EDD PFL confusion after conditional medical leave - was replaced before return date?

omg this happened to me last year after my maternity leave!! pretty sure what they did is ILLEGAL - they can't just replace you if you were on protected medical leave. did you file your leave under FMLA? how long have you worked there? you might need to talk to an employment lawyer not just EDD

This is a tricky situation that comes up a lot. FMLA only protects your job for 12 weeks, and California's CFRA gives you another 12 weeks (they can run concurrently or consecutively depending on the situation). After that, any additional leave is usually considered "unprotected" leave, meaning they aren't legally required to hold your exact position. For EDD benefits, you have a few options: 1. If you're still medically unable to work in ANY capacity, you might be able to extend your State Disability Insurance (SDI) with updated medical certification (form DE2501). 2. If you're able to work but can't find a position, you may qualify for unemployment benefits, not PFL. 3. PFL specifically is for bonding with a new child or caring for a family member - it doesn't apply to your own medical condition. I recommend calling EDD directly to discuss your specific situation and benefit options during this transition period.

You're thinking of SDI (State Disability Insurance), which covers your own medical issues. PFL (Paid Family Leave) is specifically for bonding with a new child or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. They're both administered by EDD but are different programs with different purposes.

I had a NIGHTMARE trying to get through to EDD when I was in a similar situation last year. Kept calling for literal weeks and could never get through to an actual person who could answer my specific questions about transitioning from disability to unemployment. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 Completely worth it because the agent was able to look at my specific case and tell me exactly what forms to file and when. Saved me weeks of stress.

Yeah, it worked surprisingly well. The EDD agent I spoke with was able to confirm my benefit eligibility and explain exactly what documentation I needed to submit. Better than guessing and potentially delaying things further.

Something similar happened to me after a back injury kept me out for 9 months. The key thing you need to figure out is whether your company officially had you on a job-protected leave the entire time or if you went onto a non-protected medical leave after FMLA/CFRA expired. Some companies have extended medical leave policies beyond the legal requirements, but they're not required to. If your return-to-work date was officially approved by HR, that would be suspicious that they'd fill your role before that date. I'd request all documentation from HR about your leave status and approvals. As for benefits, you should apply for unemployment immediately while you're looking for a new position internally or externally. You can explain that you were ready to return but your position was eliminated.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO SCREW OVER PEOPLE WHO GET SICK!!! I was out for cancer treatment and the same exact thing happened - job "eliminated" two weeks before my return date. It's how companies get around the law. Then EDD makes it IMPOSSIBLE to actually talk to anyone who can help navigate the transition from disability to unemployment. I spent 6 weeks with ZERO income because of the gap! Make sure you apply for unemployment THE SECOND your disability ends. Don't wait even one day or you'll lose benefits. And document EVERYTHING from your employer about your return date being approved and then them filling your position.

Don't panic about maternity leave - that's much more protected than extended medical leave. As long as you return within the FMLA/CFRA protected period (which is plenty of time for most maternity leaves), your job is legally protected. The original poster's situation is different because they were out for 7+ months, which goes beyond what the law requires employers to protect.

what about asking if u could work from home while u recover? thats what i did last year after surgery. maybe not full time but even part time could help ur case to show ur trying? idk just a thought

To summarize your best next steps: 1. Apply for unemployment benefits immediately by filing a claim with EDD (you would use UI Online, not SDI Online which you used for disability) 2. Request written documentation from HR about your entire leave status and the approved return date 3. If you believe there was a violation of your leave rights, consider consulting with an employment attorney (many offer free consultations) 4. Continue pursuing internal positions, and document all your job search efforts as this will be required for unemployment benefits 5. Ask about potential accommodations like part-time or remote work as mentioned by another commenter The transition from medical leave to unemployment/job search is one of the most confusing aspects of the California benefit system. Don't hesitate to call EDD directly with questions about your specific situation.