Can I get PFL benefits after baby turned 1 if I got COVID right after benefits expired?

unfortunately no :( PFL benefits strictly end when ur child turns 1, no exceptions. i had something similar happen last year. the system is super rigid about those cutoff dates. once ur baby hits that 1 year mark, thats it - no more benefits even if u didn't use all 8 weeks.

Ughhh that's what I was afraid of. So unfair that I couldn't even use the full time I was entitled to! Do you think it's even worth trying to call them? I'm so desperate I'd beg at this point 😫

While your PFL benefits did expire when your child turned one, you might qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) for your COVID illness period. This would be separate from PFL and requires medical certification of your illness. You'd need to file a DE2501 form with documentation from your doctor confirming you were unable to work due to COVID. There's a 7-day waiting period, but you could potentially receive benefits for the remaining days if you qualify. You should apply ASAP though, as there are time limits for filing disability claims.

Wait really?! I had no idea I could file for disability for COVID! I definitely have documentation from my doctor and positive test results. I'm going to look into this right away. THANK YOU!!!

the same thing happened to me, adn i tried calling EDD four times and thye kept saying no no no. pfl is only for before ur baby turns 1 and then it just cuts off even if u didnt use all of it. so annoying!!!!!

This is correct for PFL, but as I mentioned above, the poster might qualify for regular State Disability Insurance instead, which is different from PFL. COVID illness can qualify for SDI with proper medical documentation.

I've helped many clients with similar situations. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. PFL for baby bonding absolutely ends when your child turns 1 - there are no extensions for any reason\n\n2. BUT as someone mentioned, you could be eligible for regular State Disability Insurance (SDI) for your COVID illness\n\n3. You need to file a DE2501 form with medical certification\n\n4. There's a 7-day unpaid waiting period, so you'd only get paid for days beyond that initial week\n\n5. The claim must be filed within 49 days of your disability start\n\nThe frustrating part is trying to reach EDD to discuss this. If you're having trouble getting through to a representative, check out Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that can connect you with an EDD agent usually within 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5\n\nDon't wait too long to file - the 49-day deadline is strict!

This is incredibly helpful! I'm going to file for SDI right away. And thanks for the Claimyr tip - I've been trying to call EDD for 2 days and keep getting disconnected. I'll check out that service because I have so many questions about the SDI application process!

This system makes me SO ANGRY. Why does EDD make everything so complicated?? They have all these stupid arbitrary rules like the 1-year cutoff that don't consider real life situations. AND they make it impossible to reach anyone on the phone when you need help! I had a baby last year and the whole process was a nightmare from start to finish. First they mixed up my pregnancy disability with my baby bonding claim, then they underpaid me for weeks, and when I finally got it fixed, they accidentally sent me to collections for an

Preach! 🙌 The EDD system feels like it was designed in 1982 and never updated. i litterally had to fax something to them last month. FAX!!! who even has a fax machine anymore??

Just to clarify some misinformation I'm seeing: COVID-related sick leave isn't completely gone everywhere in California. Some employers (mainly larger ones) might still have COVID sick pay available - it depends on your workplace policies and location. Check with your HR department.\n\nRegarding your PFL situation, it's true that baby bonding benefits end when your child turns 1, but filing for SDI for your illness is the correct approach. Keep in mind:\n\n• SDI requires medical certification that you were unable to work\n• The 7-day waiting period means you'll only be paid for days 8+ of your illness\n• The benefit amount is calculated differently than PFL\n• You must file within 49 days of becoming disabled\n\nHave you looked into whether your workplace offers any sick leave you could use retroactively? Some companies allow this.

Thanks for the extra info! Unfortunately I work for a small company (only 12 employees) and we don't have any special COVID policies anymore. And I just started 6 months ago so I only had 3 sick days accrued, which I already used when the baby had RSV earlier this year. I'll definitely pursue the SDI option though!

did u try talking to ur doctor? maybe they can backdate the covid diagnosis to right before ur baby turned 1 so it would still be covered under PFL? just a thought lol

This would be considered fraud and could result in penalties, benefit repayment, and potentially legal consequences. I strongly advise against attempting to falsify documents or dates for any EDD claim. It's not worth the risk.

when u call claimyr do u need to give them ur ssn? i heard u need to give personal information

Claimyr just connects you with EDD - they don't collect your SSN or other sensitive information. They just help you bypass the phone queue and get connected with an actual EDD representative. You only share your personal information directly with the EDD agent after you're connected.

update us if the disability thing works!! i wish i had known about that option when i was going thru this last year. good luck!!

Will do! I'm filling out the DE2501 form right now and gathering my COVID test results and doctor's notes. Fingers crossed this works! 🤞