I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! EDD denied my PFL claim saying I filed late, but like you, my SDI was already approved. It's so frustrating because you'd think if one part of the system approved it, the other would too. I've been trying to get through to someone for weeks but keep getting stuck in phone hell. Has anyone had luck with the appeal process, or is it better to just keep calling until you get someone who actually understands the system? The whole thing feels like they're set up to deny claims on technicalities rather than actually help parents who need support during bonding time.

I just went through this exact situation a couple months ago! The disconnect between SDI approval and PFL denial is unfortunately pretty common - it's like they're operating in completely different worlds. Here's what finally worked for me: I gathered all my SDI approval documentation, wrote out a clear timeline with exact dates (baby's birth, when I started leave, when I filed each claim, when I returned to work), and kept calling until I got someone who could access both systems. The magic words that seemed to help were "I need someone who can explain why SDI approved my dates but PFL denied them for the same time period." It took about 5 calls, but I eventually got a specialist who could see the inconsistency and fixed it on the spot. The whole thing was resolved within a week once I got the right person. Don't give up - your SDI approval is basically proof that your timeline and eligibility are valid!

Just checking back - were you able to contact EDD? What did they say about your PFL transition?

So glad you got it resolved! It's crazy how a simple typo on their end can hold up benefits for weeks when you have a new baby to care for. This is exactly why it's so important to call and check - there could be any number of small administrative issues causing delays that you'd never know about otherwise. Thanks for updating us with the outcome, it'll definitely help other parents going through the same stressful situation!

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!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - PPD/PPA is incredibly tough and navigating EDD on top of it feels impossible sometimes. I just want to echo what others have said about not feeling guilty for needing this extension. Your mental health matters so much, especially with a new baby. One thing that helped me when I was in a similar situation was keeping a simple log on my phone of all the EDD-related calls and documentation. Just basic stuff like "2/18 - called doctor's office, confirmed they sent DE2525XX on 2/14" so I could reference it later if needed. The brain fog from PPD made it hard for me to remember details, and having it written down was a lifesaver. Also, if you haven't already, consider asking your OB about resources for new mom support groups in your area. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone in this journey helps with the anxiety around all the paperwork stuff. Hang in there mama! 💕

Hey mama, I'm so sorry you're dealing with PPD/PPA on top of all this EDD confusion - it's truly overwhelming when you're already struggling. I went through something very similar with my first baby last year. From what you've described, it sounds like your doctor did the right thing by submitting the extension paperwork. The key thing to remember is that your payments should continue automatically if the DE2525XX form was properly submitted, even though your online account might not reflect the extension immediately. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple timeline in my notes app: when my original disability was supposed to end, when my doctor submitted the extension, and when I should expect to see updates. It gave me some sense of control during a really chaotic time. Please don't feel guilty about needing this extension - PPD/PPA is a serious medical condition and you deserve proper treatment and recovery time. Your baby needs you healthy, and that includes your mental health. The EDD system exists specifically for situations like yours. You're doing everything right by getting help and following up on the paperwork. Hang in there! ❤️

Diego, I'm so glad you asked this question because I was in the exact same boat just a few months ago! The panic is so real when you see that 6-week end date instead of the 8 weeks you were expecting. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about the transition from SDI to PFL. I just wanted to add my experience with the timing - I filed my PFL application about 10 days before my SDI ended and it was processed seamlessly. The key is having all your documents ready to go. One thing that really helped me was setting up a simple folder (physical or digital) with all my maternity leave paperwork - SDI notices, baby's hospital records, employer info, etc. It made filling out the PFL application so much less stressful when I wasn't scrambling to find everything while dealing with a newborn. Also, don't stress too much about EDD not responding to your portal message yet - 3 days is actually pretty normal for them, especially this time of year. Your situation is very routine and you're handling it exactly right by being proactive and asking questions. You've got this! The transition might seem confusing now, but once you file that PFL claim, you'll have a total of 14 weeks of benefits (6 SDI + 8 PFL) which is really good coverage. Just remember to file soon to avoid any payment gaps!

Hey Diego! I'm a new mom who just went through this exact transition last month, so I totally get the panic you're feeling right now. Seeing that 6-week end date when you're expecting 8 weeks is such a shock! Everyone here has given you amazing advice - the 6 weeks SDI for vaginal delivery is completely standard, then you get 8 weeks of PFL for bonding time. I was in the same boat and filed my PFL application about a week before my SDI ended. The process was way smoother than I expected! One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to make sure you have your baby's Social Security number ready when you file the PFL claim. The hospital gave me the paperwork to apply for it, but I didn't realize I'd need it for the PFL application. If you haven't applied for your baby's SSN yet, you can still file with just the birth certificate, but having the SSN makes the process faster. Also, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all this paperwork while adjusting to life with a newborn (which is totally normal!), consider having your partner or a family member help you gather all the documents and double-check everything before you submit. I was so sleep-deprived that I almost put the wrong employer address on my first attempt! You're being really proactive by asking these questions and planning ahead. That 14 weeks total (6 SDI + 8 PFL) is going to give you good time to bond with your little one. Hang in there - you've got this!