Extending PFL after exhausting SDI benefits - options for severe postpartum anxiety?

Yes, this is possible! You can apply for standard disability (not pregnancy disability) for postpartum depression/anxiety as a separate claim. Your therapist or psychiatrist would need to certify that your condition prevents you from working. It would require a new DE2501 form with your mental health provider as the certifying doctor rather than your OB. I went through this exact situation last year. After my PFL ended, I got an additional 6 weeks of disability for severe PPD. The key is having your provider clearly document that your condition prevents you from performing your regular work duties.

DONT COUNT ON EDD!!! They make everything so complicated and ALWAYS mess up mental health claims. I tried doing this last year and they denied me even tho my doctor filled everything out. Then I had to appeal and was without money for WEEKS!!! They said I could work with anxiety which is BS. Just be super careful and know they might deny you at first cuz thats what they do with everything.

You might want to look into FMLA/CFRA options too, especially if your postpartum anxiety qualifies as a serious health condition (which it likely does). While these don't provide payment, they can protect your job for up to 12 weeks. Some employers also offer extended personal leaves that you could use. I had severe PPD that turned into scary panic attacks. My psychiatrist wrote that I couldn't safely return to work, and I did get approved for regular disability after my PFL ended. Make sure your mental health provider specifically documents how your condition impacts your ability to perform essential job functions. That's what EDD looks for.

If you need to reach EDD regarding this transition, I'd recommend Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to a real person at EDD within 20 minutes after I spent days getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 I was in a similar situation trying to file a mental health claim after PFL, and really needed to talk to someone at EDD about the process. The representatives actually gave me some useful advice about how to have my doctor fill out the forms to avoid denial.

my baby was the same way! wouldn't take bottle from anyone else and screamed bloody murder if i wasnt holding him. what helped us was having someone else feed him while wearing one of my unwashed shirts (gross i know lol). the smell helped calm him down. this doesnt solve your leave situation but might help with the transition when you do go back.

I think soemtimes we need to be brave for our babies. I was scared to death about going back but guess what - my baby adjusted faster than I did! Yes there were tears but by week 2 he was totaly fine with the sitter. Dont mean to sound harsh but sometimes making it a huge deal makes it worse.

One important thing to note: if you do apply for disability based on postpartum anxiety/depression, it's a completely separate claim from your pregnancy and PFL claims. You'll need to have your doctor start the paperwork before your PFL ends to avoid gaps in payment. Also, there's a waiting period for the new claim (I think it's 7 days) where you won't receive benefits. EDD may also require additional medical documentation for mental health claims, so be prepared to provide that. Having your therapist and/or psychiatrist document your symptoms thoroughly makes a huge difference in approval rates.

my friend just went thru this! she got her regular doctor to fill out disability paperwork for PPD and she got 8 more weeks. dont just assume u cant get more time - if ur truly not ready to go back most doctors understand this!! sending u good vibes mama u got this

I'm so sorry you're going through this - postpartum anxiety is incredibly difficult and you're not alone. I went through something similar with my second baby. One thing that really helped me was working with a perinatal mental health specialist rather than a general therapist. They understand the specific challenges of postpartum conditions and are much better at documenting the severity for disability claims. If you can find one through Postpartum Support International's directory, they're usually very experienced with writing the medical documentation EDD needs. Also, don't let your HR department discourage you - they often don't understand that mental health disability is separate from pregnancy-related leave. You have the right to apply for additional time if your condition prevents you from working safely. The worst they can do is deny it, but many people do get approved for postpartum mental health claims. Take care of yourself mama. Your mental health matters and your baby needs you healthy. ❤️

I'm dealing with something similar right now and wanted to share what I've learned. After my PFL ended, my psychiatrist helped me file for regular SDI based on postpartum depression and anxiety. The key was having her document specific symptoms that prevent me from working - like panic attacks, inability to concentrate for extended periods, and severe sleep deprivation affecting my judgment. One thing that helped my claim get approved was having my doctor explain how my symptoms could create safety risks at my job (I work with heavy machinery). EDD seems to take workplace safety concerns seriously when evaluating mental health claims. I also recommend starting the application process at least 2 weeks before your PFL ends if possible. There can be processing delays, and you don't want a gap in benefits. My claim took about 3 weeks to get approved, but I got backpay for the waiting period. Hang in there - postpartum anxiety is so hard, but there are options available. Don't let anyone make you feel like you should just "tough it out." Your mental health is just as important as physical health.