Just to clarify the process a bit more since there's some confusion in the responses: 1. You CAN file your new disability claim before your PFL ends (and should) 2. In the new claim, make sure to indicate it's for a postpartum condition related to your previous pregnancy 3. Your benefit amount should be the same as your original disability claim 4. They'll use the same EDD debit card you already have 5. Make sure your doctor clearly documents that this is a continuation of care for a pregnancy-related condition Also, keep in mind that you're entitled to reasonable accommodations when you do return to work under both CFRA and FEHA if you're still experiencing postpartum complications.

I went through this exact transition 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I filed my new SDI claim online 3 days before my PFL ended. The key is making sure your doctor clearly states on the DE2501 that this is a postpartum complication continuing from your pregnancy. I also wrote a brief note in the "additional information" section explaining I was transitioning from baby bonding PFL back to disability for ongoing postpartum issues. My payments continued seamlessly with only a 1-day gap. Don't stress too much - this transition is more common than you think and EDD has a process for it. The most important thing is filing BEFORE your PFL ends!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - PPD/PPA is incredibly tough and navigating EDD on top of it feels impossible sometimes. I just want to echo what others have said about not feeling guilty for needing this extension. Your mental health matters so much, especially with a new baby. One thing that helped me when I was in a similar situation was keeping a simple log on my phone of all the EDD-related calls and documentation. Just basic stuff like "2/18 - called doctor's office, confirmed they sent DE2525XX on 2/14" so I could reference it later if needed. The brain fog from PPD made it hard for me to remember details, and having it written down was a lifesaver. Also, if you haven't already, consider asking your OB about resources for new mom support groups in your area. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone in this journey helps with the anxiety around all the paperwork stuff. Hang in there mama! 💕

Hey mama, I'm so sorry you're dealing with PPD/PPA on top of all this EDD confusion - it's truly overwhelming when you're already struggling. I went through something very similar with my first baby last year. From what you've described, it sounds like your doctor did the right thing by submitting the extension paperwork. The key thing to remember is that your payments should continue automatically if the DE2525XX form was properly submitted, even though your online account might not reflect the extension immediately. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple timeline in my notes app: when my original disability was supposed to end, when my doctor submitted the extension, and when I should expect to see updates. It gave me some sense of control during a really chaotic time. Please don't feel guilty about needing this extension - PPD/PPA is a serious medical condition and you deserve proper treatment and recovery time. Your baby needs you healthy, and that includes your mental health. The EDD system exists specifically for situations like yours. You're doing everything right by getting help and following up on the paperwork. Hang in there! ❤️

Diego, I'm so glad you asked this question because I was in the exact same boat just a few months ago! The panic is so real when you see that 6-week end date instead of the 8 weeks you were expecting. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about the transition from SDI to PFL. I just wanted to add my experience with the timing - I filed my PFL application about 10 days before my SDI ended and it was processed seamlessly. The key is having all your documents ready to go. One thing that really helped me was setting up a simple folder (physical or digital) with all my maternity leave paperwork - SDI notices, baby's hospital records, employer info, etc. It made filling out the PFL application so much less stressful when I wasn't scrambling to find everything while dealing with a newborn. Also, don't stress too much about EDD not responding to your portal message yet - 3 days is actually pretty normal for them, especially this time of year. Your situation is very routine and you're handling it exactly right by being proactive and asking questions. You've got this! The transition might seem confusing now, but once you file that PFL claim, you'll have a total of 14 weeks of benefits (6 SDI + 8 PFL) which is really good coverage. Just remember to file soon to avoid any payment gaps!

Hey Diego! I'm a new mom who just went through this exact transition last month, so I totally get the panic you're feeling right now. Seeing that 6-week end date when you're expecting 8 weeks is such a shock! Everyone here has given you amazing advice - the 6 weeks SDI for vaginal delivery is completely standard, then you get 8 weeks of PFL for bonding time. I was in the same boat and filed my PFL application about a week before my SDI ended. The process was way smoother than I expected! One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to make sure you have your baby's Social Security number ready when you file the PFL claim. The hospital gave me the paperwork to apply for it, but I didn't realize I'd need it for the PFL application. If you haven't applied for your baby's SSN yet, you can still file with just the birth certificate, but having the SSN makes the process faster. Also, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all this paperwork while adjusting to life with a newborn (which is totally normal!), consider having your partner or a family member help you gather all the documents and double-check everything before you submit. I was so sleep-deprived that I almost put the wrong employer address on my first attempt! You're being really proactive by asking these questions and planning ahead. That 14 weeks total (6 SDI + 8 PFL) is going to give you good time to bond with your little one. Hang in there - you've got this!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My wife just had our baby 4 days ago and I filed my PFL claim the same day. Still showing "pending review" and I keep refreshing the portal like crazy. Reading everyone's experiences here is actually really reassuring - sounds like 1-2 weeks is totally normal even though it feels like an eternity when you're stressing about money. Thanks for posting this question, it's helping me feel less alone in the waiting game! Hope you get good news soon 🤞

Congrats on your new baby! 🎉 I went through this exact same anxiety when my daughter was born in January. My PFL claim took 9 days to process, and like everyone else said, it just sits at "pending review" until suddenly one day it switches to approved. One thing that helped me was calling my HR department to confirm they had submitted their portion correctly - turns out they had a small delay on their end that added a couple extra days. Also, even though the wait is stressful, remember that PFL payments are retroactive to your leave start date, so you won't lose any money even if it takes a bit longer. The financial stress with a newborn is so real, but try to hang in there! The system works, it's just frustratingly slow. Enjoy those newborn snuggles while you wait! 💕

This is absolutely unacceptable! I'm dealing with something similar - submitted my baby bonding claim by mail 6 weeks ago and have heard nothing. What's really frustrating is that EDD doesn't even have a proper tracking system for mailed applications. You send important documents into a black hole and just have to hope for the best. I've started keeping a detailed log of every attempt to contact them because at this point I'm wondering if I'll need to file a complaint with the state. The fact that people are waiting 2+ months for basic communication about claims that should be processed within weeks is ridiculous. Has anyone had success reaching out to the governor's office or filing complaints with other state agencies? This system is failing California families when we need support the most.

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I just went through a similar nightmare with my baby bonding claim. I mailed mine in December and didn't hear anything for 10 weeks. What finally worked for me was creating an online EDD account (if you don't have one) and using the "Ask EDD" feature to send a message asking about my claim status. They actually responded within 3 business days through the online portal, even though they never answered my calls. Turns out my employer had never responded to their verification request, which was holding everything up. Once I contacted my HR department and they submitted the missing info, my claim was processed within a week. I'd definitely try the online message system before giving up - it seems like their digital customer service is way more responsive than phone support right now. Also, make sure to include your SSN and the approximate date you mailed your application when you message them. Good luck!