Do I need new doctor paperwork when transitioning from SDI maternity to PFL baby bonding?

You don't need additional doctor certification for PFL baby bonding! The doctor paperwork is only for the disability portion (SDI). For PFL, you'll file a new claim using form DE2508 through your SDI Online account. You'll need to provide your baby's birth certificate info but no medical certification. Just make sure you file the PFL claim before your disability ends to avoid gaps in payment. The transition is confusing but it's actually simpler than it seems.

Just went through this in January! You definitely DON'T need more doctor paperwork for PFL baby bonding. The doctor certification is only for the disability part related to pregnancy/birth recovery. For PFL, you'll need to file a separate claim using form DE2508. You can do this through your SDI Online account. You'll need to provide proof of relationship (birth certificate info), but no medical certification. I recommend filing the PFL claim about 1-2 weeks before your disability ends to avoid payment gaps. The system will ask for your baby bonding start date - make this the day after your disability ends. Good luck with your new baby! ❤️

i didnt do any extra doctor paperwork when i switched. just filed the baby bonding form online. easy.

When I had my baby last year I was so confused about all this too! The whole system is a mess. I ended up calling EDD like 20 times before getting through to someone who could actually explain the process clearly. I wish I'd known about Claimyr back then - my friend used it recently to get through to EDD immediately instead of spending hours on hold. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and their site is claimyr.com. Saved her so much stress during an already stressful time with a newborn!

It's completely legitimate. They use a call technology that keeps redialing until it gets through, then connects you. Much better than sitting on hold for hours with a screaming baby! I'm just sharing what worked for my friend when she was in the exact same situation.

The transition from SDI to PFL is such a nightmare!! I ended up with a 3-week gap between payments because I filed my PFL claim too late. Don't make my mistake! The EDD doesn't automatically roll you from one benefit to the next - YOU have to initiate everything. And their phone lines are impossible.

THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! They make it SO CONFUSING on purpose so people miss deadlines or file the wrong paperwork!! I had to appeal TWICE because my PFL claim was denied even though I submitted everything correctly. Then they made me wait 7 weeks for payment while I had a newborn to feed!!! The EDD is a complete disaster and no one there knows what they're doing. Always keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit!!!!

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, EDD knows when your disability claim is set to end based on your doctor's original certification. However, they won't automatically transition you to PFL - you have to initiate that yourself by filing the separate PFL claim. One tip: When you file your PFL claim, you'll see a field asking for your "first day of family leave." Make sure this date is the day AFTER your disability ends. If you put overlapping dates, it will cause problems with your claim. For example, if your disability ends on May 15, 2025, put May 16, 2025 as your first day of PFL. This ensures a smooth transition.

When I had my twins last year I remember being just as confused about the whole process! I was on bedrest for like my entire third trimester so that was disability, then had the standard 6 weeks recovery disability after birth (8 weeks for c-section), and THEN had to transition to PFL baby bonding. It's ridiculous how poorly they explain the process. I remember crying on the phone trying to figure it all out while dealing with two newborns!

Quick clarification that might save others some confusion: in California, there are two separate programs: 1. State Disability Insurance (SDI) - this covers your pregnancy disability before birth (if needed) and your recovery period after birth (typically 6 weeks for vaginal delivery or 8 weeks for c-section). This requires doctor certification. 2. Paid Family Leave (PFL) - this covers baby bonding time and gives you up to 8 weeks of paid leave. No doctor certification needed, just proof of relationship to the child. The transition between these two programs is where most people get confused. They are separate claims but both managed through the same EDD system and SDI Online account.