Using remaining 2 weeks of PFL for spouse's second medical crisis - new claim needed?
My husband was diagnosed with a serious cardiac condition in August 2023 and I took 6 weeks of PFL to care for him during his initial treatments. I thought the worst was behind us, but his condition has deteriorated again and his cardiologist just put him on a defibrillator vest which means he literally cannot be left alone (risk of sudden cardiac arrest). I still have 2 weeks of PFL available from my original claim and we're still within the 12-month period since I filed in August 2023. Do I need to submit an entirely new claim with fresh doctor certification paperwork, or can I somehow reactivate/continue my existing claim for these last 2 weeks? The EDD website is confusing me with the "file new claim" language. This is urgent as I need to take time off starting next week. Has anyone reopened a PFL caregiving claim for the same family member's ongoing condition?
15 comments


CyberSiren
Yes, you will need to file a new claim even though it's for the same family member and condition. Each PFL claim period requires new medical certification. Your doctor will need to complete a new form certifying your husband's current need for care. Since you're still within the 12-month period and haven't used all 8 weeks, you're eligible for the remaining 2 weeks. The "new claim" process is a bit misleading in name - it's still connected to your original entitlement of 8 weeks, but requires updated paperwork. Make sure you indicate on the application that this is for the same condition you previously filed for.
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Ava Thompson
•Thank you for explaining. Do you know if the doctor's certification can be submitted online or does it need to be mailed in? I'm worried about delays with his condition worsening.
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Miguel Alvarez
Im so sorry about ur husband!! I went thru something similr with my mom last year - had to take 3 weeks then another 4 weeks later when she got worse. Yes u have to do all new paperwork even tho its same person/problem which is SO ANNOYING!!! The dr office might remember filling it out before tho so sometimes they do it faster the 2nd time.
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Zainab Yusuf
•The system is so freaking broken! Why make people resubmit everything when they already have it on file??? It's just bureaucratic BS designed to make it harder to access benefits we've PAID FOR through our SDI deductions. I hate dealing with EDD so much.
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Connor O'Reilly
I just went through this exact scenario with my father's cancer treatment. You definitely need to submit a new claim with new medical certification (form DE2501F) even though it's within the 12-month period and for the same condition. Pro tip: Have your husband's doctor include language about the "defibrillator vest requiring constant supervision" and "risk of sudden cardiac arrest if left alone" - this clear language about why your care is necessary helps prevent delays or questions. Also, call EDD directly to explain your situation and ask them to expedite based on the urgent cardiac situation. Be prepared to wait hours OR use Claimyr (claimyr.com) - I used their service last month and got connected to an EDD rep in about 10 minutes instead of spending all day calling. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 Good luck and I hope your husband's condition improves.
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Ava Thompson
•Thank you so much for the detailed advice. I'll make sure the doctor includes that specific language about the vest and supervision requirements. I've been calling EDD for two days with no luck getting through - I'll check out that Claimyr service, sounds like it could save me a lot of stress right now when I'm already overwhelmed.
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Yara Khoury
my wife HAD breast cancer 3 years ago and i took pfl then when she needed surgery again last year for something else i had to do COMPLETELY new paperwork it was ridiculous!!!! but they did approve it just took like 2.5 weeks to process it
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Keisha Taylor
I work in HR and deal with this frequently. Here's the official process: 1. Yes, you need to file a new claim with new medical certification even though it's within the 12-month benefit period 2. Use form DE2501F (the PFL caregiving form) and have it completed by your husband's cardiologist 3. On the form, you should indicate this is a continuation of care for an existing condition 4. The benefit calculation will remain the same as your previous PFL period 5. Processing time is currently averaging 10-14 days for caregiving claims File online if possible as it's faster than paper forms. The remaining 2 weeks will be paid at the same rate as your previous claim period. You don't need to reestablish eligibility since you're within the 12-month period.
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Ava Thompson
•Thank you for the clear explanation. This is really helpful! Should I mention the claim number from my previous PFL period anywhere on the new application?
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Keisha Taylor
•Yes, there's a section on the application that asks if you've filed a DI or PFL claim in the past 12 months. Make sure to check "Yes" and provide your previous claim number. This helps EDD connect the claims and verify you have remaining benefits available.
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StardustSeeker
Wait I thought PFL was only for bonding with a new baby?? I didn't know you could use it for taking care of sick family members too! Learn something new everyday I guess.
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CyberSiren
•PFL in California can be used for three purposes: bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, foster placement), caring for a seriously ill family member, or participating in a qualifying event when a family member is deployed to a foreign country on active military duty. It's 8 weeks total per 12-month period regardless of which type you use.
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Ava Thompson
UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what happened in case it helps someone else. I filed a new claim online and had my husband's cardiologist complete the new certification form. As suggested, I made sure they included specific language about the defibrillator vest and supervision requirements. I called EDD using the Claimyr service that was recommended (which actually worked great - connected me to a real person in about 8 minutes) and the rep confirmed that I was doing everything correctly. She added a note to my file about the urgency of my husband's condition. My claim was approved in 6 days, and I've already received the first payment. Thank you everyone for your help!
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Connor O'Reilly
•So glad it worked out for you! Thanks for coming back to update - it's always helpful to know the outcome. Sending healing thoughts to your husband.
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Miguel Alvarez
•That's great news!! Hope your husband gets better soon ❤️
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