This is such a helpful thread! I'm not pregnant yet but planning to start trying next year, and reading through everyone's experiences is making me realize I need to start researching this stuff way earlier than I thought. Question for those who've been through it - when did you start having these conversations with HR? Should I be asking about company policies now, or wait until I'm actually pregnant? I don't want to tip my hand too early but also want to be prepared! Also, does anyone know if the 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding can be split up? Like could I take 4 weeks right after my disability ends, go back to work for a bit, then take the other 4 weeks later in the year?

Just wanted to add something I learned the hard way - make sure you understand how your company calculates your SDI/PFL benefit amount! The state uses your highest quarter of earnings in the base period (which is usually 5-17 months before your claim starts), but some people don't realize this and get surprised by a lower benefit amount than expected. Also, if you've had any job changes or salary increases in the past year, it might be worth checking your earnings record with EDD to make sure everything is reported correctly. I had a small gap in my earnings record that would have reduced my benefits, but I was able to get it corrected before filing my claim. The whole system is definitely confusing but you're asking all the right questions early! That puts you way ahead of where I was. Good luck with everything - you've got this! 💪

Hey Zara! Congrats on your pregnancy! I'm currently 28 weeks and have been obsessively researching this whole process too, so this thread has been incredibly helpful for me as well! One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my sister's experience - when you're preparing that baby info packet that James mentioned, also include your EDD customer account number and claim number. She said having those readily available made the phone call to report the birth go much smoother since the rep could pull up her account immediately. Also, I've been keeping a pregnancy/EDD journal on my phone where I'm noting down all these tips and deadlines. Reading everyone's experiences here, it seems like the key things are: report birth within a week, apply for PFL 8-10 days before disability ends, use the online portal when possible, and give your doctor's office advance notice about the forms they'll need to complete. It's so reassuring to see how many people have successfully navigated this process! I was feeling overwhelmed about potentially messing something up with EDD, but hearing all these real experiences makes it seem much more manageable. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this thread is like a complete guide for expectant moms dealing with EDD! 💕

Hey Zara! Congratulations on your upcoming little one! I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant and this thread has been absolutely invaluable for me too. I've been taking notes from everyone's experiences and wanted to add one more tip that might help. My coworker who had her baby last fall suggested creating a "postpartum support team" ahead of time - basically letting your partner, mom, or whoever will be helping you know about these EDD deadlines and processes. She said when she was exhausted and overwhelmed after delivery, having her husband handle the initial call to EDD while she focused on recovery was a huge relief. Obviously you'd need to be on the call too since it's your claim, but having someone else manage the logistics (looking up phone numbers, gathering paperwork, taking notes) made it so much easier. Also, from reading everyone's advice here, I'm planning to set up multiple phone reminders - one for reporting the birth within a week, and another for applying for PFL 8-10 days before disability ends. The consistency in everyone's timing recommendations really gives me confidence this is the right approach. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences in this thread! It's been like having a whole support group of moms who've actually been through this process. Feeling so much more prepared now! 💕

I'm a PFL specialist and wanted to jump in with some additional guidance since you're dealing with such a time-sensitive situation. Your husband absolutely qualifies for PFL to care for you - emergency gallbladder surgery with 4-6 weeks of bed rest definitely meets the "seriously ill family member" criteria. Here's what I'd recommend for fastest processing: 1. Apply TODAY online at SDI Online - don't wait for the doctor visit tomorrow 2. Use the temporary disability section to start the claim, then add the medical certification when you get it 3. Make sure your surgeon includes specific language like "patient requires assistance with activities of daily living and cannot provide childcare due to post-surgical restrictions" The 7-day waiting period starts from his first day of leave, not from application date. Benefits are typically 60-70% of his wages (max $1,540/week currently), and with emergency surgery, approval often comes in 10-14 days if everything's complete. One crucial tip - have him coordinate with HR about CFRA (California Family Rights Act) for job protection alongside the PFL application. This ensures his position is protected while he's caring for you. With 4 kids including a toddler, this is exactly what the program exists for. You're smart to act quickly rather than trying to manage alone!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation on top of your recovery! As someone who recently helped my sister navigate PFL after her emergency C-section, I wanted to share a few additional tips that really made a difference: First, when your husband applies online, make sure he has your SSN and date of birth handy - the system will ask for your information as the family member needing care. Also, if possible, have him apply during business hours so if any technical issues come up with the website, he can call the SDI customer service line for help. Second, I'd suggest asking your surgeon tomorrow if they can provide a letter stating that your condition requires "continuous care and assistance" rather than just "assistance." That specific language tends to get approved faster in my experience. Finally, while you're waiting for approval, document everything - his time off work, your limitations, childcare needs, etc. This creates a paper trail if there are any questions later. With four kids and major surgery, you absolutely deserve this support. The system can be overwhelming when you're already dealing with a medical crisis, but you're asking all the right questions and taking the right steps. Wishing you a smooth recovery and quick approval!

I'm currently going through this exact same situation and wanted to share what I just learned from calling EDD directly (after waiting on hold for 2 hours!). The agent confirmed that your SDI will absolutely continue after your company pay ends on February 9th - there won't be a gap in income during your recovery period. She explained that while your company is paying you, EDD just reduces or withholds your SDI payments to avoid overpaying you, but once company pay stops, your full SDI benefit amount will be paid directly by EDD. For the PFL baby bonding eligibility, she said the one-year work requirement your HR mentioned is likely about job protection under CFRA, not the actual state PFL benefits. For state PFL, you just need to have paid into SDI through payroll deductions during the base period. So you might actually be eligible for PFL before April 2nd! I'd definitely recommend calling EDD to confirm your specific situation, but this should give you some peace of mind. The system is confusing but it does work once you understand that company policies and state benefits are completely separate. Hang in there - you've got this! 💪

I just went through this EXACT same situation 6 months ago and wanted to reassure you that everything will work out! The anxiety about income gaps is so real when you're pregnant and trying to plan financially. Here's what actually happened in my case: My company paid me for the first 4 weeks after birth, then SDI automatically took over and paid me directly for the remaining 4 weeks of my recovery period. There was no gap, no extra paperwork needed for the transition - it was seamless once I understood how it worked. The key insight that helped me was realizing that your SDI claim runs continuously from when you first apply (sounds like you already did this). While your company is paying you, EDD just withholds or reduces your SDI payments so you don't exceed your normal wages. When company pay stops, EDD immediately starts paying you the full benefit amount directly. For PFL baby bonding, I was also told I had to wait for my work anniversary, but it turned out that was just for job protection (CFRA), not the actual state benefits. I'd encourage you to call EDD directly to confirm your PFL eligibility timeline - you might be able to start it sooner than April! Stay organized with all your paperwork and don't stress too much. The California system actually protects new parents pretty well once you understand how all the pieces fit together. You've got this! 💕

I'm dealing with this nightmare too! 😫 Filed my PFL claim 8 weeks ago after my son was born and it's been complete radio silence. What's really frustrating is that my SDI payments just stopped without any explanation - I went from getting regular disability payments to absolutely nothing. The EDD portal shows my claim as "under review" but there's been zero movement for over a month. I've tried calling at different times of day, used the callback feature (which never calls back), and even tried the chat function that's supposedly available. Nothing works! This is such a stressful time already with a newborn, and not having any income coming in is making everything so much worse. Really considering trying that assembly member route that someone mentioned - at this point I'm willing to try anything!

This whole thread is hitting way too close to home! 😭 I'm at week 5 with my PFL claim stuck in limbo and reading everyone's stories is both comforting (knowing I'm not alone) and terrifying (seeing people wait 8+ weeks). I actually tried that claimyr.com service @Oliver Zimmermann mentioned yesterday - figured $20 was worth it if it could save me weeks of frustration. Took about 90 minutes but I finally got through to someone! The rep told me there's a massive backlog due to some system upgrade that went wrong, and they're manually reviewing claims that got stuck. She couldn't give me a timeline but at least updated some flag on my account. Still no guarantee it'll help, but felt good to finally talk to a real human who could see my claim. For anyone considering it, just make sure you have all your info ready because once they connect you, the call moves pretty fast. Really hoping we all get some movement on our claims soon! 🤞