Can I file for EDD PFL with less than a year as non-permanent school district employee?

Your permanency status with the school district doesn't affect your EDD eligibility! What matters is whether you've paid into SDI (State Disability Insurance) through payroll deductions. Many public education employees don't have SDI deductions, which would make you ineligible. Check your pay stub - look for an SDI deduction (usually about 1.1% of your wages). If you see that deduction, you can absolutely file for Pregnancy Disability Leave through EDD, then transition to PFL for baby bonding afterward. The qualifying period is typically 5-18 months before your claim, and you need to have earned at least $300 during that period.

i work at a school district too and was temp for 2 years! they kept me as "long term sub" even tho i did same job everyday. i got my edd benefits fine when i had my baby. just make sure u have doctors fill out the forms right. my first application got rejected cuz doctor put wrong date.

To add to what others have mentioned - you'll need to file two separate claims with EDD. First, file the Pregnancy Disability claim using form DE2501 (your doctor completes part of it) about 1-2 weeks before your leave date. This covers you 4 weeks before birth and typically 6-8 weeks after birth depending on delivery type. Then you'll file a separate PFL claim for baby bonding using form DE2508 after your disability period ends. You don't need to be a permanent employee for either benefit as long as you've paid into SDI. One thing to note - make sure your doctor accurately documents your inability to work on the DE2501. That's the most common reason for initial delays/denials.

The 4 weeks before birth is not mandatory - it's the maximum EDD will approve for standard pregnancies without complications. You can absolutely work closer to your due date if you and your doctor agree it's safe. Any unused time before birth doesn't extend your postpartum disability period though - that's fixed based on delivery type (vaginal vs. c-section).

This is random but has anyone else had crazy issues trying to reach EDD on the phone about maternity claims? I just had baby #2 and my disability claim has been pending for WEEKS. I keep calling the number on their website but it's always "we're experiencing high call volume" and disconnects me! HOW am I supposed to fix my claim issues if I can't even talk to a real person?! So frustrating.

back to original question - my sister works for a district in northern cali and said some districts have opted out of SDI completely so check your district policy too. if they opted out, you might be eligible for different benefits thru the district instead of EDD.