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To answer the question about self-employment specifically - if you've opted into paying SDI taxes on your freelance income (this would be something you'd have set up with your tax preparer), then yes, it would count toward your benefit amount. If you haven't been paying SDI on that income, then only your W-2 wages will be considered. And you asked about unemployment for bed rest - that's not correct. Unemployment is for when you're able to work but can't find a job. Bed rest would be covered under disability since you're unable to work due to a medical condition.
Has anyone had experience with getting the pregnancy disability claim approved QUICKLY? My sister said hers took forever and she had no income for almost a month while waiting!
Thank you SO MUCH for this update! I'll try the technical support line tomorrow morning. It's such a relief to know it's a system issue and not something wrong with my specific claim.
Anybody else notice that their first PFL payment was for a different amount than what they were expecting? Mine was like $267 less than my disability payments were. I freaked out but then realized they take taxes out differently for PFL vs disability. Just a heads up since you're transitioning from disability to PFL.
Omg thank you for mentioning this!! I had no idea the tax withholding might be different. I'll keep an eye on the amount tonight. I wish EDD explained these things better in their materials.
Just to clarify - the tax withholding options are the same for both SDI and PFL, but if you didn't specify your withholding preferences when you applied for PFL, it defaults to 10% federal tax withholding with no state tax withholding. You can change your tax withholding preferences through your online account if needed. The benefit amount calculation itself should be identical between SDI and PFL.
YES!! It just came through at 9:22pm!! Exact same amount as my disability payments too. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help 😊
Just to add some clarity because I see some confusion in this thread: 1) Your EFFECTIVE DATE (9/6) is the start of your claim 2) Your first CERTIFICATION PERIOD will cover 9/6-9/19 3) You can SUBMIT this certification starting 9/20 4) Payment typically processes 24-48 hours after certification 5) Subsequent certifications will be every 2 weeks And yes, as others mentioned, you're currently on SDI for pregnancy disability. After delivery, you'll transition to PFL for baby bonding, which requires a separate application.
This breakdown is SO helpful, thank you! I've bookmarked this so I can reference it later. Just to confirm - SDI is 4 weeks before birth and 6-8 weeks after (depending on delivery type), then PFL is 8 weeks beyond that, right?
That's correct! SDI covers up to 4 weeks before your due date and typically 6 weeks after birth for vaginal delivery or 8 weeks for C-section. Then PFL provides 8 weeks of baby bonding time. So you could get up to 18-20 weeks total depending on your situation.
Anyone else notice the payments are always delayed by like 3-4 days after certifying? So annoying when you're counting on that money for bills 🙄
yep! mine always hit my BofA card on wednesday or thursday even when i certify sunday at midnight exactly. so frustrating
ShadowHunter
wait i'm confused... i thought you could only get PFL if you were the one who gave birth? can both parents really get it at the same time? my husband and i are expecting in july and we didn't know we could both apply...
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Isabella Santos
•There are two different programs. Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) or State Disability Insurance (SDI) is what covers the person who gives birth - typically 4 weeks before delivery and 6-8 weeks after. Then there's Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding, which BOTH parents can take - up to 8 weeks each. So yes, both you and your husband can receive benefits, but the birthing parent typically transitions from SDI to PFL after recovery.
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ShadowHunter
•omg this changes everything!!! we had no idea he could get paid leave too! thank you so much for explaining!!!
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QuantumLeap
Quick update for anyone interested: We finally got through to EDD this morning! Turns out there was a "system flag" on both our accounts because we have the same address and birth date for the twins. The representative removed the flag and said both claims should be processed within 5-7 business days. So relieved! For anyone else stuck in pending: definitely mention "escalation" when you call (thanks @HR-Person!), and yes, twin births with both parents applying does seem to cause problems in their system.
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Omar Hassan
•Excellent news! This is exactly the issue I suspected. So glad you were able to get it resolved. Make sure to check your accounts daily, and if you don't see movement within 7 days, call back and reference the previous call.
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Ravi Sharma
•How did you actually get through?? I've been calling for DAYS and can't get a real person!
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