Has anyone had experience applying for PFL for mental health reasons? Like caring for a family member with depression?

I actually just started my PFL application last week! One thing I wish I had known earlier is to make copies of EVERYTHING before you submit. I had to resubmit some forms because they got lost in the system. Also, if you're doing this for bonding with a new baby, make sure you coordinate with any employer-provided maternity/paternity leave - sometimes they can run concurrently which is really helpful for maximizing your time off. The online portal isn't the most user-friendly, but it's definitely faster than mailing everything in. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions as I navigate this process!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! Just to summarize what I've learned: 1. PDL and PFL should pay the same amount in most cases (60-70% of wages) 2. There's a 7-day waiting period for PDL only, but I'll get paid for it at the end 3. Benefits are subject to federal taxes but not CA state taxes 4. I should either complete a DE 4P for tax withholding OR set aside around 10% for taxes 5. I'll get a 1099-G form from EDD for tax filing This helps so much with my budget planning! 🙏

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! 🎉 Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - when you're setting aside money for taxes, consider opening a separate savings account just for that purpose. I automatically transferred 12% of each payment (to be safe) into a "tax fund" account so I wouldn't accidentally spend it. Made tax season much less stressful! Also, keep all your EDD paperwork organized - you'll need it for your tax preparer or if you file yourself. Wishing you a smooth pregnancy and leave experience!

Hey OP, hang in there. I know it's tough, but your claim will get processed eventually. Try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know). Sending positive vibes your way! ❤️

I went through the exact same thing last year and it was incredibly frustrating. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the 1-877-238-4373 number repeatedly using the redial feature on my phone while doing other tasks. It took about 2 hours of constant redialing, but I eventually got through. Also, try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays - seemed like those days had shorter wait times in my experience. Once you do get someone on the line, be super polite and have all your documents ready to go. The representatives are dealing with tons of frustrated people all day, so a little kindness goes a long way. You got this! 💪

To follow up on your question about SDI paying you directly - yes, after your company's supplemental pay ends on February 9, EDD will pay you directly for the remainder of your SDI period. The payments come via debit card or direct deposit depending on what you selected. You don't need to file anything additional for this transition from company pay to direct SDI payments, as long as your initial SDI claim is approved and your doctor continues to certify your disability. However, your employer does need to stop reporting wages to EDD (they'll do this automatically when they stop paying you). One thing to watch for: make sure your weekly benefit amount calculation is correct. If your company was paying you in full and reporting those wages to EDD, you might have been receiving reduced SDI payments or none at all (to avoid exceeding your normal wages). Once company pay stops, your SDI should increase to your full benefit amount.

I went through something very similar with my first baby! Just wanted to add that you should also ask your doctor about the timing of when they'll medically clear you to return to work. Sometimes they can be flexible with the dates if you explain your situation with the gap between SDI ending and PFL starting. Also, when you do file for PFL baby bonding after April 2nd, make sure to specify that you want to use it for bonding time (not caring for the baby's health condition) - they're different types of PFL claims and have different requirements. The bonding time is what gives you the full 8 weeks regardless of when you start it within that first year. One more tip: keep ALL your paperwork organized in one place - doctor's notes, company HR communications, EDD correspondence, etc. You'll likely need to reference dates and details multiple times throughout this process!

Has anyone had experience with retroactive claims? I didn't know I was eligible until after my leave started 😬

@Mateo Warren Yes, you can file retroactively! I had to do this too - didn't realize I was eligible until 3 weeks into my leave. You'll need to explain the delay in your application and provide documentation for the entire period you're claiming. They accepted mine, but it did add about a week to the processing time. The key is being thorough with your paperwork and having a valid reason for the late filing. Don't stress too much about it!