Question about SDI vs paid family leave - which one actually paid out faster?

I applied for both SDI and PFL back in March after my surgery in San Diego. SDI took almost 4 weeks to process and I had to call them twice. PFL got approved in like 10 days and the money hit my account faster too. But PFL only covers 8 weeks while SDI went for 12. Anyone else choose one over the other based on timing vs. how long you get paid?

2 comments

2 Comments

terrywilson1d ago

Honestly, is it really that different for most people? Like, I get that waiting a month for SDI sucks, but calling it "aging a year" seems a bit dramatic. You're still getting paid eventually, right? PFL being faster is nice, but then you're done at 8 weeks and gotta figure something else out. Seems like the real choice is between getting your money sooner or getting it for longer, not like one is a disaster. People act like a few weeks delay is the end of the world, but it's just a paperwork headache, not a tragedy.

paule532d ago

Oh I totally feel your pain on the wait times. I applied for SDI last fall after a knee replacement and I swear I aged a year just sitting by the phone. PFL came through in under two weeks for me, maybe my paperwork just had a shorter line to wait in? But then I got all confused about the different weeks and nearly messed up my claim doubling them together. My advice is go with the faster one if you need cash quick, but be ready for PFL to cut out sooner. Good luck getting paid before next Christmas.