Can I cancel PFL claim if I have to return to work? New mom job security issue

ugh this happened to my sister!!! her company did the SAME thing last year. she only worked there 10 months before having her baby. so messed up that they waited until AFTER her disability ended to tell her this!!

You need to understand your rights here. Under CFRA (California Family Rights Act), you're right that you need 12 months with your employer to qualify for job protection during baby bonding leave. However, with PFL, you're still eligible for the wage replacement benefits through EDD regardless of your job protection status. To answer your specific question - yes, you can stop a PFL claim if you return to work. You must report your return to work date to EDD immediately. When you certify for benefits, you'll need to report any work and earnings. If you don't properly report your work status, it could be considered fraud and potentially lead to penalties. If you return to work, you can actually save the remaining PFL weeks to use later (within 12 months of the birth). It doesn't have to be taken all at once.

Just to clarify something important here - don't confuse BABY BONDING (PFL) with FMLA/CFRA job protection!!! These are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT things that people mix up all the time! PFL = money from EDD while you're off work FMLA/CFRA = job protection laws You can get PFL money even if you don't qualify for FMLA/CFRA! But your employer doesn't have to hold your job without the FMLA/CFRA qualification (which you don't have at 9 months employment). This is why California's system is SO FRUSTRATING!!!!!

Calling is literally the ONLY way to properly handle this. I know it sucks, but if you don't want to risk an overpayment situation, you need to talk to a real person at EDD. I had to cancel part of my PFL last year when my company restructured, and the online system doesn't handle these situations well. You might end up with an overpayment notice months later if you don't get it documented properly by phone.

To properly handle this situation: 1. Document your return-to-work date 2. Call EDD to report this change (yes, calling is necessary for this specific situation) 3. On your bi-weekly certification, accurately report your work and earnings 4. Keep all documentation of your communication with EDD If you do receive benefits after returning to work, DO NOT cash the check or spend the direct deposit. Contact EDD immediately to arrange repayment. Also, something to consider: You could potentially negotiate with your employer for a shorter leave period to preserve your job while still using some of your PFL benefits. Some employers are willing to be flexible even if they're not legally required to hold your position.

You can receive partial PFL benefits while working part-time, but you must report all earnings during your certification periods. Your weekly benefit amount will be reduced according to your part-time earnings. The formula they use is somewhat complicated, but essentially, if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive a partial payment. If you earn more than your weekly benefit amount in a given week, you won't receive benefits for that week. Just be very careful to report accurately. Many overpayment situations happen because of misreported earnings during partial work periods.

The California system is SUCH A MESS!! I'm in HR and I see this confusion ALL THE TIME with our employees. The state should really combine these programs or at least make them clearer!!! One thing to watch out for - if you cancel your claim entirely and then try to restart it later (like if you wanted to take some leave later in the year), it can be REALLY complicated. Sometimes better to report your work and get $0 for those weeks but keep the claim open. Then you don't have to refile if you need time off again later!

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I just got off the phone with my boss and we worked out a compromise - I'll come back part-time (25 hours/week) for the next 4 weeks, then reassess. This way I keep my job and still get to use some of my PFL benefits. I'm going to use that Claimyr service tomorrow to speak with EDD directly about how to properly report my part-time hours and make sure everything is documented correctly. I'll update here once I get it all sorted out in case it helps someone else in the future. I'm still disappointed about not getting my full bonding time with my baby, but at least this is a workable solution.

make sure u get that part time agreement in WRITING!!! my friend had a "verbal agreement" with her boss for part time after baby and then they totally changed the hours on her when she came back!!