Here's a practical tip: When you file your SDI claim, make sure to clearly indicate that your job is ending due to a store closure on 10/13. There's a specific question about this in the application. This creates a record that your job separation is NOT due to your disability but due to the employer's business decision. When you later transition to UI after SDI/PFL, reference this initial information. This way, EDD will understand that you were going to lose your job regardless of your pregnancy/disability status, which strengthens your UI eligibility. Also, if you haven't already, create your SDI Online account now so you're ready to file immediately after your doctor's appointment tomorrow.

btw how many weeks do u get for disability before the birth? i thought it was only 4 but someone said they got more??

I actually went through something similar except I was getting disability first then tried unemployment after. The whole thing is so confusing!! I think the school thing only matters for unemployment because they want to make sure you're available to work. For the pregnancy part, it's just about if your doctor says you can't work anymore.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I'll definitely update my UI claim about the school program right away. It's good to know that it shouldn't affect my disability claim when the time comes. I'll apply for SDI about a month before my doctor wants me to stop working, and I'll make sure to stop certifying for UI at that point to avoid any overpayment issues. This was all so confusing to me, but I feel much clearer now about how these programs work together (or rather, don't overlap).

Another thing to consider - have you enrolled in Informed Delivery through USPS? Sometimes EDD sends requests for additional information through regular mail rather than electronically, especially for identity verification issues. I've seen many cases where people miss these letters and their claims stay pending indefinitely.

After you speak with your HR about the last day worked and check for any mail, if your claim is still pending, I'd strongly recommend getting through to a live person. They're the only ones who can look at your specific claim and tell you exactly what's causing the delay. Let us know what you find out!

Quick clarification on the overpayment penalties: The 3-year disqualification period typically begins on the mailing date of the determination, not from your benefit year. Check the decision letter for the specific dates. Important: If your overpayment was classified as "willful misrepresentation" (fraud), that's different from a simple overpayment. Fraud penalties can potentially impact other benefit programs. That said, in practice, I've rarely seen SDI claims denied due to UI overpayments unless there was a major fraud case involved. The programs are separately funded as others have mentioned.

UPDATE: I just submitted my SDI application online! It was actually much easier than I expected. My doctor already submitted his certification (I confirmed with his office). I carefully reviewed that old overpayment letter and it doesn't mention anything about fraud - it just says there was an overpayment because I "received benefits I wasn't eligible for" during certain weeks when I had partial income. So I'm hopeful this won't affect my disability claim. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'll update again once I hear back from EDD about my claim status.

Just a heads up - there's a difference between SDI pregnancy claims and Paid Family Leave (PFL). Make sure you're applying for the right program. SDI is for your own disability (including recovery from childbirth), while PFL is for bonding with the baby. I'm confused why you'd be filing a claim before giving birth for bonding leave... are you sure you're applying for the right program?

Here's what I recommend for your appeal based on my experience as an out-of-state claimant: 1. Call and request a copy of your claim file through a formal information request - this will show exactly what they received/didn't receive 2. For your appeal package, include: - Appeal form DE 1000M - Cover letter explaining the timeline of events - COPIES (not originals) of ALL documentation - New doctor's certification if your original is more than 30 days old - Recent paystubs showing CA employment - Color copy of your ID - Multiple proofs of address (utility bill AND lease/mortgage) 3. Send your appeal via certified mail with return receipt 4. For certification, call the out-of-state unit (916-464-0500) and press option 6, then request paper certification forms Don't worry - they WILL backpay you to your original claim date once approved!