Splitting PFL baby bonding leave - new claim or continue previous claim number for second portion?

You don't need to file a completely new claim. You can use your same PFL claim number since you're still within the 12-month period from your child's birth. However, you DO need to file a new application (DE 2501F) for the second portion. \n\nIt's a bit confusing - same claim number, new application. You can submit this online through your EDD account - look for \

Thank you for this clear explanation! So if I'm understanding right, I basically submit another application but reference my existing claim. That makes sense. \n\nDo you know if there's any waiting period between when I return to work from my first portion and when I can start the second portion? Or can I theoretically work for just a week and then go back on leave?

no you cant use the same claim number they made me file a whole new claim last year when i did this. the rep told me split leaves need new claim numbers every time

That information isn't correct. For baby bonding PFL, you can split your leave within the 12-month period using the same claim, but you do need to file a new application (DE 2501F) for each portion. The claim number stays the same since it's still within the eligible period for the same qualifying event (the birth/adoption of your child).

I split my leave too when my son was born last year - took 2 weeks right after birth then 6 more weeks later. The EDD system is SUPER confusing about this!! When I called they told me different things each time. First time they said I needed whole new claim, second person said just new application form. \n\nI ended up having to mail in paperwork bc online system kept giving me errors. Then they lost my form TWICE and I had to resubmit!!! Total nightmare getting the second part of my leave processed. Started calling at 8am every day for a week before finally reaching someone who could help.

Ugh this is exactly what I'm afraid of happening...I really don't want to deal with paperwork headaches when I'm trying to spend time with my baby. Did they eventually get it sorted out for you?

I tried calling EDD about this exact issue last month and was on hold for TWO HOURS before getting disconnected!!! So frustrating. Has anyone actually been able to reach a human at EDD recently?

I was having the same problem with endless wait times, then I found this service called Claimyr that gets you through to an EDD agent without the wait. Totally worth it for me because I needed answers about my split PFL claim urgently. You can see how it works at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 showing the process. The agent I spoke with confirmed that for baby bonding PFL, you keep the same claim number but file a new application for each portion of your split leave.

Just wanted to add that when I did my split leave (took 4 weeks when baby was born then another 4 weeks when my wife went back to work), I had to have my employer fill out the work period information on the second application. This was important because EDD needed to verify I actually returned to work between leave periods. Make sure your employer section is completed correctly or they'll delay processing your second portion!

Thank you for that tip! I'll make sure to get my HR department to verify the work period between leaves. Did you have to get a new doctor certification for the second portion of your leave or did the original one cover both parts?

For baby bonding PFL, you don't need a doctor's certification - that's only for pregnancy disability or if you're caring for an ill family member. For baby bonding, you just need proof of relationship which you already provided with your first application.

i didnt no you could even split the leave i thot you had to take it all at once... can u really take like half now and half later????? thats so cool my supervisor told me wrong then grrrrrr

Yes! California PFL for baby bonding can be split into multiple periods as long as they're all taken within 12 months of the birth or placement of your child. You get 8 weeks total that you can split however works best for your family. Many supervisors don't know all the details of leave laws, so it's always good to check directly with EDD or a benefits specialist.

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I'm going to try submitting the new application online first, and if I run into problems I'll try that Claimyr service to actually speak with someone. \n\nI'll make sure to have my employer verify my return-to-work date from the first portion and my new leave dates for the second portion. Hopefully the online system works better for me than it did for some of you!