I'm so sorry you're going through this - PPD is absolutely brutal and you're being so strong by advocating for yourself and your baby. I went through something similar with Kaiser last year and wanted to share a few things that helped me: When you meet with the psychiatrist, come prepared with a written list of your symptoms and how they're affecting your daily functioning. I wrote down things like "can't concentrate long enough to read emails," "making simple decisions takes hours," "constant worry about baby's safety prevents me from sleeping even when baby is sleeping." Having it written down helped when my brain felt foggy during the appointment. Also, Kaiser's psychiatry department has different locations and some are definitely better than others. If you feel like your first psychiatrist isn't taking you seriously, don't hesitate to request a different one. I had to do this and the second doctor was night and day better - she immediately understood what I needed and got my paperwork submitted quickly. One more thing - while you're waiting for the extension to process, consider asking your OB if they can provide a short-term extension (even just a week or two) to bridge the gap. Some will do this to prevent any lapse in coverage. You're going to get through this. Taking care of your mental health IS taking care of your baby. ❤️

Does anyone know how the extension works if you’ve exhausted your FMLA?

Anyone else notice how the EDD website is always "under maintenance" when you need it most? 🙄 It's like they're trying to make this as difficult as possible.

Hey Diego, I totally understand your frustration! I went through the same thing last year and it was incredibly stressful. Here's what I learned from my experience: 1. Log into your EDD online portal first - sometimes there are status updates or requests for additional info that they don't always mail out right away 2. When calling, try early morning (8-9am) or late afternoon (3-4pm) - I had better luck during those times 3. Have your Social Security number, claim number, and any reference numbers from previous correspondence ready 4. If you do get through, ask specifically what's causing the delay and get a timeline in writing if possible Also, don't forget to keep certifying for benefits even while waiting - missing a certification can really mess things up. The whole process is frustrating but hang in there! Most delays are administrative and do get resolved eventually. Sending positive vibes your way! 🙏

I'm an ex-EDD employee (don't hate me lol). Here's some insider advice: - The best time to call is Tuesday-Thursday, avoid Mondays and Fridays - If you get through to anyone, even if it's the wrong department, ask them to transfer you instead of hanging up - Be super nice to the person who answers, they deal with angry people all day and are more likely to go the extra mile if you're kind - Have all your info ready: claim number, dates, any correspondence you've received - If all else fails, request a callback. It might take a while, but they do get to them eventually Hope this helps someone!

I went through something similar last year with my PFL claim. What finally worked for me was using the "Contact EDD" form on their website multiple times - I submitted it every few days with my case details. It took about 2 weeks, but someone eventually called me back. Also, try calling the general EDD number (1-800-300-5616) and pressing 1 for English, then 2 for employer, then 4 for other - sometimes that gets you to a different queue that's less busy. Hang in there, it's frustrating but you'll get through eventually! 💪

Just to clarify the process a bit more since there's some confusion in the responses: 1. You CAN file your new disability claim before your PFL ends (and should) 2. In the new claim, make sure to indicate it's for a postpartum condition related to your previous pregnancy 3. Your benefit amount should be the same as your original disability claim 4. They'll use the same EDD debit card you already have 5. Make sure your doctor clearly documents that this is a continuation of care for a pregnancy-related condition Also, keep in mind that you're entitled to reasonable accommodations when you do return to work under both CFRA and FEHA if you're still experiencing postpartum complications.

I went through this exact transition 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I filed my new SDI claim online 3 days before my PFL ended. The key is making sure your doctor clearly states on the DE2501 that this is a postpartum complication continuing from your pregnancy. I also wrote a brief note in the "additional information" section explaining I was transitioning from baby bonding PFL back to disability for ongoing postpartum issues. My payments continued seamlessly with only a 1-day gap. Don't stress too much - this transition is more common than you think and EDD has a process for it. The most important thing is filing BEFORE your PFL ends!

Have you checked if theres an online portal where you can dispute the overpayment? Sometimes its easier to handle these things in writing.

I went through something similar last year! The key is to be super organized and persistent. When you call PFL, ask them to put a note in your file that resolving this overpayment issue will unblock your SDI payments - this creates a paper trail that both departments can see. Also, if they try to set up a payment plan for the overpayment, ask if there's a hardship waiver available since you're currently unable to work. Don't give up - it took me about 6 weeks but I eventually got it sorted out! 💪