Can I still file for PFL after employer considered me resigned for not returning after pregnancy SDI?

Yes, you absolutely CAN still file for PFL! Your eligibility for PFL is based on your earnings during the base period, not your current employment status. As long as you were employed and contributing to SDI during your base period (which you obviously were since you got SDI benefits), you're still eligible for PFL after pregnancy disability. Your employer can't just "accept a resignation" you never gave - that sounds like wrongful termination to me - but that's a separate issue from your PFL eligibility. File your claim right away!

omg thats crazy they cant just say ur resigned when u didnt quit!! but yea u can still get pfl. i got laid off during my pregnancy and still got both sdi and pfl after. just make sure u do the paperwork right. btw u might wanna talk to a lawyer about the job thing, sounds sketchy

THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME last year!!! I was on pregnancy disability and when I called to discuss coming back part-time, my boss said they "accepted my resignation" even though I NEVER RESIGNED!! I was able to get PFL baby bonding benefits for the full 8 weeks no problem. The EDD doesn't care about your current employment status for PFL eligibility as long as you qualified for SDI first. But I would DEFINITELY consult with an employment attorney about the fake resignation - sounds like wrongful termination which is illegal in California especially after pregnancy!

You should apply for PFL right away. Your eligibility is not tied to current employment status but to your previous wages in the base period. Since you received SDI, you're already qualified. Regarding the "resignation" - that's potentially pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination. Document everything. Your employer cannot force you to resign simply because you need childcare arrangements after disability leave. This might violate both FMLA and CFRA protections. I'd suggest filing your PFL claim immediately and consulting with an employment attorney about the termination issue.

Did you file for FMLA/CFRA protection before you went on leave? If so they legally cant fire you for taking protected leave. My sister just went through something similar and she was able to get her job back AND get the PFL benefits. But definitely file for PFL right away, thats money you deserve regardless of employment status!

I ran into this EXACT issue when trying to reach EDD about my baby bonding PFL after being "laid off" during my maternity leave. I was on hold for HOURS and kept getting disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an EDD specialist in 10 minutes who confirmed I was still eligible for PFL even though I was technically unemployed. Total lifesaver. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 - definitely worth it to get a definitive answer from EDD directly instead of stressing for days!

my cousin works for edd and she says they see this ALL THE TIME. employers try to trick new moms into thinking they cant get benefits if they dont come back right away. total scam!! file ur claim and call edd to explain the situation. u paid into the system, u deserve ur benefits!!

Important clarification: PFL (Paid Family Leave) is a wage replacement benefit, not a job protection benefit. Your eligibility is based on your prior earnings and SDI contributions, not your current employment status. So yes, you can receive PFL even if unemployed. However, the situation with your employer is concerning. If your company has 5+ employees, you're likely covered under California Family Rights Act (CFRA), which provides 12 weeks of job-protected leave for baby bonding. Your employer cannot simply "accept your resignation" when you never resigned. This could be pregnancy discrimination under FEHA and wrongful termination. File your DE 2501F form for PFL immediately. Then consider consulting with an employment attorney about the termination issue.

When I had my baby last year I had so many questions about all this stuff too! It's so confusing trying to figure out SDI vs PFL vs FMLA vs CFRA and all these things. I just wanted to enjoy my baby but instead spent hours on paperwork. Anyway I'm pretty sure you can get PFL no matter what because it's insurance you already paid into through your paychecks. Good luck with your sweet baby!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! What your employer did is absolutely wrong - you cannot be forced to "resign" when you never actually resigned. That's likely wrongful termination and pregnancy discrimination. But YES, you can definitely still file for PFL! I work in HR and see this confusion all the time. Your PFL eligibility is based on the wages you earned during your base period (usually 5-18 months before your claim), NOT your current employment status. Since you successfully received SDI benefits, you've already proven you have qualifying wages. File your PFL claim immediately using form DE 2501F. Don't let your employer's illegal actions prevent you from getting the benefits you've already paid into through your payroll deductions. The 8-week baby bonding period is separate from your disability period and you're entitled to it. Also, definitely document everything about that phone call and consider consulting with an employment attorney. What they did violates both CFRA (job protection) and potentially FEHA (pregnancy discrimination). You deserve both your PFL benefits AND proper treatment from your employer. Hang in there mama!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stressful situation! What your employer did sounds completely illegal - they can't just declare you "resigned" when you never actually quit. That's likely wrongful termination, especially since it happened right after your pregnancy disability leave. But here's the good news: YES, you can absolutely still file for PFL! Your eligibility for Paid Family Leave is based on your earnings during the base period (typically 5-18 months before your claim), not whether you're currently employed. Since you already qualified for and received SDI benefits, you've proven you have the necessary wage history to qualify for PFL too. File your PFL claim (form DE 2501F) immediately - don't let your employer's illegal actions cost you the benefits you've already paid into through your payroll deductions. You're entitled to those 8 weeks of baby bonding benefits regardless of what happened with your job. I'd also strongly recommend documenting that phone call where your manager "accepted your resignation" and consulting with an employment attorney. With 70+ employees, your company is definitely covered under CFRA, which means you should have had job protection for baby bonding leave. This sounds like pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination. Don't let them intimidate you out of the benefits you deserve! File that PFL claim today and get the legal support you need. You've got this, mama! 💪