I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL application 2.5 weeks ago and absolutely nothing in my online account. It's so stressful when you're counting on that money. I've been following some of the advice here - tried calling at 8am on the dot but still can't get through. One thing that helped me a little was checking if my employer submitted their portion correctly (if applicable). Sometimes delays happen on their end too. Also keeping screenshots of everything and documenting all my attempts to contact them. Really considering trying that Claimyr service even though I'm skeptical about paying for something that should be free. This whole system is just broken. Sending you solidarity - we shouldn't have to jump through these hoops when we're already dealing with family situations that qualify us for PFL in the first place! 😔

I'm going through this exact situation too - filed my PFL application almost 4 weeks ago and still radio silence from EDD. It's beyond frustrating when you're already dealing with a family situation that qualifies you for leave AND now you're stressed about money on top of it. I've tried the early morning calling strategy multiple times with no luck. What's really helped me is keeping a detailed log of everything - screenshots of my application confirmation, dates/times of call attempts, any emails or correspondence. I also contacted my local assembly member's office last week and they said they'd look into it, though haven't heard back yet. One thing I learned is that sometimes the delay can be on the employer's side if they haven't submitted their portion properly - might be worth double-checking with your HR department if that applies to you. The whole system is so broken, but hang in there - from what I've read here and elsewhere, people do eventually get their benefits, it just takes way longer than it should. We really need better support during these difficult times! 💙

Just to summarize the key points that have been shared: 1. The weekly benefit amount (WBA) calculation is identical for both SDI and PFL 2. Both are based on highest quarter earnings in the base period (roughly 5-18 months before the claim) 3. Current benefit rate is 60-70% of those wages, depending on income level 4. Key difference: PFL is subject to federal taxes while SDI is not 5. File the PFL claim (DE2508) 1-2 weeks before disability ends 6. Document everything to avoid transition problems Hope this helps with your planning!

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your wife's employer offers any supplemental benefits during the transition. Some companies will "top up" the difference between her full salary and the SDI/PFL payments. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to update your health insurance beneficiaries and look into whether you need to adjust any automatic bill payments during this period. The consistent payment amount is great, but it's still usually less than full salary so budgeting adjustments might be needed. Good luck with everything!

I'm currently going through this exact situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far! After using my full pregnancy disability and 8 weeks of PFL bonding, my postpartum anxiety became completely unmanageable. I couldn't even make it through a full workday without having multiple panic attacks. My therapist connected me with a psychiatrist who explained that postpartum mental health conditions can absolutely qualify as separate disability claims when they're severe enough to prevent you from working. The key is having it properly documented as a standalone mental health disability, not as an extension of pregnancy-related benefits. I'm in the process of filing now - my psychiatrist is handling the DE2501 form and specifically documenting it as "Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Features, Postpartum Onset" rather than just "postpartum depression." She's being very detailed about functional limitations like "unable to maintain focus during meetings due to intrusive thoughts" and "sleep disruption prevents completion of complex tasks." I waited about 5 weeks after my PFL ended to file, which my doctor said helps establish this as a new medical event rather than a continuation. One thing that's been helpful is keeping a symptom diary - tracking panic attack frequency, hours of sleep, specific work tasks I can't handle, etc. For anyone considering this: don't feel guilty about needing more time. These are legitimate medical conditions that deserve proper treatment, and California law recognizes that mental health disabilities can occur independently from pregnancy recovery. You're not "gaming the system" - you're accessing support that exists specifically for situations like this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I want to add some hope to this conversation! I successfully filed a separate mental health disability claim for severe postpartum anxiety and depression after exhausting both my pregnancy disability and PFL bonding time in late 2024. The key things that made my claim successful: - I waited about 6 weeks after my bonding time ended to create clear separation - My primary care doctor (not OB) filed it as "Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood" specifically noting it was triggered by but separate from childbirth - We documented specific work limitations: "unable to concentrate on tasks for more than 15 minutes," "experiences panic attacks when handling client communications," "severe insomnia prevents cognitive functioning required for data analysis" - I had been in therapy for 8 weeks and on medication for 4 weeks, showing ongoing treatment despite persistent symptoms The process took about 4 weeks from filing to approval, and I was initially granted 10 weeks with the option to extend if needed. Having detailed therapy notes really helped - my therapist wrote a letter explaining how my symptoms were interfering with daily functioning despite consistent treatment. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: start documenting everything NOW. Keep a daily log of symptoms, panic attacks, sleep patterns, and specific work tasks you can't handle. This concrete evidence really strengthens your case. You're absolutely not alone in this struggle, and seeking additional disability support doesn't make you weak - it makes you a responsible parent taking care of your mental health so you can better care for your baby in the long run. Hang in there! 💙

I'm dealing with this exact same problem right now! Just submitted my PFL claim 3 days ago and it's nowhere to be found in my online account. I've been refreshing the page constantly and was starting to panic that I somehow messed up the application. Reading all these responses is incredibly helpful - it's clear that their online system has serious issues and this isn't something we did wrong. The fact that so many people are experiencing missing claims is both reassuring and frustrating at the same time. I'm going to try calling right when they open tomorrow morning and also double-check that all my documents went through properly. It's ridiculous that we have to deal with this added stress when we're already managing family situations that require leave. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - knowing I'm not alone in this makes it so much less scary! 🙏

I'm experiencing this exact same issue! Filed my PFL claim about a week ago and it completely vanished from my online account. I've been checking multiple times a day and was starting to think I somehow messed up the application process. Reading through all these comments has been such a relief - it's clear this is a widespread problem with their system and not something we did wrong. The anxiety of not being able to track your claim status is terrible, especially when you're already dealing with a family situation that requires leave. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy that several people mentioned. It's so frustrating that their online portal is this unreliable when people are depending on these benefits! Thanks for starting this thread - it really helps to know so many others are going through the same thing. Hopefully we can all get some answers soon! 🤞

Andre, I'm so glad you found this supportive community! Reading through all these responses has been really heartwarming - it's amazing how many people have shared their similar experiences to help you feel confident about your situation. I just wanted to add that as someone who's been following CA benefits discussions for a while, your case is absolutely straightforward for PFL approval. With 5 years of SDI contributions, you're exactly the type of person this benefit was designed to support. The fact that so many people here went through nearly identical situations (leaving toxic workplaces in late pregnancy) and all got approved should give you complete peace of mind. It sounds like you've got all your documents ready and a clear plan to apply today - that's perfect! Enjoy these precious early weeks with your daughter, and don't spend another minute worrying about eligibility. You've earned this support through years of contributions, and now it's time to focus on what matters most - bonding with your little one! Congratulations! 💕🎉

Andre, congratulations on your daughter! 🎉 I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share that I'm going through something very similar right now. I had to leave my job at 35 weeks due to a hostile work environment, and my baby was born just over 2 weeks later. Reading through all these responses has been SO helpful - I had no idea so many people have navigated this exact situation! It's really encouraging to see that everyone who's applied for PFL baby bonding after leaving their job in late pregnancy has been approved. I've been putting off applying because I was terrified of getting denied, but after seeing all these success stories, I'm definitely going to file my DE2508 this week. It sounds like with our years of SDI contributions, we're exactly the type of situation PFL was designed to support. Thank you for asking this question - you've helped more people than just yourself! I hope your application goes smoothly. It's clear from everyone's responses that you made the right choice prioritizing your health and your baby's wellbeing. Those toxic work environments are no joke, especially when pregnant! 💕