Do I need to file a separate PFL claim for baby bonding after SDI maternity leave ends?
Im so confused about this whole transition process from pregnancy disability to baby bonding leave. I'm currently on maternity leave through SDI (about 6 weeks in) and it's supposed to end in about 2 weeks. I want to take the additional 8 weeks for baby bonding but I'm not sure if I need to file a whole new claim or if it automatically transitions? My HR person just said "contact EDD" but doesn't everyone know how impossible that is?? The EDD website is so confusing and I'm worried about missing deadlines and having a gap in my benefits. My baby is barely sleeping and I can't handle the stress of figuring this out on top of everything else. Has anyone gone through this recently? Do I need to submit a whole separate application for the baby bonding portion?
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Kaitlyn Otto
yes you need to file a completely seprate PFL claim for baby bonding. theyre different programs even tho its all thru EDD. When I had my baby last yr I didnt know and waited til my disability ended and then had a 2 week gap with no pay before my PFL kicked in. dont make my mistake!!
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Kristian Bishop
•Omg thank you! Do you know how early I can apply for the baby bonding portion? I definitely don't want a gap in payments!
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Axel Far
Yes, Pregnancy Disability Leave (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding are two completely separate claims. You'll need to file a new claim for PFL using form DE2508 through your SDI Online account. You should apply for PFL about 7-10 days before your SDI claim ends to ensure a smooth transition. You'll need to provide your baby's birth certificate or other documentation. Unlike your SDI claim, your doctor doesn't need to certify anything for baby bonding - you just need to prove your relationship to the child.
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Jasmine Hernandez
•This! ⬆️ I just went through this in early 2025 and filing about a week before my disability ended worked perfectly. Zero gap between payments.
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Kristian Bishop
Thanks for the advice! I just logged into my SDI Online account and I don't see any obvious place to file for PFL baby bonding. Is it hidden somewhere in there or do I need to call? And I'm not sure I have the official birth certificate yet - just the hospital certificate. Will that work?
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Axel Far
•In your SDI Online account, look for the "New Claim" button on your dashboard. When you click it, you'll see an option for "Paid Family Leave" and then you can select "Bonding with new child." The hospital certificate should work temporarily, but you may need to provide the official birth certificate later. The system will guide you through which documents to upload.
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Luis Johnson
I HATED this transition process!!! The EDD acts like these programs are connected but they're NOT. I spent HOURS trying to reach someone at EDD when my disability ended to ask about starting baby bonding. I kept getting disconnected or waiting 3+ hours on hold. By the time I finally got through, I had already missed a week of pay that I never got back. The system is so broken!!
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Ellie Kim
•I had the same frustrating experience trying to reach EDD about my transition from SDI to PFL. After days of failed attempts, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an actual EDD agent in under 30 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Saved me so much stress during an already difficult time with a newborn. The agent walked me through exactly what I needed to do to make the transition smooth.
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Fiona Sand
my cousin said she just called and they switched her over on the phone but that was back in 2023 so maybe they changed it?? i dunno lol. good luck with the baby, the first few months are SO HARD but it gets better i promise!
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Axel Far
•The process has changed significantly since 2023. Now EDD strongly prefers online applications for all PFL claims, including baby bonding. While you technically can still apply by phone, the wait times are extremely long, and they'll likely just direct you to complete the process online anyway.
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Mohammad Khaled
This is what trips up so many new parents! Here's a step-by-step guide to make it easier: 1. File your PFL claim 7-10 days before your SDI ends 2. Use your SDI Online account (same login you already have) 3. Click "New Claim" then "Paid Family Leave" then "Bonding" 4. Have your baby's birth documentation ready to upload 5. Your weekly benefit amount will be the same as your SDI payments 6. The 8-week clock for baby bonding starts immediately after your SDI ends 7. You'll need to complete a simple certification every two weeks Just remember that while SDI is for YOUR medical recovery from childbirth, PFL is for BONDING with your new baby. They're completely separate programs administered by the same department.
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Kristian Bishop
•Thank you for breaking it down like this! I've started the application process and this helps a lot. Do I need to get anything from my employer specifically for the baby bonding portion? I already submitted all their info for the SDI claim.
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Axel Far
One more important thing to know: if you have any problems with your PFL baby bonding claim, don't use the general EDD number. There's a specific PFL customer service number: 1-877-238-4373. They're still hard to reach, but slightly better than the main line. Also, save all confirmation numbers and take screenshots of your submissions in case anything gets lost in their system.
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Kristian Bishop
•Thank you - that's incredibly helpful. I just submitted my PFL application through my SDI Online account. It gave me a confirmation number that I've saved. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly from here!
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Jasmine Hernandez
When I had my baby in January, I found the transition confusing too. What worked for me was applying for baby bonding EXACTLY 8 days before my disability ended. Not 7, not 9, but 8. That's what the lady at EDD told me when I finally got through. And it worked! My payments continued without a gap.
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Kristian Bishop
•That's so specific! I'm glad it worked for you. I just submitted mine and it's about 9 days before my SDI ends, so hopefully that's close enough!
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Alina Rosenthal
omg yes its sooo confusing why cant they just make it one process???? i had my baby in Decemebr and the whole thing was a nightmare. i ended up just taking unpaid leave from work cause i couldnt figure out the stupid PFL application and needed to focus on my baby. if you can get it figured out youre doing better than me lol
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Mohammad Khaled
•I'm sorry you had that experience. For anyone else reading this thread who's feeling overwhelmed: if you're struggling with the application, consider asking a family member for help or see if your employer's HR department can provide guidance. You shouldn't have to miss out on benefits you're entitled to just because the system is confusing.
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