Can I file for SDI with back-to-back pregnancies? Returning from maternity leave in June 2024, due again December 2024

Congrats on babies but omg thats honestly a SDI nightmare scenario lol. I think u need to have enough wages in ur base period which is like 5-18 months b4 u file. So if ur not working and earning from Dec 2023 to June 2024, and then only work till Dec 2024... not sure if that's enough?? The EDD website is SO confusing about this.

Yes, you can file for SDI for your second pregnancy, but eligibility depends on your base period wages. For a December 2024 claim, EDD would look at wages from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. The catch is that you need approximately $300 in wages in the base period (specifically, you need at least $300 in your highest quarter of the base period). Since you were on leave from Dec 2023 to June 2024, you'd need to have had enough wages from July-December 2023 to qualify. Importantly, SDI/PFL benefits don't count as wages for calculating future claims. Only actual wages from employment count. I recommend calling EDD directly to verify your specific situation based on your exact work/leave dates and earnings.

I had a somewhat similar situation last year (though not EXACTLY the same). I ended up spending DAYS trying to get through to someone at EDD who could actually answer my question. Would call, wait for hours, get disconnected, repeat. It was SO frustrating especially being pregnant and working!

I went through something very similar in 2022-2023! The key is understanding your base period. Since you're filing in December 2024, your base period would be July 2023-June 2024. Here's what I learned: 1. You need roughly $300 in wages during your highest-earning quarter within that base period 2. SDI and PFL payments DON'T count as wages for future claims 3. If you worked July-December 2023 before your first leave, those wages would be in your base period In my case, I had enough wages in my base period even though I was on leave for part of it. You should definitely be eligible if you worked full-time for several months before your first leave. When you return to work in June 2024, make sure your doctor doesn't put you on pregnancy disability too early for baby #2, as you want to maximize your work time to strengthen future claims.

Yes, your benefit amount will likely be lower for the second pregnancy. SDI benefits are calculated based on your highest-quarter earnings in the base period, and with fewer months of wages, your weekly benefit amount (WBA) might decrease. For example, if you earned $15,000 in your highest quarter during the base period for your first pregnancy, but only have $9,000 in your highest quarter for the second pregnancy's base period, your weekly benefit would be proportionally lower. The current formula is approximately 60-70% of your highest quarter wages (divided by 13 weeks). The 2025 maximum weekly benefit will likely be around $1,650 (it increases slightly each year).

HEADS UP - I'm going through EXACTLY your situation right now and it's been a NIGHTMARE dealing with EDD! Applied for my second pregnancy SDI claim after only being back at work for 5 months between babies. They initially DENIED my claim saying I didn't have enough base period wages!!! Turned out they weren't counting my wages correctly. Had to file an appeal and wait WEEKS for it to be resolved. They eventually approved it but calculated my benefit amount wrong TWICE before getting it right. Make sure you keep ALL your paystubs from before your first leave and after returning to work. You'll need them to prove your earnings when inevitably the EDD messes something up (they always do with complicated cases). Good luck and congrats on the babies!!!

I had to file a formal appeal which took forever (like 3 weeks just for that part). Then another 2 weeks for them to recalculate. All in all it was almost 6 weeks from filing to first payment! I was PANICKING about bills the whole time. One thing I wish I'd known - keep calling different agents if you get a denial. The first 2 reps I talked to had NO CLUE how to handle back-to-back pregnancy claims and gave me completely wrong info. The 3rd person actually knew what they were doing and tried to help, but by then my claim was already in the appeal process. This time around, start calling as soon as you're 9 weeks from your due date (that's when you can first apply). Don't wait until the last minute like I did!

Congrats on your growing family! One thing no one's mentioned yet - while you're sorting out SDI eligibility, don't forget that PFL baby bonding eligibility has different rules. Even if you qualify for SDI for pregnancy #2, you might hit complications with PFL after birth if you haven't worked enough between leaves. The PFL eligibility is similar to SDI (needing wages in the base period), but sometimes people qualify for one and not the other depending on timing. Just something else to ask about when you talk to EDD!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Just wanted to add that when you do call EDD, ask them to run a "benefit year earnings inquiry" or "wage inquiry" for your specific dates. This will show exactly what wages they have on file for your base period. Sometimes employers are slow to report wages to EDD, especially if you've been on leave. If your July-December 2023 wages aren't showing up correctly in their system, you might need to provide W-2s or paystubs to prove your earnings. I had this issue and it delayed my claim by weeks! Also, if you're working with HR at your job, give them a heads up about the back-to-back leaves now. Some companies have their own policies about consecutive FMLA/disability leave that could affect your job protection. Better to know early than be surprised later! Hope everything works out smoothly for you and baby #2! 💙