EDD denied my disability claim saying I 'withdrew from labor market' while on maternity leave - hearing scheduled

I had almost the exact same situation happen in 2023, and it's a common misunderstanding on EDD's part. When you transition from PFL to a different disability claim, they sometimes incorrectly assume you've withdrawn from the workforce because you weren't actively working at the exact moment the new disability began. For your appeal, make sure you gather these documents: 1. A letter from your employer confirming you were on approved leave, not terminated 2. Your original return-to-work date that was planned before your medical complications 3. Medical documentation showing the new condition is separate from regular pregnancy/childbirth 4. Your employment history showing you were actively employed prior to pregnancy disability During my hearing, I calmly explained that being on one type of approved leave doesn't mean I'd "withdrawn from the labor market" - I was still employed and would have returned if not for the new medical condition. The judge ruled in my favor. You shouldn't need a lawyer if you're well-prepared with documentation.

this happened to my sister too!!! EDD is THE WORST at handling transitions between different benefit types. they literally dont talk to each other across departments. PFL people dont update the SDI people or something. ridiculous bureaucracy.

This is a common misclassification that happens with EDD SDI claims that follow Paid Family Leave or Pregnancy Disability. The key issue is that EDD sometimes fails to recognize that being on an approved leave doesn't constitute withdrawing from the labor market. For your appeal hearing, focus on these key points: 1. You maintained an employer-employee relationship throughout your leave period 2. You had a definite return-to-work date before the new disability occurred 3. The new medical condition is what prevented your planned return to work 4. You suffered wage loss specifically because of the new disability The judge will likely ask about your intent to return to work and whether you had given notice of resignation. Make sure to emphasize that you fully intended to return to your position. I've helped several clients through this exact scenario, and typically the appeal is successful when properly documented. The fact that you mentioned you "did end up quitting several months after filing" might complicate things slightly - make sure to clarify that this decision came AFTER the disability began and was related to your medical situation, not before.

Have you tried calling EDD directly to sort this out? Sometimes a quick conversation with the right person can resolve things faster than the formal appeal process. Good luck either way!

I've been through THREE appeal hearings with EDD over the years and omg they are so confusing!!!! Be prepared for the judge to interrupt you a lot and ask weird technical questions. My advice is to write down EVERYTHING you want to say beforehand so you don't forget important points when you get nervous (which you will). Don't let them rush you and don't be afraid to say "I need a moment to check my notes" if you feel overwhelmed. So sorry you're dealing with this while recovering from childbirth and medical issues. The system is SO broken.

The EDD system is DESIGNED to deny legitimate claims hoping people won't appeal!!! I worked for the state (not EDD) for 12 years and this is a known tactic. They hope you'll give up fighting because most people do. DON'T GIVE UP. Appeal, appeal, appeal. The fact that they scheduled your hearing is good - many claims get resolved in the claimant's favor at this stage because EDD knows they messed up.

One important thing to clarify for your hearing - make sure the judge understands that your claim isn't for the same condition as your pregnancy disability or PFL. The fact that you developed a new medical condition that would have prevented your return to work regardless of your pregnancy/maternity status is critical. This creates a new period of disability with its own eligibility. The law specifically protects people in your situation - being on one type of approved leave doesn't disqualify you from disability benefits if a new condition develops. Section 2626 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code addresses this, and Administrative Law Judges are generally familiar with these provisions. Also, keep your answers concise during the hearing. If the judge asks a yes/no question, just answer yes or no, then wait for the next question. Oversharing can sometimes complicate your case.

After looking at your original post again, I wanted to address your question about benefit amounts. The EDD system calculates your potential benefit amount based on your base period earnings, which might appear sufficient for eligibility. However, eligibility also depends on your labor market attachment at the time of disability onset. The fact that you eventually quit your job several months after filing doesn't affect the claim we're discussing, as long as you were still attached to the labor market (employed but on leave) when this particular disability began. Make sure the timeline is very clear during your hearing - that your resignation came well after this disability claim was filed, not before. I've seen cases won and lost based on this specific distinction. If you can demonstrate you had a clear intention to return to work when this new disability began, you have a strong case.

i had my appeal hearing last month and was so nervous i threw up that morning lol! but it was actually not that bad. the judge was super businesslike but fair. my hearing was scheduled for 30 mins but only took like 15. just be super clear about your timeline and don't let them confuse you about dates.