This is such valuable info, thank you for sharing! I'm expecting my first baby in April and just realized I need to update my name with EDD too - got married last summer but completely forgot about updating it with them. Quick question: did you need to bring any specific forms or just the marriage certificate? Also, do you know if they can update it the same day you file your PFL claim or do you have to make separate trips?

Just wanted to add another data point - I went through this exact same situation last month! Got married in December and needed to file PFL for January. The EDD office in Sacramento was actually pretty efficient - I went on a Wednesday around 10am and was in and out in 45 minutes including the name update and filing my claim. One thing that helped was having everything organized beforehand: marriage certificate in a folder, copies of my old and new ID, and all my PFL paperwork filled out. The rep told me that people who come prepared like that make the process so much smoother for everyone. She also mentioned they see this situation A LOT, especially with new parents, so don't feel embarrassed about it - you're definitely not alone!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation but with overlapping dates between my two jobs. I work part-time at a daycare and full-time at a law firm, and I was planning to take PFL from both employers starting the same week in December. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like I need to stagger the dates so there's no overlap? My daycare job pays less but I've been there longer, so I'm wondering if I should start with that claim first and then transition to the law firm claim, or if it matters which order I file them in. Has anyone dealt with overlapping employer situations specifically?

I went through this exact scenario last year with my nursing job and weekend catering gig! The key thing that helped me was creating a timeline document before filing anything. I listed out exactly which dates I wanted benefits from each employer, made sure there were zero overlapping days, and then submitted both claims about 2 weeks apart (not at the same time). One thing I learned the hard way - when you're working two jobs and taking PFL, your employers might have questions about why you're taking leave at different times. I had to explain to both HR departments that I was staggering the claims to maximize my benefits while staying compliant with EDD rules. Most employers are understanding once you explain it properly. Also, keep detailed records of which employer you're claiming benefits from on which specific dates. I made a simple spreadsheet that I could reference if EDD ever had questions. It saved me so much stress knowing I had everything documented clearly!

Guys, I just got off the phone with an EDD rep (after waiting on hold for 3 hours 💀). They said there's been a glitch in the system affecting some DE2504REJ forms. If you filed one recently, you might want to call and check on its status.

Hang in there @Sophia! 🫂 I went through the exact same confusion last year. The DE2504REJ is actually for rejecting work offers while on unemployment - totally different from what you need for regular benefit payments. Here's what saved my sanity: create a little cheat sheet with all the form numbers and what they're for. DE 4581 (like @Aiden mentioned) is your bread and butter - that's your bi-weekly certification. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit, and don't be afraid to call multiple times if you get conflicting info from different reps. The system is definitely broken, but you'll get through this! 💪

I'm currently 32 weeks and planning ahead for this same transition! Reading all these responses is both helpful and nerve-wracking. It sounds like the system is hit-or-miss, so I'm definitely going to set multiple calendar reminders starting at week 6 of my disability period to check for the PFL email. One question I haven't seen answered yet - if you don't get the automatic email and have to call EDD, is there a specific time of day that's better for getting through? I keep hearing about how impossible it is to reach them, and I'm worried about trying to navigate their phone system with a newborn! Also, has anyone had success using the EDD online chat feature for this, or do you absolutely have to call? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so helpful to hear real stories instead of just the official EDD website info!

I went through this exact situation last month! I'm a first-time mom too and was SO worried about the transition. Here's what actually happened: I got the automated email 5 days before my SDI was set to end, which was a huge relief. The email came from the same EDD account that sends all the SDI notifications (@edd.ca.gov). It had a direct link to apply for PFL and clear instructions. BUT - and this is important - I had checked "yes" on my original disability application when they asked if I planned to apply for PFL afterward. I think that's what triggers the system to send the email. My advice: definitely set calendar reminders, but also log into your EDD online account regularly during your last week of disability. Sometimes the PFL application link shows up there even if the email gets lost. And if you don't see anything by 3-4 days before your disability ends, call immediately. Don't wait! The PFL application itself was pretty straightforward once I had the link. Just make sure you have your SDI claim number handy when you fill it out. Good luck mama, you've got this! 💪

I'm currently 32 weeks pregnant and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea that PFL required a separate application - my employer just handed me a stack of forms and said "figure it out" which was super overwhelming. One question I haven't seen addressed yet: if my baby comes early (like several weeks early), does that mess up the timing for when I should apply for PFL? I keep seeing everyone say to apply 1-2 weeks before SDI ends, but what if my recovery period is different than expected due to complications or an early delivery? Also, has anyone dealt with applying for PFL while still in the hospital after delivery? I'm a little worried about trying to navigate all this paperwork while recovering and adjusting to life with a newborn. Should I ask my partner to handle the application, or does it have to be done by me personally? Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences - you've all made this process seem much less scary!

Just went through this exact situation with my baby born in December! You're absolutely right to be confused - the system is not intuitive at all. Here's what I learned the hard way: PFL is definitely NOT automatic after SDI. You need to file a completely separate claim using form DE2508. I almost missed this and would have had a gap in benefits if my sister hadn't warned me. My advice: Set a reminder in your phone for about 10 days before your expected SDI end date (usually around week 5-6 postpartum depending on your delivery type). The online application through your EDD account is much easier than the paper form - it took me about 25 minutes to complete. The good news is that your PFL weekly benefit amount will be exactly the same as your SDI payments, so at least that stays consistent! One thing that really helped me was calling my doctor's office during my 2-week postpartum checkup to confirm they knew when I needed to be released from disability. This prevented any delays on their end. Don't let your HR department's unhelpfulness stress you out - lots of employers don't really understand the process either. You've got this! And congrats on your upcoming arrival! 🎉