When to switch from pregnancy disability to PFL after baby arrives? Already receiving SDI payments
I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant and have been receiving pregnancy disability payments for the past 2 weeks through SDI. Yesterday I got a call from EDD saying I need to 'inform them when baby is born' but they didn't really explain what happens next? I'm super confused about the whole process after delivery. Do I automatically continue getting paid through the recovery period (6-8 weeks postpartum)? Or do I need to file something new? And when exactly do I switch to baby bonding PFL? Do they just automatically transition me or is there paperwork? I'm terrified of messing something up and losing weeks of benefits since we're really counting on this income. Anyone gone through this recently who can explain the steps? My doctor's office hasn't been much help with the EDD paperwork side of things.
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Miguel Ramos
You're on pregnancy disability leave (SDI) right now, which covers up to 4 weeks before birth and then 6-8 weeks after birth (8 weeks for c-section, 6 for vaginal delivery). After your recovery period ends, THEN you file for PFL for baby bonding - that's a separate claim. Here's what you need to do: 1. When baby is born, notify EDD right away (call or online) 2. Continue certifying for SDI during your recovery period 3. About 1-2 weeks before your recovery period ends, apply for PFL The transition is NOT automatic! This trips up so many new moms.
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Ava Martinez
AuthorThank you!! This makes so much more sense now. So I need to actually apply for PFL separately toward the end of my recovery time? Is there a specific form for that? I'm worried about timing it right and not having a gap between benefits.
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QuantumQuasar
congrats on ur baby!!! i had mine last yr and the whole thing was sooooo confusing. basically after u give birth u keep getting the SDI checks for recovery. then u gotta apply for PFL before the sdi runs out or u'll miss $$
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Ava Martinez
AuthorThanks! Did you have any issues with the timing? I'm worried about having a gap between the SDI ending and PFL starting. How long did it take for your PFL to get approved after you applied?
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Zainab Omar
The EDD system is intentionally confusing and awful! When I had my baby last year, I didn't know I had to apply separately for PFL and ended up with THREE WEEKS with no income while they processed my late application! And getting anyone on the phone was IMPOSSIBLE!!! They don't make it clear AT ALL that these are completely separate claims with separate applications. The whole system is designed to make you miss out on benefits you're entitled to!!
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Connor Gallagher
THIS! Same happened to me in 2024. I waited 2.5 weeks with no income because I thought the transition would be automatic. Had to use credit cards to buy diapers. And then when I finally filed for PFL, I couldn't get through on the phone for DAYS to fix a tiny issue with my claim that was causing delays. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an EDD agent in about 25 mins instead of waiting hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Totally worth it to get my claim fixed and payments flowing again when I was desperate.
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Yara Sayegh
Let me clarify the exact process: 1. You're currently on SDI (pregnancy disability) which started before birth 2. When baby is born, call EDD at 1-800-480-3287 to report the birth date 3. Your doctor will need to certify your recovery period (6 weeks for vaginal delivery, 8 for c-section) 4. You'll continue receiving SDI payments during this recovery time 5. 1-2 weeks before your recovery period ends, file for PFL using form DE2508 (can do online) 6. PFL provides 8 weeks of baby bonding time at the same payment rate as your SDI The most common mistake is waiting until SDI ends before applying for PFL - this creates a gap in payments. File that PFL claim early!
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Ava Martinez
AuthorThis is incredibly helpful, thank you! I've been so stressed about this. So I'll report the birth right away, then keep certifying for SDI during recovery, and file for PFL about 1-2 weeks before recovery ends. I'm going to put reminders in my calendar right now. Is the online PFL application pretty straightforward?
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Keisha Johnson
When I had my baby in November, I was totally confused about this too! I ended up calling EDD like 5 times lol. So what happens is your SDI keeps paying after birth (for like 6-8 weeks) and then you gotta file a whole new claim for the bonding time. My sister didn't know and tried to use the same claim number or something? And she had to wait like 3 extra weeks for her first PFL payment.
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Miguel Ramos
Yes, using the same claim number is a common mistake! SDI and PFL are different programs with different claim numbers, even though they're both administered by EDD. Always file a brand new claim for PFL.
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Paolo Longo
I know its confusing because everyone uses all the acronyms (SDI, PFL, EDD) but they are not explaining what they mean!! SDI is for when you cant work because of pregnancy or recovery from birth. The PFL is for when you are physcially recovered but taking time to bond with baby. Different programs, different paperwork!! My HR didnt explain any of this either and I nearly messed up all my benefits. Make sure you apply for PFL before SDI ends!!
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Ava Martinez
AuthorThank you! It helps to understand the difference between the programs. I definitely thought it was all just one continuous benefit. Going to be super careful about applying for PFL on time now.
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QuantumQuasar
btw make sure ur keeping all ur paperwork! sometimes they mess up and u need proof of everything. my friend had to send her birth certificate like 3 times cuz edd kept "losing" it. so annoying
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Zainab Omar
EXACTLY!!! They "lost" my documents twice and then tried to deny my claim! Take screenshots of EVERYTHING you submit online too. The EDD website is a nightmare and things disappear all the time.
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Yara Sayegh
One more important tip: when you apply for PFL, you'll need to provide your baby's birth certificate or other proof of relationship. You can upload this directly on the EDD website when you file your claim. If you don't have the birth certificate yet (it can take several weeks), you can submit proof of birth from the hospital temporarily. This helps avoid delays in processing your PFL claim. Also, if you're planning to split your 8 weeks of PFL (some now, some later), make sure to indicate this on your application. Many parents don't realize they can use PFL intermittently within the first year after birth.
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Ava Martinez
AuthorOh that's really good to know about being able to use temporary proof from the hospital! And I had no idea you could split the PFL weeks - we might actually want to do that so I can save some bonding time for later in the year. Thank you so much for all this information!
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Amina Toure
I just went through this exact same process 6 months ago and it was SO stressful! Here's my timeline to help you plan: Week 38: Baby born, called EDD immediately to report birth date Weeks 38-44: Continued getting SDI payments for recovery (had c-section so 8 weeks) Week 42: Filed PFL application online (2 weeks before SDI ended) Week 45: First PFL payment arrived with no gap! The key things that saved me: - Set phone reminders to call EDD when baby arrives - Put a calendar reminder 2 weeks before your estimated recovery end date to file PFL - Have all your documents ready (I used the hospital birth record initially since birth certificate took 3 weeks) - Screenshot everything you submit online Don't stress too much - you've got this! Just stay on top of the timing and you'll be fine. The EDD website for PFL is actually pretty user-friendly compared to the SDI side. Congrats on your upcoming arrival! 💕
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