EDD disability before birth then switching to PFL baby bonding - confused about timing!

yes you can do that! thats actually how the system is supposed to work. you get SDI for pregnancy/birth, then switch to PFL for baby bonding. i did this last year.

You're absolutely on the right track! Here's how it works: apply for SDI (State Disability Insurance) now since your doctor has taken you off work. You'll receive SDI benefits from now until 6-8 weeks after delivery (6 weeks for vaginal birth, 8 for C-section). After your SDI ends, you'll then apply for PFL (Paid Family Leave) for your baby bonding time, which gives you 8 weeks of benefits. These are two separate applications, and the transition isn't automatic - you'll need to file the PFL claim when your recovery period ends.

i messed this up SO BAD when i had my baby! missed out on like 2 weeks of benefits cause i didnt know i had to do two seprate applications. make sure u file for SDI right now since ur doctor already filled out the note. dont wait!!!

Just adding to what everyone's said - KEEP TRACK OF YOUR DATES! SDI doesn't automatically notify you when it's time to switch to PFL. I almost missed filing my baby bonding claim because I thought they'd send an alert or something. Set calendar reminders now for when you'll need to apply for PFL (about 6-8 weeks after your estimated delivery date). Also, when you file for SDI, you'll need form DE2501 completed by your doctor. For PFL later, you'll need form DE2508. Good luck!

If you're struggling to reach EDD by phone to clarify any of this (which is very likely), I'd recommend using Claimyr. It helped me get through to an agent within 15 minutes when I was dealing with my SDI to PFL transition issues. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 that shows how it works. Their website is claimyr.com - basically they hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration!

I HATE that they make this so complicated for pregnant women and new moms! When I had my baby in 2025, I got so confused between SDI and PFL that I almost had a breakdown trying to figure it out while taking care of a newborn. The whole system needs to be simplified! WHY can't they just make it ONE APPLICATION for pregnant women who are obviously going to need both!? It's so ridiculous! And then trying to reach EDD to ask questions is IMPOSSIBLE.

btw random tip but when you get the EDD debit card, transfer the money to your bank account right away. they charge weird fees sometimes if u just use the card for purchases.

can you still get both SDI and PFL if you have vacation time from work? my hr person said something about needing to use up all paid time off first but that doesn't sound right to me

I just submitted my SDI application online! Thank you all so much for the advice. I've set calendar reminders for 6 weeks after my due date to apply for PFL. Still nervous about the whole process but feel much more prepared now.

Great job filing your SDI application! Just wanted to add one more thing - when you do apply for PFL in about 6-8 weeks, make sure you have your baby's birth certificate ready. They'll need it to process your bonding claim. Also, don't panic if there's a small gap between when your SDI ends and PFL starts - that's normal and you can usually backdate the PFL claim to start right after SDI ends. Wishing you a safe delivery and smooth benefit process!