Have you tried reaching out to your HR department? Sometimes they can help navigate these issues or provide documentation that EDD will accept.

I went through something similar last year! The key thing that helped me was getting a supervisor on the phone and walking them through the timeline step by step. Make sure you emphasize that your SDI was already approved - that's proof that your dates and eligibility were valid. Also, double-check what date they have on file as your "leave start date" vs what you actually reported. Sometimes there's a data entry error on their end that causes the whole 41-day calculation to be wrong. Don't let them brush you off - if the first person can't help, politely ask for a supervisor or specialist who can review your case more thoroughly.

Just to clarify the process a bit more since there's some confusion in the responses: 1. You CAN file your new disability claim before your PFL ends (and should) 2. In the new claim, make sure to indicate it's for a postpartum condition related to your previous pregnancy 3. Your benefit amount should be the same as your original disability claim 4. They'll use the same EDD debit card you already have 5. Make sure your doctor clearly documents that this is a continuation of care for a pregnancy-related condition Also, keep in mind that you're entitled to reasonable accommodations when you do return to work under both CFRA and FEHA if you're still experiencing postpartum complications.

I went through this exact transition 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I filed my new SDI claim online 3 days before my PFL ended. The key is making sure your doctor clearly states on the DE2501 that this is a postpartum complication continuing from your pregnancy. I also wrote a brief note in the "additional information" section explaining I was transitioning from baby bonding PFL back to disability for ongoing postpartum issues. My payments continued seamlessly with only a 1-day gap. Don't stress too much - this transition is more common than you think and EDD has a process for it. The most important thing is filing BEFORE your PFL ends!

for baby bonding later make sure u apply ON THE FIRST DAY after ur disability ends!! i waited a week thinking id get backdated and i lost a whole week of $$

I went through something similar with my second baby. The mental health extension paperwork can be confusing, but here's what helped me: I called my doctor's office and asked them to email me confirmation that they sent the DE2525XX form, along with the date they submitted it. Having that documentation gave me peace of mind while waiting for EDD to process everything. Also, don't feel guilty about needing the extension for PPD/PPA - this is exactly what the system is designed for. Taking care of your mental health IS taking care of your baby. The transition to PFL baby bonding will happen smoothly once your extended disability period ends, but focus on getting better first. Wishing you all the best! 💙

Just a final tip: when you file your PFL claim, take screenshots of everything you submit and note your confirmation number. The EDD systems sometimes have glitches, and having documentation of what you submitted and when can save you headaches if there are any issues with your claim processing.

Hey Diego! I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago and totally understand the panic. Everyone here has given you great advice - the 6 weeks SDI for vaginal delivery is completely normal, then you transition to PFL for bonding time. Just wanted to add one thing that helped me: if you're breastfeeding, you might be eligible for additional SDI weeks if you have complications like mastitis or other nursing-related issues that prevent you from working. My doctor was able to extend my SDI by 2 weeks when I had severe engorgement issues. But definitely file for PFL as your backup plan regardless! Also, when you do file the PFL claim, make sure your employer information is exactly as it appears on your paystubs - any discrepancies can cause delays. Good luck with everything!

Quick update for you - I just checked with my husband who filed PFL in February 2025. His claim took exactly 11 days to process. The first week was completely silent, then it suddenly changed from pending to approved. No notifications or anything. Just keep checking the portal daily!

Hey Mila! First off, congrats on your new little one! 🎉 I totally get the stress about waiting for PFL approval - been there myself. My claim took about 8 days last year, which felt like forever when you're watching every penny. One thing that helped me stay sane was setting up a daily reminder to check the portal at the same time each day instead of obsessively refreshing it. Also, if you haven't already, make sure your husband saved all his confirmation numbers and screenshots from when he submitted everything - just in case you need them later. The good news is that once it's approved, the payments usually start pretty quickly and they backdate to when his leave started. Hang in there - you're doing great! 💪