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i had my baby in dec n i just wanna say - there is NO WAY ur gonna be able to work with a newborn!! like seriously even checking emails was impossible for me. if they expect u to actually work while u have a tiny baby they r delusional lol
This is so true! The first 6-8 weeks especially are pure survival mode. Between recovering physically, establishing breastfeeding (if you choose to), and the extreme sleep deprivation, even answering an email can feel impossible. Your employer might have good intentions, but the reality of having a newborn is VERY different from what people imagine.
I went through something similar with my first baby! Here's what I learned the hard way - you need to separate the emotional/relationship aspect from the legal/financial aspect. Your boss sounds well-intentioned, but small companies often don't understand CA leave laws. Key questions to ask yourself: 1. Will you actually be WORKING or just available/on-call? There's a huge difference legally. 2. What happens if you have complications and need more time off? 3. Is this arrangement documented anywhere official? My advice: Thank your boss for the generous offer, but also educate yourself on your legal rights. You can say something like "I really appreciate this offer! Let me just make sure I understand all my options under CA law so I can plan properly." Most reasonable employers will respect that you're being thorough. Also consider that even if their offer is financially equivalent to state benefits, the official leaves give you job protection and clear legal frameworks. Sometimes the "safe" choice is worth more than a few extra dollars. Feel free to accept their offer if it works better for your family, but make sure you're making an informed decision rather than just going with what seems easiest in the moment!
One more important thing I forgot to mention - make sure you've been at your part-time job for at least a month before beginning your disability claim, if possible. While not technically required for benefits (since your previous job's earnings qualify you), it makes the transition much smoother if you've established yourself at the new workplace. Also, check if your new employer offers any additional maternity benefits, even for part-time employees. Some companies provide supplemental coverage beyond state benefits.
Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this exact situation 2 years ago! I was on UI, got a part-time job, then transitioned to disability for my pregnancy. A few things that really helped me: 1. Keep your UI certification current until you officially start disability - don't stop early "just in case" 2. When you file your disability claim, include a brief note explaining you're transitioning FROM unemployment TO disability (not trying to collect both) 3. Your part-time job actually worked in my favor because it showed I was actively working when I became disabled, which made the claim processing smoother The transition went pretty seamlessly for me, and like others mentioned, your benefit amount will be based on your previous full-time earnings, not the part-time job. The key is just being very clear about the timeline and not overlapping benefits. You've got this! And congrats on both the new job and the baby! 🎉
Pro tip: If you're gonna call EDD, make sure you have snacks and a good podcast queued up. You're gonna be there for a while 😅
Same here! I've been dealing with this for about two weeks now. What helped me was using a different device - turns out my laptop had some browser compatibility issues with their site. Also, try logging out completely and clearing your cache before logging back in. Sometimes the session gets stuck and causes weird errors. If you're still having trouble, document everything (screenshots, error messages, dates/times) - it'll help if you need to escalate later. This whole system is such a pain but we'll get through it! 💪
PSA: If your claim is taking forever, check if you qualify for any local assistance programs. Some cities/counties have emergency funds for situations like this. It's not a solution, but it might help tide you over.
Hey OP, I went through this exact same nightmare last year. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Call the technical support line instead of the main number - it's 1-833-978-2511. They can sometimes transfer you to the right department faster. 2. Try calling right at 8 AM on weekdays. Set multiple alarms and start dialing exactly when they open. 3. If you have any documentation from your doctor or employer, make sure it's uploaded to your online account. Sometimes they're waiting for something you don't even know about. 4. Keep certifying for benefits even if you haven't been paid yet - don't let your claim lapse! I know it's super stressful when you're counting on that money. Took me about 5 weeks total but I did eventually get all my back pay. Don't give up! 🤞
Gabriel Graham
DONT GIVE UP!!! I know its frustrating but keep calling and checking your online account. squeaky wheel gets the grease and all that jazz
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Sophia Nguyen
•You're right, I'll keep at it. Thanks for the encouragement! 💪
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Lucas Bey
I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Filed mine 10 days ago and still pending. One thing that helped me was logging into the online portal and making sure all my documents were actually uploaded properly - turns out one of my forms didn't go through the first time. Also, if you're on mobile, try accessing it from a desktop computer instead. The mobile site seems glitchy sometimes. Hope this helps and we both get approved soon! 🤞
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