Why is my PFL taking forever after transitioning from SDI? Paperwork submitted 3 weeks ago
I'm going crazy waiting for my baby bonding benefits to start! My pregnancy disability (SDI) ended on 2/3/25 and I immediately submitted the form to transition to PFL the same day. I filled out DE2501F completely, checked 'yes' for accepting the suggested PFL start date, and even had my HR department verify it was correct before sending. It's been over 3 weeks now and I haven't received ANY payment or even confirmation they got my paperwork! My SDI payments stopped so we're struggling with bills now. My EDD account just shows my SDI claim as 'paid' with no indication of PFL processing. Has anyone else experienced this delay between SDI and PFL? I'm a first-time mom and didn't expect this huge gap in benefits. How long should this transition actually take??
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QuantumQuest
it took mine like 12 days to get the first payment after my sdi ended last month. did u mail the form or submit online? mail is way slower, i did everything thru the portal and think that helped
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Paolo Rizzo
•I mailed it in since my doctor gave me the paper form. I didn't know I could submit online! Is there a way to check if they received my paper form? I'm worried it got lost.
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Amina Sy
The transition from SDI to PFL should typically take 5-10 business days if everything is processed correctly. Since it's been 3 weeks, something is likely causing a delay. Here are a few things to check: 1. Make sure you submitted the DE2501F form (not just the DE2501) 2. Verify your form included your SDI claim number 3. Double-check that your doctor properly completed their section 4. Confirm you signed and dated the form I'd recommend calling EDD directly to check the status. They can tell you if they received your paperwork and if there are any issues with your transition. If they lost your paperwork, you may need to resubmit, which unfortunately resets the clock.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Thank you for this detailed info. I definitely filled out the DE2501F with my claim number, and I know my doctor completed her section because we went through it together at my last appointment. I'm going to try calling tomorrow, but I've heard the wait times are insane. Ugh, I wish I had done this online now.
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Oliver Fischer
EDD is a nightmare to get through on the phone. I spent 4 days trying to reach someone when my PFL was delayed last month. The trick I found was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of being on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Totally worth it when you're dealing with benefit delays and have a newborn to take care of!
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Natasha Petrova
•I've heard of this service but was skeptical. Did it actually work for getting through to a real person? I might need this for my upcoming maternity leave. Im due in 3 weeks and terrified of the same thing happening to me.
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Oliver Fischer
•Yes! It connected me with an actual EDD rep in about 30 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. The agent told me my PFL claim had been received but was flagged for verification because I had a name change during my pregnancy. Got it fixed in one call.
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Javier Morales
This transition stuff always gives me anxiety!!! I had my baby in November and the SDI to PFL gap was AWFUL. They made me wait almost 5 WEEKS because they claimed they "never received" my paperwork. I had to send it THREE TIMES before someone finally processed it. Make copies of EVERYTHING. And take pictures of your forms before you send them!!
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Paolo Rizzo
•Omg 5 weeks?! That's horrifying. I'm only at 3 weeks and already panicking about bills. Did you have to keep calling them or did it eventually just process? I did take pictures of my completed forms thankfully.
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Javier Morales
•I had to call CONSTANTLY. Like everyday for a week. Sometimes calling 10-15 times before getting through! When I finally got someone they told me my forms were sitting in a pile and hadn't been scanned in yet. The whole system is broken!!!
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Emma Davis
There's actually a specific process to follow for the SDI to PFL transition that many aren't aware of: 1. You need to have completed and submitted DE2501F within 41 days of your PFL start date 2. If submitting by mail, send it to the specific PFL office (not the general SDI office) 3. Your online portal won't show the PFL claim until it's been processed 4. The official processing time is 14 calendar days, but current processing times are around 18-22 days due to backlog If it's been over 3 weeks, I would recommend: - Call the dedicated PFL number (not the general EDD line): 1-877-238-4373 - Have your SDI claim number ready - Ask specifically about the status of your PFL transition - Request they expedite if it's causing financial hardship You can also submit a request through your online account asking for status, but calling is faster.
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Paolo Rizzo
•This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I didn't know there was a dedicated PFL number. I'll try calling that number tomorrow. Is there a best time of day to call? And do they need specific information besides my claim number to look up my case?
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Emma Davis
•The best time to call is right when they open at 8:00am. Have your SDI claim number, SSN, and the date you submitted your DE2501F form ready. Also be prepared to answer identity verification questions about your address and employer. If they say they don't have your form, ask them about the interim payment process while you submit a new form - in some cases they can release partial benefits.
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GalaxyGlider
my sister just went thru this... her doctor submitted everything wrong and she had no idea until she called! turned out the doctor put the wrong date on the form and that caused the whole thing to get stuck in processing. def call and check, there could be something small holding it up
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Paolo Rizzo
•Oh no, that's a good point. My doctor seemed to know what she was doing, but maybe there was an error I didn't catch. I'll definitely call and ask them to check.
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Amina Sy
Just checking back - were you able to contact EDD? What did they say about your PFL transition?
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Paolo Rizzo
•Yes! I finally got through today using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Turns out they DID receive my paperwork but there was a discrepancy between my baby's DOB on the form and what they had in their system (typo on their end). The agent fixed it right away and said I should see payment within 3 business days. They're also doing retroactive payment for the weeks I missed. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!
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