make sure u file ur claim as soon as ur doctor says u can go out! u get 4 weeks b4 ur due date for the pregnancy disability. and then 8 weeks after for baby bonding if u had c section (or 6 weeks if regular delivery). but DONT file the baby bonding part until after u have the baby - i made that mistake and had to start over lol

Congrats on baby #2! 🎉 Just wanted to add that if you run into any issues logging into your old account, don't panic. Sometimes the system locks you out after being inactive for so long. I had this happen and had to call the technical support line (different from the claims line) to get it unlocked. The number is 1-833-978-2511 and they were actually pretty helpful with account access issues. Also, once you're in, double-check that your direct deposit info is still correct - mine had somehow gotten cleared out over the years and I almost had my first payment sent as a paper check which would have delayed things even more. Good luck with everything!

btw my cousin had this same problem and they backdated her claim after she finally reached someone! so don't give up - keep calling until u reach a real person who can fix it!! u deserve those benefits!!!

I went through a very similar situation last year! The key thing to understand is that when you marked "recovered" on that certification, EDD automatically closed your SDI claim - even though you were entitled to the full 6 weeks post-delivery. This is a super common mistake because the forms are confusing. Here's what worked for me: Call EDD and specifically ask to speak with someone about "reopening a prematurely closed SDI claim due to certification error." Use those exact words. They can usually fix this and backdate your payments. One tip that helped me get through faster: Try calling the main number (1-800-480-3287) but press 1 for English, then 2 for employee, then 4 for disability insurance. Sometimes this routing gets you to someone faster than the PFL-specific line. Once your SDI is properly closed after the full 6-week recovery period, you can seamlessly transition to PFL for baby bonding. Don't let them tell you it's "too late" - you have rights here! Good luck and congratulations on your baby!

To summarize for you and anyone else reading this thread about PFL baby bonding filing timeframes: 1. Earliest filing date: 30 days before leave starts (May 2nd for June 1st start) 2. Latest filing date: Technically within 41 days after leave begins, but don't wait - file before leave starts 3. Required documents: Birth certificate, DE1PS from employer, employment info 4. Process time: Typically 7-14 days but can take up to 3 weeks for first payment 5. Certification: Must complete bi-weekly certifications once claim is approved Also, remember that baby bonding leave must be completed within 12 months of birth/placement, and the minimum duration for any baby bonding leave period is 2 weeks (except for the final period if less than 2 weeks remain).

Just wanted to add one more tip that saved us - make sure your husband's employer doesn't accidentally mark his leave as "disability" instead of "baby bonding" on the DE1PS form! My company's HR did this initially and it caused a 2-week delay while EDD sorted it out. The codes are different and it matters for processing. Also, if he's planning to take the leave in June, I'd recommend applying exactly on May 2nd (the 30-day mark) rather than waiting. Summer tends to be busier for EDD with all the vacation schedules, so earlier is better. Good luck with everything!

This is such a relief to hear! I'm so glad your friend found a solution through the hospital's OB triage clinic. It's really valuable that you shared this outcome - I had no idea hospitals had these emergency OB services for situations like this. For anyone else who might face this situation in the future, it sounds like the key steps are: 1) Contact the hospital where you plan to deliver and ask about OB triage or emergency obstetric services, 2) Have all your previous medical records ready to transfer, and 3) Don't panic about the EDD paperwork - as long as you get a doctor who can examine you and review your records, they can complete the disability forms even if they haven't been your regular OB. Your friend went through a really stressful situation that no pregnant woman should have to deal with, but I'm glad it worked out and she'll be able to get her benefits sorted out!

Wow, what a rollercoaster situation! I'm so relieved to read in the later comments that your friend found a solution through the hospital's OB triage clinic. As someone new to navigating California's disability benefits system, this entire thread has been incredibly educational. I had no idea that hospitals often have emergency OB services for exactly these situations, or that EDD disability benefits can be backdated for legitimate reasons like this. The advice about contacting patient advocate lines instead of regular customer service, and the tip about county maternal health services, are things I'm definitely filing away for future reference. It's honestly shocking that two different OB practices would leave a woman at 35 weeks without care - that seems both unethical and potentially dangerous. But I'm impressed by how this community rallied with practical solutions and specific resources. The information about how the DE2501 form can be completed by a new doctor who reviews previous records is particularly valuable for anyone facing similar transitions in care. Thanks for sharing this experience and the resolution - it's a great example of how these benefit situations that seem impossible often do have solutions, you just need to know where to look and who to call!

PSA: Don't forget that paid family leave is taxable income! Set some aside or you might be in for a nasty surprise come tax season 💸

Hey Connor! I just went through this process a few months ago. After you file, you should definitely get an email confirmation within 24-48 hours. If you haven't received one, definitely check your spam folder first. The whole process can take 2-3 weeks from filing to first payment, but the waiting is the worst part! Make sure you have all your documentation ready (especially any medical forms if it's for bonding/caregiving). The EDD website also has a claim status checker you can use with your confirmation number. Hang in there - it does eventually work out! 🤞