Can I cancel my EDD SDI pregnancy claim and reapply later for higher benefits?

omg same thing almost happened to me! the EDD base period is so stupid, it's like designed to screw ppl over. not sure if u can cancel but maybe try calling them???

You can withdraw your claim, but there are important things to consider. Once you submit a withdrawal request, you'll need to return any benefits already paid to you before they'll process the withdrawal. There's a specific form to complete - DE 2501W "Request for Withdrawal of Disability Insurance Claim". However, be careful about timing. The base period for July 2025 would include April-June 2024 and all of 2024. Make absolutely sure your current wages would actually be included before withdrawing your current claim. You might want to calculate your potential benefit amount using their formula (approximately 60-70% of your wages during your highest-paid quarter in the base period). Also, keep in mind pregnancy claims can be filed 4 weeks before your expected delivery date, so you don't necessarily need to wait until July if your due date is early July.

I had something similar happen with my pregnancy claim last year - I waited to file because I'd just started a new job. The withdrawal form DE 2501W needs to be mailed or faxed (they're so outdated!), but once they get it, processing took about 3 weeks for me. Just keep in mind that EDD uses this weird base period calculation where they look at earnings 5-17 months before your claim date. So for a July 2025 claim, they'd use April 2024-March 2025 wages. Double-check my math though!

After dealing with EDD SDI for both of my pregnancies, I can tell you with 100% certainty that you NEED to contact them directly to sort this out. But good luck actually getting through on their phone line - it's a complete nightmare. I spent WEEKS trying to reach someone about my claim back in 2024. What finally worked was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service that basically calls EDD for you and transfers you once an agent picks up. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Seriously, for something as critical as fixing your benefit amount, you need to speak with an actual claims specialist who can properly advise you on your specific situation. $51/week is definitely not livable.

I work in HR and deal with this situation occasionally. Here's what you need to understand about the EDD SDI system: 1. Yes, you can withdraw your claim using form DE 2501W, but you must return any benefits received first. 2. The base period for SDI claims is calculated by looking at earnings 5-17 months before your claim date. For a July 2025 claim, they would use April 2024-March 2025 wages. 3. Alternative Base Period (ABP) is NOT available for SDI claims - only for unemployment. This is why your recent wages aren't counted. 4. If you withdraw and reapply in July, your February 2024 wages would definitely be included, substantially increasing your benefit amount. 5. The maximum SDI benefit for 2025 is $1,904 per week (up from $1,620 in 2024), so depending on your earnings, you could see a significant increase. Don't wait until July to start this process - begin now by requesting the withdrawal form.

The EDD system is DESIGNED to confuse people and deny benefits!!! I had THREE claims messed up because of their ridiculous base period rules. They don't care that people need to pay bills. $51/week is a JOKE and they know it. The whole system needs to be overhauled but politicians don't care because it doesn't affect them!!!

when i was pregnant i just kept working until i couldnt anymore. the disability payments are never enough anyway. maybe see if you can work longer?

Just to follow up on this thread - did you get your claim withdrawal form submitted? If you're facing complications and potential bed rest, you should act quickly on this. If your doctor puts you on bed rest before you can withdraw and reapply, you might be stuck with the lower benefit amount for the duration.

Good luck with everything! Just wanted to add that you should keep copies of all your paperwork when you mail the withdrawal form - the EDD has been known to "lose" documents. I'd recommend sending it certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof they received it. Also, if you do end up needing to go on bed rest before July, don't panic - you can still file the new claim as long as you've successfully withdrawn the first one. The medical certification can be updated to reflect any changes in your condition. Fingers crossed this all works out for you and you get the benefits you deserve!

I went through something very similar last year! I was making decent money at my new job but EDD was only counting wages from when I was barely working part-time. The $51/week you're getting is ridiculously low - that's what I got too initially. I did successfully withdraw my claim using form DE 2501W. The key things to remember: you have to pay back any benefits you've already received before they'll process the withdrawal, and you need to mail it certified so you have proof they got it. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me. When I refiled a few months later, my benefit amount went from $51/week to over $800/week because my current job's wages were finally included in the base period calculation. It was absolutely worth the hassle! One tip - start the withdrawal process now even if you're not planning to refile until July. That way if your doctor does put you on bed rest early, you'll have options. Also, keep detailed records of everything because EDD loves to "lose" paperwork. Good luck mama! 💙

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Just filed my SDI pregnancy claim and they're only giving me $48/week because they're using my base period from when I was barely working. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't account for recent employment changes - like, I've been working full-time for 8 months now but none of those wages count! Reading through all these responses is giving me hope though. I'm definitely going to look into withdrawing my claim and refiling later when my current wages will be included. Has anyone here dealt with EDD questioning why you withdrew and then refiled? I'm worried they might think I'm trying to game the system or something, even though this is totally legitimate. Also @Ruby Knight - definitely send that withdrawal form certified mail like others suggested. I learned from my unemployment claim last year that EDD "loses" so much paperwork it's not even funny. Keep copies of everything!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm dealing with something very similar - currently 6 months pregnant and just discovered EDD is only going to give me $73/week because they're using my base period from when I was working a minimum wage retail job. I've been at my current corporate job since March 2024 making way more, but none of those wages count towards my claim. Reading everyone's experiences here has been so helpful! I had no idea about form DE 2501W or that you could withdraw and refile later. @Zadie Patel your explanation about the base period calculation was especially clear - I finally understand why my recent wages aren't being counted. I'm definitely going to start the withdrawal process. My due date is in August 2025, so if I withdraw now and refile in August, my March 2024+ wages should be included in the calculation. Has anyone had experience with withdrawing this early in pregnancy? I'm worried about the timing but $73/week won't even cover my parking at work, let alone actual living expenses! Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories - it's made me feel so much less alone in dealing with this broken system.