Hi Luke! This is a common source of confusion. You should NOT submit the form twice - only complete it once, either online OR by mail, not both. Since your doctor already completed and submitted the form online with confirmation, you're all set. The paper form they mailed you is likely just their standard process - they probably send the physical form to everyone regardless of whether it was already submitted online. Submitting it twice could definitely cause delays and confusion in their system. I'd recommend keeping that paper form for your records but not mailing it in. You can check your online account for updates on the processing status of the form your doctor already submitted.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much better prepared now if my job situation changes. To summarize what I learned: - I should qualify for unemployment if I lose my job or get hours reduced through no fault of my own - EDD will use an "alternate base period" or "disability substitute quarter" because I was on SDI - This means they'll look at my earnings before pregnancy instead of counting disability as zero - I need to specifically mention my SDI period when applying - Even reduced hours might qualify me for partial unemployment Fingers crossed my job stays stable, but it's a relief to know my options. Really appreciate all the advice!

I'm in a similar boat - just came back from maternity leave and my company is already hinting at layoffs. It's so stressful dealing with this uncertainty when you have a newborn! One thing I'd add is that if your employer does reduce your hours significantly (like below 32 hours per week), you should definitely apply for partial unemployment right away. Don't wait to see if things improve because you can always cancel your claim if your hours go back up, but you can't backdate benefits if you wait too long to apply. Also, keep all documentation about any hour reductions or conversations about potential layoffs. EDD sometimes asks for proof that the job loss wasn't your fault, especially if it happens so soon after returning from leave. Good luck mama - hoping your job stays stable! 🤞

I just pulled up the exact regulations on this. For pregnancy disability before 36 weeks, EDD requires: 1. Documentation of a pregnancy-related medical condition that prevents you from performing your regular or customary work 2. The condition must be specifically described (not just "pregnancy") - examples include severe nausea, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes with complications, severe back pain, etc. 3. Your doctor must explicitly state you CANNOT perform your regular duties (not just that you have restrictions) At exactly 36 weeks (four weeks before your estimated delivery date), you automatically qualify regardless of complications. I recommend getting an updated certification form completed (DE 2501) with this specific language and filing a new claim rather than just appealing. The new claim processing is often faster than appeals.

I went through something very similar last year! I'm a stagehand and got denied at 28 weeks even though I literally couldn't safely work with rigging and heavy equipment anymore. Here's what worked for me: Don't wait for the appeal - it takes forever. Instead, go back to your OB IMMEDIATELY and ask them to fill out a brand new DE 2501 form with these exact words: "Patient CANNOT perform regular or customary work due to pregnancy-related complications including [list specific symptoms like pelvic girdle pain, severe fatigue, balance issues, etc.]" The key is your doctor needs to explicitly connect your pregnancy symptoms to why your specific job duties are unsafe/impossible. In my case, my OB wrote that my pregnancy-related dizziness and balance issues made it unsafe for me to work at heights or operate equipment. Then file a completely new claim with the updated medical certification - don't just submit it as part of an appeal. The new claim processing is way faster. Also document everything about your job duties - take photos if possible showing the physical demands. EDD needs to understand that "production assistant" in film isn't just sitting at a desk. You've got this! The system is frustrating but with the right medical language you can absolutely get approved before 36 weeks.

Quick question - did you submit your appeal online or by mail? I've heard conflicting advice on which is faster.

I just went through this process last month! It took exactly 5 weeks for me to get a decision. My advice: document everything with dates and confirmation numbers. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to check that your appeal was actually received - I had to resubmit mine because the first one got "lost" somehow. The waiting is brutal, but don't give up! Keep an eye on your UI Online account daily for updates.

Pro tip: if you can't get through on the phone, try reaching out to your local assembly member's office. They often have direct lines to EDD and can help push things along. Worked wonders for me!

I just went through something similar last week! Don't stress too much - most of the time these alerts are just routine updates. Here's what I'd recommend doing right away: 1. Log into your EDD portal and check for any new messages or documents 2. Look for any action items or deadlines you might have missed 3. Screenshot everything for your records In my case, the alert was just notifying me that they received my medical certification renewal. No action needed on my part, and my payments continued normally. But definitely check your account first before calling - you might find all the info you need there and save yourself the headache of waiting on hold for hours! Keep us posted on what you find out! 🤞