When to switch from pregnancy disability to PFL after baby arrives? Already receiving SDI payments

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.

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 $$

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!!

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!

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.

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!!

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

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.

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! 💕

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! 37 weeks pregnant and just started getting SDI payments last week. This thread is a lifesaver - I had no idea SDI and PFL were separate applications! My biggest fear was also having a gap in payments, so I'm going to follow everyone's advice about filing the PFL claim 1-2 weeks before recovery ends. Already setting up calendar reminders now. One question though - has anyone had issues with the doctor certification part? My OB mentioned something about needing to certify the recovery period but wasn't super clear on timing. Do they automatically send that to EDD or do I need to follow up with my doctor's office to make sure they submit it? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that EDD definitely doesn't explain clearly!

Just wanted to add one more tip that really helped me - download the EDD mobile app if you haven't already! I found it way easier to certify for benefits and check claim status on my phone, especially during those sleep-deprived newborn days when getting to a computer felt impossible. Also, if you're planning to breastfeed, keep in mind that pumping at work is protected under California law, but it's separate from your PFL benefits. I mention this because a lot of new moms get confused thinking PFL covers pumping time when you return to work - it doesn't. PFL is specifically for bonding time while you're completely off work. One last thing - start thinking now about whether you want to take all 8 weeks of PFL consecutively or split it up. You have up to 1 year from baby's birth to use those 8 weeks, so some people take 4-6 weeks right after recovery ends, then save the remaining weeks for later (like around the holidays or if childcare falls through). Just something to consider while you're planning! Good luck mama, you're going to do great! 💕