Transitioning from SDI to PFL for baby bonding - do I need to mark 'recovered' first?
Just finished my pregnancy disability leave today and my final SDI payment has already processed. My online EDD account says 'extension has ended' but I'm confused about the next steps for baby bonding. Do I need to formally submit that I've 'recovered' from pregnancy disability before applying for PFL baby bonding? Or can I just go ahead and submit my PFL application now? I'm worried about creating a gap between benefits and really can't afford to miss any payments. My HR department gave me conflicting advice and now I'm stressed about doing this wrong!
16 comments
Join the conversation
Amina Toure
You don't need to submit that you've recovered first. Just apply for PFL right away! There's a specific section on the PFL form (DE2508) where you indicate you're transitioning from SDI pregnancy disability to PFL baby bonding. Make sure you submit your PFL claim within 41 days of when you want benefits to begin to avoid losing any days. I just went through this in January and it was actually pretty seamless.
0 coins
Paolo Esposito
•Thank you so much! That's a relief. Did your benefits start immediately after SDI ended or was there a processing gap? I'm just trying to budget accordingly.
0 coins
Oliver Weber
congrats on the baby!! i think u have to do the recovered thing first cuz thats what my sister had 2 do last year. the whole system is so confusing tho lol
0 coins
Amina Toure
•That's actually incorrect information. For SDI to PFL transitions for baby bonding, you do NOT need to submit a recovery certification. You only need to complete the DE2508 form for PFL with the transition information included.
0 coins
FireflyDreams
Apply for PFL immediately! The transition from pregnancy disability to baby bonding PFL is supposed to be seamless, but the EDD systems don't always communicate perfectly. Here's exactly what to do: 1. File your PFL claim (DE2508) TODAY 2. In Section B of the form, check "Yes" to question 3 asking if you received disability benefits 3. Put your SDI claim number in the space provided 4. Don't wait for a "recovery" notice - that's for people returning to work, not going on PFL If you wait too long, you could create an unnecessary gap between benefits. The system might show "extension ended" because your pregnancy disability claim is closing, but that doesn't mean you need to take any extra steps before PFL.
0 coins
Paolo Esposito
•This is so helpful and specific - thank you! I'm filling out the DE2508 right now. Crossing my fingers this goes smoothly.
0 coins
Natasha Kuznetsova
THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! I thought I was doing everything right with the transition from SDI to PFL but somehow my claim got stuck in limbo for THREE WEEKS with no money coming in. I kept calling the EDD number over and over but couldn't get through to anyone. Just endless hold times and disconnections. I have ZERO faith in their system actually working properly for anyone.
0 coins
Javier Morales
•This happened to me too last month! Calling them is literally impossible. I spent 4 hours on hold one day and then they just hung up on me right when someone finally answered. So frustrating when you have a newborn and need that money!
0 coins
Emma Anderson
When I was trying to call EDD about my transition from pregnancy disability to baby bonding, I couldn't get through for days. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD agent in under 20 minutes. They handled my transition issues right away and confirmed I didn't need to submit any recovery paperwork first. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Definitely worth it when you're sleep-deprived with a newborn and can't spend hours on hold!
0 coins
Malik Thompson
•Does this actually work? I've been trying to get through to EDD for a week about my PFL claim and it's driving me insane.
0 coins
Emma Anderson
•Yes, it really does! I was skeptical at first but it saved me so much time and frustration. The agent I spoke with fixed my transition issues immediately.
0 coins
Paolo Esposito
Update: I submitted my PFL claim online yesterday after reading everyone's advice. The system accepted it without requiring any recovery notification first! I included my SDI claim number as suggested and noted I was transitioning from pregnancy disability to baby bonding. Fingers crossed it processes smoothly! Thanks everyone for your help.
0 coins
Amina Toure
•Great! It should process within 7-10 days. For future reference, you can also use the Contact EDD section in your online account to send secure messages about your claim if you have any issues.
0 coins
Javier Morales
My doctor actually had to submit something saying I was recovered before I could get my PFL benefits started. It was super annoying cos it delayed everything by like 2 weeks. I think different doctors handle it differently tho?? The whole system is so inconsistent lol.
0 coins
FireflyDreams
•That's actually not standard procedure. Your doctor should have just completed the standard medical certification for your original SDI claim with the anticipated recovery date. Sounds like either your doctor or the EDD representative handling your claim was confused about the process. The official procedure doesn't require a separate recovery certification when transitioning to PFL baby bonding.
0 coins
Paolo Esposito
Second update: My PFL claim was just approved! Only took 5 days to process. No gap in payments between SDI and PFL. For anyone reading this in the future - you definitely DON'T need to submit any recovery notification when transitioning from pregnancy disability to baby bonding. Just make sure you note on your PFL application that you're coming from SDI and include your claim number. Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins