Non-CA resident needing alternate base period for pregnancy SDI - totally confused!

Yes, you can absolutely request an alternate base period for pregnancy SDI! I went through this last year (though I'm in CA). Here's what worked: When you submit your paper application, write 'REQUESTING ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD' in big letters at the top of the first page. Also include a brief letter explaining why you need the alternate period calculation, detailing which quarters would qualify you. Include copies (not originals) of any pay stubs from those quarters if you have them. The important thing is to make your request for alternate base period super clear from the beginning. Don't wait for them to calculate your standard base period first or you'll end up in appeals limbo.

The alternate base period is definitely available for pregnancy claims, but it's trickier for out-of-state workers. You need to submit Form DE 2588 ABP (Request for Alternate Base Period) along with your DE 2501 application. If they didn't include this form in your packet, you can download it from the EDD website. Make sure you indicate which quarters you want them to use instead. For pregnancy in 2025, they'll normally look at earnings from Oct 2023-Sept 2024. With alternate base period, they can look at Jan 2024-Dec 2024 instead. Just be aware that processing times are much longer with ABP requests - often 3-4 weeks additional wait.

have you considered just using PFL instead? sometimes its easier to qualify for and you dont need all the medical stuff

Oh man, the out-of-state pregnancy claim with alternate base period is like hitting the EDD difficulty jackpot! I went through something similar last year (though for a regular disability, not pregnancy). What finally worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach a tier 2 specialist at EDD. Regular reps just kept giving me the runaround, but I needed someone who specifically understood out-of-state alternate base period requests. Their service connected me to an actual knowledgeable agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The specialist I spoke with had me fax a letter specifically requesting alternate base period calculation with my application and explaining my residence situation. She flagged my account with notes so when my claim arrived, it got routed correctly.

I'm in the exact situation right now!!! Pregnancy, out-of-state worker, need alternate base period. It's been ABSOLUTE HELL trying to get this figured out. I finally got someone knowledgeable by calling EXACTLY at 8:00am Pacific time on Wednesday (they seem less busy that day for some reason). The key thing they told me: you MUST write a letter explaining that you're requesting alternate base period AND explain why you're eligible - specifically mentioning that you didn't earn enough in standard base period but would qualify with alternate. Also mention you're eligible as an out-of-state worker because your employer withholds CA SDI. They told me to paper clip this letter to the FRONT of the application. Good luck!!!! The system is seriously broken for anyone with a slightly unusual situation.

you dont qualify for CA disability if you dont live in CA anymore. thats your main problem. they'll deny your claim even with good quarters. my cousin moved to arizona and tried to get disability and they said no way. you have to be a resident.

Here's what will happen: You'll submit your application requesting alternate base period. Then they'll calculate your standard base period anyway and send you a notice of computation showing insufficient wages. THEN you need to immediately appeal that determination and re-request the alternate base period. Keep copies of EVERYTHING and send your papers via certified mail! The EDD system is designed to make this difficult! Also, expect your first payment to take 7-9 weeks minimum with an alternate base period request as an out-of-state worker. They'll backpay from your disability start date, but budget accordingly.

I want to clarify something important about the alternate base period for pregnancy claims. When requesting it, make sure to specify exactly which quarters you want them to use. For example "I am requesting an alternate base period using quarters 1-4 of 2024 instead of the standard base period." Also, if your claim is denied initially, you have 20 days (not 30) to appeal and request reconsideration for the alternate base period. Make sure to clearly state in your appeal that you are eligible under Labor Code Section 2708 and specifically request the alternate base period calculation.

soooo tired of EDD and their outdated systems!!! why is this so complicated?? in my state you just fill out a form online and boom, done. california needs to get it together already!

I'm currently going through this exact process as a Nevada resident working for a CA company! Based on my experience so far, here's what I've learned: 1. You absolutely CAN get alternate base period for pregnancy SDI as an out-of-state worker - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 2. When you submit your paper application, include a cover letter that clearly states "REQUEST FOR ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD CALCULATION" and specify which quarters you want them to use (like Q1-Q4 2024 instead of the standard period). 3. Make sure to mention in your letter that you're eligible as an out-of-state worker because your CA employer withholds SDI from your paychecks. 4. I found success calling EDD at exactly 8:00 AM Pacific on Tuesdays or Wednesdays - the wait times are shorter and you're more likely to get someone knowledgeable. 5. Keep detailed records of every call, including the rep's name and what they told you. The inconsistent information is unfortunately normal. I'm still waiting for my determination, but the specialist I spoke with assured me that out-of-state alternate base period requests are processed regularly. Don't give up - you've got this! The system is frustrating but it does work eventually.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare! I went through something similar as an out-of-state worker last year (Oregon resident, CA employer). Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Submit your paper application with a bright colored sticky note on the front page that says "ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD REQUEST - OUT OF STATE WORKER" 2. Include a separate one-page letter explaining your situation: "I am requesting alternate base period calculation under California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 2708. I am eligible for CA SDI as my California employer [company name] withholds SDI from my paychecks. Standard base period earnings are insufficient, but alternate base period quarters [specify which ones] would qualify me for benefits." 3. This is KEY: Also include a copy of a recent paystub showing the SDI deduction. This proves you're in the system. 4. Send everything via certified mail and keep the tracking number. The whole process took about 6 weeks from submission to first payment, but I did get approved with the alternate base period. Don't let them tell you it's not possible - it absolutely is! You just need to be super explicit about what you're requesting and why you qualify. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly stressful when you're pregnant and dealing with EDD's maze of misinformation!

I'm also a non-CA resident working remotely for a California company and just went through this process successfully! Here are some additional tips that helped me: 1. When you call EDD, specifically ask to speak with a "Disability Insurance specialist" - don't just accept talking to a general customer service rep. They have different levels of training and the specialists actually understand alternate base periods. 2. If possible, calculate your potential weekly benefit amount under both standard and alternate base periods BEFORE you apply. This shows you've done your homework and helps the specialist understand why you need the alternate calculation. 3. I found that mentioning you're pregnant and have a specific due date creates some urgency - they seem to prioritize pregnancy claims when processing times are mentioned. 4. Keep a simple log of every interaction: date, time, rep name (if they give it), and what was discussed. This saved me when I got conflicting information. The whole process took about 5 weeks for me from application to first payment, and I did get approved with the alternate base period on the first try (no appeal needed!). The key is being super clear and persistent from the very beginning. You've got this! Don't let EDD's confusing system discourage you - you absolutely qualify and deserve these benefits.

I'm so glad you found this community! Your situation is definitely challenging but absolutely doable - don't let EDD's confusing system discourage you. As someone who works in benefits administration, I want to add a few key points that might help: First, you're 100% eligible for CA SDI as an out-of-state resident since your employer withholds SDI from your paychecks. That's the only requirement for coverage. For the alternate base period request, here's what I'd recommend based on what works best: 1. Write "ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD REQUEST" in large letters at the top of your application 2. Include a separate cover letter explaining your situation and specifically stating which quarters you want them to use instead 3. Attach a recent paystub showing SDI deductions to prove you're in the system 4. Send everything certified mail with tracking The most important thing is being crystal clear about what you're requesting from the start. When you call EDD, ask specifically for a "Disability Insurance specialist" - they have much better training on these situations than general reps. Since you're due in August, I'd aim to get everything submitted by early May to allow for processing time. You can apply for pregnancy disability up to 4 weeks before your due date, so you have some flexibility on timing. Don't give up - you've got this! The benefits are there for you, it's just a matter of navigating their system correctly.

I just want to echo what others have said - you absolutely CAN get alternate base period as an out-of-state worker! I'm a Nevada resident who went through this exact process for regular disability (not pregnancy) about 6 months ago. The biggest game-changer for me was being super organized and explicit from the beginning. Here's my exact process that worked: 1. Created a one-page summary showing my earnings by quarter and why alternate base period would qualify me vs. standard (include dollar amounts!) 2. Wrote "REQUESTING ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD CALCULATION" in red ink across the top of the first page 3. Included a business-style cover letter explaining my out-of-state status and SDI eligibility 4. Attached copies of W-2s and recent paystubs showing SDI deductions Most importantly: I called at exactly 8:00 AM on a Wednesday and got connected to someone who actually understood alternate base periods. She put detailed notes on my file BEFORE I submitted anything, which I think made all the difference. Total timeline: 4.5 weeks from submission to first payment, no appeals needed. The key is treating this like a business transaction - be professional, organized, and make it easy for them to approve you. EDD's system is frustrating but it does work when you navigate it correctly!