SDI to PFL transition confusion - stopped getting payments at 4 weeks postpartum?

The standard recovery period covered by SDI for vaginal delivery is typically 6 weeks after birth, and 8 weeks for C-section. Since your payments stopped at around 4 weeks postpartum, something isn't right. A few questions: 1. Did you have a vaginal delivery or C-section? 2. When you completed the certification, did your doctor also complete their portion confirming your recovery? 3. Did you receive any notification from EDD about your claim ending early?

The same exact thing happened 2 me when I had my baby last month! EDD sent me the recovery form at 4 weeks and I marked recovered not knowing what would happen. Big mistake - it cut off my disability payments early! You should call them asap and say u didn't mean to mark recovered yet!!

You need to call EDD IMMEDIATELY and explain that you marked 'recovered' by mistake! Once you submit that you're recovered, they close your disability claim, which is why your payments stopped. The standard for vaginal birth is 6 weeks of SDI after delivery, then you transition to PFL for baby bonding. Since you're unemployed, make sure you tell them that when you call. The process is slightly different than for those returning to work. You should be eligible for up to 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding after your SDI ends, but you need to sort out this SDI situation first so there's no gap.

I've been through this nightmare twice! Here's what's happening: 1. SDI typically covers 4 weeks BEFORE birth and 6 weeks AFTER for vaginal delivery (8 for C-section) 2. When you certified as "recovered" they CLOSED your disability claim 3. You need to call and explain this was an error - you didn't understand the implications 4. AFTER correcting your SDI claim, you'll need to file a separate PFL claim for baby bonding 5. For unemployed parents, there are special considerations with your PFL claim The most important thing is to call them RIGHT AWAY. Don't wait even one more day or it gets harder to fix!

I spent literally 3 days trying to reach someone at EDD about my SDI/PFL transition issues and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 The agent was able to help me correct my certification status and explained exactly how to transition to PFL. For your situation, you definitely need to speak with someone ASAP to fix that recovery status before filing for PFL.

To clarify for everyone: The normal process is: 1. SDI for pregnancy disability (typically 4 weeks pre-birth + 6 weeks post-birth for vaginal delivery) 2. After SDI ends, you file a separate claim for PFL baby bonding (up to 8 weeks) For someone unemployed, the process is the same, but there are some differences in how your weekly benefit amount is calculated. When you call EDD, be clear that you marked "recovered" without understanding it would terminate your SDI benefits early. They may be able to reopen or extend your claim to cover the full 6-week recovery period you're entitled to after birth. After your SDI truly ends, file your PFL claim immediately to avoid gaps in payment.

btw my cousin had this same problem and they backdated her claim after she finally reached someone! so don't give up - keep calling until u reach a real person who can fix it!! u deserve those benefits!!!

I went through a very similar situation last year! The key thing to understand is that when you marked "recovered" on that certification, EDD automatically closed your SDI claim - even though you were entitled to the full 6 weeks post-delivery. This is a super common mistake because the forms are confusing. Here's what worked for me: Call EDD and specifically ask to speak with someone about "reopening a prematurely closed SDI claim due to certification error." Use those exact words. They can usually fix this and backdate your payments. One tip that helped me get through faster: Try calling the main number (1-800-480-3287) but press 1 for English, then 2 for employee, then 4 for disability insurance. Sometimes this routing gets you to someone faster than the PFL-specific line. Once your SDI is properly closed after the full 6-week recovery period, you can seamlessly transition to PFL for baby bonding. Don't let them tell you it's "too late" - you have rights here! Good luck and congratulations on your baby!