Can I qualify for CA SDI benefits for pregnancy-related stress and reduced work hours?

Hi there! Based on what you've described, you might qualify for CA Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) through SDI. The key factor isn't the reduced hours themselves but whether your doctor will certify that you're unable to perform your regular or customary work due to your pregnancy. The stress from commuting and resulting health issues (high BP, contractions) could absolutely qualify if your doctor documents that you need to stop working or reduce your schedule for medical reasons related to your pregnancy. You would need your doctor to complete the medical certification form (DE 2501) indicating your pregnancy disability. SDI doesn't specifically cover "reduced wages" - it's meant to partially replace wages when you can't work due to disability (including pregnancy-related conditions). Your benefit would be based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period. I went through something similar last year with my pregnancy and successfully got SDI when my doctor certified that my 90-minute commute was causing pregnancy complications.

You should be able to get SDI but ONLY if your doctor says you cant work. They dont care about reduced hours, they only care if doctor says your disabled from working. My sister got it at 7 months when her doctor wrote she couldnt stand for long periods and she was a cashier. Its all about what the doc writes not your work situation.

I work for a healthcare organization that helps patients navigate disability benefits. Here's what you need to know: 1. In California, SDI for pregnancy typically begins 4 weeks before your due date and extends to 6-8 weeks after birth (depending on delivery type). 2. HOWEVER, you can qualify earlier if your doctor certifies that pregnancy complications prevent you from performing your regular work. The stress-induced high blood pressure and contractions you mention could potentially qualify. 3. Your reduced hours alone won't qualify you - it needs to be a medical necessity documented by your healthcare provider. 4. When filing, make sure your doctor clearly documents how your pregnancy is affected by the commute and how it impacts your ability to safely perform your regular work. 5. Your benefit amount would be approximately 60-70% of your wages, calculated based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period. I recommend speaking with your doctor about completing a DE 2501 form, being specific about your medical conditions and work limitations.

When I was pregnant in 2024 my company kept cutting my hours too!! I think they do this to try to make us quit so they dont have to pay for leave or keep our positions! so fustrating!!!

Have you tried calling EDD directly to ask about your specific situation? I had a somewhat similar issue last year (pregnancy + work stress causing complications) and found that getting clear answers over the phone was essential. The problem is their phone lines are a nightmare to get through - I kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The EDD rep I spoke with confirmed that my doctor needed to specifically document how my work conditions were affecting my pregnancy health, and that made all the difference in my claim being approved. They can give you the exact guidelines for your situation regarding the reduced hours and commute stress.

My cousin just had a baby and EDD denied her claim even tho her doctor said she needed to stop working!!! The whole system is broken and they just want to deny everyone!!!!

One more thing to consider: when you file your claim, you'll need to decide on a specific date that your disability began. This is the date your doctor determines you could no longer safely perform your regular work due to your pregnancy-related condition. Your doctor should help determine this date based on when your symptoms became severe enough to warrant work restrictions. Also, be aware there's a 7-day waiting period before benefits start. You won't be paid for this first week, so plan accordingly with your finances.

Just a heads up that when I was on SDI for pregnancy last year (2024), they required me to submit WEEKLY certifications online through the SDI Online portal. Make sure you certify every week that you're still disabled, or your payments can be delayed or stopped. The system will send you reminders, but sometimes they go to spam, so check your account regularly.

One additional consideration: if you're approved for SDI based on pregnancy disability, and you later give birth, you'll transition to recovery benefits automatically (typically 6-8 weeks depending on delivery type). After that recovery period ends, you may be eligible for Paid Family Leave (PFL) for bonding with your newborn for up to 8 weeks. The entire sequence could look like: 1. Pregnancy Disability Leave (from doctor certification until birth) 2. Recovery period (6-8 weeks post-birth) 3. PFL bonding time (up to 8 weeks) This means you could potentially have continuous wage replacement from now until several months after your baby is born. Just something to plan for!