Can I restart SDI for postpartum depression after PFL ends? Doctor referral issues

I went thru something similar!!! My doctor wouldn't extend my disability for PPD but I found a psychiatrist who took my insurance and got another 6 wks. I had to file a NEW claim even tho it was for the same condition. Make sure u don't wait til ur PFL ends completely, there can't be gaps. The forms take forever and EDD is a nightmare to deal with!!

According to EDD guidelines, you can transition from PFL back to SDI if your condition warrants it, but you'll need to file a new claim with form DE2501. This is because PFL and SDI are technically separate benefit programs, even though they're both administered by EDD. A few important points: 1. Try to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in postpartum depression - they're more likely to understand your condition and provide proper documentation 2. Check with your insurance again - under mental health parity laws, they should provide some coverage for mental health treatment 3. The new claim should be filed before your PFL benefits end to avoid any gap in coverage 4. You may need to provide additional medical documentation since this would be a continuation of a condition The challenge will be getting an appointment quickly enough. Do you have access to telehealth options that might be faster?

the whole system is BROKEN!!! i had severe PPD and was bounced from doctor to doctor trying to extend my claim. they make it impossible on purpose. good luck getting ANY help from EDD - they'll have you on hold for 3 hours just to hang up on you when you finally reach someone. the whole thing is designed to make moms give up and go back to work regardless of health.

I'm dealing with similar issues right now! I'm wondering - has anyone tried community mental health clinics? Some offer sliding scale fees. Also, @OP - make sure any new doctor documents that this is a CONTINUATION of your postpartum condition, not a new condition. This helps with the claim.

To directly answer your question: Yes, you would need to file a new SDI claim with form DE2501, even though it's related to your previous condition. The key factors: 1. You'll need medical certification from a doctor (MD/DO), psychologist, or psychiatrist documenting your postpartum depression as disabling 2. There's a 7-day waiting period for new SDI claims, but since this is related to pregnancy, you may be able to get this waived if properly documented 3. The maximum benefit period for SDI is 52 weeks, so you need to be within that timeframe from your original pregnancy-related claim 4. File the new claim BEFORE your PFL ends Recommendation: Ask your OB for a direct referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in postpartum issues. Sometimes a direct referral from your doctor can help with insurance coverage or expedited appointments. Some employers also offer Employee Assistance Programs that include short-term mental health services that could help bridge the gap.

i just wanna say postpartum depression is real and serious and im sorry your going through this! when i had my baby i had similar issues and felt like i had to prove i was sick enough to need help. keep fighting for what you need ❤️ moms deserve proper support and rest.

my sister had the same issue last year but her doctor kept extending. sounds like u need a new doctor not a psychologist maybe? some doctors are just not understanding about PPD especially male ones tbh. call around to some local doctors offices and be upfront about needing SDI paperwork for PPD, some might be willing to see you quickly since its urgent.

One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned: If your employer has 5+ employees, you might qualify for additional leave under California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or FMLA for your own serious health condition. This wouldn't provide additional pay but would protect your job while you seek treatment. Regarding the new SDI claim, key information from EDD's website: "If you return to work and become disabled again, a new claim is required. If you have a recurring disability within 90 days of returning to work, the 7-day unpaid waiting period may be waived if the disability results from the same or a related condition." Make sure any new doctor clearly documents that your current postpartum depression is a continuation/exacerbation of your previous condition to help streamline the process.

Have you looked into Postpartum Support International? They have resources and might know of providers who specialize in PPD and work on sliding scales. They have a helpline 1-800-944-4773. Don't give up - proper treatment makes a huge difference!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - PPD is incredibly difficult and you shouldn't have to navigate this maze while you're already struggling. A few additional thoughts that might help: 1. **Urgent care centers** - Some have mental health professionals on staff and can see you same-day. They can often provide the medical documentation you need for SDI claims. 2. **Your county's mental health services** - Most California counties have crisis mental health services that can provide immediate evaluation and referrals. Search "[your county] mental health crisis services" 3. **Timing strategy** - Since you need to file before PFL ends, consider filing the new SDI claim even if you haven't seen a new doctor yet. You can always submit additional medical documentation later, but at least you'll have the claim started. 4. **Document everything** - Keep records of all your symptoms, how they affect your daily functioning, and any attempts to get care. This helps any new provider understand the severity and continuity of your condition. The system is frustrating but don't let that discourage you from getting the help you need. Your health and your baby's wellbeing depend on you getting proper treatment. You're being a good mom by recognizing you need more time to heal.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and wanted to share what I've learned from my caseworker. When transitioning from PFL back to SDI for the same underlying condition (PPD), you do need to file a new claim, but there are a few things that can help: 1. **Ask your original doctor for medical records** - Even if they won't extend your claim, they should provide documentation of your previous PPD diagnosis and treatment. This helps establish continuity for the new claim. 2. **Labor and delivery hospitals often have postpartum mental health programs** - Call the hospital where you delivered and ask about their postpartum support services. Many have psychiatrists who understand PPD and can see you quickly. 3. **File the DE2501 ASAP** - Don't wait for the perfect doctor appointment. You can submit the initial claim and then have medical certification sent separately within 20 days. 4. **Check if your area has maternal mental health clinics** - These specialize in pregnancy/postpartum issues and often work with insurance or have payment plans. The most important thing is not to let there be a gap between your PFL ending and your new SDI claim starting. Even if you're still waiting for appointments, get that paperwork submitted. Sending you strength - PPD is so hard and you deserve proper support! 💜

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this while already struggling with PPD - the system really shouldn't be this complicated when you're trying to get help for a serious medical condition. One thing that helped me when I was in a similar situation: **Psychology Today's website has a filter for therapists/psychiatrists who accept your specific insurance AND specialize in postpartum depression.** You can also filter by those offering telehealth appointments, which might get you seen faster. Also, if you have a good relationship with your pediatrician, they often have connections with maternal mental health providers and might be able to make a quick referral or even provide a temporary bridge recommendation. For the timing crunch - many people don't realize you can start the SDI application process online through EDD's portal even if you don't have all your medical documentation ready yet. This at least gets your claim date established while you're working on the medical side. Please don't give up. PPD is a real medical condition and you deserve proper treatment and time to recover. Your instincts about needing more time are valid, and there are providers out there who will take your condition seriously.

I went through almost the exact same situation 8 months ago and want you to know there IS a path forward! Here's what worked for me: **Immediate action items:** - Call 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1) - they have a database of low-cost mental health providers in your area and can often get you same-day appointments - Your local Women, Infants & Children (WIC) office often has mental health resources specifically for postpartum moms, even if you don't receive WIC benefits - Many Planned Parenthood locations now offer mental health services and understand PPD - worth calling to check **For the SDI claim:** You absolutely CAN file a new claim! I filed mine 3 days before my PFL ended and it went through smoothly. The key is making sure any new provider documents this as a "continuation" or "exacerbation" of your existing postpartum depression, not a brand new condition. **Insurance hack:** Call your insurance and specifically ask about "crisis mental health services" - these often have different coverage rules and shorter wait times than regular therapy appointments. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're not sick enough or that you should just "push through." PPD is a serious medical condition. I ended up needing an additional 10 weeks of SDI and it made all the difference in my recovery. You've got this mama! 💙

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As someone who's navigated the EDD system for mental health claims, I wanted to add a few points that might help: **For finding immediate care:** - Many urgent care centers now have behavioral health specialists who can provide same-day evaluations and complete SDI paperwork - Check if your area has "maternal mental health collaborative" programs - these are becoming more common in California and specifically designed for postpartum issues **Important timing detail:** When you file your new SDI claim, make sure to request that the effective date starts the day after your PFL benefits end. There's a specific field for this on the DE2501 form, and it helps prevent any gap in coverage. **Documentation tip:** Ask any new provider to specifically state in their medical certification that your current symptoms represent a "continuation and exacerbation" of your previously diagnosed postpartum depression. This language helps EDD understand that this isn't a completely new condition. The system is frustrating, but please don't lose hope. Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that deserves proper treatment and time to heal. You're being an excellent advocate for yourself and your baby by recognizing that you need more support right now. Keep us updated on how things go - this community is rooting for you! 💕