EDD SDI denied my pregnancy disability claim at 29 weeks - can I appeal or reapply at 36 weeks?

Your doctor needs to be more clear on the form. Had same issue with my pregnancy claim. They need to specifically state WHY you can't work your job with your condition, not just list restrictions. Appeal it and ask doctor to rewrite the certification with stronger language.

Based on my experience with EDD SDI pregnancy claims, you have two solid options: 1. Appeal with better medical documentation - Your doctor needs to explicitly state that your pregnancy symptoms (be specific - back pain, dizziness, etc.) make you unable to perform your specific job duties. The key is connecting your pregnancy symptoms directly to your job functions. 2. Wait and file at 36 weeks - This is often easier as EDD typically approves pregnancy disability claims automatically at 36 weeks without much pushback. As for unemployment - technically you can't collect UI while unable to work, so that's tricky. If you feel capable of some types of work but not your specific occupation, there's a gray area there. The fastest solution might be getting your doctor to complete a more detailed certification immediately and requesting an expedited appeal given how far along you are.

nope ur wasting ur time with appeal process. just wait till 36wks, thats when they automatically approve for pregnancy. then u get 4wks before due date and 6-8wks after. thats what my cousin did when she got denied early.

I work for an OB office and help patients with their disability forms all the time. The denial you received is common for pregnancy claims before 36 weeks. The problem is that your doctor's note didn't connect specific pregnancy symptoms to your specific job duties in a way that convinced EDD you couldn't work. Here's what I recommend: 1. Contact your doctor immediately and request an updated medical certification that explicitly states: - Your specific pregnancy symptoms (pelvic pain, fatigue, dizziness, etc.) - Why these symptoms make your specific job duties unsafe/impossible - Include measurements like "cannot stand more than X hours" or "cannot lift more than X pounds" 2. File an appeal AND submit a new claim with the updated certification (dual approach) 3. In your appeal letter, include photos or job descriptions of your work to show how physically demanding it is The 36-week rule is a fallback, but with proper documentation, you absolutely can get approved earlier when your job is physically demanding like yours.

Just wanted to say I'm going through the EXACT same situation but I'm a warehouse worker! Got denied at 30 weeks even though I literally can't do my job (lifting 50lb boxes all day). Called EDD 46 TIMES and couldn't get through to ask about appealing. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD disability agent in 20 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent explained that the doctor needs to use very specific language about why I CANNOT work (not just restrictions). She said filing a new claim with better documentation would be faster than appealing. Good luck!

THE EDD SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN FOR PREGNANT WOMEN!!! I got denied THREE TIMES before 36 weeks even though I had SEVERE sciatica and couldn't even walk!! They don't care about women's health AT ALL!! They just have these arbitrary rules about pregnancy and don't look at individual cases!!! The appeals process takes FOREVER and by the time they review it you'll be at 36 weeks anyway. The whole system is GARBAGE!!! 😡😡😡

Quick update on the unemployment question - technically you cannot collect unemployment while medically unable to work, as UI requires you to certify you're able and available for work. If you go back on UI, you'd be certifying you CAN work, which contradicts your disability claim assertion that you CANNOT work. This could potentially create problems with both benefits systems. However, if you genuinely feel you could perform some types of work (like remote administrative work) but not your specific occupation, you could potentially qualify for UI while seeking suitable alternative employment. Just be completely honest in your certifications.

I just pulled up the exact regulations on this. For pregnancy disability before 36 weeks, EDD requires: 1. Documentation of a pregnancy-related medical condition that prevents you from performing your regular or customary work 2. The condition must be specifically described (not just "pregnancy") - examples include severe nausea, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes with complications, severe back pain, etc. 3. Your doctor must explicitly state you CANNOT perform your regular duties (not just that you have restrictions) At exactly 36 weeks (four weeks before your estimated delivery date), you automatically qualify regardless of complications. I recommend getting an updated certification form completed (DE 2501) with this specific language and filing a new claim rather than just appealing. The new claim processing is often faster than appeals.