Can I use FMLA and CFRA back-to-back for caring for terminally ill parent?

I'm so sorry about your mother. For most situations, FMLA and CFRA run concurrently (at the same time), not back-to-back, giving you 12 weeks of protected leave total. Both protect your job while you're out caring for a family member with a serious health condition. However, you CAN apply for PFL benefits through EDD for up to 8 weeks to provide care for your ill family member. PFL provides wage replacement (about 60-70% of your salary) but no job protection on its own - that's what FMLA/CFRA provide. Make sure you get the DE2501F form completed by your mother's doctor. Wishing you strength during this difficult time.

When my dad was dying from cancer last year, I took FMLA and CFRA at the same time (12 wks total) plus got PFL benefits for 8 of those weeks. You'll need to get both the FMLA/CFRA paperwork from your HR department AND file for PFL with EDD. They're completely separate systems! The medical certification form is similar for both though. Just be prepared for the EDD process to be frustrating - took almost 3 weeks to get my first payment.

I'm a benefits coordinator and want to add one important detail - while FMLA and CFRA usually run concurrently for 12 weeks total, there are a few specific situations where they can be taken separately. However, caring for a parent with a serious health condition isn't one of those situations. They would run concurrently in your case. For PFL benefits, you can receive approximately 60-70% of your wages for up to 8 weeks. The application process is through EDD, not your employer. You'll need to complete a DE2501F form with your mother's medical provider. Your employer cannot deny your leave request if you qualify for FMLA/CFRA protection. One suggestion: consider whether you want to take your leave continuously or intermittently. With a 4-6 month prognosis, you might want to spread out your 12 weeks of job protection rather than using it all at once.

If you're having trouble reaching someone at EDD about your PFL claim (which is very likely), try Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual EDD representative instead of waiting on hold for hours. Saved me so much frustration when dealing with my wife's PFL claim issues. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 or visit claimyr.com. When you're dealing with a family health crisis, the last thing you need is to waste entire days trying to talk to EDD.

Evryone here is wrong FMLA and CFRA can be used back to back in specific situations!!!! My HR rep told me this. But I think its only for certain military situations or maybe pregnancy stuff so probably doesnt apply to you. But definitely use that PFL for the 8 weeks to get paid cuz I made the mistake of not doing that when my dad was sick and I'm still paying off credit card debt from covering bills during that time. Also make sure u submit everything on time cuz they will deny u for any little mistake and then ull have to appeal. EDD is so messed up its like they dont want u to get ur benefits!!!!!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information. I met with HR today and they confirmed FMLA/CFRA will run concurrently in my situation, giving me 12 weeks of job protection. I'm going to apply for PFL for 8 of those weeks to help with income while I'm out. They also said I could take the time intermittently, which will help me spread out the 12 weeks over the coming months as my mom's condition changes. I'll be sure to carefully follow all the paperwork requirements for both my employer and EDD. This community has been so helpful in a really difficult time - thank you.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's diagnosis. This is such a difficult time for your family. Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - since you mentioned your mom has 4-6 months and you're planning to use leave intermittently, you might want to also look into whether your company offers any additional bereavement leave policies. Some employers provide separate bereavement time that wouldn't count against your FMLA/CFRA allotment. Also, if your mom becomes eligible for hospice care, many hospice organizations have family support services and resources that can help you navigate this journey. You're doing everything right by getting the paperwork sorted out early. Take care of yourself too during this process.

I'm really sorry about your mother's diagnosis. Going through this myself right now with my father-in-law who has pancreatic cancer. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - when you file for PFL, make sure your mom's doctor is very specific on the DE2501F form about her need for care. Don't let them just write something vague like "patient has cancer." EDD wants to see details about why she specifically needs assistance with daily activities, transportation to treatments, etc. My first claim got delayed because the doctor's form was too general. Also, if your mom qualifies for Medicare or has other insurance changes during treatment, that might affect some of the medical documentation timing. Just a heads up to stay on top of all the moving pieces. You're being really smart to plan this out in advance.