Can I apply for another round of SDI after using PFL baby bonding? Not ready to return to work

Yes, you absolutely can apply for SDI again after your PFL baby bonding if you have a qualifying medical condition that prevents you from working! This is actually fairly common with postpartum complications. You'll need to file a NEW SDI claim (not an extension of your pregnancy disability). Have your doctor complete a new DE2501 form specifically addressing your current medical limitations. Make sure they clearly document that these are complications separate from normal childbirth recovery. There might be a small gap between your PFL ending and new SDI starting while they process the claim, so apply a week before your PFL ends if possible. The new claim will have its own maximum benefit duration based on your doctor's certification.

I did exactly this last year!! Had my baby, used my pregnancy disability, then took my 8 weeks bonding time, but then couldn't go back to work because of severe postpartum depression. My doctor wrote me a new disability claim and I got another 12 weeks of SDI. The KEY thing is making sure your doctor doesn't reference your pregnancy as the cause - it needs to be a separate medical condition that's preventing you from working. My doctor wrote specifically about my mental health condition rather than anything pregnancy-related. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to EDD when I had questions about the transition between benefits because I kept getting disconnected when calling normally. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 - it helped me get answers about my specific situation when I was stressed about the transition.

YES BUT BE CAREFUL. The EDD system will flag your account when you try to do this because they're looking for people trying to get extra benefits beyond the normal maternity period. You need VERY specific documentation from your doctor that clearly states this is a NEW medical condition separate from normal childbirth recovery. I know multiple people who got denied when trying this because their doctor wasn't specific enough about why they couldn't work. Make sure your doctor knows how to properly document your condition for EDD purposes - they need to specify work restrictions and duration. Also, there WILL be a waiting period for the new claim unless you file within 60 days of a previous disability claim (which you probably will be, so you might avoid this).

i did this last year and got DENIED even tho i had legit complications!!! my doctor just wrote "patient needs additional recovery time" which wasn't specific enough. appeal was denied too. ended up taking unpaid leave and it was AWFUL financially. make sure ur doctor writes very specific medical reasons!!!!!

Wait you can do this?? My PFL ends next week and I'm not ready to go back to work yet. Been having really bad back issues since delivery (csection complications). My doctor keeps telling me to take it easy but didn't mention I could get more disability. Now I'm wondering if I should ask about this at my appointment tomorrow. Does anyone know how much of your salary SDI covers compared to PFL? Is it the same percentage?

I actually just went through this whole process!! I was on SDI for pregnancy, then took my 8 weeks of PFL for baby bonding, and THEN got put on SDI again for postpartum anxiety/depression. It's totally possible! But heres what I learned: - You need to file a completely new disability claim - Your doctor needs to be VERY specific about why you can't work - There's a chance they'll investigate it more thoroughly than a normal claim - If approved, you DON'T have to serve another waiting period if it's within 60 days - The transition isn't automatic - there will probably be a gap of 1-2 weeks while they process the new claim Honestly the most stressful part was just the uncertainty while waiting for approval. But it worked out and was such a relief financially!

can u use FMLA for this instead? thats what my sister did when she couldnt go back after her baby. not sure if its paid tho

Just wanted to follow up and mention - call your doctor's office beforehand and let them know exactly what you need. Many doctors aren't familiar with EDD's specific requirements and might not understand the importance of documenting your condition properly for disability benefits. When I did this, I actually brought a printout explaining what needed to be documented on the DE2501 form. My doctor was super appreciative because they deal with so many different forms and insurance requirements. You want them to specify: 1. Exact diagnosis (with codes) 2. Specific work restrictions 3. Expected duration 4. How it differs from normal post-birth recovery This extra step made the process so much smoother for me!

everybody saying this works but nobody talks about how LONG it takes to get approved!! my friend did this and it took like 6 weeks to get her first payment on the new claim even tho she applied before her pfl ended. just be prepared for that!!!

I'm currently going through this exact situation! Just wanted to add that when you file your new SDI claim, make sure to keep detailed records of everything - dates you submitted forms, confirmation numbers, copies of all medical documentation, etc. Also, if you're dealing with mental health complications (anxiety, depression, etc.), don't hesitate to get documentation from a mental health provider too. My therapist was actually more familiar with disability paperwork than my OB and wrote a really comprehensive letter that helped my claim get approved faster. One more tip - if you have any vacation time or sick leave saved up, you might want to ask HR about using that during any gap period between benefits. Some employers will let you use accrued time to supplement reduced disability payments or cover gaps. Worth asking about even if your HR hasn't been super helpful so far! Hang in there - this process is stressful but you're doing the right thing by prioritizing your health and recovery! 💕

This is such valuable information everyone is sharing! I'm a new mom dealing with similar concerns and had no idea this was even possible. My baby is 4 weeks old and I'm already worried about going back to work after my PFL ends because I'm still having issues from my C-section. One question - has anyone dealt with this if you work for a smaller company? I'm wondering if the process is different or if there are any additional complications when your employer doesn't have a big HR department that deals with this stuff regularly. My company only has like 15 employees and I'm pretty sure I'm the first person to ever take maternity leave there, so they seem as confused as I am about the whole process! Also, does anyone know if you can file the new SDI claim online or do you have to mail in paperwork? I'm trying to figure out the logistics of getting everything submitted properly while also managing a newborn. 😅

I'm so glad you asked this question because I was wondering the same thing! I'm currently on PFL for bonding and dealing with some unexpected complications too. Reading through all these responses is incredibly helpful and reassuring. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my own research - make sure to keep copies of ALL your medical records from your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period. I've heard that sometimes EDD will request additional documentation beyond just the DE2501 form, especially if they want to verify that your new condition is truly separate from normal childbirth recovery. Also, if you're dealing with any mental health aspects (which are SO common postpartum but not talked about enough), don't be embarrassed to include that in your documentation. Postpartum anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions are absolutely legitimate medical reasons for disability claims. The financial stress of potentially having gaps in benefits is real, but from what everyone here is saying, it sounds like this is definitely worth pursuing if you genuinely need more time to recover. Your health and your baby's wellbeing are the priority! Wishing you the best with your claim! 🤞

This thread is so incredibly helpful! I'm currently 4 weeks into my PFL bonding time and starting to realize I'm not going to be physically ready to return to work when it ends. I've been having ongoing issues with diastasis recti (abdominal separation) that's making it impossible for me to lift anything or stand for long periods, which my job requires. Reading everyone's experiences gives me hope that this might be an option, but I'm also nervous about the process. Has anyone specifically dealt with diastasis recti or other physical complications (not mental health related) for their follow-up SDI claim? I'm wondering if I need to see a specialist beyond my regular OB to get proper documentation. Also, thank you to everyone who shared the specific tips about what doctors need to include on the DE2501 form - I'm definitely going to print out those requirements to bring to my appointment. The idea of potentially having weeks without income is terrifying, but it sounds like with proper documentation and timing, this can work out. One more question - for those who successfully got approved, did EDD contact your employer at all during the process, or does it all go through EDD directly? Just trying to prepare for any conversations I might need to have with my manager.

This is such an informative thread! I'm currently 6 weeks into my PFL bonding time and have been dealing with severe carpal tunnel that developed during pregnancy and has gotten much worse postpartum. Between the wrist pain and lack of sleep, I can barely type or use my hands for more than a few minutes at a time, which makes my office job impossible right now. I had no idea you could apply for a new SDI claim after PFL! My doctor mentioned at my last appointment that this might take months to resolve and suggested I might need more time off, but didn't explain how to make that work financially. Reading all your experiences and tips about getting proper documentation is giving me so much hope. Quick question - has anyone dealt with repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel for their post-PFL SDI claim? I'm wondering if I should see a specialist or if my OB can handle the documentation. Also, for those mentioning the DE2501 form, is there a way to get a blank copy ahead of time so I can review it with my doctor before my appointment? I want to make sure we don't miss anything important! Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences - this community is amazing! 💕

This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm currently 7 weeks into my PFL bonding time and have been struggling with postpartum thyroiditis that's causing extreme fatigue, brain fog, and heart palpitations. My endocrinologist says it could take 6-12 months to stabilize, but I had no idea I could potentially get SDI after my PFL ends. My job involves a lot of critical thinking and decision-making, and right now I can barely function for more than a couple hours at a time. The brain fog is so bad that I've forgotten to feed myself some days - there's no way I could handle work responsibilities safely. A few questions for this amazing community: 1. Has anyone dealt with thyroid issues for their post-PFL SDI claim? 2. Should I be working with my endocrinologist or OB for the documentation? 3. Is there a minimum severity level that conditions need to meet, or is it more about proving you can't perform your job duties? I'm going to start preparing now since I only have one more week of PFL left. Thank you all for sharing such detailed experiences - this gives me hope that I might be able to get the time I need to actually recover! 💕

I'm so grateful this thread exists! I'm currently 5 weeks into my PFL bonding time and have been dealing with severe postpartum back pain from an epidural complication during delivery. The pain is constant and makes it impossible to sit at a desk for more than 30 minutes, which is basically my entire job as an accountant. My anesthesiologist says this could take several more months to resolve and I might need additional procedures, but like so many others here, I had no idea I could apply for SDI after PFL ends. My employer keeps asking when I'll be "back to normal" and I honestly don't have an answer. Reading everyone's experiences about getting proper documentation is so helpful - I'm definitely going to work with my pain management specialist rather than just my OB for the DE2501 form. The tip about being very specific with work restrictions is crucial since I need to explain why desk work is impossible right now. One thing I'm worried about is that this started during labor - will EDD see this as pregnancy-related even though it's technically an anesthesia complication? Has anyone dealt with delivery-related injuries that occurred during the birth process itself? I want to make sure I frame this correctly when I apply. Thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge and experiences. This community is literally a lifesaver for new moms trying to navigate these complex systems! 💕

This thread is incredibly helpful and reassuring! I'm currently 3 weeks into my PFL bonding time but already worried about what happens when it ends. I've been dealing with severe postpartum migraines that are completely different from anything I experienced during pregnancy - they're triggered by lack of sleep, stress, and even bright computer screens, which makes my marketing job basically impossible right now. My neurologist thinks it might be hormone-related and could take months to stabilize, but I hadn't even considered that I might be able to get additional disability benefits after PFL. Reading everyone's detailed experiences about working with specialists and getting proper documentation is giving me so much hope! I'm especially grateful for the tips about being specific with work restrictions and making sure doctors understand what needs to be documented on the DE2501 form. The advice about downloading the form ahead of time and bringing it to appointments is brilliant - I definitely wouldn't have thought of that. One question for this amazing community: has anyone dealt with neurological conditions like severe migraines for their post-PFL SDI claim? I'm wondering if I should focus on working with my neurologist rather than my OB for the documentation, especially since these migraines seem to be a separate issue from normal postpartum recovery. Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and creating such a supportive space for navigating these complicated systems! 💕

I'm currently going through this exact situation and wanted to share what I learned from my experience! I just successfully transitioned from PFL to a new SDI claim for postpartum complications. Here's what worked for me: 1. **Apply EARLY** - I submitted my new SDI claim about 10 days before my PFL ended to minimize any gap in benefits 2. **Get the right specialist** - Don't rely on just your OB. I worked with both a pelvic floor specialist and my psychiatrist for comprehensive documentation 3. **Be extremely specific** - My doctors documented exact limitations like "cannot stand for more than 2 hours continuously" and "requires 15-minute rest breaks every hour due to pain" The most important thing is making sure your condition is documented as separate from normal childbirth recovery. My pelvic floor specialist was amazing at explaining how my issues were complications requiring ongoing treatment, not just standard postpartum healing. I did have about a 10-day gap between benefits while the new claim processed, but I got backpay for that period once approved. The financial stress was real, but having proper documentation made all the difference. You're absolutely doing the right thing prioritizing your health - don't let anyone make you feel like you're asking for too much. Recovery looks different for everyone! Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions about the process. 💕

This thread has been so incredibly helpful - thank you to everyone sharing their experiences! I'm currently 6 weeks into my PFL bonding time and have been struggling with complications that my doctor didn't anticipate when we originally planned my return timeline. Reading through all these detailed responses gives me so much hope and practical guidance. The tips about working with specialists (not just your OB), being extremely specific about work limitations, and downloading the DE2501 form ahead of time are game-changers. I had no idea I needed to be so detailed about functional restrictions. What really stands out to me is how important it is to frame these as NEW medical conditions separate from normal postpartum recovery. That distinction seems to be the key to getting approved rather than denied. I'm planning to start this process next week - going to schedule appointments with both my OB and a specialist, download the form to review ahead of time, and make sure I apply about 10 days before my PFL ends to minimize any gap in benefits. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation - don't feel guilty about needing more time to recover! Every person and every birth is different, and complications happen. Our health and our babies' wellbeing have to come first. This community proves that there are options even when HR departments aren't helpful. 💕 Sending strength to all the mamas navigating this process!

This entire thread has been incredibly informative and reassuring! As someone who's currently 4 weeks into PFL bonding time and starting to worry about my return to work date, I can't express how valuable all of these shared experiences have been. What's really striking is how many people had no idea this was even possible - including me until reading this! It seems like there's a real knowledge gap where people think you only get your initial pregnancy disability plus PFL bonding time, and that's it. But clearly there are legitimate options for additional support when genuine complications arise. A few key takeaways that seem consistent across everyone's experiences: - Work with specialists beyond your OB for documentation - Be extremely specific about functional limitations on the DE2501 form - Frame your condition as separate from normal postpartum recovery - Apply about 10 days before PFL ends to minimize benefit gaps - Keep detailed records of everything The emphasis on not feeling guilty about needing more recovery time really resonates too. It's so easy to feel pressure to "bounce back" on some predetermined timeline, but every pregnancy and birth is different. Some people need more time, and that's completely valid. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share such detailed, helpful information. This kind of community support makes navigating these complex systems so much more manageable! 💕