I just went through this in January so the information is fresh in my mind. Everyone is right that you need to file a separate application for PFL after SDI. But here's something no one mentioned - you can actually save time by getting some of the PFL paperwork ready BEFORE your baby arrives. You can download the DE2508 form from the EDD website and fill out your sections in advance. Obviously, you'll need to add your baby's info after birth, but having the rest completed saved me a lot of stress. Also, I found the best way to check on claim status was through the EDD online portal rather than calling - much less frustrating!

This is such helpful information, thank you everyone! I'm due in 6 weeks and had no idea about the separate PFL application. Quick question - when you apply for PFL online, do you need to upload any documents like the baby's birth certificate, or is it just filling out the form with the information? And for those who had smooth transitions, was there anything specific you did to make sure everything went seamlessly? I'm definitely going to start preparing the paperwork early like Diego suggested. Better to be over-prepared than scrambling with a newborn!

Hang in there, OP! I know it's frustrating, but your benefits are protected even if you've returned to work. They'll backpay you for the time you were out. Just keep following up and don't let them forget about you!

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Filed my PFL claim 2 weeks ago for bonding time and still haven't heard anything back. It's so stressful not knowing when the payment will come through, especially when you're already juggling work and a new baby. @Ellie Simpson's checklist looks super helpful - definitely going to try calling first thing in the morning. Has anyone had luck with the secure messaging through the online portal, or is calling still the better option?

Hey, congrats on the new baby! Sorry you're dealing with this stress. If it makes you feel any better, I had a similar issue last year and it all worked out eventually. Sending positive vibes your way! ❤️

I went through this exact same nightmare when my daughter was born 6 months ago! Same thing - sent everything in, then crickets for weeks. What finally worked for me was faxing a copy of everything again with a cover letter explaining it was my second attempt and including the original date I sent it. Apparently my first submission got "lost in the system" 🙄 Got a call back within 3 days after that. Also, if you have a case number from when you first applied, make sure to reference that in any follow-up communication. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these agencies unfortunately. Hang in there!

One last tip - keep track of all your benefit payments throughout the year (screenshots of your EDD account or the paper statements they mail). Sometimes the 1099-G can have errors, and you'll want your own records to verify the amount is correct. If there is a discrepancy, you'll need to contact EDD for a corrected form, which can take time. Better to discover any issues early in tax season!

Just wanted to share my experience from last year - I was in almost the exact same situation (SDI during pregnancy, then PFL for bonding) and was super confused about the tax stuff too! One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: even though you can't withhold taxes from SDI payments, you CAN have taxes withheld from your regular paycheck (if you're planning to return to work) to help cover the tax liability from both SDI and PFL. I talked to my HR department and increased my withholding for the rest of the year, which helped me avoid owing a big chunk at tax time. Also, don't stress too much about the 1099-G timing - mine came in late January and everything worked out fine for filing taxes. Congrats again on your little one! 💕

Quick update on your question about which pays more - to be super clear, both SDI (disability) and PFL (baby bonding) use the exact same calculation: - If you earn less than 1/3 of the state average quarterly wage, you get 70% of your wages - If you earn more than 1/3 of the state average quarterly wage, you get 60% of your wages So there is absolutely no financial benefit to staying on disability versus moving to PFL. The priority should be making sure there's no gap between the two benefits, which unfortunately requires speaking with an EDD representative.

I went through this exact same nightmare 6 months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: Call EDD at 8am SHARP when they open (1-800-480-3287). Don't hang up even if you get the busy message - keep hitting redial. I literally called 47 times one morning before getting through. When you do reach someone, have both your SDI claim number and your PFL claim number ready. Tell them you need to "coordinate the transition between disability and family leave claims" - use those exact words because it triggers them to look at both claims together. The rep will be able to see that your disability should have ended and your PFL should have started, and they can manually process the transition. Mine was fixed within 24 hours after that call. Also, definitely ask them to backdate your PFL start date so there's no gap in payments. And yes, both pay the exact same amount - I was getting $1,180/week on both disability and baby bonding. Hang in there! The system is broken but once you get a human on the phone, they can actually fix it pretty quickly.