tldr; EDD is a mess and we're all suffering. Welcome to the club 🎉

I had a similar issue where I was initially approved for only 4 weeks when I should have gotten 8. Turns out there was an error in how they calculated my benefit period. I had to submit additional documentation showing my employment history and wage records. Also, make sure you're clear about what type of PFL you're claiming - bonding vs. care for family member can have different time limits. It took about 3 weeks to get it resolved, but I eventually got the full amount I was owed. Don't let them shortchange you!

I went through this exact same situation in 2023! Yes, you definitely need to file a completely new PFL claim since you returned to work between your disability and baby bonding. The key thing to remember is that pregnancy disability (SDI) and baby bonding (PFL) are two separate programs, even though they're both through EDD. A few tips from my experience: - File online through your EDD account - it's much faster than paper - You'll need your baby's birth certificate as proof of relationship - Make sure your last day worked date matches what your HR will report - You can file up to 30 days before your start date, so you should be fine for next week Don't worry about the disconnected calls - EDD phone system is notorious for that. The online application is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. Just make sure to select "bonding with new child" and not "caring for family member" when filling it out. Good luck!

I just went through this same process in December 2024! You absolutely need to file a new PFL claim since you returned to work between your disability and baby bonding. I was in the exact same boat - disability from September to November, back to work briefly, then wanted to take my bonding time. Here's what worked for me: File online through your EDD portal ASAP since you're starting Monday. You'll need your baby's birth certificate uploaded as proof of relationship. The application asks specifically if this is for "bonding with new child" - make sure you select that option, not caregiving. One thing that tripped me up initially - your "last day worked" should be this Friday (the day before your bonding leave starts), not the last day you worked before going back after disability. EDD is super picky about this date matching what your employer reports, so double-check with HR. The good news is they'll backpay from your actual start date once approved, even if there's a processing delay. My approval took about 8 days and I got paid for all days from when I actually started my leave. Don't stress too much - the online process is way easier than trying to get through on the phone!

Has anyone tried contacting their local representative? I've heard sometimes they can help speed things up with EDD.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - applied 5 weeks ago and haven't heard a peep from them. It's so stressful not knowing what's happening with your application. I've been checking my bank account daily and refreshing the EDD portal constantly. Reading through these comments is actually really helpful though - I had no idea about contacting local representatives or that there were services to help get through on the phone. Definitely going to try some of these suggestions. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, at least now I know I'm not alone in this nightmare! 😩

I'm dealing with almost the exact same Kaiser situation right now! My baby is 2 weeks old and I've been going in circles with this supplemental certification thing. What finally worked for me was calling Kaiser's central appointments line and saying "I need to speak with someone about completing EDD State Disability paperwork - specifically form DE2501." They transferred me to what they called the "Disability Services Unit" and those people actually knew what I was talking about! The person I spoke with explained that Kaiser doctors often submit their own internal disability notes, but EDD has very specific requirements for their DE2501 form that need to be filled out exactly right - things like specific diagnosis codes, exact dates when you became unable to work, and detailed treatment plans. She told me to bring both the EDD notification letter AND a printed copy of the blank DE2501 form to my next appointment, then sit there while my doctor fills it out completely. Don't leave until you see them submit it through the right system! For your husband's PFL timing - we're planning the exact same thing! He's taking 2 weeks right after birth, then saving the other 6 weeks for when I go back to work in a few months. The EDD rep I spoke with confirmed this is totally allowed as long as it's within 12 months and split into no more than 2 periods. Hang in there - the paperwork nightmare does eventually get sorted out! 💙

I'm going through this exact Kaiser/EDD paperwork mess right now too! Just had my baby 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for my SDI benefits because of missing documentation. What I've learned from calling around is that you need to ask Kaiser specifically for their "Medical Review Department" - they handle all third-party medical forms including EDD paperwork. Regular OB offices and even some disability coordinators don't always know the specific EDD requirements. When you call, be super specific: "I need form DE2501 completed for California State Disability Insurance, and EDD has requested supplemental medical certification." Then email them the exact notification you received from EDD so they can see what's missing. Also, definitely push for an in-person appointment to get this done rather than trying to handle it over the phone. I wasted 2 weeks trying to explain what was needed via phone calls before finally going in person with all the paperwork. For your husband's PFL - that flexibility is amazing! We're doing something similar where he took 1 week initially and is saving the other 7 weeks for when I go back to work. Just make sure he keeps good documentation of when he notifies his employer about the timing changes. This whole system is so unnecessarily complicated for new parents who already have enough to deal with! But you'll get through it - just be persistent with Kaiser about getting the right people involved. Good luck! 🍀

One more thing to consider - you can split up your 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding. You don't have to take it all at once. Some dads take 4 weeks right after birth, then save the other 4 weeks for later in the year. Just make sure you use it all within 12 months of the birth. For each separate period, you'll need to file a new claim form.

Just want to add - make sure you understand the waiting period! There's a 7-day waiting period for PFL claims, meaning your first week is unpaid. So if you're planning to take time off, factor that into your budget. Also, if you're planning to split your leave like @Keisha Jackson mentioned, each separate claim period will have its own 7-day waiting period. I learned this the hard way when I took my PFL in two chunks and didn't realize I'd have two unpaid weeks total.