Applying for PFL while working two jobs - quit one job but continuing other until birth?

You'll need to apply for Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), not PFL right now. PFL for baby bonding comes AFTER you give birth. For your current situation with two jobs, you'll file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim using the DE2501 form for the job you're leaving now. On the form, you'll indicate you're still working at your second job. This is completely allowed! Just make sure your doctor knows you're still working part-time so they can complete their portion of the form accurately. After you give birth, you'll transition from disability to PFL for baby bonding, and at that point, you'll need to stop working at both jobs to receive full PFL benefits.

You CAN'T get PFL before birth!!!! That's a huge mistake people make. Before birth = disability. After birth = PFL for baby bonding. Just FYI, when I was pregnant last year, I had to call EDD like 17 times before someone actually answered who knew what they were talking about. The system is BROKEN and they don't make it easy for pregnant women who are just trying to understand their benefits!!!

I had almost the exact same situation in 2025 - teaching full-time and doing consulting part-time. Here's what I did: 1. Filed for Pregnancy Disability (NOT PFL) for my teaching job at 36 weeks using DE2501 form 2. Continued my consulting work until I gave birth 3. After birth, filed for PFL baby bonding and stopped ALL work Make sure to clearly indicate on your disability form that you're still working another job with reduced hours. Your benefit will be calculated based primarily on the job you're leaving. Being transparent about the second job is critical - you don't want to risk an overpayment situation later. Also, your doctor should indicate on the medical certification that you're able to perform your remote job but not your main job. This is completely normal and EDD handles these situations all the time.

I tried calling EDD about a similar situation when I was pregnant and literally could NOT get through to anyone. Spent hours on hold and got disconnected every time. So frustrating when you're pregnant and stressed and just need answers! 😡

when i had my baby i totally messed this up lol. i didnt realize there was disability first THEN pfl after. i applied for the wrong thing and had to start over. make sure u apply for disability first!!!

just wondering but what kind of remote data entry job do u have that lets u work while pregnant?? im looking for something flexible like that for my next pregnancy cause my current job is killing my back!!

One important detail to remember: When you complete your disability claim, you'll need to indicate the full date range you expect to be off work BEFORE birth (typically 4 weeks before your due date, though it can be earlier with doctor certification). Then after delivery, your doctor will need to complete another certification showing your actual delivery date. After your disability claim for pregnancy/birth ends (typically 6-8 weeks after delivery, depending on delivery type), you'll file a SEPARATE claim for PFL baby bonding. Don't assume the transition happens automatically - you need to initiate the PFL claim yourself! And just to clarify - your PDL benefits are calculated based on your highest earning quarter, so your second job's income may be factored in depending on your base period. But you can absolutely receive PDL benefits for one job while continuing to work another, as long as your doctor certifies this arrangement.

As someone who just went through this exact process a few months ago, I want to add one more tip that really helped me! Make sure to keep detailed records of your work schedules and earnings from both jobs during your base period (the 12-month period before you file). EDD may request wage verification from both employers, and having your own records made the process so much smoother. Also, don't stress too much about "messing up" your claim - the EDD representatives (when you can reach them!) are generally understanding about complicated employment situations like yours. The key is just being completely honest about both jobs on all your forms. You've got this! 💪

I'm in a very similar situation right now at 34 weeks! I've been researching this for weeks and finally feel like I understand the process. Just wanted to add that when you fill out the DE2501 form, there's a specific section where you indicate "partial work" or "modified duties" - that's where you'll note your second job. Your doctor will need to be very clear about what type of work you CAN still do (like your remote data entry) versus what you CAN'T do (your retail management job). I found it helpful to give my doctor a written summary of both job duties before our appointment so she could be specific on the medical certification. One thing that surprised me was that you can actually start PDL earlier than 4 weeks before your due date if your doctor determines you need it due to pregnancy complications. But if you're feeling good and want to work your retail job as long as possible, you have that flexibility too. Good luck with everything!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who's been helping folks navigate EDD benefits for years - you've gotten some really solid advice here! Just to add one more practical tip: when you're ready to file your DE2501, make sure you have your SF-8 wage statements from your retail job handy. EDD will need those earnings records to calculate your benefit amount. Also, since you mentioned you're worried about making mistakes, I'd recommend creating a simple timeline document for yourself with key dates (last day at retail job, expected due date, when to file PDL, when to transition to PFL after birth). Having it all written out can really help reduce the stress and ensure you don't miss any important deadlines. You're being smart by asking these questions now instead of waiting until the last minute. The fact that you're thinking through all these details shows you're going to handle this just fine!

I went through something very similar when I was pregnant with my daughter! One thing I wish I had known earlier is that you should also notify your HR departments at both jobs about your plans, especially the job you're leaving. Some employers have their own supplemental disability benefits that can work alongside state benefits, but you often need to give them advance notice. Also, when you do file your disability claim, make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING - your completed DE2501, doctor's certification, wage statements, etc. I had to resubmit documents twice because things got "lost in the system" and having my own copies saved me weeks of delays. One last tip: if your remote data entry job offers any kind of accommodation (like adjusted deadlines during your last few weeks of pregnancy), it's worth asking about. Even though you're planning to work until birth, you might find you need a little extra flexibility as you get closer to your due date. Good luck with everything - you're going to do great!

I'm a new mom who just finished this exact process and wanted to share one more resource that was incredibly helpful! The EDD website has a "Disability Insurance Navigator" tool that walks you through different scenarios step by step. It's buried in their site but if you search for it, it really helps clarify the PDL vs PFL timing and what forms to use when. Also, I see people mentioning calling EDD - if you do need to call, try calling right at 8 AM when they open. I had much better luck getting through early in the morning rather than later in the day. You sound like you have a great plan figured out thanks to all the advice here! The hardest part is understanding the system, and once you do (which you clearly have now), the actual filing process is pretty straightforward. Best of luck with your last few weeks of pregnancy and congratulations in advance! 🎉

I'm currently dealing with a similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from my own research and experience. One thing that really helped me was setting up a simple spreadsheet to track all the important dates and requirements - when I need to file disability for my main job, when my doctor appointments are scheduled, my expected last day of work, etc. Something I discovered that might be helpful for you: if your retail management job has been your higher-earning position, that's likely what your disability benefits will be calculated on, even though you're continuing the data entry work. But definitely be transparent about both jobs on your forms. Also, I'd recommend getting your doctor's appointment scheduled ASAP to discuss the DE2501 form. Some OB offices get really busy and it can take a while to get the medical certification completed. The sooner you can get that rolling, the better! You're asking all the right questions - I wish I had been this prepared when I started this process!

I just wanted to add my experience as someone who had a very similar dual-job situation last year! One thing that really saved me stress was creating a "PFL prep checklist" that included things like gathering all my wage statements, scheduling the doctor appointment early, and even preparing a simple one-page summary for my doctor about both jobs and their physical requirements. Another tip that helped me: I actually called both of my employers' HR departments before I filed anything, just to let them know my timeline and ask about any company-specific policies. My main job had a supplemental benefit I didn't even know about, and my part-time job was super accommodating about flexible deadlines during my final weeks of pregnancy. The process seems overwhelming at first, but you're already on the right track by asking questions and planning ahead. The key is just staying organized and being completely transparent about your work situation on all the forms. You've got this, and congratulations on your upcoming little one! 🍼

I'm jumping in as someone who just completed this exact process 3 months ago with twins! What really helped me was creating a dedicated email folder for all EDD correspondence and taking screenshots of everything I submitted online. The system can be glitchy and having your own digital trail is a lifesaver. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: when you transition from PDL to PFL after birth, there's sometimes a gap where you might not receive payments for a week or two while they process the new claim. Plan your budget accordingly! Also, your PFL benefits might be calculated differently than your PDL benefits depending on your base period wages, so don't assume they'll be the same amount. The fact that you're planning this out so thoroughly at 36 weeks shows you're going to navigate this successfully. Just remember to be patient with the system - it's not perfect, but the benefits are definitely worth the paperwork hassle. You're doing everything right by asking these questions now rather than scrambling at the last minute!