Can I start SDI 2 days before job ends at 37 weeks pregnant? Will it affect future UI benefits?

just get the disability from ur doctor now, why suffer for 2 more days? i did this last year when i was pregnant and my job was ending. better to start disability sooner so u get more time

This is a common situation, and there are specific rules you should be aware of. Since your job is ending Friday and it's not due to your pregnancy, you should absolutely get your disability started tomorrow if your doctor agrees you're unable to work. Here's why: 1. SDI will provide income while you're medically unable to work before and after birth 2. You can transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) after recovery for bonding time 3. After both SDI and PFL end, you CAN file for Unemployment Insurance if you're able to work but your job is no longer available The key point: since your job is ending due to store closure (not your pregnancy), you should still qualify for UI after SDI/PFL because you'll be considered "able and available" for work at that point but displaced due to the closure. Make sure you keep documentation showing the store closure timing versus your disability start date. Best of luck with your delivery!

@confused_user You absolutely can receive unemployment after disability/PFL as long as you meet the UI eligibility requirements when you apply. The key requirements are: 1. Physically able to work at the time you apply for UI 2. Available for work 3. Actively seeking work 4. Lost your job through no fault of your own In this case, since the store is closing (not a voluntary quit or pregnancy-related separation), and assuming she'll be able to work after recovery and bonding time, she should qualify for UI after her SDI and PFL benefits end.

I went through exactly this scenario in 2024! My construction project was ending the same week I hit 36 weeks. Here's what I learned from my experience: Definitely have your doctor put you on disability tomorrow if you're struggling physically. Those last 2 days aren't worth the pain, and it won't affect your benefits timeline. Here's how my benefits worked: 1. Started SDI 3 days before my job ended officially 2. Received SDI for 4 weeks before birth + 6 weeks after (10 weeks total) 3. Switched to PFL for 8 weeks of bonding 4. Applied for UI after PFL ended I had zero problems getting UI after my PFL ended. The key is that your job ended due to the store closing (documented layoff) and not because of your pregnancy. EDD considers these separate qualifying events. One tip: When you talk to your doctor, make sure they document that you're unable to perform your specific job duties (standing all day in retail) rather than just general pregnancy issues. This makes the SDI approval smoother. Good luck with everything!

The EDD system is BROKEN when it comes to pregnant women!!! I tried doing exactly what you're planning and ended up with NO BENEFITS for 6 weeks because they kept claiming I "voluntarily quit" when my doctor put me on disability. Fought with them on the phone for HOURS and never got it resolved. Still bitter about it a year later. The people telling you this will be smooth sailing are DELUSIONAL. Document EVERYTHING and expect to fight for every penny you're entitled to!!!

My situation was supposed to be a layoff too, but somehow EDD still messed it up! They kept mixing up my SDI claim and UI claim info. Make sure your employer submits the correct separation reason code. If possible, get something in writing from them stating you're being laid off due to business closure, NOT because of your pregnancy disability. I wish I'd done that.

i had my baby last yr and took disability then family leave but i quit my job when i was like 7 months pregnant bc it was too hard. after my benefits ended i couldn't get unemployment bc i had quit voluntarily before disability. sounds like ur situation is different since the store is closing so u should be fine for UI later

Getting through to EDD to sort this out is going to be crucial. When I had a similar situation (though not pregnancy-related), I kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach an EDD rep after weeks of trying. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Getting clarification directly from EDD was what I needed, and they confirmed that as long as my job ended due to layoff (which your store closing counts as), I could receive UI after my disability period. Just be prepared to explain your situation clearly and have all your documentation ready when you call.

Yes, the rep gave me much clearer information than the website. The EDD website doesn't address specific situations like yours very well. The rep was able to explain exactly how the transition between benefits would work and what documentation I needed to ensure a smooth process. Definitely worth getting that personalized guidance for your specific circumstances.

when i had my baby i just did everything online and it worked fine never had to talk to anyone on the phone? but this was back in october so maybe things have changed lol

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??