Quick warning though - make sure you're actually on SDI and not some other type of disability insurance. If you have private disability insurance or disability through your employer (like short-term disability), those might have different tax implications. Only the state program (SDI) has the tax-free benefit.

Just wanted to add that if you're still unsure about your specific situation, you can always double-check by logging into your EDD online account. It should clearly show whether your payments came from the SDI program or another source. I was in a similar boat last year - had both UI and SDI at different times and was confused about which forms I needed. The online account breakdown really helped me sort it out. Also, if you used a tax preparer before, they're usually pretty familiar with CA disability benefits and can confirm you don't need to report SDI income.

Update: I talked to an EDD rep (thanks for the Claimyr tip!) and confirmed I CAN go directly from SDI to PFL without returning to work. The key points they told me: 1) File the PFL claim 1-2 weeks before SDI ends, 2) The medical release from SDI doesn't affect PFL eligibility for bonding, 3) I need to specify on the PFL application that I'm coming directly from disability. Just wanted to share this info in case it helps someone else!

This is such valuable information! I'm in a similar boat - currently on SDI for a work injury and expecting my first baby in a few months. I was stressed about potentially losing PFL time if I couldn't transition smoothly. Your experience and the confirmation from EDD gives me so much peace of mind. I'm definitely going to save that Claimyr service info too in case I need to call EDD. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone with what you learned!

Thank you! I'll definitely keep an eye on the timeline and follow up with my doctor if needed. Appreciate all this helpful information!

Just wanted to add that if you're dealing with a workplace injury like you mentioned, you might also want to look into workers' compensation benefits. Since your back problems are from a workplace injury, you could potentially be eligible for both workers' comp and SDI depending on your situation. Workers' comp might cover more of your medical expenses related to the injury. It's worth asking your doctor or HR about this too - sometimes people don't realize they can pursue both options. Hope your claim goes smoothly!

UPDATE: My payment finally came through this morning! There was indeed a system delay due to the maintenance. It never showed as "issued" in my payment history - it just appeared in my bank account suddenly. Thank you everyone for your advice and reassurance!

So relieved to see your update! I was getting worried for you since payment delays can be so stressful, especially when rent is due soon. It's really frustrating that the SDI system doesn't give us better visibility into what's happening during these maintenance periods - they should at least put up a notice saying "payments may be delayed due to system updates" or something. Good to know for the future that payments can just show up in your bank account without ever appearing as "issued" in the portal. Thanks for sharing the resolution - it'll definitely help other people who run into the same issue!

I went through this whole process last year and the most important thing is DOCUMENTATION!!! Save screenshots of EVERYTHING. When you call to end UI, write down date, time, confirmation #, rep name. When you submit SDI, print confirmation. My claim got messed up and I had to prove I did everything right - thank god I had all my paperwork!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you understand how your part-time earnings will affect your SDI benefit calculation. Since you've been working reduced hours while on UI, your SDI benefits will be based on your earnings history from your base period (not your current reduced income). Also, if you have any unused sick leave or vacation time from your employer, you might want to clarify with HR whether using those benefits could affect your SDI eligibility timing. Some people don't realize that paid time off can sometimes complicate disability claims. Good luck with everything - pregnancy disability navigation is so stressful but you're asking all the right questions!