Will my PFL baby bonding benefit amount increase in January 2025 if I'm already receiving payments?
So I just saw that EDD might be increasing PFL benefit amounts in 2025, and now I'm confused about my situation. I started my maternity leave in November with SDI, had my baby Dec 2nd, and I'll be transitioning to baby bonding (PFL) in mid-January 2025. Will my benefit amount increase when I switch from SDI to PFL since my PFL claim starts after Jan 1st? Or am I considered an 'existing claim' since I'm already in the system with my pregnancy disability? My SDI weekly benefit is $867 and I'm trying to budget for when I transition. Does anyone know how this works with claims that cross over the new year?
15 comments
Join the conversation
Zara Rashid
The way I understand it, your SDI and PFL are considered separate claims, even though they're related to the same pregnancy/birth. Since your PFL portion will begin in 2025, you SHOULD get the higher amount for that part. When I had my baby in 2022, my weekly amount actually changed when I transitioned from SDI to PFL (though for a different reason - my base period calculation changed).
0 coins
Sean Doyle
•Really? That's encouraging! Did you have to file a whole new claim for the PFL portion or was the transition pretty automatic? I'm nervous about messing something up and delaying my payments.
0 coins
Luca Romano
When I transitioned from disability to baby bonding last year, it was two separate claims with separate claim numbers. So my guess is you'd get the higher 2025 amount for the PFL portion since it's technically a new claim starting in January.
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•This is correct. SDI for pregnancy disability and PFL for baby bonding are considered two separate claims with separate claim numbers, even though they may seem connected. Since the original poster's PFL claim will begin in January 2025, it would be processed under the new benefit calculation rates. The EDD considers the start date of each specific claim (not when you entered the system) to determine which benefit amount applies.
0 coins
NebulaNova
This is soooo confusing!!! I'm due in December too and I thought it was all ONE claim - pregnancy and baby bonding together. Now I'm worried I'll mess up the paperwork. Does anyone know if the doctor submits both forms or do I have to do the PFL part myself?? OMG and will my doctor have to fill out more forms for the baby bonding part??
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•They're separate claims but connected. For the initial pregnancy disability (SDI), your doctor submits the medical certification. For baby bonding (PFL), you'll submit the claim yourself after delivery using form DE2508. No doctor certification is needed for baby bonding - you just need to provide the baby's birth certificate or other proof of birth. The EDD should send you information about filing for PFL before your SDI claim ends.
0 coins
Mateo Hernandez
I tried calling EDD directley about this for my wifes claim last month. Spent 3 HOURS on hold and then got disconnected! I gave up trying to reach them. The whole system is a joke.
0 coins
Aisha Khan
•Try using Claimyr.com - it's the only thing that worked for me after days of failed attempts to reach EDD. They connect you with an EDD agent usually within 10-15 minutes instead of waiting for hours. Saved my sanity when I had questions about my maternity leave transition. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5
0 coins
Ethan Taylor
EDD's website says: "New SDI and PFL claims starting 1/1/25 may be eligible for higher amounts. Existing claims will not change." Since PFL is a separate claim from SDI, and your PFL claim starts in January, you should get the higher rate. But keep in mind the base period for calculation might be the same as what they used for your SDI, depending on your work history.
0 coins
Sean Doyle
•Thank you! I didn't realize the base period calculation might stay the same. I guess that makes sense since they're looking at the same work history. But at least the overall formula should give me a bit more if the rates are increasing in 2025.
0 coins
NebulaNova
Wait i'm confused - I thought the base period was different for PFL vs SDI? When I had my first baby in 2023, I had to submit all my paystubs again for the baby bonding part even tho I was already getting disability pay.
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•The base period can be different depending on when you file each claim. SDI and PFL each use a 12-month base period divided into quarters, and it's determined by your claim start date. If your PFL claim starts in a different quarter than your SDI claim did, you might have a different base period. This is why some people see different benefit amounts when transitioning.
0 coins
Sean Doyle
Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I'm feeling much more confident now that I'll likely get the higher 2025 rate for my baby bonding portion. I'll make sure to submit my PFL claim as soon as my SDI ends in January. Keeping my fingers crossed everything transitions smoothly!
0 coins
Ethan Taylor
•Make sure you submit your PFL claim (DE2508 form) no more than 41 days after your baby bonding period begins! I almost missed this deadline with my second child. Also keep a copy of everything you submit just in case.
0 coins
Nora Bennett
Just wanted to add my experience from last year - I had a similar situation where my SDI ended in early January 2024 and PFL started right after. They were definitely treated as separate claims with different claim numbers. The transition was pretty smooth once I submitted the DE2508 form, though it did take about 2-3 weeks to get my first PFL payment. Make sure you have all your documents ready (birth certificate, etc.) before your SDI ends so you can file immediately. Good luck with your new baby!
0 coins