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Paolo Conti

Transitioning from SDI to PFL during school Christmas break - postpartum depression concerns

I'm currently on pregnancy disability leave (SDI) with a return-to-work date of 12/25/2025, but I work at a school district and we'll be closed for Christmas break when my disability ends. I'm confused about how to transition to baby bonding (PFL) with this timing. Do I need my doctor to extend my disability through the break? Will EDD automatically email me the PFL forms? My next disability payment is scheduled for 12/31, and I'm also dealing with postpartum depression which is making this all harder to manage. What exactly should I do when the 25th arrives? I don't want to mess anything up and lose benefits during the holiday!

Amina Sow

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You need to file for PFL separately - it's not automatic! Your disability and PFL are two different claims, even though they're both through EDD. Here's what you should do: 1. Apply for PFL before your disability ends on 12/25 (I'd do it now!) 2. You can apply online through SDI Online or by mail using the DE 2501F form 3. The school break doesn't matter for EDD purposes - what matters is when your doctor releases you from disability If you're experiencing postpartum depression, talk to your doctor about whether extending your disability is appropriate. They can extend your disability if medically necessary, regardless of the school break. Your eligibility for PFL baby bonding starts when your doctor says you're medically able to return to work.

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Paolo Conti

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Thank you so much for this info! So I should apply for PFL now even though I'm still on disability? I didn't realize they were completely separate. Does my doctor need to fill out part of the PFL application or is that just for disability? I have an appointment next week so I can discuss the postpartum depression then.

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GalaxyGazer

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In my experience, youll want to apply for PFL atleast 1-2 weeks before your SDI ends so there isnt a gap in payments. My doctor had to fill out paperwork saying I was released from disability before my PFL was approved. I also had postpartum depression with my first baby and my dr extended my disability by 4 additional weeks before I started PFL. With schools being closed does your employer know your planning to take baby bonding after disability? Some schools have weird rules about when you can start/end leaves.

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Oliver Wagner

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This is partially incorrect. For baby bonding PFL, a doctor does NOT need to fill out paperwork releasing you from disability. PFL for bonding only requires proof of relationship to the child (birth certificate, etc). You're thinking of the doctor's certification that's required to END disability, but that's separate from the PFL application process. The two claims are connected in the system but require separate applications.

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omg I went through the EXACT same thing last Christmas with my school district!! The timing with the holiday break is super confusing. I ended up having a 2-week gap in my payments because I didn't realize I needed to apply for PFL separately and thought it would just continue. Don't make my mistake!!

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Paolo Conti

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Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! Did you eventually get it sorted out? Were you able to get backpay for those missed weeks?

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Yes I did get it fixed but it took FOREVER! I had to call EDD like 50 times before I got through. Once I finally talked to someone they helped me file the PFL claim retroactively and I got backpaid about 3 weeks later. So frustrating!!

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If you're experiencing postpartum depression, I strongly recommend you talk to your doctor about extending your disability claim. Postpartum depression is a legitimate medical reason to extend SDI benefits beyond the standard pregnancy recovery period. I went through this myself and had my disability extended by 6 weeks before transitioning to PFL for baby bonding. Regarding the school break - that's irrelevant to EDD. Their concern is your medical status and eligibility, not your employer's schedule. The school being closed doesn't automatically extend your disability; only a doctor can do that.

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Paolo Conti

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Thank you for this validation. I've been feeling guilty about potentially extending my disability for the depression, like maybe I should just push through it. I'll definitely discuss it with my doctor at my appointment next week.

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Emma Thompson

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Has anyone here used Claimyr to get through to EDD? I was in a similar situation transitioning from disability to PFL and spent DAYS trying to get someone on the phone. I finally used Claimyr.com and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 It was super helpful for getting my transition questions answered and making sure I wasn't missing any paperwork. Especially around the holidays when EVERYONE is trying to call EDD!

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I wish I had known about this last year! Is it legitimate? Sounds too good to be true after spending hours listening to the 'all representatives are busy' message lol

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Emma Thompson

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Yeah it's legit! They basically keep dialing for you until they get through. I was skeptical too but it seriously saved me so much frustration. Especially good for complicated situations like this where you really need to talk to a real person.

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Malik Davis

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make sure u submit ur PFL claim ONLINE not by mail!!!! i sent mine by mail and it got lost and i had to reapply & lost 2 weeks of pay. the online system is way faster anyway. also the xmas break doesnt matter, my sister works for a school and she just transitioned to PFL when her doctor released her regardless of school schedule.

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Amina Sow

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To summarize the correct process for everyone: 1. Apply for PFL online through SDI Online about 1-2 weeks before your disability ends 2. For baby bonding PFL, you need proof of relationship (birth certificate) but NOT a doctor's certification 3. If you have postpartum depression, speak with your doctor about potentially extending disability before transitioning to PFL 4. Your employer's schedule (school break) has no impact on EDD's processes or timelines 5. PFL and SDI are separate claims that require separate applications The timing around holidays can make the transition more confusing, but the process itself is the same. Don't wait until your disability ends to apply for PFL!

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Paolo Conti

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Thank you for this clear summary! I've made an appointment with my doctor and I'm going to start my PFL application today. Hoping the transition goes smoothly!

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