Can I use CA PFL family bonding program after quitting job but before baby turns one?

I was in a similar situation last year. From what I remember, you need to have worked enough hours in the past year to qualify for benefits. But I'm not 100% sure how quitting affects eligibility. Your best bet is to call and ask them directly about your specific case.

Here's what I know about the family bonding program eligibility: 1. You must have earned at least $300 in wages that are subject to SDI deductions during your base period. 2. You need to be employed or actively looking for work at the time your family leave begins. 3. You must have lost wages because you're taking time off work to bond with a new child. 4. The claim must be filed within the first year of the child's birth, adoption, or foster care placement. The tricky part in your situation is that you're planning to quit. Technically, you need to have wage loss due to taking time off for bonding. If you've already quit, you might not meet this requirement. However, if you file your claim before quitting, you might still be eligible. My advice: 1. File your claim ASAP, before quitting if possible. 2. When you file, be honest about your employment situation and plans. 3. Gather all your employment history and your baby's birth certificate. 4. Try to speak with an EDD representative for clarification on your specific case. Remember, eligibility can be complex and depend on individual circumstances. Don't hesitate to seek official clarification!

ugh the whole system is so confusing 😫 why cant they just make it simple for new parents?

I tried to use the family bonding program last year and it was a nightmare. Took forever to get approved and then they messed up my payments. Hope you have better luck!

Has anyone here successfully used the program after quitting their job? I'm curious about real experiences.

Pro tip: document EVERYTHING. Every call, every piece of paperwork. The EDD can be a real pain and having a paper trail has saved me more than once.

Anyone else find it ironic that a program meant to help new parents is so stressful to navigate? 🙃

Hey, just wanted to share that I found a way to actually get through to someone on the phone. I used this site called claimyr.com. It's a calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and then connects you when a live agent picks up. It costs $20, but it saved me hours of frustration. Here's a video about how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

Quick question - does anyone know if the family bonding time has to be taken all at once, or can you split it up?

Just wanted to add some clarity based on my recent experience - I successfully used PFL for family bonding after leaving my job, but the key was timing. I filed my claim while still employed (about 2 weeks before my last day) and made sure to indicate that I was taking bonding leave. The EDD approved it because I was employed when the claim started, even though I quit shortly after. The important thing is that you need to show wage loss due to bonding time, not due to quitting. So if you're planning to quit anyway, definitely file your claim first while you're still working. Also, keep in mind you can take the bonding time intermittently throughout the first year - doesn't have to be all at once. Hope this helps!

Based on everyone's responses here, it sounds like the key is definitely timing - file your claim while you're still employed! I'm in a similar boat as the OP and was worried about losing out on benefits. @Juan Moreno your experience is really reassuring. Just to clarify though - when you filed while still employed, did you have to specify an exact start date for your bonding leave? Or were you able to leave that flexible since you can take it intermittently throughout the year?