Confused about EDD PFL baby bonding time - can I get more than 8 weeks after maternity leave ends?

Hi there! I just went through this process myself. California still provides 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding time - there hasn't been an increase to 12-14 weeks. Your coworker might be confusing it with the TOTAL time you get when combining Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) with PFL baby bonding. Typically, you get up to 4 weeks before birth and up to 6-8 weeks after birth for PDL (depending on delivery type), and then the 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding. So in total, that could be around 18-20 weeks, but the PFL portion is still just 8 weeks.

The previous responder is correct. California PFL for baby bonding is still 8 weeks total. What your coworker might be referring to is the combined leave you're entitled to under various programs. Here's how it typically works: 1. Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) - typically 4 weeks before birth and 6-8 weeks after (covered by SDI) 2. Baby Bonding PFL - 8 weeks There is no "extra" time beyond these standard benefits. However, if you work for a company with 5+ employees, you may be eligible for additional unpaid, job-protected leave under CFRA (California Family Rights Act), which could give you up to 12 weeks on top of your disability leave. This wouldn't be paid through EDD though.

My sister just had a baby in January and she got the same 8 weeks for bonding. Nothin extra. I think your coworker is wrong lol

To answer your question about splitting up PFL - yes, you can split your 8 weeks of baby bonding! You don't have to take it all at once. You can break it up however you want as long as you use it within the first year of your child's birth. And yes, both parents can claim PFL, even simultaneously. Each parent gets their own 8-week entitlement. Regarding CFRA, if you qualify, you'd need to coordinate with your HR department about how to use it. Some people use CFRA concurrently with PFL (to protect their job while receiving pay), while others use it after PFL ends (to extend their total time off).

when i had my baby last yr they gave me 6 wks disability then 8 wks bonding and then my work gave me 2 more wks paid. maybe thats what ur coworker meant?? every company has different benefits on top of state stuff

Ugh, the EDD system for maternity leave is SO CONFUSING! I spent hours on hold trying to figure it out with my first kid and ended up crying to the rep when I finally got through. The website is basically useless too - it's like they intentionally make things unclear!! I'm due with #2 in June and already having anxiety about dealing with it all again. 😫

One more thing I just remembered - if your employer offers any paid parental leave, that's completely separate from the state benefits. My company gives 6 weeks paid parental leave, which I can use after my EDD benefits end. Maybe check if your company has something similar?

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE US!!! I swear they WANT us to mess up our claims. When I applied for bonding time after my maternity leave disability ran out, they "lost" my application TWICE and I had to resubmit everything. Then I got a random DENIAL letter even though I qualified for everything. Had to appeal and wait ANOTHER 3 weeks with no income. Meanwhile bills kept coming! America hates mothers, I'm convinced.

Just to answer your final question clearly - you can definitely split up your 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding! The law allows you to break it into smaller chunks within the first 12 months after birth. Some parents take 4 weeks right after disability ends, then save the other 4 weeks for later. Or you could do 2 days a week for a longer period to ease back into work gradually. Just be aware that each time you start a new PFL period, you'll need to submit a claim form. Your husband can also take his own 8 weeks of PFL for bonding, and you can overlap if you want to - each parent has their own separate entitlement.

Regarding your question about minimum time chunks for PFL - the smallest increment you can claim is one day. So technically, yes, you could use one day per week for 40 weeks if you wanted to! However, be aware that each separate period of leave requires a new claim form, so doing it daily or weekly might create a lot of paperwork. Most people find it easier to take PFL in larger chunks (like weekly or monthly blocks). Also, your employer needs to approve intermittent bonding leave schedules, so make sure to discuss your plans with HR before finalizing anything.