Pregnant seasonal state worker - Can I qualify for SDI after only 4 paychecks?

unemployment isnt for pregnancy, you need SDI. but you need to make sure ur doctor fills out the right form. i think its de2501 or something like that

To qualify for SDI pregnancy benefits, eligibility isn't based on how many paychecks you've received, but rather your earnings during your base period. The base period is the 12-month period approximately 5-18 months before your claim begins. Your base period is divided into quarters, and you need to have earned at least $300 in one of those quarters. Even if you've only worked 4 months at your current job, you might still qualify if you had any other employment during your base period. You should definitely apply for SDI with a DE 2501 form completed by your doctor. Unemployment won't be appropriate since you're unable to work due to your pregnancy complications (meaning you're not "able and available" for work as UI requires).

I was in almost the exact same situation in 2025! I was only at my state job for about 5 months before pregnancy complications forced me to stop. I was able to qualify for SDI because of my previous work history. Here's what you need to do: 1. Ask your doctor to complete the medical certification for disability insurance 2. File your claim through SDI Online (create an account if you don't have one) 3. When filling out the claim, be sure to include ANY employment you had during the base period (which for you would be roughly mid-2023 to mid-2024 if you're filing soon) The system will automatically calculate if you've contributed enough. In my case, I was surprised to find I qualified even though my recent work history was limited. The benefit amount was lower than if I'd worked longer, but it was still extremely helpful. Best of luck with your pregnancy!

HAS ANYONE TRIED CALLING EDD ABOUT THIS??? I had a similar issue last year and spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through to a representative!!! Their phone system is IMPOSSIBLE and the website was NO HELP for my specific situation!!! I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this service that gets you connected to an actual EDD agent without the hours of waiting and getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Seriously, for specific questions like base period calculations with state employment, speaking to an agent is the only way to get a clear answer. The online info is too general and confusing!!!

I'm confused about something - isn't there a waiting period before you can claim SDI benefits? I remember when I filed for pregnancy disability last year, there was a 7-day waiting period where I didn't get paid. Just something to keep in mind when you're planning when to stop working.

i think you shuld apply for both ui and sdi and see which one accepts you. thats what my sister did when she wasnt sure

UPDATE: I talked to my doctor today and she's filling out the medical certification form. She said she can certify that I need to stop working in 2 weeks due to my pregnancy complications. I checked and I did have enough work history in my base period from my previous job! Thank you all for the guidance - I feel so much less stressed now knowing what to do. I'm going to submit my claim online as soon as I get the form from my doctor.

Just wondering - do seasonal state employees have different SDI rules than regular state employees? I thought some state workers have a different disability system (like CalPERS or something?). Maybe check with your HR department too?