EDD unemployment after PFL ends - which date to use when filing?

You should use the date your PFL ends as your last day of work. The EDD system will show you were receiving benefits during that time, so it would create a conflict if you put your termination date from November. I went through something similar in January and had to call EDD twice because I initially put my termination date and it caused issues with my claim.

u should def use the date after PFL ends!!! i put my original firing date and it messed EVERYTHING up and i had to get a whole new claim started... took like 3 extra weeks 😩

From the EDD website: When transitioning from PFL to UI, you should use the day after your PFL benefits end as your last day worked. This prevents any system conflicts between benefit programs. Make sure you have your Notice of Computation from your PFL claim handy when filing for UI as they'll need that information. Also be prepared to explain why you're no longer employed (laid off during pregnancy disability) as they'll ask about this during the application process. You may need to provide the termination email as verification if requested.

I'd just put the original termination date and explain in the comments that you've been on SDI/PFL since then. That's technically your last day of employment. The unemployment system is designed to handle these transitions.

If I were you, I'd use the date after your PFL ends for your unemployment application. BUT, here's the problem - there's always a waiting period between benefits. Have you tried calling EDD to get specific guidance for your situation? Good luck getting through though... I spent 3 hours trying to reach someone last month when my PFL claim had issues. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Totally worth it when you need to talk to an actual human who can look at your specific case. They might be able to tell you exactly how to handle the PFL-to-UI transition without delaying your benefits.

When I had my baby in 2023, I got fired during maternity leave (illegal but whatever) and had same situation. Date after PFL is correct but heres what else I wish someone told me - APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BEFORE YOUR LAST PFL PAYMENT! Like 3-5 days before. They dont start processing until after PFL ends anyway but this way youre already in the queue. Gets money flowing faster!!!

@OP Yes, when I finally got through, the rep was super helpful. She could see my whole claim history and fixed the issue while I was on the phone. For your situation, they can tell you exactly which date to use AND they can make notes on your account about the transition so it doesn't get flagged for review. Definitely worth talking to someone directly especially since you're going from one benefit type to another.

Does anyone know if theres gonna be a gap between PFL ending and unemployment starting??? Im in same boat, due to run out of PFL in February and nervous about no income while UI processes...

totally random but make sure ur resume is good!!! i got laid off during my pregnancy in october and just FINALLY got a new job last week. the market is brutal right now 😭

For those worried about the gap between PFL and UI: Yes, there will typically be a 1-2 week gap minimum (the mandatory waiting week plus processing time). Make sure to certify for UI as soon as you're prompted to, even if your claim is still pending approval. If approved, you'll be paid for those weeks retroactively. Also, be prepared for UI benefits to be significantly lower than your PFL amount. UI is capped at a lower rate than PFL in California.

@OP Yes, you should document all job search activities from now on. For each application, keep track of: company name, position, date applied, contact method (online, email, etc.), and any response. UI requires you to be actively looking for work and may request your job search records. They don't always ask for them upfront, but they can audit you later, so better safe than sorry.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Got terminated while on maternity leave in December and my PFL is ending in two weeks. This thread is so helpful - I had no idea about applying a few days before PFL ends to get in the queue early. One question though - has anyone dealt with having to explain the pregnancy discrimination aspect during the UI interview? My employer gave some BS reason for the layoff but the timing was obviously related to my leave. I'm worried they might question my eligibility or think I quit voluntarily somehow.