I'm currently pregnant and this thread is so helpful - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! I had no idea about the two separate benefits (PDL and PFL) and I'm definitely going to be extra careful about the paperwork when my time comes. @CyberSiren so glad you got it resolved! One question - when you mention the doctor's office resubmitting the DE 2501, did they have to completely start over with a new form or could they just submit a correction? I want to make sure my OB's office knows the right process ahead of time.

As someone who just went through a similar name error nightmare with EDD last year, I wanted to add a few tips that might help others avoid this situation entirely: 1. **Before your appointment**: Email your doctor's office ahead of time with your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. Ask them to double-check it in their system. 2. **At the appointment**: When they're filling out the DE 2501, ask to see the form before they submit it. I know you're dealing with a newborn and recovery, but this 30-second check could save weeks of headaches. 3. **After submission**: If possible, ask for a copy of what they submitted or at least confirmation of how they spelled your name. I learned this the hard way after my doctor's office somehow turned my last name "Johnson" into "Johnsen" on the form. The correction process took almost a month, and I was stressed the entire time about missing payments during maternity leave. @CyberSiren I'm so glad you got yours resolved! Your detailed update will definitely help other new moms going through this same frustrating situation.

One more important thing to consider: if you're currently collecting UI while actually being unable to work due to pregnancy complications, this could potentially be considered misrepresentation. When you certify for UI, you're declaring that you're able and available for work. I recommend being proactive about this. Contact EDD and explain the situation - that you misunderstood the programs and need to switch from UI to SDI. They can help you make this transition properly and potentially avoid any overpayment or penalty issues. For your SDI claim, make sure your healthcare provider clearly documents your pregnancy-related limitations. Be aware there's a 7-day waiting period for SDI (no benefits paid for the first week). After delivery, the transition from pregnancy disability to PFL should be fairly straightforward with the right documentation. You'll need to have your doctor complete a DE 2501 form to establish your pregnancy disability claim.

As someone who's been through a similar situation, I want to echo what others have said - you really need to switch to SDI ASAP if your doctor has you on bed rest. I made the mistake of staying on UI too long during my pregnancy complications and it created a huge mess with EDD later. The good news is that since you were working and paying into the system until recently, you should definitely qualify for SDI and then PFL after delivery. The benefit amounts are typically much better than UI too - I was shocked at how much more I received on disability compared to unemployment. One tip: when you call EDD to make the switch, be honest about the timing and that you realize you may have been on the wrong program. They're usually more helpful when you're upfront about mistakes rather than trying to hide them. Also, make sure your doctor fills out the DE 2501 form completely - any missing info will delay your claim. You're going to be a great mom and this benefits stuff will all work out! Focus on taking care of yourself and the baby first, everything else is just paperwork that can be sorted out.

Plot twist: what if the payment actually went through but your bank is holding it for some reason? Might be worth giving them a call too.

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! My payment was supposed to hit yesterday and nothing. I've been checking my account obsessively. From what I've gathered reading through these comments, it sounds like calling early in the morning or checking with your bank might be the way to go. Has anyone heard if there's been any system-wide issues this week that might be causing delays? Really hoping this gets sorted out soon because rent is due! 😰

Congrats on the new job! Don't forget to factor in how this might affect other benefits you're receiving, like food stamps or healthcare. Sometimes going back to work can mess with those too.

One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure your employer knows your exact start date too! I had a mix-up where I told EDD one date but my HR had me down for a different date, and it caused some confusion with my final benefit payment. Also, if you're starting part-time or have a probationary period, you might still qualify for reduced benefits during that transition. Worth asking about!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who went through this 2 years ago! The confusion about the Maximum Benefit Amount is totally understandable - I remember staring at that number thinking I'd hit the lottery, lol. But as others have confirmed, you only get paid for the weeks your doctor certifies you as disabled, plus the 8 weeks of PFL bonding time. One tip that saved me stress: start the PFL application process about 2 weeks BEFORE your disability period ends. I know others mentioned applying "immediately after" but I found starting the paperwork early helped avoid any payment gaps. The transition can be smoother if EDD has time to review everything. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING - your doctor's notes, all forms you submit, confirmation numbers, etc. I had to resubmit paperwork twice because things got "lost in the system." Having organized copies made it much easier to resend quickly. Your weekly benefit amount is great though! That should give you good financial support during those precious early weeks with your baby. Wishing you a smooth pregnancy and delivery! 🍼

I'm currently navigating this same situation as a first-time mom and found this thread so helpful! Just wanted to add that I called EDD directly last week and the representative confirmed what everyone here is saying - the Maximum Benefit Amount is NOT what you'll receive for maternity leave. It's the total amount available for your entire benefit year if you have multiple qualifying disabilities. For standard pregnancy/childbirth, you get exactly what your doctor certifies: typically 4 weeks before delivery + 6-8 weeks after (depending on delivery type) for disability, then you can apply for 8 weeks of PFL for bonding. That's it - usually 18-20 weeks total. The rep also emphasized that the key is proper medical certification from your doctor. They need to specifically state the dates you're unable to work due to your condition. Without that certification, benefits can be denied or cut short. One more thing - if you're planning to take any vacation time or unpaid leave beyond the paid benefits, make sure to coordinate with your HR department about how that affects your job protection under FMLA. The paid benefits and job protection are separate things! Hope this helps clarify things even more. Pregnancy paperwork is overwhelming enough without EDD confusion! 😅