Can I apply for EDD SDI pregnancy disability without current employment? Dad's death led to job loss

Yes, you can still qualify for SDI pregnancy disability even without current employment. The important thing is that you were paying into SDI during your base period (typically 5-18 months before your claim). As long as you earned at least $300 during your base period and paid SDI taxes, you should be eligible. You'll need your doctor to complete the medical certification (DE 2501) confirming your pregnancy complications require disability. Apply as soon as possible through SDI Online. Just make sure to provide accurate information about your last employer and employment dates. I'm sorry about your father - that's a lot to deal with while pregnant.

sry about ur dad :( my cousin had something kinda same, she quit her job cuz of morning sickness then tried to get disability later. they denied her at first but she appealed it and won. just make sure ur doctor writes down ALL ur symptoms cuz that rly helps!!!

Your benefit amount will be based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period, which is typically 5-18 months before your disability begins. They'll look at what you earned when you were working, not your current $0 income. You should get approximately 60-70% of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum benefit amount ($1,620 per week for 2025). Also, there's a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, so plan for that. With pregnancy disability, you can typically receive benefits for up to 4 weeks before your expected delivery date and 6-8 weeks after delivery (8 weeks for C-section). Given your medical complications, your doctor might certify you for disability earlier than the standard 4 weeks pre-delivery. Document everything carefully!

dont mean to scare u but my friend got denied cuz she wasnt working when she applied for disability. EDD is sooooo picky about everything. They said she didnt meet eligibility requirements or somethin. maybe pregnancy is different tho idk

The WHOLE system is designed to make it nearly impossible to get benefits!! I had a similar situation last year and spent WEEKS trying to reach someone at EDD about my pregnancy disability claim. Absolute NIGHTMARE!!! They kept saying my doctor didn't fill out something right but wouldn't tell me WHAT. I had complications too and was so stressed about money that my blood pressure got even WORSE. Don't even bother with their regular phone line - total waste of time. You'll just get disconnected or be on hold FOREVER with those useless recordings playing over and over.

I got approved for SDI when I was like 30 weeks but I was working right up until then. My sister-in-law wasnt working tho and she still got benefits for her pregnancy! But she had to send in a bunch of extra paperwork to prove her previous work history. Dont forget you can also apply for PFL after the baby comes! Thats a separate thing from the disability.

One important thing to note: when you apply, you'll need to indicate that you're currently unemployed but were previously employed and paid into SDI. Make sure to have your last employer's information ready (company name, address, phone, your last day worked, etc.). Also, since you mentioned pre-eclampsia concerns, your doctor can potentially certify you for disability earlier than the standard 4 weeks before your due date. The medical certification form (DE 2501) allows your healthcare provider to specify exactly when your disability begins based on your specific medical situation. I'd recommend applying through SDI Online as soon as possible: https://edd.ca.gov/disability/

I'm so sorry for the loss of your father - dealing with grief while pregnant and facing financial stress must be incredibly overwhelming. You've gotten some great advice here already, but I wanted to add that you should also consider reaching out to local pregnancy resource centers or social services while you're waiting for your SDI claim to process. Many offer emergency assistance for pregnant women in difficult situations. Also, since you mentioned severe swelling and high blood pressure, please don't hesitate to go to the ER if your symptoms worsen while you're dealing with the paperwork stress. Your health and baby's health come first, and the financial stuff will work itself out. Pre-eclampsia can be serious, so make sure you're monitoring your symptoms closely. Wishing you the best with your application and hoping for a smooth remainder of your pregnancy. You're doing everything right by seeking help and advocating for yourself during such a challenging time.

I'm so sorry for your loss and everything you're going through right now. Losing a parent while pregnant is incredibly difficult, and you shouldn't have to worry about finances on top of everything else. The good news is that you should definitely be eligible for SDI! Since you worked and paid into the system for 2 years before quitting, you'll likely meet the earnings requirements. The key thing is that you don't need to be currently employed - just that you paid SDI taxes during your base period. A few practical tips from someone who's been through this: - Apply online at edd.ca.gov/disability/ as soon as possible - Have your doctor be very specific about your complications on the DE 2501 form (mention the swelling, high BP, and pre-eclampsia risk) - Keep copies of everything you submit - If you get denied initially, don't panic - appeals are common and often successful Also, once you're approved for SDI, you'll automatically be eligible for Paid Family Leave (PFL) after the baby arrives, which can provide additional weeks of benefits for bonding time. Hang in there - you're doing the right thing by seeking help, and there are resources available to support you through this difficult time. Focus on your health and let the system work for you like it's supposed to.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your father and everything you're going through right now. Losing a parent while dealing with pregnancy complications is incredibly difficult. You've received excellent advice here! Just to reinforce what others have said - you absolutely can qualify for SDI even without current employment. The key is that you paid into the system during your base period, which it sounds like you did. One additional tip: when your doctor fills out the DE 2501 form, make sure they include not just your physical symptoms (swelling, high BP) but also mention how your father's recent death and the stress of handling his affairs may be contributing to your pregnancy complications. Sometimes the emotional/psychological factors can strengthen a medical certification, especially when combined with physical symptoms. Also, don't feel guilty about needing this support - you paid into this system for exactly this type of situation. SDI exists to help people like you who are facing temporary disabilities, and pregnancy complications absolutely qualify. Keep us posted on how your application goes. You've got this, and this community is here to support you through the process!

I'm so sorry for your loss and the stress you're dealing with while pregnant. I went through a similar situation last year when I had to quit my job due to family circumstances and then needed SDI for pregnancy complications. The great news is that you absolutely qualify! Since you worked and paid SDI for 2 years before quitting, you should definitely meet the earnings requirements. California doesn't require you to be currently employed - just that you paid into the system during your base period. A few things that helped me: - Apply online immediately at edd.ca.gov/disability/ - Make sure your doctor is thorough on the DE 2501 form about ALL your symptoms - Keep detailed records of your complications (dates, symptoms, doctor visits) - Have your previous employer info ready when you apply Given your high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia concerns at 32 weeks, your doctor can certify you for immediate disability rather than waiting for the standard 4 weeks before due date. This could get your benefits started sooner. Also remember - after your SDI ends, you'll be eligible for Paid Family Leave for bonding time with your baby. The systems work together to provide continuous support. You've got this! The process can be stressful but you paid into this system for exactly this type of situation. Focus on your health and let the benefits provide the financial support you need right now.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your father - what an incredibly difficult situation to navigate while pregnant and dealing with complications. My heart goes out to you. The community has given you excellent advice! I wanted to add one more resource that might help: many counties in California have Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs that can provide immediate nutritional support while you're waiting for your SDI claim to process. They often have social workers who are familiar with EDD processes and might be able to provide additional guidance or connect you with local emergency assistance programs. Also, if you have any pregnancy-related medical expenses coming up (like monitoring for pre-eclampsia), don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about payment plans or financial assistance programs. Many hospitals and clinics have programs specifically for situations like yours. You're being incredibly strong advocating for yourself and your baby during such a challenging time. Take care of yourself and don't hesitate to reach out for help - you deserve all the support available to you.

I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your father - what an unimaginable burden to carry while pregnant and dealing with medical complications. Please know that you're not alone in this struggle. Based on everything shared here, you absolutely should qualify for SDI! The fact that you worked and paid into the system for 2 years before your father's passing means you've likely met all the earnings requirements. California SDI doesn't require current employment - just that you contributed during your base period, which you clearly did. A few things I'd add to the excellent advice already given: 1. When applying online at edd.ca.gov/disability/, be completely honest about your employment gap and the reason (father's death). EDD understands that life circumstances sometimes require people to leave work. 2. Ask your doctor to be very specific about timing on the DE 2501 form. With your high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia concerns at 32 weeks, you may qualify for immediate disability rather than waiting for the standard timeframe. 3. Consider having someone help you with the application process if the stress is overwhelming. A trusted family member or friend can assist with paperwork while you focus on your health. You paid into this system for exactly this type of situation. Don't feel guilty about accessing the support you've earned. Your father would want you and his grandchild to be taken care of. Wishing you strength, health, and a smooth application process. This community is rooting for you! 💙