Can I transition from UI to SDI for pregnancy and then back to UI? EDD benefit switching question

You don't need to formally close your UI claim - just stop certifying when you're ready to transition to SDI. For the SDI claim, your doctor will need to complete the medical certification (DE 2501) portion. Make sure to apply for SDI within 49 days of your disability start date! And yes, you can technically go back to UI after SDI ends, but remember you need to be able, available, and actively looking for work to qualify for UI again. You'll just restart your UI claim certification process once you're medically cleared after delivery.

Thank you so much for the clear explanation! One more question - when I stop certifying for UI and apply for SDI, should I mention in my SDI application that I was on UI before? Or are these systems already connected so EDD knows my situation?

I did this exact thing last year!! Stop UI and apply for SDI when ur doctor says to. After baby came and my recovery time was over I just went back to UI online and started certifying again. Super easy! But make sure ur actually looking for work again cuz they might interview u when u go back to UI. They called me.

That's so helpful to hear someone else did this successfully! Did you have to wait for any processing time when switching back to UI? I'm trying to budget and plan for any gaps between benefits.

I tried doing this in 2023 and it was a NIGHTMARE! Nobody at EDD could give me a straight answer about switching programs. I ended up with a 3 week gap between my UI ending and SDI starting because they claimed I filed my SDI application

Sorry you had such a difficult experience! For the original poster: This is why it's crucial to apply for SDI as soon as your doctor certifies your disability, and make sure all the information on your application matches what's in your UI claim. Consistency in your information helps prevent these kinds of flags and delays.

One thing to be aware of is that your weekly benefit amount might be different between UI and SDI. SDI is calculated at approximately 60-70% of your base wages during your base period, while UI has its own calculation method. So your SDI payment might be higher or lower than what you're currently getting from UI. Just something to keep in mind for your budgeting.

yep my SDI was about $190 more each week than my UI was! was a nice surprise lol

dont u have to be looking for work on UI? how can u do that if ur pregnant and cant work? they might investigate u for fraud just saying

You're confusing the timeline. OP is currently able to work and looking for work while on UI. When her doctor certifies she can no longer work due to pregnancy (around 30 weeks), she'll switch to SDI. There's no fraud in that scenario - it's exactly how the system is designed to work. After recovery from childbirth, if she's able to work again but hasn't found a job, she can return to UI.

Trying to call EDD to clarify benefit transitions is nearly impossible these days! I was in a similar situation last month and spent DAYS trying to reach someone. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an EDD agent quickly - they have a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Totally worth it for complicated situations like switching between different claim types where you need specific guidance.

Thank you for the suggestion! I've been trying to call for two days with no luck. I'll check out that service because I really need to speak with someone to make sure I'm doing everything correctly.

i had my baby 4 months ago and the whole process was actualy pretty smooth for me. just make sure u have all ur medical docs ready when u apply for SDI. the online system walks u through everything step by step. my doctor submitted his part electronically which made it go faster i think

Great point about electronic submission! OP, if your doctor can submit the medical certification electronically through SDI Online, the processing time is typically much faster than paper forms. Ask your healthcare provider if they're set up for electronic submission.

just make sure when ur ready to switch back to UI u put the correct last day worked on ur application!!! i messed this up and it caused all kinds of problems because the dates didnt match what was in their system. they thought i was trying to collect both at same time which is fraud

Oh that's a really important detail - thank you! I'll make sure to keep track of all my dates carefully. Did it take long to resolve the issue when the dates didn't match?

After your pregnancy SDI ends, you might also be eligible for Paid Family Leave (PFL) for bonding with your newborn before returning to UI. PFL gives you up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement benefits. You can transition directly from SDI to PFL without a waiting period, which is a nice benefit many people don't realize exists.

I hadn't even considered PFL! That would be really helpful. So the order would be: UI → SDI for pregnancy → PFL for bonding → back to UI if needed? That sounds like the best approach to maximize my benefits.