Regarding notifying your department: YES, you should definitely communicate with both your department chair and HR. This is separate from your EDD benefits, but important for your job protection. Even as an adjunct, you may have rights under CFRA (California Family Rights Act) or pregnancy disability laws. I recommend: 1. Notifying your chair in writing of your pregnancy and expected leave dates 2. Asking HR about any paperwork they need for your leave 3. Clarifying your return-to-work expectations for future semesters 4. Getting documentation of everything in writing Many colleges have specific maternity leave policies for faculty - even adjuncts. Some departments will work with you on finding a substitute to finish the semester if needed or arrange accommodations. Don't miss out on any job protections by focusing only on the EDD benefits.

when i reopened my UI after all my baby benefits it was pretty simple but took like 3 weeks to get money again so save some $$ for that gap!!!

update us if the disability thing works!! i wish i had known about that option when i was going thru this last year. good luck!!

Will do! I'm filling out the DE2501 form right now and gathering my COVID test results and doctor's notes. Fingers crossed this works! 🤞

i dunno y everyone is saying appeal. my cousin works at EDD and says they almost never reverse these decisions and u just waste time. if it was their mistake maybe they'll waive the penalty but youll still have to pay the overpayment amount back anyway

One more tip - when filing your appeal, be very specific about the remedy you're seeking. Are you disputing the entire overpayment amount, or just the "at fault" classification? If you have proof they made the calculation error, you might be able to get the whole thing dismissed, but at minimum you should be able to get a "no fault" determination which protects you from penalties and interest.

To directly answer your original question - no, calling an agent won't expedite the claim processing. The 14-day window is the minimum processing time, and while agents can't speed it up, they CAN help if: 1. You need to correct information on your claim 2. Your claim has been pending longer than 14 business days 3. You need to check if any documentation is missing I recommend waiting until at least the 10th business day before calling to check status. If you're transitioning from pregnancy disability to baby bonding, your claim should process more smoothly since you're already in their system.

When I had my baby last year I got paid the full 14 days after filing even though I submitted everything right away. I think they just batch process claims or something. But the first payment included everything from my filing date, not just from the approval date. So you should still get paid for the full benefit period.

what about asking if u could work from home while u recover? thats what i did last year after surgery. maybe not full time but even part time could help ur case to show ur trying? idk just a thought

To summarize your best next steps: 1. Apply for unemployment benefits immediately by filing a claim with EDD (you would use UI Online, not SDI Online which you used for disability) 2. Request written documentation from HR about your entire leave status and the approved return date 3. If you believe there was a violation of your leave rights, consider consulting with an employment attorney (many offer free consultations) 4. Continue pursuing internal positions, and document all your job search efforts as this will be required for unemployment benefits 5. Ask about potential accommodations like part-time or remote work as mentioned by another commenter The transition from medical leave to unemployment/job search is one of the most confusing aspects of the California benefit system. Don't hesitate to call EDD directly with questions about your specific situation.