EDD SDI during pregnancy: Do I formally cancel UI benefits or just stop certifying?

You definitely DON'T want to certify for UI once you're eligible for SDI! Just stop certifying for UI the week your disability starts. When you file your SDI claim, there's a question asking if you've received UI benefits - make sure to answer YES and provide the date of your last UI payment. This helps EDD track everything correctly in their system. You don't need to formally cancel UI, but MAKE SURE you don't accidentally certify for both programs at the same time or you'll have a nightmare to fix later!!

Congrats on the baby! I was in the same situation last year. Just be aware that there's a 7-day waiting period for SDI benefits where you won't get paid. Plan your finances accordingly so you're not caught off guard. Good luck with everything!

i went through this exact thing in 2024 and it was a mess. i kept certifying for UI for 2 weeks after my disability started because nobody told me not to. ended up with a $1500 overpayment notice and had to do all this paperwork to fix it. when you file for SDI make absolutley sure you tell them the EXACT date you stopped getting UI. don't guess on the dates or youll regret it.

Just to add some clarity - when you file your SDI claim through SDI Online, you'll need your doctor to complete the medical certification (they can do this electronically). Make sure to inform them you're transitioning from UI to SDI for pregnancy disability. Also, keep in mind you can transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) after your pregnancy disability ends for bonding time with your baby. That's another separate claim you'll need to file, but it provides additional weeks of partial wage replacement after your pregnancy disability ends. As others mentioned, just stop certifying for UI when your disability begins. The systems don't automatically communicate with each other, so it's up to you to avoid double-dipping.

Have you tried calling EDD directly? I spent weeks trying to get through on their disability line without success. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an actual person in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent I spoke with confirmed exactly what others here have said - just stop certifying for UI when you start SDI, and make sure to indicate on your SDI application that you were receiving UI benefits. They can see this in their system, but it helps prevent processing delays if you're upfront about it.

Just FYI - the transition itself is easy (stop UI, start SDI) but watch out for the benefit calculation. Your SDI weekly benefit amount might be different from your UI amount depending on your base period wages. Don't assume you'll get the same amount! Check the EDD benefit calculator on their website to get an estimate.

i just had my bby 3 months ago and went thru this. one thing - make sure ur doctor puts the CORRECT date for when ur disability starts on the form. my doctor put the wrong date and it caused so many problems getting my claim processed. had to get it corrected and resubmitted which delayed my payments by like 3 weeks

To answer your question directly: No, there is no formal cancellation process for UI when transitioning to SDI. You simply stop certifying for UI benefits when you become eligible for SDI. The key points everyone has mentioned are: 1. Stop UI certification completely once your disability begins 2. Accurately report your last UI payment date on your SDI application 3. Make sure your doctor uses the correct disability start date on their certification 4. Be prepared for the 7-day unpaid waiting period when SDI begins 5. Know that your weekly benefit amount may change This transition happens frequently for pregnant individuals, so the process is well-established, even if not always well-communicated by EDD.

One other thing - if you have health insurance through your former employer, switching to SDI won't affect your COBRA eligibility or timeline. That was something I was worried about when I went through this. Your right to continue health coverage is separate from which benefit program you're on.