Just wanted to add some clarity based on my recent experience - I successfully used PFL for family bonding after leaving my job, but the key was timing. I filed my claim while still employed (about 2 weeks before my last day) and made sure to indicate that I was taking bonding leave. The EDD approved it because I was employed when the claim started, even though I quit shortly after. The important thing is that you need to show wage loss due to bonding time, not due to quitting. So if you're planning to quit anyway, definitely file your claim first while you're still working. Also, keep in mind you can take the bonding time intermittently throughout the first year - doesn't have to be all at once. Hope this helps!

Based on everyone's responses here, it sounds like the key is definitely timing - file your claim while you're still employed! I'm in a similar boat as the OP and was worried about losing out on benefits. @Juan Moreno your experience is really reassuring. Just to clarify though - when you filed while still employed, did you have to specify an exact start date for your bonding leave? Or were you able to leave that flexible since you can take it intermittently throughout the year?

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through the EDD maze before - definitely try the early morning calling strategy that others mentioned, but also consider reaching out through their "Contact EDD" form on the website if you haven't already. Sometimes the written requests get routed to a different department that can actually help. I had a similar date issue with my disability claim last year and the online form worked when phone calls didn't. Also, if you have any family or friends who've successfully navigated EDD issues, ask them to walk you through exactly what they said on their successful calls. Having the right "script" can make a huge difference with getting past the first level of customer service. Hang in there - it's frustrating but definitely fixable! 💪

I work for a benefits consulting firm and see this exact issue ALL the time with EDD PFL claims. Here's what's likely happening: when you submitted your claim online, there was probably a glitch where only the start date got properly saved to their system, not the end date. This creates a "one day" claim instead of your full leave period. The good news is this is 100% fixable once you get someone competent on the phone. My advice: 1) Call at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - you'll have the best chance of getting through, 2) Have your claim number, Social Security number, and exact leave dates ready, 3) Specifically ask them to verify BOTH your start AND end dates in their system, 4) If they see the issue, ask for immediate correction and a timeline for back payment, 5) Get a reference number for the correction. If the first person can't help, politely ask for a supervisor. This should be resolved within one call if you get the right person. Don't let them tell you to wait - this is their system error, not yours!

Congratulations on your baby girl! I'm currently 8 months pregnant and trying to figure all this out myself, so this thread is incredibly helpful. From what I understand after reading everyone's responses, the key points seem to be: 1) Disability payments continue automatically after birth notification for 6-8 weeks, 2) You need to file a completely separate PFL baby bonding claim (DE2501FP) around week 5, and 3) EDD won't automatically transition you or remind you to file. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and setting calendar reminders! Question for those who've been through this - is there a specific day of the week that's better for calling EDD if you need to speak with someone? I've heard mixed advice about timing calls to actually get through.

Congratulations on your baby girl! I went through this exact situation last year and can share some practical tips. Yes, your disability payments should continue automatically after submitting the Notice of Actual Birth - you won't need to certify during the recovery period. However, here's what I wish someone had told me: start monitoring your SDI Online account closely around week 4-5 for any notifications about your claim ending. That's your cue to immediately file the baby bonding PFL claim (DE2501FP form). I also recommend calling EDD around week 4 to confirm your exact disability end date - this gives you a clear timeline for filing the separate PFL claim. The biggest mistake I see people make is treating these as one continuous benefit when they're actually two separate claims that you have to manage yourself. EDD's system assumes you know this, but they do a terrible job explaining it. Set phone reminders now while you remember, because with a newborn, time flies and missing that transition window can cost you weeks of benefits. You've got this, but definitely stay proactive rather than waiting for EDD to guide you!

Don't stress too much about this - it's actually a pretty common mistake! I work in HR and see people mix up SDI and PFL dates all the time. The EDD agents are used to handling these corrections. When you call, just explain that you accidentally used your SDI start date for PFL and need to update it to reflect when you actually plan to take family leave. They'll likely ask for the correct dates and any supporting documentation. Keep your paperwork handy and you should be good to go. These kinds of administrative fixes are routine for them!

I made a similar mistake a few months ago and was completely panicking! I called the EDD customer service line and the agent was actually really helpful. She explained that these date mix-ups happen more often than you'd think, especially when people are dealing with both SDI and PFL applications around the same time. The key is to call as soon as possible to get it corrected. When I called, I just explained exactly what happened - that I accidentally used the wrong date and needed to update my PFL application. They were able to fix it right in the system while I was on the phone. Just make sure you have your confirmation numbers and the correct dates ready when you call. You'll be fine!

btw my benefit was like 65% of my normal paycheck which was wayyyy less than i expected... make sure u have some savings!!! and the first payment took almost 3 weeks to arrive so plan for that too

Just wanted to add - if you're planning to take the full bonding time, you can actually extend PFL for up to 8 weeks (sometimes more in certain situations). Also, your job is protected under CFRA/FMLA during this time if your employer has 50+ employees. I made the mistake of not understanding my job protection rights and was super stressed about returning to work. Don't forget to coordinate with your HR about when you're planning to return so they can hold your position! And definitely start thinking about childcare arrangements during your leave - the waiting lists are insane right now.