This entire thread has been such an incredible resource! I'm 8 months pregnant and just went through a job change at 6 months, so reading everyone's experiences has been both validating and educational. What really strikes me is how much this thread demonstrates that knowledge is power when it comes to navigating pregnancy leave in California. @Zoe Stavros your original panic about not qualifying is something I think so many of us have felt, but seeing how it all worked out once you understood the different protections available is really encouraging! For anyone still reading through this - I wanted to add that when I had my HR conversation, I also asked about their policy on accruing benefits (health insurance, 401k matching, etc.) while on unpaid leave. Some companies continue benefits during the entire leave period, others only during the paid portions. It's another piece worth clarifying upfront. Also, if you're planning to pump/breastfeed when you return, definitely ask about their lactation support during that initial conversation. Some companies provide hospital-grade pump rentals, milk shipping for business travel, or extended break times beyond what's legally required. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and expertise - this thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for anyone dealing with pregnancy and job changes in California! 🙌

This thread has been absolutely amazing! I'm 4 months pregnant and just got a job offer, but I was terrified about accepting because I didn't understand how leave would work with the timing. Reading through @Zoe Stavros's experience and everyone's detailed explanations has completely changed my perspective! The breakdown of PDL vs PFL vs CFRA was so helpful - I had no idea that PDL gives you immediate job protection regardless of how long you've worked somewhere. And seeing so many success stories of people navigating job changes during pregnancy gives me hope that I'm not crazy for considering this move. I'm definitely going to use all the strategies mentioned here: research the company's D&I policies, ask about family leave during my HR onboarding, keep all my paystubs organized, and create that timeline document to visualize everything. Quick question - for those who accepted jobs while pregnant, did you negotiate anything specific in your offer related to leave or benefits? Or is it better to wait and discuss with HR after starting? Thank you all for creating such an incredible resource! This community has made what felt impossible seem totally manageable! 💙

I'm dealing with this exact timing issue right now too! My baby is due in February and I was hoping to save my PFL for when my partner goes back to work in the fall, but it sounds like I'll be cutting it way too close to that first birthday deadline. It's so frustrating that they give you this benefit but then have such an inflexible cutoff that can make you lose weeks of it. I wish there was at least a grace period or some way to use those benefits later if you don't need them immediately after birth. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this has definitely changed my planning. Better to know now than find out the hard way like some of you did! I think I'll look into that intermittent leave option to spread out my 8 weeks strategically while still finishing before the birthday.

As someone who just went through the PFL application process, I can confirm everything everyone is saying about that strict first birthday cutoff. I actually called EDD twice to double-check this rule because I couldn't believe they would just forfeit your unused benefits like that, but both representatives told me the same thing - no exceptions whatsoever. What really helped me was creating a calendar and working backwards from my baby's first birthday to figure out the latest I could start my claim. I also recommend checking if your employer has any additional parental leave policies that might be more flexible with timing, since those aren't governed by the same EDD rules. One more tip: when you do file your claim, make sure to keep screenshots of everything and save all confirmation emails. The EDD system can be glitchy and you want documentation of your intended dates in case there are any issues later. Good luck with your planning!

I hope your daughter recovers quickly! Just wanted to add that you should also check if your employer offers any supplemental benefits that could help bridge the gap between your full salary and the PFL benefit amount (which is typically 60-70% of wages). Some companies have short-term disability or family leave insurance that can top off the difference. Also, once you get the DE2508 form, you can partially complete your section before taking it to the doctor - this saves time and ensures you don't miss any required fields on your part.

I went through this exact situation when my teenage son had surgery last year. One thing that really helped was creating a timeline - write down when you first need to be out of work and your expected return date. This helps with both the PFL application and coordinating with your employer. Also, don't forget that PFL benefits are taxable income, so you might want to elect to have taxes withheld from your payments (there's a checkbox on the form). The last thing you need while caring for a sick child is a surprise tax bill next year. Wishing your daughter a speedy recovery!

Hey Alice! I just went through this whole process 6 months ago with twins and preeclampsia. The stress is real but you're asking all the right questions! Here's my biggest piece of advice: Download the EDD mobile app AND bookmark the desktop site. Sometimes one works when the other doesn't. I literally had to switch between them multiple times during my application process. Also, once you get your claim number, write it down in like 5 different places. You'll need it for EVERYTHING and if you lose it, getting through to customer service to retrieve it is nearly impossible. One thing I don't see mentioned yet - if you work from home or have a desk job, EDD might question why you can't work with high-risk pregnancy. My doctor had to write a super detailed letter explaining how even sitting at a computer for 8 hours could worsen my blood pressure. Just something to keep in mind when you talk to your OB about the certification! The whole thing is scary at first but honestly once the payments start coming in regularly, it's such a relief. You're going to be fine - just stay on top of the paperwork and don't be afraid to call your doctor's office to follow up! 🤗

Hi Alice! I'm currently going through a similar situation - 20 weeks with gestational diabetes and my doctor just mentioned I might need early leave too. Reading through all these responses is honestly both helpful and terrifying! 😅 One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my HR department: if you're planning to use any vacation time or sick leave to supplement your SDI benefits, make sure to coordinate that with your employer BEFORE you file your SDI claim. Some companies require you to use up accrued time first, while others let you save it for after your disability benefits end. Also, I've been keeping a pregnancy journal with all my symptoms and doctor visits documented - my sister (who's a lawyer) suggested this could be helpful if there are any questions about medical necessity later on. Might be worth starting one now if you haven't already! The amount of information to track is overwhelming but everyone here seems to have made it through okay. Sending you positive vibes for a smooth process and healthy pregnancy! 💕

Same exact situation here! I've been at this for 2 weeks straight and it's absolutely ridiculous. What really gets me is that they have all these automated messages saying "we're experiencing high call volumes" - like, when are you NOT experiencing high call volumes?? 🙄 I tried the claimyr.com service that someone mentioned and honestly it was worth every penny of that $20. Saved me literally days of my life sitting on hold. Also discovered that if you call the SDI line first (1-800-480-3287) and then ask them to transfer you to PFL, sometimes they can do a warm transfer that bypasses the main queue. Not guaranteed but worked once for me! This whole system is broken and needs a complete overhaul. Hang in there everyone - we shouldn't have to jump through these hoops just to get help with our own benefits! 😤

Ugh, I'm going through this exact same torture right now! 😩 Been trying for almost a month and it's like they only have one person answering phones for the entire state. I'm starting to think the hold music is just a myth at this point - I've never even heard it! The most frustrating part is that I NEED to update my claim info but there's literally no other way to do it except by phone. Their online system is useless for anything beyond the basics. Reading through all these tips is giving me some hope though - definitely going to try that technical support line trick and the SDI transfer method. At this point I'm willing to try anything! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, at least I know we're all suffering together 😭