Confused about how to apply for PFL while already on pregnancy disability leave - 36 weeks pregnant

u hve to wait until after baby is born to apply for pfl. its different than disability. ur on SDI now (state disability) then after birth u switch to pfl for bonding. not automatic u gotta apply

You're currently on Pregnancy Disability Leave (SDI), which is different from Paid Family Leave (PFL). Here's how it works: 1. Pregnancy Disability is what you're on now, usually starting 4 weeks before due date 2. After giving birth, you remain on Pregnancy Disability for 6-8 weeks depending on delivery type (6 for vaginal, 8 for C-section) 3. THEN you apply for Paid Family Leave for baby bonding You don't need to apply for PFL until your doctor releases you from disability. EDD will send you a notice called a "Claim Transition" about 1-2 weeks before your pregnancy disability claim ends. That notice will have instructions for applying for PFL through SDI Online. Don't worry about missing the window - you have 12 months from your child's birth to claim your PFL benefits.

Yes, you'll wait for the notice from EDD, then apply through SDI Online (same website you used for disability). And yes, PFL pays the same 60% wage replacement as your current SDI benefits. The only difference is that PFL is for 8 weeks of baby bonding time.

I just went through this whole process and it was SO frustrating. The claim transition is supposed to be automatic but mine got lost somehow and I ended up with a 3-week gap in payments which was TERRIBLE. I kept trying to call EDD but could never get through - just hours on hold and then disconnections! I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach an agent and they fixed everything in one call. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Wish I'd known about it sooner instead of wasting days trying to get through. The agent told me it's actually better to just file your PFL claim as soon as your doctor releases you from disability rather than waiting for their notice.

It was totally worth it to get someone on the phone who could actually fix my claim. Way better than waiting weeks with no income! They don't actually process your claim - they just get you connected to a real EDD agent who can help. The peace of mind alone was worth it.

Let me add some important details here since there's some confusion: 1. You're currently on pregnancy disability (SDI) 2. After birth, you continue SDI for 6-8 weeks postpartum 3. Your doctor will complete a form releasing you from disability 4. Once released, you can then apply for PFL using form DE2501FP Here's the critical part many miss: While EDD is supposed to send you a claim transition notice, you don't have to wait for it. You can proactively file for PFL as soon as your doctor completes your release form. This prevents gaps in payment. For a smooth transition: - Ask your doctor to provide your release form about a week before your recovery period ends - File your PFL claim immediately afterward - Use your SDI Online account for fastest processing You have until 41 days after your disability ends to file for PFL without losing any benefits. After that window, you can still apply but might lose some days of compensation.

You can download the DE2501FP form from the EDD website, but honestly, the easiest way to apply is through your SDI Online account after your doctor releases you. The online application is much faster than paper forms. One more tip: if your disability and PFL claims connect without a gap, you won't have to serve a waiting period for PFL (meaning you get paid for all 8 weeks). If there's a gap between claims, you might have to serve another 7-day waiting period, which means you'd only get paid for 7 weeks of PFL instead of 8.

I just want to say i had my baby 3 months ago and i found the whole process MADDENING. my disability claim was easy but then the transition to PFL was a total disaster. basically dont count on anything happening automatically - be proactive about everything! and congrats on the baby!! that part is amazing even if the paperwork is a nightmare lol