How to transition from Pregnancy Disability to Baby Bonding PFL after birth?
Hi everyone! I just had my baby boy 5 days ago (yay but omg so tired). I've been on pregnancy disability leave since 4 weeks before my due date. Now I'm completely confused about transitioning to PFL for baby bonding. I filled out some form online reporting his birth date and delivery type, but I'm not sure if that's all I need to do? Do I need to file a whole new claim for PFL or does it automatically transition? The EDD website is so confusing and I can't find clear instructions anywhere. Has anyone gone through this recently and know the exact steps? I'm worried about messing something up and delaying my benefits when I really need them!
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Oliver Becker
Congrats on ur baby! I had mine in Jan & remember being confused too. Pretty sure u need to submit a new PFL claim for baby bonding - the birth info form isn't enough. U should get a notice from EDD when ur disability ends that explains next steps.
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Amina Bah
•Thanks! Did you have to wait until your disability claim actually ended before filing for baby bonding? Or can I file it now? So scared of having a gap in payments.
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CosmicCowboy
You absolutely need to file a separate claim for Paid Family Leave baby bonding. What you filled out was probably just updating your pregnancy disability claim with birth information. For PFL, you need to complete form DE2508 through SDI Online. Don't wait until your disability ends - file about 1-2 weeks before your disability claim ends to avoid payment gaps. Your doctor typically certifies 6-8 weeks of disability after birth (longer for c-section). After that ends, your baby bonding PFL can begin for up to 8 weeks of benefits.
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Amina Bah
•Thank you so much for the clear explanation! I had a vaginal delivery so I think my disability is 6 weeks. I'll log into SDI Online today and look for the DE2508 form. Really appreciate your help!
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Natasha Orlova
•This advice is WRONG! I followed similar instructions in 2025 and had my claim DENIED because I applied too early! You have to wait until your disability claim is COMPLETELY processed and closed before applying for baby bonding!! The EDD system can't handle overlapping claims and you'll get stuck in computer limbo for weeks!!!
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Javier Cruz
I just went through this whole process last month! The reporting of birth info you did was just updating your SDI claim. You definitely need to file a separate PFL claim for baby bonding. Here's what worked for me: 1. Wait until about 7-10 days before your SDI ends (so week 5 for vaginal birth) 2. File your PFL claim through SDI Online (look for the PFL button) 3. You'll need your baby's birth certificate or hospital documentation 4. You don't need doctor certification for baby bonding - just proof of relationship Doing it this way, my payments transitioned smoothly with no gap. The system is actually pretty good once you know what to do! Just make sure you file before your disability ends but not too early.
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Emma Thompson
•This is perfect advice. The key is timing - too early and the system gets confused, too late and you get a payment gap. One week before your disability ends is the sweet spot. Also, don't forget that if you and your partner are both eligible, you can each take 8 weeks of PFL independently.
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Malik Jackson
when i had my baby i just called edd and they helped me fill everything out over the phone. took like 4 tries to get thru to someone tho lol
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Isabella Costa
•Calling EDD is honestly the fastest way to get this sorted if you can actually reach someone. I used Claimyr.com to connect with an EDD agent quickly when I was transitioning from disability to PFL. Saved me hours of redial hell and the agent walked me through the whole claim filing process in about 15 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 that shows how it works. Way better than trying to figure out the website instructions!
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Amina Bah
Update: I finally got it figured out! For anyone who finds this post later - yes, you DO need to file a separate claim for PFL baby bonding. The birth reporting form is just for your disability claim. I filed my PFL claim today through SDI Online (about 10 days before my disability should end). The form was DE2508, and I needed my baby's birth certificate info but no doctor certification was required. Thanks everyone for your help! Will update if I run into any more issues with the transition.
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Javier Cruz
•Glad you got it sorted! This timing should work perfectly. Your first PFL payment should come within 7-10 days after your disability ends if everything processes correctly. Enjoy your baby bonding time! ❤️
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Oliver Becker
omg i just remembered something important - make sure you do all ur disability claim forms till the very end! i thought once i filed for baby bonding i was done with disability paperwork but you still have to certify for disability until it officially ends or they'll say u abandoned ur claim and it messes everything up
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Amina Bah
•Oh wow, thanks for mentioning this! I would have totally missed that. Will make sure to keep certifying my disability until it's officially over.
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Natasha Orlova
Am I the only one who thinks it's RIDICULOUS that California makes this process so complicated??? Why isn't there just ONE FORM for maternity leave that handles both parts automatically?? My sister in New Jersey had a waaaaay easier process. The EDD system is designed to make people give up and not claim benefits they're entitled to. I had to file THREE appeals before my transition finally worked correctly in February.
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Emma Thompson
•The system definitely has room for improvement, but it's actually based on two different funding sources - SDI (disability) and PFL come from different parts of the program, which is why they require separate claims. I agree they could make the transition more seamless though.
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StarSurfer
I'm actually experiencing the exact same issue but I'm trying to transition from taking care of my sick mother (PFL) to pregnancy disability. Does anyone know if the process works the same way in reverse? Do I need to file a new claim?
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CosmicCowboy
•Yes, you would need to file a separate SDI claim for pregnancy disability. They're completely separate benefit types, so transitioning in either direction requires a new claim filing. For pregnancy disability, you'll need your doctor to certify your disability period using form DE2501.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
Congratulations on your baby! 🎉 I went through this exact transition last year and it was definitely confusing at first. The key thing to remember is that pregnancy disability and baby bonding PFL are two completely separate claims, even though they're both through EDD. What you filled out reporting the birth was just updating your disability claim - you absolutely need to file a brand new PFL claim for baby bonding. I'd recommend filing it about 1-2 weeks before your disability period ends (so around week 4-5 for vaginal delivery). Use form DE2508 through SDI Online, and you'll need your baby's birth certificate info but no doctor certification required for bonding. The timing is crucial - too early and the system gets confused, too late and you get a payment gap. Also keep certifying for your disability benefits until they officially end! Hope this helps and enjoy your bonding time with your little one! ❤️
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Yara Campbell
•This is such helpful advice! I'm actually in a similar situation - just had my baby 2 weeks ago and was totally lost on the transition process. The timing guidance is especially useful since I've seen conflicting advice elsewhere. Quick question - when you say "week 4-5 for vaginal delivery", are you counting from the birth date or from when the disability started? I want to make sure I get this right!
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