Confused about PFL baby bonding eligibility - can I still get extra weeks after disability?

There's a really important distinction here. Your employer is talking about job protection under FMLA/CFRA (which does require 12 months of employment), but that's completely separate from your eligibility for EDD PFL benefits! If you're currently receiving State Disability Insurance (SDI) for your pregnancy recovery, you absolutely CAN apply for the additional 8 weeks of baby bonding through EDD's Paid Family Leave program. The catch is that your job may not be protected during that time, but you'll still receive the benefit payments.

omg i had the EXACT same issue!! my job told me i wasnt eligible but i still got the money anyway. just apply online through the edd website. its separate from the disability thing

To clarify what others have said: PFL baby bonding eligibility through EDD is based on whether you've paid into SDI through your paychecks, not your length of employment. Since you're already receiving disability benefits, you definitely qualify financially for PFL. You'll need to file a separate claim for baby bonding using form DE2508 (or online through your EDD account) when your disability claim is getting ready to end. It doesn't transition automatically. Just be aware that without FMLA/CFRA job protection (which is what your employer was referring to with the 1-year requirement), they aren't obligated to hold your position. Some companies will still accommodate the additional time off, but others won't. I'd have a clear conversation with your HR about what happens if you take the additional 8 weeks.

i had my baby in January and had same issue!!! you DEF qualify for EDD benefits even if you dont get job protection. BUT you gotta call EDD to make sure it transitions right from disability to baby bonding. I waited 3 weeks with no money because the system messed up my application.

I had this EXACT issue last year but with my second baby. Here's what I did - I got the regular disability (6 weeks for vaginal birth, 8 weeks for c-section), and then SEPARATELY applied for the baby bonding PFL when my disability claim was about to end. My company wouldn't hold my job but I took the time anyway because I decided spending time with my baby was more important, and I just found a new job after. But every situation is different financially! Definitely apply - it's your money that you've been paying into the system!

I tried calling EDD about 27 times last month when I was dealing with my transition from pregnancy disability to baby bonding. It's absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to get through! I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a demo video so you can see how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 It made a huge difference because the EDD agent was able to fix my claim on the spot. I was so tired of trying to do everything online and getting nowhere for weeks.

Just to wrap things up: yes, you can and should apply for PFL baby bonding even though your employer isn't required to hold your job. Here's what you need to do: 1. Continue your disability claim until it ends (typically 6-8 weeks postpartum depending on delivery type) 2. About 1-2 weeks before your disability ends, submit your claim for PFL baby bonding (form DE2508 or online) 3. Make sure you clearly understand from your employer whether they'll allow you to return after the additional 8 weeks of PFL (get this in writing if possible) 4. If they won't hold your position, decide if you still want to take the time (and benefits) knowing you'll need to find new employment after Don't miss out on benefits you're entitled to! Many new parents make this mistake because of confusing information from employers.