As someone who just went through this exact transition in May, I can confirm you'll definitely get that final SDI payment for July 30-August 8! Mine came through about 5 days after my regular payment date, so don't worry if it's slightly delayed. For the PFL application, I'd echo what others have said about waiting until August 9th or 10th to apply. I made the mistake of applying while my SDI was still technically active and it created a whole mess that took 3 weeks to sort out. EDD's system really doesn't like overlapping claims. Also, pro tip: when you do apply for PFL, have your baby's birth certificate already uploaded as a PDF because the document upload can be finicky. Congratulations on your little one and best of luck with the transition!

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I went through this exact transition in March! My SDI ended on a mid-month date too (March 15th) and I was worried about that final partial payment. It did come through automatically about 4-5 days after my regular payment date, so don't stress if it's not exactly on schedule. For the PFL application, I cannot stress this enough - WAIT until your SDI claim shows "Returned to Work" status before applying! I got impatient and applied 2 days early, thinking it would be fine since my disability period was basically over. Big mistake! It flagged both claims and I had to spend hours on the phone getting it sorted out. The EDD rep told me this happens all the time and their system really doesn't handle overlapping claims well. My advice: Check your SDI status online on August 9th, and once it shows you've returned to work, then submit your PFL application. A day or two gap is SO much better than weeks of delays. Also make sure you select "bonding with new child" and not "caring for family member" when you apply - they're processed differently. Wishing you a smooth transition and congratulations on your new baby!

Okay, here's my secret weapon. Call the employer line instead of the claimant line. They usually pick up faster and can still help you. Just be super nice and they might transfer you to the right person.

I totally understand your frustration! I went through the exact same thing a few months ago and it felt hopeless. What finally worked for me was a combination of calling right at 8am sharp and using the "2-1-4" menu sequence to bypass some of the automated prompts. Also, I noticed that calling mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) seemed to have better success rates than Mondays or Fridays. Don't give up - I know it's exhausting but you will eventually get through! In the meantime, make sure you're documenting all your call attempts with dates and times, as that info can be helpful when you do finally reach someone. Hang in there! 💪

The EDD agents who said you qualify were correct! As others have explained, it's all about your base period. Since you were W2 during most of 2024, that will be your qualifying period for a May 2025 birth. One thing to note: make sure you have your doctor submit the medical certification form (DE 2501) promptly. Pregnancy disability can start up to 4 weeks before your due date, so you'll need that ready. Also, remember that SDI has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin. After your SDI pregnancy benefits end (usually 6-8 weeks depending on delivery type), you can transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) for bonding time with your baby. PFL has no waiting period.

I went through something similar! I was W2 from 2019-2023, then went freelance in early 2024. Had my baby in August 2024 and was so stressed about SDI eligibility. Turns out I qualified just fine based on my 2023 W2 earnings during the base period. Here's what I learned: Apply online as soon as you can (4 weeks before due date). Don't stress too much about the conflicting phone info - the online system will automatically calculate your eligibility based on your actual wage records. If there are any issues, they'll send you a notice explaining what's needed. Also, keep detailed records of all your 2024 W2 paystubs just in case there are any wage reporting discrepancies. Sometimes employers mess up their quarterly reporting to EDD, which can cause delays. Having your own documentation speeds things up if you need to provide proof. You've got this! The $2,100 you paid in definitely wasn't for nothing.

Hey OP, what exactly happens when you try to certify? Are you getting an error message or is it just not letting you submit?

I've been dealing with similar certification issues for the past few weeks. One thing that helped me was using a different browser - I was having problems with Chrome but it worked fine in Firefox. Also, make sure you're not using any browser extensions or ad blockers that might interfere with the site. The EDD website is pretty finicky about that stuff. Good luck today!

my cousin just had this same problem!!! she ended up not doing the work cuz her doc wouldnt sign off on it. said somethin about liability issues if she approved work during recovery period. maybe depends on what kinda birth u had?

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who navigated this recently. I was on SDI after my delivery and ended up doing some freelance graphic design work (also 1099). Here's what worked for me: 1. Got written approval from my OB first - she was actually supportive since it was just computer work from home 2. Called EDD using that Claimyr service (totally worth the fee btw) and spoke to a rep who walked me through the partial benefit calculation 3. Kept detailed records of every hour worked and dollar earned 4. My benefits were reduced but not eliminated - ended up being worth it financially The key thing the EDD rep told me was that as long as the work doesn't interfere with your recovery and your doctor approves it, part-time remote work during pregnancy disability is generally okay. Just be 100% transparent about reporting income. One warning though - make sure you understand how it might affect your PFL transition. I had to provide extra documentation when I switched over, but it wasn't as bad as some people make it sound. Good luck mama!