Dad's Guide to Filing PFL Claims in California | EDD Step-by-Step Tutorial & FAQs

Being a new dad is already hard, your PFL claim doesn't have to be! If you're looking to navigate the world of Paid Family Leave (PFL) and have questions about the EDD (Employment Development Department), you've come to the right place. This step-by-step tutorial is here to guide you through the process of filing a PFL claim with the EDD, plus we're here to answer all your burning PFL questions.
In this video, we break down the PFL claim filing process in California into simple, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring that every dad can access the benefits they deserve. From eligibility criteria to required documents and how to complete the application, we've got you covered. You'll be equipped with all the information you need to navigate this crucial aspect of family support.
But that's not all! We're also addressing common PFL questions that dads often have. Whether you're wondering about the duration of benefits, documents required or how to maximize your claim, and answers and insights to make sure you're well-informed.
Parenthood can be a challenging journey, but with this guide, you'll have the tools and knowledge to secure the Paid Family Leave benefits you need in the state of California. Don't miss out on this invaluable resource - watch our video now and take the first step towards a smoother PFL experience. Subscribe, like, and share this video with other dads who could benefit from this essential information.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my channel for more videos on mommy life, postpartum, pregnancy, healthy and fitness, beauty and more..
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[@jeremyvargo4917]

Thank you this was really informative and helpful.

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mando2.049]

You’re awesome! Thank you.

[@CaelaCook]

You are so welcome!

[@ShaTv1]

Thank you help a lot ❤

[@CaelaCook]

You’re welcome!

[@MichaelHsu95]

thank you, this was super helpful. Quick question: my proof of document was also bigger than 5mb. Where will I go to resubmit the attachment? thank you!

[@BrianKim-ih4qh]

applying for PFL was so easy I was able to do it without having to get my wife to do it for me

[@CaelaCook]

That’s awesome!! You go!

[@fdajoe1]

Thank you! I was first denied because they said I could not apply for unemployment at the same time, although I never intended to receive unemployment at the same time, it just so happened that of the two weeks I had to submit for unemployment (since they ask for two weeks at a time) one week was unemployment and then the beginning of the next week my son was born. Well then I submitted again, and now it went through…. For 500 dollars less a week than I was told in the original notice of computation they sent me. I can’t afford to lose that much money due to an issue of simply not filling something out right - and I answered all the unemployment questions honestly and said my son was born and I was filing paid family leave. It’s impossible to reach anyone by phone at the PFL phone line. Do they have an office that I can go to to get this sorted out? They should’ve approved my first claim and denied the unemployment but instead gave me the unemployment that week, and then now a much much lower paid family leave weekly amount for all 8 weeks. Thank you so much for any advice and thanks again for the video !

[@tomchap22]

For people taking PFL in 2 week increments at different times, do each of those 2 week increments require their own filed individual claim?

[@4pf_angelll149]

Hi, I’m having trouble understanding since it’s my first time applying. When am I allowed to apply is it when the my baby is born or I can apply before due date ?

[@brendaflores9799]

My husband only took 1 week for which he was paid, he is now taking 2 additional weeks how do we file for those?

[@nazanosmanoglu5688]

Do we need to do anything with the Receipt number? Does my husband need approval from his Primary Care Doctor? I am curious because we filed for my husband and it is been 14 business days but we have had no response from EDD.

[@crisrangel0795]

I filed a claim 2 days ago, and had barely submitted proof of baby relationship with hospital birth certificate. How long does it usually take before recieing any notice back from them after those steps i took? I started my leave as of monday so everything has to be done by saturday or it would be accountable time at work.

[@bradencap8388]

What about second job it just gave me the option for one job how do I add an additional employer if I have one thank you

[@navisidhu8534]

Is this the only paternity leave that fathers can apply for? Also do I need to work for the same employer within the last year or do I just need to have paid into sdi?

[@jenniferjuarez-ayala6559]

My Medical office is asking that I submit a confirmation of this form in less than 10 days, but my baby is not yet born, so I have no birth certificate. Any tips on what I can do. I have tried filing a claim several times, but it said I cannot file until my maternity leave date begins through my work.

[@christopherperricone3807]

Can my leave extend past 12 months after birth as long as I submit the claim within the first 12 months? For example, if my child was born Feb 1, 2024 can I take my leave from Jan 1, 2025 - Mar 1, 2025 as long as I submit the claim before Feb 1, 2024?

[@luissix2kixs184]

Is it possible to also get any pto our such as vacations and sick time combined with pfl? I have a baby due in may and wanted to take as much time as possible to bond but I don’t think I can afford to only get 60%-70% of what I make thank you in Advance

[@joshr805]

I filed the care not bonding... I messed up thank God I watched this

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it helped!

[@williambohn3736]

I filed 14 days ago and my claim has still not updated. My dashboard shows Current Disability Insurance Claim(s) - No Results Found. Pending Disability Insurance Claim Application(s) - No Results Found. Then on Submitted Paid Family Leave Claim Forms it shows a Form Name and Receipt number but no claim number. I'm only asking here because I've called 3x and each time they have hung up on me because of "high call volume". So, the government isnt interested in helping fathers out, is there anyone here that might be able to diagnose what is going on? Thanks in advance.

[@mannyMOE707]

Thanks for this useful video! Do new mothers also have 1 year to file for PFL?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes they do!

[@MSP3682]

I am getting error E313 while creating SDI online account, I am unable to get rid of this error. I am trying to contact them via phone but no help. Is there anyway I can make changes to overcome the E313 error(Unable to validate my personal information). Thank you.

[@jpatin503]

Can I file my PFL using my wife account? Because it has her information it doesn’t ask to add mine im confused

[@patrickpho198]

Thank you for the information Caela, I was wondering as a new father to be. Do I need to submit FMLA first before I submit PFL?

[@CaelaCook]

Do you have a leave program through your employer?

[@patrickpho198]

@@CaelaCook Hey Caela. I had to contact HR and they got me to where I needed to go. I got approved for CFRA. Thank you for the reply!

[@shd3460]

Thank you. What if I don’t have a CA drivers licence or CA state id? Can my foreign passport work as an identification verification?

[@firstnamelastname9661]

Can we use a Driver License from a different State ??? I just move here from a different state

[@isaiahpedraza66]

What alternative documents can you use for proof of relationship? Aside from birth certificate

[@CaelaCook]

Hello just filmed a video on this that I’ll be posting, most people can use a hospital birth certificate right away.

[@LeslieCalamateo]

Last day of work was 1/6/2024. we pick any day after to enter in the date you want to be paid through ?

[@CaelaCook]

You pick any day after that to start the claim!

[@angieelloway4248]

What if youre taking 2 weeks off but have to work one day randomly do you need to submit 2 separate claims surrounding that one day of work or is there a way you can specify you need to work one day im between and not "commit fraud"

[@CaelaCook]

That’s a personal judgement call as it’s extremely difficult to get a hold of anyone. If it were me I’d keep it all on the same claim. Perhaps your employer could postpone paying for that one day.unfortunately I don’t know what is technically allowed in this case.

[@Steph-yi4qc]

Also how soon can you apply after your maternity leave once it’s done?

[@CaelaCook]

You can apply immediately after

[@LuisSanchez-ut8xw]

Hello, I'm going on baby bond leave in a few weeks, you mentioned 8 weeks off, but do we get paid for the 8 weeks because it used to be 6 weeks years ago lol...

[@CaelaCook]

Yes, you get paid for eight weeks that was changed from years ago

[@scarymelody43]

If my husband is doing intermittent leave his answer should be no on section 7 question 3? He is planning on working while on intermittent leave and is going to receive income so for that answer is it “part time return to work” or “wage continuation”? does he put the pfl starting date the day baby was born? He hasn’t filed because we thought he needed baby’s birth certificate social etc to file and he’s also past his 41 days to file a claim will that affect eligibility? Can he choose any pfl date? I’m sorry for having so many questions thanks in advance

[@CaelaCook]

He can choose any start date, the less pay he shows during the period the more he will get. I would say part time return to work, but I haven’t looked into that situation. You may want to google both. Congrats!

[@ElChino925]

Do I need to make a new form each time I want to use one of the eight weeks ?

[@CaelaCook]

I believe so!

[@reneaguilar4364]

What if im currently receiving unemployment benefits. I got unemployment 2 months before my baby was born is been about 3 months but i want to switch to paid family leave. Can i certify for unemployment on Sunday for the last two weeks and then on Monday apply for PFL?

[@CaelaCook]

You should be able to do this, however I’m not that familiar with this particular transition! Best of luck!

[@Ketoklubz]

I’m on short term disability until June 1 due to pregnancy complications. My baby is born by C-section on May 15. Will pay family leave kick in right after the C-section or is that something else that I would apply for

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! You’ll get paperwork to start PFl, it will be a new claim that follows your disability! Feel better soon!

[@jessieperez7819]

Hello i just started a new job Nov 2023. My wifes due date is Feb 2024 . Can i take any PFL or any benefit to bond with my new born baby?

[@annlo5501]

Thank you! I do have a few questions. Baby is due in about 2 weeks. So just curious could I go ahead and start the process of my husbands claim just not submit it yet? Also he’s just planning on taking a week off and then another week the next month. Is that possible? Or does it have to be 4 weeks?

[@annlo5501]

Oh also because they ask for the last 5-18 months paystubs will we have to provide that? Or are they able to see that with his information? He gets paid weekly so it would be a lot to provide.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello he can split it up leave and does not have to take it all at once. I suppose you could start the claim but not submit it until he’s ready to file. The filing itself should take 30 minutes max

[@johnlarson2350]

How do you submit proof of birth to a claim that was already made? I submitted a claim a few days ago but I was waiting for birth certificate and I have it now, any help or tips would be greatly appreciated

[@CaelaCook]

You can try messaging them in the portal or checking online to see if you should mail it in. They may contact you via mail for proof

[@mirianellymelendez7353]

Not sure if I filed incorrectly. I just finished my 6 weeks SDI and now I applied for PFL but they are expecting a doctors note? Is that necessary ??

[@CaelaCook]

Are you a mom or dad?

[@freddyespinoza5042]

Can you still get paid if you take 2 weeks off and then go to work and certify wile working because its taking too long?

[@CaelaCook]

I haven’t had that question before, don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to do that

[@kirkkennethbartolome4250]

I have two full time jobs, the 1st one I’ve been with for 2 yrs now and the other job is about 6months. So I’m only eligible to take FMLA on my 1st job. Will EDD still pay me even if I work on my second job, since I can’t take time off at the same time.

[@CaelaCook]

If you are working only part time you may be eligible for benefits but it will likely be less

[@XavierHour]

Hi, do you know if EDD contacts your employer to verify income? Thanks!

[@CaelaCook]

Sometimes they send a form to verify income

[@alexdiaz488]

Is paid family for father 6 or 8 weeks i saw the governor extend i need help my job is only trying to give me 6

[@ivangudino7969]

What u do if the option for paid family leave bonding does not appear in the page I have ?

[@CaelaCook]

When you login ?

[@Jenn-hn9vl]

Due to my personal situation and emergencies, I was not able to file the PFL bonding leave within 41 days. I filled it on the 86th day, do you know what will happen? Is there any way I can request EDD to still give me my money>?

[@CaelaCook]

Pfl can be filed up to a year after the child is born. Hope this helps!

[@justeenajohnson8981]

I am planning taking my paternity leave in January 2024 and planning to leave out off country for a month with my child; can I start the application process now that way I don't have to worry about it January?

[@CaelaCook]

Unfortunately you can’t file before the baby is born

[@hoangha5295]

thank you for the information. I am a first time dad and my baby is due date is on 2/27/2024. You mentioned we have to have the birth certificate from hospital after the child is born. Does that mean I have to wait until after 2/27/2024 to file the PFL claim to get benefits? and I only have 41 days after the child's birthdate? thank you

[@ksay6200]

Yes you must file after the child is born, so on 2/28/2024 you can start filing on the website. When you and your wife give birth, they will provide discharge paperwork and in mine they included a “Verification Letter” which is what I submitted to the EDD website when I filed. You can use other documents like a “hospital birth certificate” but I know personally used the “verification letter” so I recommend you don’t leave the hospital without one and make sure it’s signed by the hospital personnel.

[@CaelaCook]

Yes what @ksay6200 said. Also wanted to add that you can’t file until the baby is born which may not be the date after the due date.

[@Ash.ash.36]

So work needs to be stopped first and then fill out ? 😭 my husband doesn’t want to have any gaps because I know it takes like 3 weeks to get approved .

[@CaelaCook]

Yes it’s unfortunate!

[@crystalvelasquez8326]

Hi , I’m still in the process of receiving my maternity leave pay. Do I wait until my maternity leave is done before applying for bonding time ? Or can I already apply for bonding time ? Thank you !

[@user-lb1dh2rx8o]

Following! When did you file the bonding time?

[@crystalvelasquez8326]

@@user-lb1dh2rx8o, the day after my maternity leave ended. It won’t let you submit anything until you’ve completely stopped receiving any type of other funds from EDD.

[@christinaoshaughnessy1974]

As a 1st time dad with a baby due any day now...where would i start? My Husband is still currently working.

[@CaelaCook]

He can only file after the baby is born and after he stops working so you can’t do much in advance.

[@lorenzocastillejos]

Hi is that passible that i can apply pfl in my part time job and paternal leave in my full time job?

[@CaelaCook]

Is your fully time employer offering a leave benefit?

[@hilasela4444]

Can my husband received PFL same time as I get PFL? Or it can’t be the same dates/weeks?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes it came be the same or different days!

[@oegesauto5619]

I have a question. If I left my job two weeks before my baby was born, can I still qualify for paid benefits through EDD?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes!

[@oomike27oo]

I wasn't able to upload the picture before the page refreshed and the option to upload went away. Any suggestions on how to upload it now?

[@CaelaCook]

You can send it as a message in your portal! If you cannot do that, they will most likely reach out to you to get the supporting document

[@Ninety5thTower23]

Question, if I started my leave from work back in December, can I enter the date when applying? I didn't do it back then because I kept trying and found it so complicated

[@dasilkysmoove]

Still waiting for answer too

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you should enter the day leave started

[@valeclever]

Hi thanks for the info I went ahead and filed and I haven’t received any emails just a message that they will call me if they need more information I went back to my profile and at the bottom it says they are not accepting online family leave

[@CaelaCook]

When did you file?

[@valeclever]

@@CaelaCook the 19th of October I did receive letter last week of how much I’m going to be receiving but I haven’t seen a check

[@julieanneagcaoili7021]

Can my husband request for an extension of paternity leave baby bonding?

[@CaelaCook]

I believe that’s an option but I’m not super familiar with the criteria

[@oumardiallo5220]

I was denied to my FMLA because they said I didn't work 1250 hours a year. They told me to apply for the state benefit. I called them and creat account. My question is do I need to wait when I deliver the baby to apply the benefit because I already have an account? Do I need to apply for the 6weeks recovery for mother first or the bonding with my child?

[@CaelaCook]

If your a dad you’ll only be eligible for paid family leave and you cannot file until your baby is born

[@min.tv_cuocsongmy]

Thanks! ❤

[@CaelaCook]

You're welcome 😊

[@min.tv_cuocsongmy]

@@CaelaCook btw, I submitted my application on 7/10/24. I still don't see anything on my account. How long does it take for EDD to process? Should I give them a call? It has been 15 days. Thanks!

[@HuanNguyen-my7ii]

If the birth certificate is from a foreign country, do I need to translate it to English first before submitting?

[@CaelaCook]

That’s a great question I am not sure!

[@Moreknowledgemorepersecution]

I tried it for paid family leave and it says already has an account what can I do?? It doesn’t take me to the next one

[@CaelaCook]

Instead of creating an account trying logging in with the email you are using!

[@beans7199]

Can the father give his PFL bonding to the mother to use if they’re not married?

[@CaelaCook]

No it isn’t transferable

[@shahidstanikzai2621]

Can I apply for EDD one week before my child born or no I should file my claim after he born?

[@CaelaCook]

You can not file until your baby is born. Thank you for watching!

[@Steph-yi4qc]

Are these the same responses for a mother bonding with their new born?

[@CaelaCook]

I believe they are a identical , but I am just going off of memory

[@babycameron2674]

I have a question. For if the wife is giving birth during summer break but her husband is a teacher who is not working during summer time so can he clim PFL?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes as long as he had income within the last 18 months

[@CynthiaC-u6b]

Hello what should I do if it was denied ? It said it was denied because my disability was overlapping but I waited about 2 weeks to apply for pfl

[@CaelaCook]

Hello did you check to make sure you put the correct start day in your pfl claim and that you did end your disability claim?

[@JesusMaravilla-lk2yx]

How do I go about having an old claim (broken wrist)(old email) and now becoming a father (new email), but doesn’t allow me to proceed with the PFL claim. I don’t have access to my old email and I’m stuck on how to go forward with the claim and the call center doesn’t connect me to a representative. Please help!

[@CaelaCook]

Are you back from your disability yet? If you can’t get into your account you’ll want to create a new one and file the pfl claim

[@JesusMaravilla-lk2yx]

Yes! I did it! I did have one last question about the proof of birth for my baby girl. I tried to upload a picture of the hospital verification letter, but it just said it didn’t go through or there was an issue. How do I upload or send the birth verification letter to finish the claim. It seems like my claim isn’t finished that’s why. Thank you for your help!

[@hilasela4444]

I am self employed so with my cpa advice I have all my earning in one quarter so it will be the highest quarter. Meaning I have 0 payroll for most of the year, and 3 month of payroll earnings. The edd took my wages in that highest quarter and divided it by 4 and reduced my weekly benefits. Why? Aren’t they supposed to look at the highest quarter and give 60% base on that?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes they are perhaps it’s because you showed 0 for the others instead of taking a small income for those periods. Did you ever find out why?

[@mykidsmyeverything2021]

Edd bonding claim is taking longer than expected. Im going for 3 weeks with no pay and no info whats so ever. Ive done it before and idk why i havent gotten paid

[@CaelaCook]

If you don’t see anything in the portal you may have to start calling. Which is horrible, watch my other video on how to get a hold of a live perosn

[@jasonwilliams4159]

@@CaelaCookyou can also contact your state legislator. Since COVID each legislator added a link for EDD questions.

[@davidg2927]

How much can you stager this? Can you take let’s say 4 days off per week and just keep submitting claims each week?

[@mykidsmyeverything2021]

@davidg2927 they only cover you for up to 8 weeks and you can do scatter it through out the first year your baby is born.

[@teddikeyfishmagnet5692]

What if i missed place the employer name with the occupation do i have to resumit?

[@CaelaCook]

When you say misplaced what do you’d mean exactly?

[@teddikeyfishmagnet5692]

I put my name on the employer fill in and put my employer name on the occupation fill in it was misplaced I didn't double check it do I have to resubmit??

[@JoseCruz-in4vx]

How long does it usually take to receive payments ?

[@CaelaCook]

Typically 14 days if your claim is approved!

[@LinhPhan-zy4fi]

My husband works for law enforcement. He doesn’t need to pay SDI. And he is taking vacation leave since my baby was born. Can he claim for baby bonding ?

[@CaelaCook]

He can go on PFL after vacation leave ends, I am unsure if you can receive both simultaneously!

[@irenes5888]

is this the same instruction for birth mother PFL?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes!

[@philohlemutz6496]

Filed everything exactly step by step and it has been over 14 days with no response from EDD. Nothing in inbox, no emails, nothing in the mail, can’t reach EDD over the phone.

[@CaelaCook]

You can message them on the portal and ask what the status is. It will typically take a 100 call attempts to get a hold of someone. 😔

[@Overrated230]

This paid family leave is horrible experience never talked to a representative you won’t be able to get in contact with anyone you will have to use the claymr service and just sit and wait to be paid will take almost a month

[@CaelaCook]

This is all true!

[@Caine459]

I got a question I want to take care of my wife during the couple months before giving birth …is it possible to take disability then take pfl after the birth

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, unfortunately you will not be able to take advantage of disability. You may be able to start paid family leave because you are taking care of a family member however, that will eat into your eight weeks of allotted paid family leave for the year.

[@Caine459]

@@CaelaCook are there extensions

[@slayeroftrolls1200]

The hospital didn’t give me a birth certificate, just a verification letter. Do you know if that’ll due because the county won’t give me the certificate for like 2 months.

[@ksay6200]

I got a verification letter from the hospital as well, and YES. It will work. It is what I used. And got approved. And the EDD worker specifically asked me if I have this “verification letter”

[@slayeroftrolls1200]

@@ksay6200 thank you!

[@CaelaCook]

You can use one from the hospital!

[@slayeroftrolls1200]

@@ksay6200 thanks, the verification letter worked. Weird about the birth certificate

[@ianm3244]

Took 8 months for my claim to go through. One issue after another. Was a horrible experience

[@CaelaCook]

I’m sorry to hear that, yes it can be extremely cumbersome!

[@BrandonLouisRyan]

I had the same problem with uploading the document!! I cant figure out where to upload it now. HELP! lol

[@CaelaCook]

You can try messaging in the portal

[@bubblegumpaige7657]

To upload the additional documents to your claim, you must scan and save the documents as PDFS, JPGs, TIFS, or TIFFs to your computer. Then: 1. Select New Claim from your SDI Online Home page main menu. 2. Select Submit Electronic Paid Family Leave Bonding Attachment, Submit Electronic Paid Family Leave Care Attachment, or Submit Paid Family Leave Military Assist Attachment. 3. Select Browse and attach your documents. 4. Select Submit to finalize the process.

[@bubblegumpaige7657]

How do I upload hospital birth certificate after the claim has been submitted?

[@bubblegumpaige7657]

I just found it thanks you

[@CaelaCook]

You bet!

[@MichaelHsu95]

Where did you find this?

[@MegaRichcity]

@@bubblegumpaige7657 where did you find that information

[@fatguy5596]

If I am on PFL does the FMLA still protect me🤔

[@CaelaCook]

From loosing your job?

[@fatguy5596]

@@CaelaCook yes

[@abochavez]

my claim was denied and my appeal was ignored.

[@CaelaCook]

Did they say why?

[@mariocsgaming3520]

what about if i have two jobs?

[@CaelaCook]

If you paid into sdi on both you should get compensated for both

[@mariocsgaming3520]

​@@CaelaCook This has been the worst experience I have ever had with this. I have to take care of a newborn and a 3-year-old, and I also have to wake up every morning to call EDD and see if they are going to take my call. It has been one month, and I know how much I am going to get paid but not how I am going to get paid. I have spent more than 25 days calling, and every time the number of callers is full, I always wake up early to call them when they are supposed to be open at 8:00.

[@JESUS.ROMERO]

Is anyone else applying for PFL thru applied underwriters? Need help, please

[@CaelaCook]

Applied underwriters?

[@JESUS.ROMERO]

@@CaelaCook it's thru an insurance at my work not EDD

[@greggwilkins5989]

you have to pay taxes on this? we never received a tax form and that's kind of bogus if they only pay 60% and still charge tax on top of that.

[@CaelaCook]

Yes it’s taxable!

[@oliverioromo3080]

How Can I edit my claim? I accidentally went out of the page and it submitted to the EDD without uploading the hospital Birth certificate 😢

[@MichaelHsu95]

Yes tell us!!!

[@CynthiaC-u6b]

Hello what should I do if it was denied ? It said it was denied because my disability was overlapping but I waited about 2 weeks to apply for pfl

[@CaelaCook]

I would check to ensure you put the proper start date on the application and review everything thoroughly. Their system is often automated so sometimes responses are vague. You can always reapply if you were denied and start a new claim.