Need to apply separately for PFL baby bonding after Pregnancy Disability ends?

Yes, you definitely need to file a separate claim for Paid Family Leave (baby bonding). Pregnancy disability and PFL are two separate benefits, and they don't automatically transition. You need to file the DE2508 form for PFL. You can do this online through your SDI account. Do it ASAP since there's usually a processing gap between benefits and you don't want to go weeks without payment.

I just went thru this in june!! so u need to file NEW claim for baby bonding after disability ends. totally differnt benefit. confusing cuz they both come thru edd but pregnancy disability is SDI and the bonding is PFL. i had same confusion lol

This is one of the most confusing parts of the whole maternity leave process! I nearly missed out on my bonding time because I thought notifying them of the birth was enough. The system really should automatically transition you or at least send a notification that you need to apply separately. Make sure when you fill out the PFL claim that you indicate the first day of your claim as the day AFTER your disability ended (so December 8 in your case). If you put overlapping dates, it will delay processing.

THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU MISS OUT ON BENEFITS!!!!! I missed out on 2 weeks of baby bonding because nobody told me I had to file a separate claim and by the time I figured it out they wouldn't backdate it. Complete garbage system that takes advantage of new moms who are sleep deprived and dealing with newborns!!!!!

If you're having trouble submitting your PFL application or need to speak with someone at EDD about the transition, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the exact same situation last year, kept calling EDD for days and couldn't get through. Claimyr connected me to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes - totally worth it when you're dealing with a newborn and don't have hours to waste on hold. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5

btw when u apply for the baby bonding make sure u say its for bonding with the baby not for taking care of them cuz theyre sick. thats a different kinda claim and will get denied. i got confused by the wording on that too and had to reapply and lost a week of benefits

One more thing - you get 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding in 2025. You can take it all at once or split it up, but you need to use it within 12 months of your baby's birth. So you have until October 26, 2025 to use all 8 weeks. Just something to keep in mind if you're planning to go back to work and maybe save some bonding time for later.

my payments had like 10 days gap between disability ending and PFL starting but they backdated it eventually so i got all the money just had to wait which sucked when u have bills!!!

Congrats on your baby boy! Mine just turned 1 and I miss those newborn days so much. Enjoy every minute!