Confused about end date of SDI payments - gap before returning to work?

Yes, there will be a gap in payments unless you start your PFL baby bonding immediately after your SDI ends. SDI for pregnancy disability only covers up to 6-8 weeks after delivery (8 weeks for c-section), which is why your last payment is 5/12. If you're not returning until 5/26, you have two options: 1. Start your baby bonding PFL immediately to cover that gap 2. Return to work on 5/12 instead (which it sounds like you don't want to do) Unfortunately, there's no way to extend SDI beyond what your doctor certified for your recovery period.

i had this exact same thing happen last year!!! my dr only certified me til a certain date but i wasnt ready to go back yet. you can actually ask ur doctor to extend your disability if you're still healing from your c-section. sometimes they'll give you a couple more weeks especially if ur havin complications or recovery issues

the system is SO MESSED UP!! i had a 2-week gap between my SDI and when i started work and they wouldn't pay me anything even though i had a doctor's note. EDD doesn't care if you fall through the cracks! you should call them and argue your case because sometimes the reps will tell you different things depending who you talk to.

I just went through this in March. Had to use 2 weeks of my bonding time right after my disability ended because there's no other coverage. It's actually a good transition period before going back to work anyway, so it worked out ok. Just make sure you file the PFL claim BEFORE your SDI ends to avoid payment delays!

I see you're in the same boat I was in last year! After trying for DAYS to reach someone at EDD, I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to a representative in less than 30 minutes. Totally worth it when I needed answers about the gap between my disability and return-to-work date. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and their website is claimyr.com. The rep I talked to confirmed I could either use some of my bonding time or take unpaid leave for those weeks.

To clarify how the benefits timeline works for everyone: 1. Pregnancy Disability (SDI): Covers 4 weeks before birth + up to 8 weeks after for c-section recovery (6 for vaginal delivery) 2. Baby Bonding (PFL): 8 weeks total that can be taken all at once or split up, but must be used within the first year of your child's birth 3. Gap Coverage: There is no specific benefit to cover gaps between SDI and returning to work if you don't want to use PFL yet Your options are: - Use some PFL time now to cover the gap - Return to work when SDI ends - Take unpaid leave for those two weeks - Check if your employer offers any supplemental leave programs I recommend filing your intent to take PFL later in the year now, so it's in the system for when you're ready to use it.

Just an additional tip - make sure you file your baby bonding claim at least 2 weeks before you want it to begin later this year. Many people wait until the last minute and then experience payment delays. And remember you can split your 8 weeks of PFL bonding time however you want within the first year, so you could also choose to use just 2 weeks now and save 6 weeks for later.