Can I switch from UI benefits to PFL for newborn without losing money?

congrats on the baby dude! you cant collect both UI and PFL at the same time, thats for sure. you gotta stop certifying for UI when u start PFL. i think the pfl is calculated different tho? not sure. i switched from UI to disability last year (broke my leg) and it was no big deal tbh

You can absolutely transition from UI to PFL, but there are specific steps to follow. First, stop certifying for UI the week you want to start PFL. Then file your PFL claim with form DE2508 through SDI Online. Include a copy of the birth certificate once your baby arrives. Regarding your benefit amount: PFL and UI are calculated differently. PFL will be approximately 60-70% of your wages during your highest-earning quarter in the base period (typically 5-17 months before your claim starts). Since you mentioned a $72k annual income, your weekly PFL benefit could be higher than your UI amount, assuming your earnings were consistent. Make sure to file your PFL claim within 41 days of when you want benefits to begin. Since your baby is arriving Tuesday, you should prepare to submit everything as soon as possible after birth.

Jus want to let u know that my husband did this exact thing last summer!!!! He was on unemployment and then switched to PFL when our twins were born. The EDD website is confusing but it actually worked fine. One thing tho - make sure u STOP certifying for unemployment before u apply for PFL or they definitely will think ur trying to get paid twice lol

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE YOU!!!! I tried doing the same thing and ended up with a 3 week gap where I got NO MONEY at all because of "processing time" and then EDD claimed I had an "overpayment" on my UI when I wasn't even trying to double dip!!! Had to spend HOURS trying to fix it!! The right hand doesn't know what the left is doing over there!!!

I work as an employment benefits counselor and can clarify a few things: 1. The transition from UI to PFL is common and allowed, but these are separate programs with separate applications. 2. For benefit calculation: PFL will use your highest quarter earnings during the base period (approximately 5-18 months before claim). Even though you're currently unemployed, they'll look back at your previous earnings, not your current situation. 3. Since you mentioned $72k annual income, your weekly PFL benefit should be close to the maximum (currently $1,620 weekly for 2025). 4. Important timing: Stop certifying for UI the week before you want PFL to begin. If your wife's C-section is Tuesday, you might want to make that your PFL start date. 5. There might be a 1-2 week processing gap between programs. Having some savings to cover this gap is recommended. 6. You'll need a DE2508 form and medical certification from your wife's doctor confirming the birth and your bonding period.

Anyone tried using Claimyr to get through to EDD about switching from UI to PFL? I was in a similar situation last month and spent TWO DAYS trying to get someone on the phone to confirm I was doing the transition correctly. Finally used claimyr.com and got connected to an agent in like 25 minutes. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 The agent confirmed exactly what others are saying here - stop UI before starting PFL, and they'll calculate your PFL based on your previous wages during the base period, not your current unemployment status. Totally worth it for the peace of mind knowing I wasn't messing up my benefits.

Congrats on ur baby!!!! One thing - make sure your wifes doctor fills out their part of the form correctly!!!!! My husband had to resubmit his PFL application TWICE because the doctor's office didn't complete something right and EDD rejected it. So frustrating!!! Check everything before sending it in!

One additional point: when you file for PFL, there may be a question asking if you're receiving or have applied for other benefits including UI. Answer this honestly - yes, you were on UI but are stopping to switch to PFL. This helps prevent any flags in their system about potential dual benefits claims.

Also don't forget that PFL is only 8 weeks for baby bonding!!! My husband thought it was 12 weeks but that's only if ur job has CFRA protection (which he didn't since his company was too small). The 8 weeks went by SOO fast 😭