Transition from SDI to PFL timing question - when to submit baby bonding forms?
Getting confused about the SDI to PFL transition process! My pregnancy disability claim (SDI) runs through 3/15/2025, and EDD just sent me the forms for baby bonding leave (PFL). Should I fill out and submit the PFL paperwork now, or do I need to wait until my final SDI payment posts? I don't want to mess anything up by applying too early, but also don't want any gap between benefits. Has anyone done this transition recently? Thanks in advance!
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Sean Murphy
You can fill out the form now and submit it! I went through this in January. You want to submit the form about 1-2 weeks before your SDI ends to ensure continuity. EDD actually likes when you submit it a bit early so they can process everything before your SDI runs out. Just make sure your start date for PFL is the day after your SDI ends (so 3/16/2025 in your case).
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Anastasia Popov
•Oh thank you so much! That's a relief to hear. I was worried if I filled it out too early they might think I was trying to double-dip or something. I'll make sure to put 3/16 as my start date!
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Zara Khan
DONT WAIT!!! Submit it ASAP!! When I transitioned last year I waited too long and ended up with a 3 week gap between my SDI ending and PFL starting because of "processing time" and it completely DESTROYED my finances. The EDD system is a total nightmare and they move at glacial speed. The earlier you submit the better.
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Luca Ferrari
•omg this happened to my sister too! she had like a 2 week gap with no $$ coming in and had to borrow from our parents. the system is so broken
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Nia Davis
You should definitely fill out the DE 2501FP form now, but here's the important detail many people miss - the "first day of family leave" on your application must be the day after your SDI claim ends. Double-check that your pregnancy disability really ends on 3/15/2025 (check your online account to confirm) and then put 3/16/2025 as your PFL start date. Also make sure all the information matches exactly what's on your SDI claim (same name format, address, employer info) or it can cause processing delays. I recommend taking a photo of the completed form before sending it in case anything gets lost.
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Anastasia Popov
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I'll double-check all my info matches exactly. Is there anything special I need from my doctor for the baby bonding portion? Or is that just for the initial SDI claim?
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Nia Davis
•For baby bonding PFL, you don't need a doctor's certification. That was only for your pregnancy disability claim. For PFL, you just need to provide documentation showing your relationship to the child (usually birth certificate). If you don't have the birth certificate yet, you can submit the hospital birth record or discharge papers temporarily, and then send the birth certificate later when you receive it.
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Mateo Martinez
Fill it out now, but wait until about 10 days before your SDI ends to actually submit it. That worked perfect for me with my twins last summer. If you do it too early they might get confused, but if you wait until after SDI ends you'll def have a gap. The sweet spot is about 7-10 days before transition.
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Luca Ferrari
•congrats on the twins!! i cant imagine how exhausting that must be lol
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Mateo Martinez
•Thanks! It's totally exhausting but also amazing. Double everything - double cuddles but also double diaper changes lol. Thankful for every minute of my leave!
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QuantumQueen
I work with SDI/PFL claims and want to clarify something important: There's a difference between when EDD sends you the form and when you should submit it. The form is often sent automatically around week 5-6 of your SDI claim, but the optimal time to submit is 10-14 days before your SDI benefit ends. Make sure to use the EXACT SAME information (name formatting, address, etc.) that's on your SDI claim. Any discrepancies can cause delays. And yes, your first day of PFL MUST be the day immediately following your last day of SDI benefits. If your SDI ends 3/15, then 3/16 is your PFL start date.
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Anastasia Popov
•This is so helpful, thank you! One quick follow-up - do I send the form to the same PO Box address that I sent my original SDI paperwork to?
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QuantumQueen
•Yes, it goes to the same address as your SDI paperwork. There should be a return address included with the form they sent you, but double-check it matches where you sent your SDI claim. Also, consider sending it with tracking so you know it was delivered successfully.
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Aisha Rahman
Anyone else get completely screwed by EDD during their transition? They lost my paperwork TWICE and I spent literal HOURS trying to get through to someone on the phone. 40+ calls over 3 days and couldn't reach anyone. My baby was 2 months old before I saw a dollar of my PFL money.
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Luca Ferrari
•ugh that's terrible!! i've heard so many stories like this lately :
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QuantumQueen
•I'm so sorry that happened to you! The phone system is definitely overwhelmed. If anyone else is struggling to reach an agent, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that connects you with EDD agents without the hours of redialing. Totally saved my sanity during my transition issues. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Much better than spending days trying to get through!
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Aisha Rahman
•Where was this when I needed it?!?! Bookmarking for any future EDD nightmares. Thanks!
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Anastasia Popov
Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to fill out the form now but wait until about 10 days before my SDI ends to send it in. I'll make triple sure all my info matches exactly and that I put 3/16 as my start date. Fingers crossed for a smooth transition!
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Sean Murphy
•Smart plan! Also, take pictures of everything before you send it - I learned that the hard way. And congrats on your little one!
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Sunny Wang
Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - when you fill out the form, use blue or black ink only (no gel pens!) and write clearly. EDD can be picky about handwriting legibility and I've heard of forms being rejected for messy writing. Also, if you're planning to take the full 8 weeks of bonding leave, make sure you specify that clearly on the form. Some people accidentally put shorter timeframes and then have to file additional claims later. Good luck with your transition!
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Omar Farouk
•This is such great advice about the pen and handwriting! I never would have thought about that but it makes total sense that they'd be strict about legibility. Quick question - do you know if there's any advantage to typing the form if it's a fillable PDF, or is handwritten actually preferred? I want to make sure I do whatever gives me the best chance of smooth processing!
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