Do I need to file a new PFL claim for baby bonding after returning to work from pregnancy disability?

Yes, you absolutely need to file a new claim for PFL baby bonding. Pregnancy disability (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) are two separate benefits, and since you returned to work between them, you definitely need to submit a new application. You'll need to complete the DE2508 form specifically for baby bonding. Make sure to indicate it's for bonding with your new child, not for caregiving purposes. Since you already had a disability claim, you should already be in the EDD system, which might make the process slightly smoother.

same situation last yr except i took my baby bonding right after disability. u def need 2 file new claim since u went back 2 work. don't worry its pretty easy just make sure u say its for BONDING not pregnancy!!!! lot of ppl get that wrong

You definitely need to file a new claim using the DE2508 form since you returned to work after your disability ended. The key thing here is that there was a gap between your disability and baby bonding. If you had gone straight from disability to bonding with no return to work, you would have just needed to file a "transition claim" which is simpler. But since you went back to work, EDD treats this as a new claim event. You can file up to 30 days before your planned leave start date, so you still have time if you're starting next week. I recommend doing it online through your EDD account rather than paper forms - much faster processing. You'll also need your employer to complete their portion, so give them a heads-up ASAP.

I literally just went through this exact same situation in January 2025! So for baby bonding after returning to work, yes you need to file a completely new claim. But don't stress, it's actually pretty easy. The EDD website has a specific section for baby bonding claims. Make sure you have your baby's birth certificate handy when filling out the application. What confused me was that there's a different process if you go DIRECTLY from pregnancy disability to baby bonding (called a transition claim). But since you went back to work, you're filing a standard PFL claim. My payment came through in about 10 days after filing.

When I had my baby in 2024 I got so confused with all this EDD stuff too! I ended up taking my baby bonding time right away after my disability ended but my cousin did exactly what you're doing. She said you definitely need to file a completely new claim because you went back to work in between. Also, just want to mention that you can split up your 8 weeks of baby bonding if you want to - you don't have to take it all at once. My cousin took 4 weeks when her baby was 3 months old and saved the other 4 weeks for when her mom had to go back home and couldn't help anymore.

I spent THREE HOURS trying to get through to EDD about this exact situation last month. Kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Finally I used this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 8 minutes! They confirmed that yes, you need a whole new claim since you returned to work between disability and baby bonding. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 that shows how it works. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Seriously saved me so much frustration since I needed an answer quickly before starting my leave.

Let me add one important detail that no one mentioned - when you file your new PFL claim for baby bonding, make absolutely sure your last day worked is accurate on the form! EDD is extremely picky about this and will delay your claim if the date doesn't match what your employer reports. Also, you can only file for baby bonding within the first 12 months after your child's birth, so keep that timeframe in mind.

OMG i forgot to mention!!! make sure u have proof of relationship with the baby too! they asked me for birth certificate when i filed for bonding. they never asked during pregnancy disability but they DID for bonding! just heads up

To answer your follow-up question - for baby bonding PFL, you don't need a doctor's note like you did for pregnancy disability. However, you do need to provide proof of relationship with your child, which is typically the birth certificate. You can upload a copy of it when you file online. Regarding timing: You can file up to 30 days before your planned start date, but no earlier than that. If you file after your leave has already started, EDD will backdate benefits to your actual start date, but only if you file within 41 days of starting your leave. Any later than that and you might lose benefits for those early weeks.

I went through this exact same situation in 2023! Yes, you definitely need to file a completely new PFL claim since you returned to work between your disability and baby bonding. The key thing to remember is that pregnancy disability (SDI) and baby bonding (PFL) are two separate programs, even though they're both through EDD. A few tips from my experience: - File online through your EDD account - it's much faster than paper - You'll need your baby's birth certificate as proof of relationship - Make sure your last day worked date matches what your HR will report - You can file up to 30 days before your start date, so you should be fine for next week Don't worry about the disconnected calls - EDD phone system is notorious for that. The online application is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. Just make sure to select "bonding with new child" and not "caring for family member" when filling it out. Good luck!

I just went through this same process in December 2024! You absolutely need to file a new PFL claim since you returned to work between your disability and baby bonding. I was in the exact same boat - disability from September to November, back to work briefly, then wanted to take my bonding time. Here's what worked for me: File online through your EDD portal ASAP since you're starting Monday. You'll need your baby's birth certificate uploaded as proof of relationship. The application asks specifically if this is for "bonding with new child" - make sure you select that option, not caregiving. One thing that tripped me up initially - your "last day worked" should be this Friday (the day before your bonding leave starts), not the last day you worked before going back after disability. EDD is super picky about this date matching what your employer reports, so double-check with HR. The good news is they'll backpay from your actual start date once approved, even if there's a processing delay. My approval took about 8 days and I got paid for all days from when I actually started my leave. Don't stress too much - the online process is way easier than trying to get through on the phone!