a note saying I already had an active claim. The way I think about it: you're taking time off work to bond with your new family additions, not separate time off for each individual baby. The 8 weeks covers your bonding period with both twins together. One tip: when you fill out the application, just use one baby's info but maybe mention in any comments section that you have twins. Some people also attach both birth certificates when they submit documentation, though I'm not sure if that's required. Good luck and congratulations again!

I went through this same situation with my twins last year! Your HR department is definitely giving you incorrect information. You only need to submit ONE PFL application for baby bonding, even with multiples. The benefit is based on YOUR leave from work to bond with your new family, not per child. I was also confused initially and called EDD to confirm - they told me that whether you have 1 baby or 5 babies, you still get the same 8 weeks of PFL for bonding. When filling out the DE2508 form online, just enter one of your twins' information and maybe add a note in the additional comments section mentioning that you have twins. Make sure you have both birth certificates ready in case EDD requests additional documentation during processing. And don't worry about the timing - since you're at 6 weeks postpartum, you're right on track to apply for PFL if your disability benefits are ending soon. Hang in there - the newborn twin phase is brutal but it does get easier! The financial stress is real with double everything, so getting your PFL sorted will definitely help. Congratulations on your babies! 🎉