Can I get baby bonding PFL after quitting my job 2 weeks before birth?

Yes, you can still apply for PFL baby bonding! California PFL is completely different from FMLA. As long as you were paying into SDI (State Disability Insurance) during your base period, you should qualify. When you leave work doesn't matter for PFL eligibility. The base period is usually 5-17 months before you file your claim. Since you worked full-time for 5 years and just recently quit, you definitely have enough wages in your base period. File your DE2508 form ASAP through the EDD website or by mail. Just remember, PFL gives you 8 weeks of partial wage replacement for bonding, which you can take all at once or split up, but you must use it within the first year of birth.

Be careful with the timing! I'm not 100% sure, but I think there might be an issue if you weren't actively employed when the baby was born. When I had my baby last year, the EDD rep told me you need to be employed or on SDI pregnancy disability leave when you start PFL baby bonding. Did you file for pregnancy disability leave after quitting but before giving birth?

You absolutely can file for PFL baby bonding! I was in almost the exact same situation in 2023. Left my toxic job about 3 weeks before my due date (couldn't take it anymore) and was approved for PFL with no issues. Here's what you need to do: 1. File form DE2508 through EDD website 2. Have your baby's birth certificate ready (they'll ask for a copy) 3. Provide your last employer's info and your last day worked The benefit is calculated based on your highest earning quarter in the base period. With 5 years at your previous job, you should qualify for the maximum weekly benefit (around $1,620 in 2025). One tip: EDD phone lines are impossible to get through if you have questions. I spent hours trying. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Totally worth it for peace of mind. Good luck and congrats on your baby!

im pretty sure u need 2 b emplouyed when u give birth 4 PFL? my sister tried to get it after quitting her job and got denied. maybe the rules r different now tho?

I was on the EDD website yesterday for my own PFL claim and I noticed they specifically state: "You don't need to be employed or looking for work to receive PFL benefits." So I think you're good!

The CA system is so confusing!!! I'm going through this nightmare right now too. Just a heads up - they might ask why you quit your job. I had to provide a statement explaining why I left (medical reasons in my case) because some reasons for quitting can affect eligibility. They took FOREVER to process my claim because of this - like 6 weeks! And trying to call them was a joke - always busy signals or 3+ hour waits. DON'T wait to file your claim! Do it NOW even if you're missing some documents. You can always submit those later. The longer you wait, the more complicated it gets.

congrats on ur baby!! 🎉 my friend just had her baby and she said when she called EDD they told her u can get PFL as long as u paid SDI taxes in the last 18 months. so u should be fine since u worked for 5 yrs!

Wait I'm confused... You said you want to apply for FMLA in your post but then everyone's talking about PFL? Those are completely different things. FMLA is job protection through your employer (which you definitely don't qualify for since you quit). PFL is the CA wage replacement program. Just making sure you understand the difference?

One more thing I forgot to mention - make sure you have your ID.me account set up before trying to file your PFL claim online. The EDD website now requires this verification, and it can take a day or two to get approved. Would hate for you to have delays because of that technical step!

Hi Andre! I went through something very similar last year - had to leave my job at 36 weeks due to severe pregnancy complications and stress. I was so worried about losing benefits, but PFL saved us financially during those early weeks with our baby. Just wanted to add a few things that helped me with my application: 1. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit - EDD has a habit of "losing" documents 2. Take screenshots of your online application confirmation pages 3. If you have any pregnancy-related medical records mentioning work stress, keep those handy in case they ask why you quit The whole process took about 3-4 weeks for me to get my first payment, but it was such a relief when it came through. You've got this! And congratulations on your daughter! 👶✨ Also, don't let anyone tell you that quitting disqualifies you - that's just not true for CA PFL. You earned those benefits by paying into SDI for 5 years!

Hey andre, so I am in the same situation as you but im quitting before my disability ends because they want me to go back to work but I am in a very stressful PP state that is not safe for me to go back to work and my disability will no longer be extended and I exhausted my FMLA so I have no job protection anymore. According to them, if I don't go back after my disability ends I will lose my job. So I plan to quit and then take my baby bonding. Did they ask you for any proof of employment or why did you quit?