Can I claim postpartum depression after PFL baby bonding without returning to work?
Hi everyone! I just finished my 6 weeks of pregnancy disability (SDI) after having my daughter in February. I'm now transitioning to Paid Family Leave for baby bonding, but I've been struggling with what I think might be postpartum depression. My doctor mentioned it at my last appointment. My question is: If I use my 8 weeks of PFL for baby bonding and then my postpartum depression gets worse, can I go back on disability for that reason? Or do I have to return to work for at least 14 days before filing a new disability claim for postpartum depression? I'm worried about losing income if I can't work but also can't receive benefits. I've tried calling EDD multiple times but keep getting disconnected. Any help would be really appreciated!
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Ian Armstrong
In California, you actually CAN go from Paid Family Leave directly to a disability claim for postpartum depression without returning to work first. The 14-day work requirement doesn't apply when your disability is related to your pregnancy/childbirth. Postpartum depression is considered pregnancy-related. You'll need your doctor to complete a new DE2501 form specifically for the postpartum depression diagnosis once your baby bonding PFL ends. Make sure your doctor clearly indicates it's related to your pregnancy/childbirth on the form. I went through this myself last year. Just be aware that the transition isn't always smooth - I had to call EDD several times to make sure the new claim was processed correctly.
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Molly Chambers
•Thank you so much for the clear answer! That's such a relief. I was so worried I'd have to choose between my mental health and financial stability. Did you have to submit any additional documentation besides the DE2501 form? Also, was there a gap between when your PFL ended and when the new disability benefits started?
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Eli Butler
yes u can go right to disabilty for ppd but ur doctor has to say its pregnancy related!!! i did this in 2022 and got 10 more weeks. dont listen to anyone who says u have to go back to work first thats NOT TRUE for ppd!
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Marcus Patterson
•This is mostly correct but I want to clarify - while you don't need to return to work before filing for disability due to postpartum depression, the maximum benefit period for all pregnancy-related disabilities combined (including postpartum depression) is typically 52 weeks. So you won't automatically get 10 more weeks - the duration depends on your doctor's certification and your specific medical condition.
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Lydia Bailey
I'm in a similar boat and tried calling the EDD for THREE DAYS to get this answered!!! Every time I called I was on hold for over an hour and then got disconnected. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 The agent confirmed that postpartum depression is considered pregnancy-related so you DON'T need to return to work before filing a new disability claim. Just make sure your doctor documents that it's directly related to your pregnancy/childbirth.
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Molly Chambers
•Thank you for the recommendation! I'll check out Claimyr if I need to get specific questions answered. It's so frustrating trying to get through to EDD directly.
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Mateo Warren
This isn't completely accurate!! You have to exhaust all your PFL baby bonding FIRST before you can claim disability for PPD. If you try to stop PFL early to switch to disability, they'll deny your claim. At least that's what happened to me in December. I had to appeal and it was a whole nightmare. Just use all 8 weeks of PFL and THEN file the disability claim for PPD.
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Ian Armstrong
•You're right about using all PFL first - I should have been clearer. You can't switch mid-PFL claim. The OP was asking about after completing PFL, not interrupting it. And yes, when filing the new claim, the doctor needs to clearly document that the PPD is pregnancy-related with specific symptoms that prevent you from working. Just having a PPD diagnosis isn't automatically sufficient.
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Sofia Price
Wait I'm confused - isn't postpartum depression covered under regular SDI? Why are we talking about PFL at all? Or are you asking if you can go back to SDI after doing PFL baby bonding? Sorry just trying to understand the question better.
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Marcus Patterson
•Let me clarify: After giving birth, a mother typically gets 6-8 weeks of pregnancy disability (SDI) for physical recovery. Then they can transition to 8 weeks of Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding. The original poster is asking if AFTER using both of those benefits, they can file a NEW disability claim for postpartum depression without returning to work first. The answer is yes, because PPD is considered pregnancy-related, so the usual requirement to return to work for 14 days before filing a new disability claim doesn't apply.
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Alice Coleman
I had severe PPD with my first baby in 2023 and ended up on disability for it after my baby bonding time. Make sure your doctor is very specific about your symptoms and how they prevent you from working. My first claim was denied because the doctor just wrote "postpartum depression" without details. Second attempt with detailed symptoms got approved right away. Also, get the claim started BEFORE your PFL ends so there's no gap in payments. They can't process it until your PFL is complete, but you can submit the paperwork early. Also, I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. PPD is horrible and you deserve support. Please reach out to Postpartum Support International if you need additional resources - they have a helpline at 1-800-944-4773.
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Molly Chambers
•Thank you so much for the helpful details AND for the supportive words. It's been really tough, and I wasn't prepared for how intense these feelings would be. I'll definitely check out that helpline. And thanks for the tip about getting the paperwork started before PFL ends - that's really smart!
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Owen Jenkins
My sister went through this last year and her doctor told her that she should just apply for regular disability and not mention pregnancy at all because it would be processed faster lol. But I think the official way is definitely better!
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Marcus Patterson
•That's actually risky advice! If the EDD discovers you've intentionally concealed information about your claim being pregnancy-related, it could be considered fraud. Always be truthful on your disability applications. The pregnancy-related designation actually HELPS in this case since it exempts you from the return-to-work requirement.
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Molly Chambers
Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful information! I'm going to talk to my doctor at my appointment next week and make sure they document everything properly when the time comes. I'll use all 8 weeks of my PFL first, then transition to disability for the PPD if I'm still struggling. It's such a relief to know I have options and don't have to worry about returning to work first. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and knowledge!
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