Child's medical condition after PFL baby bonding ends - what benefits apply?

I'm so sorry you're going through this with your newborn. You're right about how the benefits sequence works - SDI for recovery from childbirth, then 8 weeks of PFL for baby bonding. For what comes after, you have several options: 1. If you haven't used any FMLA/CFRA time yet, you should still have time available. These provide job protection (not pay) for up to 12 weeks total, but they run concurrently with your SDI and PFL in most cases. Check with your HR about how much protected time you have left. 2. You might qualify for a second PFL claim specifically for caregiving (separate from baby bonding) if your child's condition requires continued care. You'll need medical certification from the child's doctor showing your care is needed. 3. Definitely use any available sick leave, vacation, or PTO from your employer. I recommend speaking with an EDD disability specialist about the caregiving PFL option specifically for your daughter's medical needs. Good luck!

my cousin was in almost the exact same spot last year!! her baby needed heart surgery rite after her bonding time ended. she ended up doing unpaid FMLA + using all her vacay time from work. the hospital social worker also helped her find some financial assistance programs through the hospital. definitely talk to the social worker at ur daughters hospital they know ALL the resources!!!!

I went through something similar in 2024 with my son who needed ongoing care. Here's what I learned the hard way: - There IS NO WAITING PERIOD between PFL baby bonding and PFL caregiving! This is important - you can transition directly from one to the other - You need form DE2501F completed by your child's doctor - The doctor needs to certify that you are REQUIRED as the caregiver (not just preferred) - Max benefit period for caregiving PFL is also 8 weeks - If you need more time beyond that, the FMLA/CFRA protection is critical for job security CAUTION: EDD will often incorrectly tell people they can't file caregiving PFL right after baby bonding. This is WRONG. The law changed recently allowing these to be consecutive. If they give you trouble, reference the updated PFL regulations specifically. I spent HOURS trying to get accurate info from EDD on this. Literally called 20+ times and got disconnected or waited on hold forever.

Other commenters have provided excellent information about the PFL caregiving benefit after baby bonding. I'd add that you should also explore these options: 1. If your employer has more than 50 employees, check if they offer catastrophic leave donation programs where coworkers can donate leave to you 2. Contact your health insurance - many have case management programs for complex pediatric conditions that include additional support services 3. Depending on your child's specific condition, there may be condition-specific nonprofit organizations that offer financial assistance 4. Some states have paid family and medical leave programs that provide additional benefits beyond what EDD offers Document everything meticulously when dealing with EDD transitions between benefit types. Many claims specialists don't understand how the different programs interact.

what bout state disability? cant u get that for ur kid being sick? thats different from PFL right?

I feel for you so much right now. My twins were born with complications last year and I had to piece together different leaves. One thing no one mentioned yet - if your baby's condition is severe enough, you might qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in California. It's meant for ongoing care needs though, not just temporary recovery from surgery. Another thing - sometimes your employer will allow you to go negative on PTO or take an unpaid personal leave beyond what's legally required. Doesn't hurt to ask. The whole system is so broken for parents of medically complex kids.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: I forgot to mention - when you apply for the caregiving PFL after baby bonding, they'll likely ask why you can't return to work briefly between the two claims. THIS IS A TRAP! The law does NOT require you to return to work between claims, but many EDD reps think it does. Your response should emphasize the continuous nature of care from bonding with a newborn to medical caregiving for the same child. Be very clear that there was no break in your caregiving responsibilities - you've been caring for your child continuously since birth, and their medical needs now require extending that care. I had my doctor write a letter specifically explaining why continuous care was medically necessary for my child's condition, which finally got my second claim approved.