Transitioning from pregnancy disability to PFL baby bonding - automatic or do I need to file?

Congrats on ur new baby!! You need to file a seperate claim for PFL baby bonding. It's NOT automatic. I made this mistake last yr and had a 3 week gap with no $$ coming in because I thought it would just switch over. The PFL claim form is different (DE2501F I think?) and u should file it about 1-2 weeks b4 ur disability ends.

The previous response has some incorrect information. The correct form for Paid Family Leave is actually the DE2508 (not DE2501F which doesn't exist). And importantly, if you were on pregnancy disability through EDD, they SHOULD automatically send you PFL claim information about 1-2 weeks before your DI claim ends. That message in your inbox is likely about this transition. However, while they should initiate the process, you DO still need to complete and submit the PFL claim form they send you. It's not completely automatic - you have to respond to their message and complete your portion of the paperwork. I recommend checking that EDD message in your inbox carefully - it likely contains instructions on how to proceed for baby bonding benefits. Don't wait to receive it in the mail as sometimes they only send electronic notifications.

i had my baby in december and got the same message. just follow the instructions in the edd message and youll be fine. my disability ended on january 15 and my baby bonding started january 16 with no problems. make sure you do it right away tho!!!

Here's the exact process you need to follow for transitioning from pregnancy disability to PFL baby bonding: 1. About 1-2 weeks before your pregnancy disability claim ends, EDD will automatically send you a Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits - New Mother (DE2508) form either electronically (in your EDD inbox) or by mail. 2. You must complete this form and submit it promptly. If filing online, you can do it through your SDI Online account. 3. Make sure to indicate your baby's date of birth and your intended bonding period. 4. If you don't receive this form at least 10 days before your disability ends, contact EDD right away. The reason for confusion is that while EDD does initiate the process (making it seem "automatic"), you still must complete and return the form. Missing this step is the #1 reason new mothers experience gaps in payment between pregnancy disability and baby bonding benefits. Also note: your PFL baby bonding benefit amount will be the same as your pregnancy disability amount, and you're eligible for up to 8 weeks of bonding time.

I just went through this whole process last month and its so frustrating!!! The EDD says they'll automatically send you the form but mine never came and then when I called they said I should have requested it?!?! The whole system is broken. I ended up with a THREE WEEK gap because of their mistake but they blamed me for not being "proactive" enough. ALWAYS call them even when they say you don't need to.

btw my sister had her baby right before thanksgiving and she said they did actually transition her automatically. so maybe they changed the system? she didn't have to file anything new she said.

Update: Thank you all SO much for your help! I found the form in my EDD inbox (it was labeled "PFL Bonding Transition" which is why I missed it at first). I've submitted the DE2508 online through my SDI account. The rep confirmed my disability ends on March 20th and my baby bonding should start March 21st with no gap if I've done everything correctly. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!