Can I take job-protected baby bonding leave without filing for EDD PFL benefits?

You're absolutely not required to file for PFL benefits if you don't want or need them! The state benefit (Paid Family Leave) is completely separate from your job protection rights. Job protection can come from different laws like FMLA, CFRA, or your company's own policies. These protect your job regardless of whether you apply for state benefits. PFL just provides partial wage replacement during that time off. So yes, you can decline to file for PFL and just use your job protection rights. There's zero requirement that you must apply for state benefits, and you definitely won't get in trouble for not filing.

Just curious - why wouldn't you want to get the PFL benefits? You pay into SDI with every paycheck (it shows up as CASDI on your paystub). It's literally YOUR money that you've been contributing! I totally respect your choice either way, just seems like you'd be leaving money on the table that's rightfully yours.

My HR gave me the same runaround last year with my twins! They kept pushing me to file for PFL when I didn't want to. I ended up just taking my 12 weeks of CFRA leave without state benefits and it was TOTALLY FINE!!!! You are NOT required to file for state benefits!!!!!!

OP listen to me... TAKE THE MONEY FROM EDD. I thought like you before my baby was born in 2023. I had savings, husband had good job, didn't want the hassle. BIG MISTAKE. Babies are way more expensive than you think and that PFL money would have really helped. Just my 2 cents but don't leave money on the table that you've been paying into for years.

To clarify what others have said: 1. Job Protection (FMLA/CFRA/company policy) = You keep your job while on leave 2. PFL = Partial wage replacement through the state These are completely separate. You can have one without the other. Many people use both simultaneously, but you're not obligated to. If you decide to take PFL later (you can file within 41 days of your baby bonding start date), calling EDD directly can save hours of frustration. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an actual EDD agent in minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. Helped me sort out a confusing situation quickly - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5

Jsut FYI one thing people haven't mentioned: if you DO decide to take PFL but don't want to deal with EDD yourself, your company might have a third-party administrator that can handle everything. My company uses Sedgwick and they filed all my paperwork for me - I just had to sign some forms. Worth asking HR if they offer something similar!

everyone is right that u dont hafta file for PFL if u dont wanna. BUT i think ur HR person is confused too lol. they prob meant that u need to fill out their internal paperwork for ur job protection leave, which is different from EDD paperwork. make sure ur on the same page with them about that!

Since you mentioned you're expecting in March 2025, I wanted to add one more thing: California expanded PFL benefits from 8 weeks to 10 weeks starting January 2025. If you do decide to apply later, you'd be eligible for the expanded benefit period. Just FYI!

Hey Ravi! Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this decision last year. You're absolutely right that you don't have to file for PFL - it's completely optional. I ended up taking my full 12 weeks of bonding leave through my company's policy without filing for state benefits, and it was totally fine. One thing I'd suggest is getting your HR's policies in writing so you're crystal clear on what documentation they need for job protection vs. what EDD would need if you changed your mind later. Also, congrats on the upcoming arrival! March babies are the best (totally not biased as a March baby myself 😊). You sound like you've really thought this through and have your finances sorted - trust your instincts!