EDD SDI Maternity Leave - How do I start my claim after doctor appointment?

I went through this last year! Your doctor needs to complete the medical portion of the DE 2501 form (Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits). Most doctors now do this electronically through SDI Online, but some still use paper forms. You need to file your portion first though - create an account on EDD's SDI Online portal if you don't have one, and start your claim. The system will guide you through the process and give your doc access to complete their part. You can file up to 49 days BEFORE your last day of work, so do it asap!

congrats on ur baby!!! i had mine in 2024 and the process was SOOO confusing. make sure ur doctor knows exactly when ur last day of work is gonna be bc mine put the wrong date and i had to get everything redone!!

For pregnancy disability, you can actually receive benefits for up to 4 weeks before your due date (even if you're still feeling fine) and typically 6-8 weeks after birth depending on delivery type (6 for vaginal, 8 for c-section). Your doctor has to certify this though. After your pregnancy disability ends, you can transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) for bonding time - that's a separate claim you'll need to file later, but it uses the same EDD account. Just make sure you don't have a gap between the two claims. And yes, there is still a 7-day unpaid waiting period for SDI, but not for the PFL portion.

THE EDD SYSTEM IS SUCH A NIGHTMARE!! I had my baby last August and I'm STILL fighting with them about my claim! My doctor submitted everything correctly but EDD kept saying they never received it. Then they wanted more medical info but never told me until my payments stopped!!! Make sure you check your online account DAILY and call them the SECOND anything looks wrong.

Yeah finally but only after I spent HOURS on the phone. That's actually the worst part - you can't get through to anyone! I'd call right when they opened and still end up on hold forever or just get disconnected.

When I had my baby in January I used this service called Claimyr to get through to EDD. You pay them and they hold your place in line then call you when they get an agent. Saved me hours of frustration! I watched their demo video first (https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd) to make sure it was legit. Totally worth it especially with a newborn when you can't sit on hold for hours. Their website is claimyr.com

dont forget they take taxes out if u select that option!! i didnt know and was shocked at how much less i got. also make sure ur employer reported ur wages right bc my friend got way less than she shouldve bc her work messed up

Hey there! Just wanted to add that your benefit amount is based on your highest-earning quarter in your base period (usually 5-18 months before your claim starts). The current maximum weekly benefit is $1,620 in 2025. And definitely start your SDI claim first, then your doctor needs to complete their certification within 49 days. After your pregnancy disability ends, you'll file a new claim for PFL bonding time. The transition can be a bit tricky, so I recommend watching EDD's tutorial videos on their YouTube channel - they actually explain it really well! Best of luck with your delivery!

Your employer doesn't need to complete any forms for your initial claim, but EDD might contact them to verify your last day worked and wages. Some companies also require you to submit internal paperwork for leave approval under FMLA/CFRA, which protects your job while you're out. That's separate from the EDD benefits process though.

my baby is 4 months now and just fyi the bonding leave part goes by SO FAST 😭 enjoy every minute!!

One more important tip - once your SDI claim is approved, you'll need to complete bi-weekly certifications to keep getting paid. Make sure you set a reminder because it's easy to forget, especially when you're sleep-deprived with a newborn! And when you transition to PFL, you'll certify differently - just once at the beginning of that claim period.