I'm a case worker who helps families navigate EDD benefits, and I want to add some important details to what's already been shared. You're absolutely right that you can extend your baby bonding PFL from 4 to 8 weeks without filing a new claim. The most reliable method is calling EDD directly - online submissions sometimes get lost in the system. When you call, mention that this is a "medically necessary extension" due to your daughter's jaundice requiring ongoing care. This framing often helps prioritize your request. Also, if you haven't already, ask your pediatrician to document that you specifically need to be home for her care - while baby bonding doesn't require medical documentation like disability claims do, having it can prevent any potential questions. The 8:01 AM call time others mentioned is spot-on - that's when the phone lines reset and you'll have the best chance of getting through quickly. Your situation is very common, and EDD handles these extensions routinely. You should have no gap in benefits if you call this week!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! My 6-week-old daughter has been dealing with persistent jaundice and we're on week 2 of home phototherapy. I originally filed for 6 weeks of PFL but realized I'm going to need the full 8 weeks. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring - I had no idea that extending baby bonding claims was relatively straightforward compared to other EDD processes. The advice about calling at 8:01 AM and having your claim information ready is invaluable. I'm planning to call tomorrow morning with my claim number, current end date, and benefit amount ready. It's such a relief to know there shouldn't be any gap in payments if I submit the extension request in time. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it makes such a difference knowing other parents have successfully navigated this same situation!

As someone who's been self-employed for 8 years and had two babies during that time, I wanted to share some additional resources that might help! Since you're in LA, check out these local options: - LA Freelancers Union (they have monthly meetups and a Slack channel) - Working Moms of LA Facebook group - tons of freelancers in there - Creative Mornings LA often has networking events with other independent creatives For the financial planning piece, I'd also suggest: - Look into whether your clients would be willing to pay invoices early or set up a retainer system before your due date - Consider raising your rates now if you haven't in a while - easier to do before you're juggling a newborn - Some freelancers I know have had success with "maternity packages" where they pre-sell a bundle of work at a discount to create cash flow And definitely get that EDD account set up ASAP! When I had my second baby, the website was super glitchy and it took me three tries to get my claim submitted properly. Having everything ready in advance was a game-changer. One more thing - if your part-time job qualifies you for benefits, make sure to coordinate the timing carefully. You want to maximize your coverage without any gaps. The EDD can be particular about when you start and stop claims. Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy and planning! 🌟

Hey Kristin! I just went through this exact situation last year as a freelance marketing consultant with a tiny part-time retail job. Here's what saved me: First, definitely check if SDI is being withheld from your boutique paychecks - look for "CASDI" on your pay stub. At $90/week you'd easily meet the $300 quarterly requirement. But here's the reality check: my benefit was only $67/week based on my part-time earnings, which barely covered groceries. So start saving NOW and consider these strategies: **Before baby arrives:** - Set up payment plans with all your regular bills (utilities, phone, etc.) - Stock up on non-perishables and baby essentials while you have income - Ask clients for 50% deposits on future projects to create a cash cushion - Look into local food banks and WIC programs you might qualify for temporarily **During leave:** - Many freelancers do light work during bonding leave (emails, quick edits) since PFL allows some part-time work - Consider subcontracting easier tasks to other designers while keeping client relationships **For next time:** - Definitely sign up for DIEC, but also look into private disability insurance through organizations like Freelancers Union The mental load is tough, but you'll figure it out! Start that EDD account setup this week while you have energy. Good luck! 🍀

Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get benefits we're entitled to? The whole system needs an overhaul smh

I had a similar issue but with my spouse's middle name spelled wrong on my PFL claim. The key is to act fast - I called the 1-877-238-4373 number first thing in the morning (they open at 8 AM) and got through in about 30 minutes. The rep was actually pretty helpful and said minor corrections like wrong initials are common. They put in a request right away and it was fixed within 10 business days. My payments weren't delayed at all. Just have your claim number ready when you call and explain exactly what needs to be corrected.

Just to give you some peace of mind about the timeline: even with the delay, you should still receive your maternity disability benefits before your due date. EDD typically processes ID verification within 7-10 business days once received. After that, if everything else in your application is complete, you should start receiving payments within another 1-2 weeks. So roughly 3 weeks total from when you send in your documents, which still gives you plenty of time before your baby arrives in 8 weeks.

I went through this exact same panic when I was pregnant with my daughter! Missing that deadline felt like the end of the world, but honestly EDD is pretty understanding about late submissions, especially for pregnancy-related claims. I sent mine in 5 days late and included a brief note about pregnancy symptoms affecting my ability to keep up with mail - they processed it without any issues. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: when you call EDD to notify them about the late submission, ask them to put a note in your file about the pregnancy-related delay. This can help if there are any questions later. Also, keep copies of everything you send and get a tracking number so you have proof of delivery. You've got this mama - take a deep breath and get those documents sent tomorrow! 💙

Whatever you do, don't give up! Keep calling, keep trying. It took me weeks to sort out a similar issue, but I finally got it resolved. You got this! 💪

I just went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what worked for me: I sent an email to the EDD document review team with my case number in the subject line. They responded within 3 business days with instructions on how to submit the missing docs through a secure portal. Way easier than calling and waiting on hold forever. The email address is on their website under "Contact Us" - look for "Document Submission Issues." Hope this helps!