Can I file for EDD PFL baby bonding after being laid off? Post-C-section timing question
I just found out I'm on the chopping block for layoffs at my company next month 😠I had my baby in January (c-section) and took the 8 weeks of pregnancy disability leave, but went back to work afterward because I hadn't been at this job long enough for FMLA/CFRA protection (only 9 months when I delivered). Now I'm wondering - since I haven't used ANY of my baby bonding PFL benefits yet, can I apply for those 8 weeks right before I get laid off? Or even after getting laid off? Would I qualify for the full 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding even though I'm about to be unemployed? My baby is just 4 months old now. Need to figure this out ASAP since the layoffs are happening in waves and I might be in the next round.
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Zainab Ibrahim
yep u can still claim those 8 wks of bonding time! u get a full year from babys bday to use them. Just gotta file before the layoff happens tho
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Miguel Ramos
•Seriously?? That would be such a relief. So I should submit the claim while I'm still technically employed? Do I need to tell my HR department first or just go straight to filing with EDD?
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StarSailor
The previous comment isn't entirely accurate. You can claim PFL baby bonding within 12 months of your child's birth, but there are important considerations in your situation: 1. You need to be employed OR actively looking for work while on PFL 2. You should file BEFORE your last day of work if possible 3. Your employer doesn't have to approve it if you haven't been there 12 months (as you noted) 4. You'll still qualify for the full 8 weeks of baby bonding benefits I'd recommend filing immediately through SDI Online and then informing your employer. The key is timing - get that claim submitted before the layoff happens. This way the bond between you and your employment is still intact when the claim begins.
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Zainab Ibrahim
•oops my bad! didnt know u had to be working or job hunting during bonding time. thats kinda weird since ur supposed to be taking care of the baby?? edd rules r confusing
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Miguel Ramos
Thank you for the clarification! I'm going to file tonight. Do you know if I need any special documentation from my doctor since I already completed my pregnancy disability leave? And what happens if I get laid off in the middle of my baby bonding leave? Will they terminate my benefits?
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StarSailor
•For baby bonding, you don't need a medical certification - just the baby's birth certificate. If you're laid off during your baby bonding leave, your benefits should continue since you qualified when you applied. Just make sure you complete all your bi-weekly certifications on time. One important note: file the DE2508F form specifically for Paid Family Leave. It's different from the pregnancy disability form you used before.
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Connor O'Brien
I was in a similar situation last year except I was 5 months postpartum when I got laid off. I had taken my disability after birth but not my bonding time yet. I called EDD like 20 times and couldn't get anyone to answer my questions!! Nobody picked up and when I did get through once they transferred me and I got disconnected. So frustrating when you're trying to figure out benefits with a baby at home!!
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Yara Sabbagh
•If you're struggling to reach EDD on the phone (which is common!), try Claimyr. I used it last month when I had issues with my transition from disability to baby bonding. It got me through to an actual EDD rep in about 25 minutes instead of calling for days. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 It was the only way I actually got answers about my specific situation. The EDD rep I spoke with was able to fix my claim on the spot.
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Keisha Johnson
APPLY IMMEDIATELY!!! EDD will find ANY reason to deny you. I filed for baby bonding after being laid off (waitied 1 week after my last day) and they denied me saying I wasn't employed. Such garbage. They don't care about parents AT ALL. File before your last day and screenshot EVERYTHING in case they try to deny you later.
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Miguel Ramos
•That's terrifying! I'm definitely applying tonight. Did you appeal when they denied you? Were you able to get it resolved?
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Keisha Johnson
•I appealed but it took FOREVER and I still lost because technically they were following their stupid rules. Just don't make my mistake - apply while still employed! The system is designed to deny benefits whenever possible.
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Paolo Rizzo
I want to add something important that others haven't mentioned. If you do get laid off, you should also apply for unemployment benefits (UI) after your PFL baby bonding period ends. You cannot collect UI and PFL at the same time, but you can receive them consecutively. Example timeline: 1. File for PFL baby bonding before layoff (do this immediately) 2. Receive 8 weeks of PFL benefits 3. After PFL ends, apply for UI benefits (which can last up to 26 weeks in California) This maximizes your benefits during this difficult transition. Also, document the layoff carefully - make sure you get written confirmation it's due to company downsizing (not performance) so there's no issue with your UI claim later.
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Miguel Ramos
•This is incredibly helpful! I hadn't even thought about UI after the PFL ends. So I would potentially have 8 weeks of bonding time plus UI after? That would give me a much better runway to find a new job while taking care of my baby. Thank you!!
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QuantumQuest
when I had my baby last year I had to switch between all these benefits and lemme tell you its CONFUSING! my HR person kept saying different things than EDD and I just gave up trying to understand it all lol. But I did get my money eventually even with all the confusion so hang in there!!
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Miguel Ramos
UPDATE: I just submitted my PFL claim through SDI Online! The website was glitchy (of course 🙄) but I got it done. I'm planning to tell my manager tomorrow that I'm taking baby bonding leave starting next week. I'm nervous about the timing since the layoff notices are supposed to go out soon. Hoping this works out! Thanks everyone for your advice - will update when I hear back from EDD.
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Zainab Ibrahim
•good luck!! keep us posted!!
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StarSailor
•Excellent! Your claim should be timestamped now, which is the most important thing. When you tell your manager, I'd recommend doing it in writing (email) and BCC your personal email so you have documentation. Also print or save a copy of your claim confirmation from SDI Online as proof you filed while employed.
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