EDD won't let me start baby bonding PFL until disability ends - system shows wrong RTW date
I'm totally stuck between SDI and PFL right now! My maternity disability claim shows a return-to-work date of Feb 15th, 2025, but I haven't actually gone back yet (and don't plan to until April). My last disability payment came through on Jan 30th. When I try to apply for baby bonding PFL online, the system keeps telling me I need to end my disability period first, but I don't see any option to do that. Has anyone dealt with this transition issue? I can't figure out how to "close" the disability claim so I can start baby bonding. My baby is already 6 weeks old and I'm getting worried about missing out on PFL benefits. Do I need to call EDD or is there something I can do online?
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Mei-Ling Chen
This happens all the time with the transition from pregnancy disability to baby bonding! Your doctor probably put Feb 15 as your estimated return-to-work date on your DE2501 form when you started disability. You have two options: 1) Call EDD and ask them to manually close your disability claim so you can start PFL, or 2) Submit a supplemental disability form from your doctor with your actual recovery end date. Option 1 is faster if you can get through to someone.
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DeShawn Washington
•Thanks for explaining! So it's basically stuck in limbo because of that estimated date. Ugh, I wish the system was smart enough to know I want to transition to bonding time. Should I wait for Feb 15th to pass or try calling now?
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Sofía Rodríguez
the same thing happened to my sister last month! she tried waiting for the end date to pass but the system never updated automatically. wasted like 2 weeks before finally calling
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Aiden O'Connor
•This is unfortunately correct - the system doesn't automatically transition you from pregnancy disability to baby bonding PFL. It's a manual process that requires you to notify EDD when your disability recovery period ends. They designed it this way because recovery times vary and only you/your doctor know when you're medically recovered, even if you're not returning to work yet.
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Zoe Papadopoulos
I went through this exact confusion last month and spent THREE DAYS trying to reach an EDD rep. Kept getting disconnected or waiting 2+ hours. Finally used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and their website is claimyr.com. The EDD rep just had to manually close out my disability claim and then I could immediately apply for PFL. Saved me a ton of stress!
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DeShawn Washington
•Thank you! I tried calling this morning and it was the usual "we're experiencing high call volume" message. I'll check out that service because I really need this resolved ASAP. Did they ask you for any specific info when you called about closing the disability claim?
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Zoe Papadopoulos
•They just needed my claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and I had to confirm I was medically cleared to return to work but choosing to take baby bonding time instead. Super quick once I actually got someone on the phone!
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Jamal Brown
I went through this EXACT nightmare last year and wasted TWO WHOLE WEEKS of potential benefits because no one told me about this stupid "feature" of their system! It's absolutely ridiculous that they don't make this transition process clearer!!! Why can't they design a system that lets you indicate you want to switch to bonding time after recovery? Instead they make us play phone tag with their impossible-to-reach representatives. I'm still bitter about losing those two weeks of pay that I'll never get back. 😠
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Sofía Rodríguez
•omg i know right?? my friend had the same thing happen and missed a mortgage payment bc of the delay. the whole system is designed to make us give up i swear
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Mei-Ling Chen
•This is why I always tell pregnant friends to put a reminder in their calendar 1-2 weeks before their estimated recovery end date to start calling EDD. The transition doesn't happen automatically, and you're right - they don't make this clear enough in their materials.
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Fatima Al-Rashid
Have ypu tried ust submiting the PFL claim anyway? Somtimes the system lets you do it even when it gives that message at first. My cousin said she just ignored the message and kept clicking and eventully it went throguh but that was back in 2024 so maybe its different now
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DeShawn Washington
•I tried submitting multiple times but it won't let me proceed past the screen that says I need to end my disability claim first. It's so frustrating because it feels like I'm stuck in a loop!
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Giovanni Rossi
To clarify what's happening: In California's system, pregnancy disability (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding are separate benefits with a manual transition process. Based on your situation: 1. Your doctor certified disability through Feb 15, 2025 on your DE2501 form 2. You're medically recovered but want to start baby bonding before returning to work 3. The system is designed to require closure of one benefit before starting another The fastest solution is calling EDD directly at 1-800-480-3287 and requesting to end your disability claim effective immediately so you can start PFL. When you reach a representative, specifically ask for: - Manual closure of your disability claim as of your actual recovery date - Immediate release to apply for PFL baby bonding - Confirmation that your 8-week PFL claim can begin immediately Keep in mind there's no automated way to do this online - it requires representative intervention. I recommend calling early (8:00-8:30am) when wait times are shortest.
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DeShawn Washington
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I've been stressing because the baby is already 6 weeks old and I don't want to miss out on any bonding time benefits. I'll call first thing tomorrow morning with this specific request.
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Aiden O'Connor
After you get this resolved, make sure to submit your PFL claim (DE2508F form) immediately! The claim can be backdated to the day after your disability ended, but only if you file within 41 days of that date. So if they backdate your disability end to today, you have 41 days to submit the PFL claim before you risk losing benefits. And definitely upload your baby's birth certificate or other proof of relationship in advance - that's another common delay point.
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DeShawn Washington
•Oh that's super helpful - I didn't know about the 41-day deadline! I have my birth certificate scanned and ready to upload. Is there anything else I should have ready when I apply for the PFL part?
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Aiden O'Connor
•Have your child's birth certificate, your last day worked before disability started, and the date you want PFL to begin (likely the day after your disability ends). You'll also need your employer contact info. If you've moved since starting disability, update your address on your online profile before submitting the PFL claim - this is a common reason for delays!
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My baby is 4 weeks old and I've been stuck in this limbo for over a week. I called EDD yesterday and after waiting 2 hours, the rep told me they could manually close my disability claim but then said I'd have to wait 3-5 business days for it to "process" in their system before I could apply for PFL. Has anyone else been told about this processing delay? I'm worried I'm getting incorrect information because that seems to contradict what others are saying about being able to apply immediately after they close the disability claim.
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Hannah Flores
•That's frustrating that you got conflicting information! From what I've read in this thread, it sounds like some reps can close the disability claim immediately and let you apply for PFL right away, while others might be giving you outdated info about processing delays. Maybe try calling back and asking to speak with a different representative? It seems like the process can vary depending on who you talk to. Definitely don't wait the 3-5 days if you don't have to - that's precious bonding time you'd be losing!
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