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Luis Johnson

Can I get EDD PFL for caring for newly moved-in disabled adult nephew?

Hi everyone, I'm facing an unexpected situation and hoping someone can help with PFL advice. My adult nephew (27) who has significant developmental disabilities just moved in with me rather suddenly after his previous living arrangement fell through. I need to take some time off work to help him get settled, find appropriate day programs, and set up medical care in our area. Has anyone used Paid Family Leave for a similar situation with an adult family member who has disabilities? I'm not his legal guardian but I am his only available family support right now. Would this qualify under the caregiving portion of PFL or is that only for people with serious health conditions? Not sure if this counts as "bonding" since he's an adult. Any experience with this type of situation would be super helpful!

Ellie Kim

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PFL is for bonding with new child or caring for sick family member. If ur nephew has a medical condition that needs ur help then yes u can apply but doctor has to fill out form. Not for just moving in tho or finding programs. Has to be actual medical care u giving him.

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Luis Johnson

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Thanks for the response. He does have ongoing medical care needs related to his disability. I'll need to help him with medication management, therapy appointments, and some daily living activities while we get appropriate support services lined up. Do you know if I'd need his doctor to complete paperwork or would mine do it?

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Fiona Sand

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To qualify for PFL caregiving benefits, you need to be providing care for a family member with a serious health condition. The key factors here: 1. Your nephew counts as a qualifying family member under PFL rules 2. His developmental disability likely qualifies as a serious health condition if it requires ongoing care 3. You'll need his doctor to complete the medical certification (Form DE 2501F) confirming his condition requires your care 4. You don't need legal guardianship to claim PFL for a family member The time you're taking isn't for "bonding" (which only applies to new parents) but would fall under the caregiving portion of PFL if you're helping with medical appointments, medication management, or other health-related needs.

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This is correct. I took PFL last year to care for my sister after her stroke even though she has a husband - any family member can provide care. The key is having the medical provider document that the family member needs assistance with daily activities or medical care. Your nephew's disability likely qualifies if it impacts his ability to perform regular daily functions without assistance.

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Just went thru something similar with my disabled cousin! I was so confused about all the paperwork and spent HOURS trying to get someone at EDD on the phone. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an EDD agent in like 15 minutes! They have this video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 The agent explained that my cousin's doctor needed to complete the medical certification form confirming he needed my care. I qualified for 8 weeks of benefits even though I'm not his guardian. Made a huge difference for us while setting up his new care routine!

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Luis Johnson

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Thank you for the suggestion! I've been trying to call EDD for two days with no luck. I'll check out that service since I really need to talk to someone to make sure I'm filling out the right paperwork. Did you have to submit any additional documentation beyond the medical certification?

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Finnegan Gunn

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my brothr has autism and i took care of him when mom was hospitalized. pfl paid me but took like 3 weeks to process everything. u need his doctor to say he needs care specifikally from u. they asked why other services couldnt do it so be ready to explain that

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Luis Johnson

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That's really helpful to know, thanks! Did you apply online or use the paper forms? I'll make sure to document why I specifically need to provide this care during the transition period.

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Miguel Harvey

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I work for a disability advocacy organization and want to clarify something important: PFL caregiving benefits require that you're providing *care* for a serious health condition, not just helping someone relocate or find services. However, if your nephew requires assistance with activities of daily living due to his disability (bathing, medication management, medical appointments, etc.), then you likely qualify. Also, if his disability affects his mental functions and you're providing psychological comfort and reassurance during this transition, that can qualify as well. Make sure his doctor clearly documents these needs on the medical certification form. The EDD doesn't make this very clear, but caregiving can include accompanying someone to appointments and providing comfort for mental health conditions too.

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Ashley Simian

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THIS!!!! My claim was initially denied because I didn't specify that I was providing MEDICAL care for my dad after his surgery. Once I had the doctor revise the paperwork to explicitly state I was helping with wound care, medication management and physical therapy exercises at home, it was approved right away. Be VERY specific about the medical care aspects!!!

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Oliver Cheng

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Does anyone know if there's a waiting period for PFL caregiving like there is for disability? I'm in a similar situation and trying to figure out when benefits would actually start if approved.

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Fiona Sand

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There's no waiting period for PFL caregiving benefits like there is for SDI. If your claim is approved, benefits begin on the first day you take off work to provide care. However, processing can take 2-3 weeks typically, so you might not receive payments right away even though they'll be backdated to your first day of leave.

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Luis Johnson

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Update: I talked to an EDD representative (finally!) and got some clear answers. Since my nephew has a documented developmental disability that requires care, and since I'll be helping with his medical appointments, medication management, and daily living needs during this transition, I DO qualify for PFL caregiving benefits. I need his doctor to complete the medical certification detailing what specific care he needs from me. The rep confirmed I can take up to 8 weeks, either all at once or broken up over a 12-month period. This is such a relief as it will give us time to get appropriate support services in place. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

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That's great news! Make sure you have your own documentation of all the care you're providing in case they request additional information. I kept a simple log of medical appointments, medication assistance, and other care activities during my leave, which really helped when they called to verify my claim.

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Ellie Kim

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good luck! hope it goes smooth for u and ur nephew

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