Can I switch from PFL baby bonding back to SDI for postpartum depression?

congrats on the baby but sorry ur going thru this. postpartum is rough!! i think you can switch back to disability with doctors note but don't quote me on that. i'd call edd asap

Yes, you can definitely go back on disability for postpartum depression after starting PFL. The key is getting proper medical certification from your doctor on the DE2501 form indicating your postpartum depression is disabling. Your doctor needs to clearly document that your condition prevents you from performing your regular work duties. You'll need to: 1. Have your doctor complete a new DE2501 form ASAP 2. Submit it to EDD explaining you're transitioning from PFL back to disability 3. Stop certifying for PFL once you submit the disability claim I went through something similar in 2024. It took about 10 days to process the switch but they backdated benefits to when my doctor certified I became disabled again.

I went thru this last year!!! Yes you can switch back, but you have to file a whole new disability claim with a doctors note specifically for postpartum depression. Make sure your doctor writes it up as a NEW disability (postpartum depression) and not just a continuation of pregnancy recovery. That's really important! The way it worked for me was that my PFL baby bonding got interrupted by the new disability claim, and then after I recovered from PPD (took about 10 weeks), I was able to use the remaining PFL bonding time I had left. They didn't make me forfeit the unused PFL time which was my biggest worry.

I recommend using Claimyr to reach an EDD agent quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. I was in a similar situation with needing to switch my benefits and couldn't get through for days. Claimyr connected me with an EDD rep in about 10 minutes. Their website is claimyr.com and you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 For your specific situation, you definitely need to speak with EDD directly because this is a somewhat uncommon transition that can get messed up easily if not done correctly. The agent I talked to was very helpful in explaining exactly what forms I needed and in what order.

I work in HR and handle leave coordination. Here's the accurate information: Postpartum depression is considered a separate medical condition from childbirth recovery. You can absolutely transition from PFL back to SDI with proper medical certification. The key points: 1. Your doctor must complete a new DE2501 form clearly stating postpartum depression as the diagnosis 2. The form should indicate this is a NEW disability with a start date (usually the date your doctor determines the condition became disabling) 3. You should continue certifying for PFL until your SDI claim is approved to avoid gaps in payment 4. Once approved, any overlapping payments will need to be resolved (you can't receive both benefits for the same period) 5. After your SDI benefits for postpartum depression end, you can resume any remaining PFL baby bonding time you have left The total SDI benefit period for postpartum depression can be up to 52 weeks if medically necessary, though most claims average 8-12 weeks depending on severity and treatment response.

I just wanted to share my experience with postpartum depression because it sounds similar. I also thought I was ready to bond with my baby after physical recovery but then the depression hit HARD a few weeks later. I felt so much guilt about not feeling connected to my baby and needing help. Please know this is not your fault and taking care of your mental health IS taking care of your baby too!! My doctor wrote me a disability note for PPD and I ended up on SDI for 11 weeks getting treatment. It made ALL the difference. Sending you strength during this difficult time. ❤️

wait i'm confused - isnt PFL and disability the same thing basically? why is there all this complicated switching? isn't it all just maternity leave?

Update: I was finally able to speak with an EDD rep and got everything straightened out! For anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation: 1. My doctor submitted a new DE2501 form specifically for postpartum depression 2. I had to stop certifying for PFL (which was counterintuitive, but necessary) 3. The EDD rep documented everything in my file to help prevent any payment gaps 4. My SDI claim for PPD was approved for 8 weeks initially (can be extended if needed) 5. I'll be able to resume my remaining 5 weeks of PFL baby bonding after treatment Thank you everyone for your help and advice! This community has been so supportive during a really difficult time.