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!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My wife just had our baby 4 days ago and I filed my PFL claim the same day. Still showing "pending review" and I keep refreshing the portal like crazy. Reading everyone's experiences here is actually really reassuring - sounds like 1-2 weeks is totally normal even though it feels like an eternity when you're stressing about money. Thanks for posting this question, it's helping me feel less alone in the waiting game! Hope you get good news soon 🤞

Congrats on your new baby! 🎉 I went through this exact same anxiety when my daughter was born in January. My PFL claim took 9 days to process, and like everyone else said, it just sits at "pending review" until suddenly one day it switches to approved. One thing that helped me was calling my HR department to confirm they had submitted their portion correctly - turns out they had a small delay on their end that added a couple extra days. Also, even though the wait is stressful, remember that PFL payments are retroactive to your leave start date, so you won't lose any money even if it takes a bit longer. The financial stress with a newborn is so real, but try to hang in there! The system works, it's just frustratingly slow. Enjoy those newborn snuggles while you wait! 💕

This is absolutely unacceptable! I'm dealing with something similar - submitted my baby bonding claim by mail 6 weeks ago and have heard nothing. What's really frustrating is that EDD doesn't even have a proper tracking system for mailed applications. You send important documents into a black hole and just have to hope for the best. I've started keeping a detailed log of every attempt to contact them because at this point I'm wondering if I'll need to file a complaint with the state. The fact that people are waiting 2+ months for basic communication about claims that should be processed within weeks is ridiculous. Has anyone had success reaching out to the governor's office or filing complaints with other state agencies? This system is failing California families when we need support the most.

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I just went through a similar nightmare with my baby bonding claim. I mailed mine in December and didn't hear anything for 10 weeks. What finally worked for me was creating an online EDD account (if you don't have one) and using the "Ask EDD" feature to send a message asking about my claim status. They actually responded within 3 business days through the online portal, even though they never answered my calls. Turns out my employer had never responded to their verification request, which was holding everything up. Once I contacted my HR department and they submitted the missing info, my claim was processed within a week. I'd definitely try the online message system before giving up - it seems like their digital customer service is way more responsive than phone support right now. Also, make sure to include your SSN and the approximate date you mailed your application when you message them. Good luck!

idk if this helps but I had a similar issue and it turned out there was a flag on my account for potential identity verification. Might be worth asking about that when you do get through.

Another option that worked for me - if you're having trouble with the online portal, try checking your bank account or debit card for any recent deposits from EDD. Sometimes the payments go through even when the website isn't updated properly. You can also look for any correspondence in your mail - they usually send notices when payments are issued. Hope this helps!

I went through almost this exact scenario two years ago! I was 30 weeks pregnant when I finally got a job offer after months of searching. Here's what I learned: First, regarding SDI timing - you typically can't get pregnancy disability benefits until 4 weeks before your due date unless there are complications. Since you mentioned potential gestational hypertension, definitely discuss this with your OB as it might qualify you for earlier benefits. Second, about pausing/restarting SDI - as others mentioned, you can't technically "pause" it. If you return to work, your claim ends and you'd file a new one after delivery. BUT here's the key thing no one mentioned: make sure you have enough recent wages to qualify for a new claim. Since you've been unemployed for months, your benefit calculation might be based on older wages. My advice: If you get a job offer, consider negotiating a start date that gives you a few weeks to work before delivery. This accomplishes several things: 1) You establish some recent wages for potential future SDI claims, 2) You build goodwill with the employer, and 3) You get some income flowing again. Also, don't forget about WIC and other assistance programs while you're navigating this - pregnancy qualifies you for additional support that can help bridge financial gaps. The system is frustrating but manageable if you plan ahead. Feel free to ask if you want more details about my experience!

I'm currently going through a very similar situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far! I'm 32 weeks pregnant and was unemployed for about 4 months before landing a position last month. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of all my options with dates. I mapped out when I could potentially start SDI (with and without complications), when I'd deliver, and what my benefit eligibility would look like under different scenarios. This helped me make a more informed decision about whether to take a job offer. I ended up taking a position and being upfront with my employer after the offer about my pregnancy timeline. They were actually really understanding and we worked out a plan where I'd work for about 6 weeks, take maternity leave, and then return. Having those recent wages has definitely helped with my benefit calculations. A few practical tips: 1) Start gathering all your employment documentation now (pay stubs, tax forms, etc.) - you'll need this for any benefit applications, 2) If you have any pregnancy complications, document everything with your doctor as it could qualify you for earlier SDI, 3) Consider reaching out to a benefits counselor at EDD or through community organizations - they can sometimes explain your specific situation better than the general website info. The whole system is definitely confusing, but having a clear plan and understanding your options makes it much less stressful. Wishing you the best with whatever path you choose!