im sorry this is happening to you EDD is THE WORST!!!! my claim got denied to i just gave up and went back to work early even tho my doctor said not to but i couldnt fight with them anymore

One thing I want to add - when you submit your appeal, call the Appeals Board 7-10 days after sending it to confirm they received it. Don't assume they received and processed it, even if you sent it certified mail. Getting a confirmation number for your appeal is crucial. I'd also recommend keeping a detailed log of every interaction with EDD - who you spoke with, date/time, what was discussed, any confirmation numbers. This documentation can be invaluable if your case drags on.

After you get through to someone at EDD and they fix your claim, make sure you specifically ask them to note in your file that you're still on SDI for postpartum recovery. Also request a direct phone number or extension for the representative you speak with, as you might need to follow up. And just to clarify for your planning: once your SDI pregnancy disability claim ends (after your 4-6 weeks postpartum depending on delivery type and complications), you'll need to file a separate claim for Paid Family Leave for bonding time. That's a different claim entirely, even though it's through the same EDD system. Don't wait until your disability ends to start that application process - you can begin it about 1-2 weeks before your disability is scheduled to end to minimize gaps in payment.

I finally got my postpartum payment issue resolved! For anyone dealing with this: they fixed it retroactively and I received all my back benefits in one lump sum. EDD told me this happens constantly with pregnancy claims - apparently their computer system needs updating to better handle the transition from pregnancy disability to postpartum recovery. Hang in there!!

One more important detail: For PFL (baby bonding), you need to file your claim within 41 days of when you want benefits to begin. So once your doctor completes the pregnancy disability release, don't delay in submitting your PFL claim. There's no automatic transition - they're technically separate benefits that you have to apply for individually. As for your company's STD, that's completely separate from the state programs. Some company plans will not pay if you're receiving state benefits (they consider it duplicative), while others will supplement to bring you closer to your full salary. You really need to review your specific plan details.

Since your baby is due in December and your FMLA resets in January, you're in a great position to maximize your protected leave. Remember that FMLA/CFRA is about job protection, while SDI/PFL is about wage replacement. They run concurrently when both are available, but since yours resets in January, you'll essentially get extra protected time. Just make sure you: 1. Have clear documentation from your doctor for the disability release 2. Apply for PFL promptly after being released from disability 3. Keep HR informed of all transitions 4. Understand exactly how your company STD works with state benefits And if you need to speak with EDD directly (which I highly recommend before your delivery), try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM for the best chance of getting through.

Just wanted to update you - I remember now that I actually got a letter in the mail about my claim approval BEFORE it showed as approved online. So you might want to check your physical mail too. The SDI Online system sometimes lags behind the actual processing.

UPDATE: My claim was just approved this morning! It took exactly 16 days. I checked the EDD website and it now shows my claim as approved with a benefit amount. I should get my first payment in 2-3 business days according to the message. Thank you all so much for your help and reassurance. The stress relief is huge!

Quick clarification on something important: Your father may qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits instead of returning to his UI claim. If his stroke occurred before he could return to work, his disability claim could potentially be backdated to when his medical condition began (the date of his stroke).\n\nHowever, be aware that there's a maximum filing timeframe - claims filed more than 49 days after the disability began may be disqualified unless there's a good reason for the delay. In your father's case, if you file within 49 days of his stroke, you should be fine.\n\nAlso, once the SDI claim is approved, he would receive approximately 60-70% of his regular wages (based on a calculation of his highest quarter earnings in the base period), up to the maximum weekly benefit amount, which is $1,620 in 2025.

Thank you for this additional information. So if I understand correctly, we should focus on the SDI claim first since it can be backdated to when he had the stroke, and then separately try to resolve the UI claim for the February-to-stroke period? The SDI benefit amount sounds much better than what he would get from UI anyway.