I don't know if this is the correct forum to post in, but I have a question regarding medical leave. I am lucky to still have a job and have been working from home since March. It was always stressful, but due to an increased workload and the isolation of working from home (among other factors) I am completely frazzled and my anxiety is through the roof. My therapist has said since June that I need to be off work and suggested that I see a psychiatrist. I was finally able to get in to see a psychiatric nurse practitioner last week (she had the best availability) and she took me off work through the end of August, thank goodness.

I work full time, and my HR person told me that since I have PTO saved up (about 21 days worth) I could use the PTO and get paid at full wages. Or, I could go through the EDD (I live in California for context) and get paid at 70% of my wages, but it would be for the entire month. She said that I would not be able to apply with the EDD for the remaining 9 days if I used my PTO.

Is that true? And what if the nurse practitioner extends the time off? Would I have to continue not being paid if I use the PTO? None of this makes sense, and it's impossible to get through to speak with anyone at the EDD right now due to COVID.

Thank you for reading all of this, I appreciate and welcome any and all advice.