Can I get EDD PFL & SDI as a per diem worker rejected for FMLA/CFRA baby bonding?

YES! You absolutely can and SHOULD apply for state disability (SDI) and PFL through EDD! Your employer is talking about their own company policies and federal FMLA/CFRA which are completely separate from California state benefits.\n\nCalifornia SDI and PFL eligibility is based on your earnings during your base period (usually 5-18 months before your claim), not your employment status or hours. If you've been paying into SDI through payroll deductions (check your paystubs for \

OMG this makes me feel so much better! I was literally losing sleep over this. I definitely have the CASDI deduction on my paystubs - about 1% of my wages each check. \n\nTwo follow-up questions if you don't mind:\n1. Does my doctor need to certify my disability claim or can I just apply on my own?\n2. Will the EDD contact my employer when I apply? I'm worried they'll somehow block it since they already said I don't qualify for leave.

you can 100% apply for state benefits!!! ur employer is talking bout company benefits which r different. i had almost the same situation when i had my baby last yr. i was part time at a restaurant and got NOTHING from them but still got edd payments!!! \n\nthe only thing that matters is if u paid into state disability from ur paychecks (most ppl do

I had a similar situation last year - part-time retail worker and my company also said I didn't qualify for company leave. But I still got EDD benefits! Your employer is just talking about their own policies, not state benefits.\n\nTo answer your follow-up questions to the other poster:\n\n1. Yes, your doctor WILL need to certify your disability claim. When you apply for SDI, you'll provide your doctor's info, and the EDD will send them a form to complete. Make sure to tell your doctor you're applying!\n\n2. EDD does notify your employer about your claim, but only to verify your wages. Your employer CAN'T block your state benefits. They might contest unemployment claims, but not disability or PFL - those are your right if you've paid into the system.\n\nOne thing that helped me was using Claimyr to get through to an EDD agent when I had questions about my application. The regular phone line is impossible, but with Claimyr (claimyr.com) I got through in about 5 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5\n\nGood luck! Don't let HR make you think you're not entitled to state benefits!

wait this is super helpful! ive been on hold with EDD for HOURS trying to ask about transition from disability to baby bonding. going to try that service right now

Actually your situation is more complicated than people are making it seem. While it's true CA state benefits are separate from employer benefits, you still need to have earned enough in your base period to qualify. For claims filed in 2025, your base period would be roughly Oct 2023-Sept 2024.\n\nYou need to have earned at least $300 during that base period AND worked for an employer who contributed to SDI (or paid into it as a self-employed person). Since you've been working 20-30 hours weekly for 18 months, you probably meet this threshold, but it's not automatic.\n\nAlso, your employer CAN potentially cause problems if they incorrectly report your wages or employment status to EDD. I've seen this happen where HR departments told EDD someone was a \

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I make about $1,100-1,600 per month depending on how many shifts I pick up, so it sounds like I should meet that $300 threshold easily. My employer definitely takes out SDI contributions from my paycheck.\n\nWhat documentation should I gather before applying? Just paystubs or anything else? And should I talk to my doctor at my next appointment about this? I'm only 5 months along now.

The CA system is SO BROKEN!!! Don't count on getting benefits quickly even if you do qualify! I applied for pregnancy disability 3 months ago and my claim is STILL PENDING with no explanation!!! Called 42 TIMES and never got through to a human!!!!\n\nMy baby is already 6 weeks old and I haven't seen a PENNY from EDD!!!! Now they're saying I need to transition to PFL but how can I do that when my SDI claim isn't even processed???\n\nSorry to be negative but prepare yourself for a bureaucratic NIGHTMARE!!!

This happened to me too! My disability claim was pending for 2 months before it got approved. What finally worked was having my doctor's office call EDD directly - somehow they can get through on a special line. Ask your OB if they can help push your claim through once you apply.

i think everyones missing an important point here - your employeer said you dont have enough hours for FMLA/CFRA which means when you come back from having the baby they DONT have to hold your job for you. state benefits give you money but not job protection so just be aware of that

This is a really important point! OP, while you likely qualify for state benefits (SDI and PFL), your employer is correct that without FMLA/CFRA protection, they're not legally required to hold your position. Some employers will still do so as a courtesy, but they're not obligated to.\n\nYou might want to have a conversation with your manager (not just HR) about what their expectations are for your return. Get something in writing if possible about whether they plan to hold your position.

I just went through this exact situation! I was working part-time (25 hrs/week) and my employer also told me I didn't qualify for FMLA. But I still got CA disability for pregnancy and then PFL for baby bonding. \n\nOne tip: when you apply for disability, the EDD website asks for your \

Thank you so much for these specific tips! I hadn't even thought about the \

My friend works for EDD and said there's a huge difference between company leave (which you don't qualify for) and state benefits (which you probably do). Apply online at the EDD website for SDI about 4 weeks before your due date. Sounds like you've been working enough to qualify based on your contributions.\n\nAlso beware of the transition from SDI to PFL - thats where a lot of people get stuck in the system. You need to file for PFL right as your disability claim ends. Don't wait or there will be a gap in payments.

To answer your follow-up about documentation:\n\n1. Gather your last 5-6 months of paystubs showing SDI contributions\n2. Have your doctor's contact information ready when applying\n3. Know your employer's EDD account number (should be on your paystub) \n4. Have your planned last day of work and expected return date\n5. Birth date or expected delivery date (from your doctor)\n\nAnd yes, definitely talk to your doctor at your next appointment. They'll need to be prepared to certify your disability claim when the time comes. Many OB offices have staff dedicated to handling these forms since they do so many of them. \n\nAt 5 months along, you're doing the right thing by researching now! The actual application for SDI should happen about 9 days before your last planned work day (typically 4 weeks before due date).

This is so helpful - thanks for the specific list! I'll start collecting my paystubs now. One last question - when I transition from SDI to PFL for baby bonding, is there different paperwork for that part? Or does it automatically continue?

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who went through this recently! I was also a per diem worker (nursing) and got the same disappointing news from HR about no company benefits. But I successfully got both SDI and PFL through EDD! A few things that helped me: - Apply for SDI online exactly 9 days before your planned last work day (not earlier or later) - Make sure your doctor knows you're applying so they can fill out the certification quickly - Keep detailed records of all your applications and claim numbers - Set up your EDD online account early so you're familiar with the system The biggest surprise for me was that my SDI payments were actually higher than I expected - they calculate based on your highest earning quarter in your base period, not your average. Since you've been working consistently for 18 months, you should definitely qualify. Also, don't let your employer's negativity discourage you. Some HR departments aren't familiar with state benefits and just focus on what they're required to provide. Your state benefits are YOUR right as someone who's been paying into the system! Good luck mama - you've got this! 💪

Hi there! I'm also a per diem healthcare worker (medical assistant) and went through this exact situation last year. Your employer is absolutely wrong about state benefits - those are completely separate from company policies! I want to echo what others have said about applying for SDI and PFL through EDD. Since you've been working consistently and paying into SDI (check for CASDI deductions on your paystubs), you almost certainly qualify. A few practical tips from my experience: - Start tracking your work schedule now so you can accurately report your "last day of work" when applying - Ask your OB's office if they have experience with EDD disability forms - mine had a dedicated staff person who knew exactly how to fill them out - Screenshot or print everything when you apply online - the EDD system can be glitchy - Consider setting up direct deposit early so payments don't get delayed The hardest part for me was the anxiety of not knowing if I'd qualify, but once I applied it was actually pretty straightforward. Your consistent work history over 18 months puts you in a good position! Don't let HR's lack of knowledge about state benefits stress you out. You've been paying into this system specifically for situations like pregnancy and bonding with a new baby. You deserve these benefits!

Hey there! I'm also a per diem worker (at a clinic) and just wanted to jump in with some encouragement. I went through this same scary situation when I was pregnant 2 years ago - my employer gave me the exact same speech about not qualifying for anything through them. But here's the thing - California's SDI and PFL programs are AMAZING for people like us! Since you've been working consistently and paying into SDI, you should absolutely qualify. The state doesn't care if you're per diem, part-time, or full-time - they only care that you've been contributing to the system. One thing I wish someone had told me: start preparing your doctor NOW, even at 5 months. Let them know you'll be applying for state disability when the time comes. Some doctors' offices are super familiar with the EDD forms, but others need a heads up about what's required. Also, ignore any negativity from your workplace about this. Your HR department probably just doesn't understand the difference between company benefits and state benefits. These are YOUR benefits that you've been paying for with every paycheck! You're going to be fine financially during your leave - don't let the stress get to you. Focus on your pregnancy and let the state system work for you like it's designed to! 🤗

Hey! I'm currently going through the EDD application process as a per diem worker myself and wanted to share what I've learned so far. Everyone here is absolutely right - your employer's policies have NOTHING to do with state benefits! I'm a per diem physical therapy assistant and was also told by HR that I don't qualify for company leave. But after reading through all the EDD requirements, I definitely qualify for SDI since I've been paying into it for over a year. One thing I discovered that might help you: EDD has a really helpful online calculator where you can estimate your potential benefit amount based on your earnings. It's called the "Disability Insurance Benefit Calculator" on their website. Since you mentioned making $1,100-1,600/month, you can plug in those numbers to get an idea of what to expect. Also, I called my OB's office last week to ask about the disability certification process, and they told me they handle these forms constantly. The nurse said most of their patients who work per diem or part-time still qualify for state benefits as long as they've been paying SDI contributions. She even mentioned that per diem healthcare workers often get better benefits than they expect because our hourly rates tend to be higher even though we work fewer hours. Don't let your employer's negativity get you down - you've earned these benefits by paying into the system! Start collecting those paystubs now and definitely talk to your doctor about this at your next appointment. You've got this! 💪

I'm a per diem nurse who went through this EXACT same situation 8 months ago! My hospital HR told me the same thing - no company benefits, not enough hours for FMLA, etc. I was devastated until I learned that California state benefits are completely separate! I successfully got both SDI (6 weeks for recovery) and PFL (8 weeks for bonding) even as a per diem worker. The key is that you've been paying SDI contributions from your paychecks - that's what matters, not your employment status. Here's my specific timeline that worked perfectly: - Applied for SDI exactly 9 days before my planned last shift - Had my OB ready with all the medical certification info - Filed for PFL 2 weeks before my SDI ended (this timing is CRUCIAL!) - Never had a gap in payments Your $1,100-1,600 monthly earnings should easily meet the $300 base period requirement. Since you've worked consistently for 18 months, you're in great shape! One reality check though - while you'll get income replacement, you won't have job protection without FMLA/CFRA eligibility. Talk to your manager (not just HR) about holding your position. Many per diem positions are easier for employers to accommodate since the scheduling is already flexible. Don't let your employer's lack of knowledge about state benefits scare you. You've EARNED these benefits by contributing to the system! Start gathering those paystubs and get ready to apply. You've got this mama! 💪

I'm a per diem respiratory therapist and went through this exact situation last year! Your employer's response is unfortunately very common - many HR departments don't understand the difference between company benefits and California state benefits. Here's what you need to know: California SDI and PFL are based on YOUR contributions through payroll deductions, not your employment classification. Since you've been working 20-30 hours weekly for 18 months and have CASDI deductions on your paystubs, you should absolutely qualify! A few key points from my experience: - Apply for SDI online 9 days before your planned last work day (usually around 4 weeks before due date) - Your doctor will need to complete medical certification forms that EDD sends them - File for PFL about 2 weeks before your SDI claim ends to avoid payment gaps - EDD will contact your employer only to verify wages - they can't block your benefits The hardest part is the anxiety of not knowing, but once you understand the process it's actually straightforward. I ended up receiving benefits for the full 14 weeks (6 SDI + 8 PFL) even though my hospital said I qualified for nothing. One practical tip: start a conversation with your direct supervisor (not HR) about your return plans. While they're not required to hold your position without FMLA protection, many per diem departments will work with you since they value experienced staff. You've been paying into this system for exactly this situation - don't let misinformed HR representatives make you think you don't deserve these benefits! Start collecting your paystubs and talk to your OB about the certification process. You've got this! 💙

I'm so glad you found this community and asked this question! Reading through all these responses from fellow per diem healthcare workers is giving me so much hope too. I'm in a very similar situation - per diem lab tech, 6 months pregnant, and got the same disappointing news from HR about no company benefits. What really stands out to me from everyone's experiences is how consistent the message is: your employer's policies are completely separate from California state benefits! It sounds like almost every per diem healthcare worker gets told the same thing by HR, but then successfully receives SDI and PFL through EDD. I've already started gathering my paystubs after reading these responses, and I can see the CASDI deductions going back over a year. It's such a relief to know that's what actually matters for qualification, not whether my employer considers me eligible for their leave policies. The timeline everyone's mentioned (apply 9 days before last work day, file PFL 2 weeks before SDI ends) is super helpful. I'm going to create a calendar with all these important dates once I get closer to my due date. Thank you for asking this question and to everyone who shared their experiences! This thread should be required reading for any pregnant per diem worker in California. We've all been paying into this system specifically for situations like pregnancy and baby bonding - we absolutely deserve these benefits! 💕

I'm a per diem pharmacy tech and went through this EXACT situation 6 months ago! Your HR department gave you the same misleading information that so many of us get - they're confusing company benefits with California state benefits. Here's the bottom line: California SDI and PFL are YOUR benefits that you've earned by paying into the system through payroll deductions. Your employment status (per diem, part-time, full-time) doesn't matter - only that you've been contributing to CASDI and have sufficient earnings in your base period. Based on your consistent 20-30 hours weekly for 18 months and monthly earnings of $1,100-1,600, you should absolutely qualify! I was making similar amounts and received the full benefits. My timeline that worked perfectly: - Applied for SDI online exactly 9 days before my last planned shift - Made sure my OB was prepared to complete the medical certification quickly - Filed for PFL 2 weeks before my SDI ended (this timing prevented any payment gaps) - Received benefits for the full period even though my pharmacy said I qualified for "nothing" One important reality check: you won't have job protection without FMLA eligibility, so definitely have that conversation with your direct supervisor about holding your position. Many per diem departments will work with you since the flexible scheduling already accommodates absences. Don't let misinformed HR policies discourage you from claiming the benefits you've literally been paying for! Start gathering those paystubs, talk to your OB about the process, and prepare to apply. You've absolutely got this! 💪

I'm a per diem medical scribe who just went through this process successfully! Your HR department is absolutely wrong about state benefits - this is such a common misconception that drives me crazy because it causes unnecessary panic for pregnant workers like us. California SDI and PFL are completely separate from your employer's policies. The only thing that matters is whether you've been paying CASDI deductions (which you have) and earned enough during your base period (which you clearly have with $1,100-1,600/month over 18 months). I want to echo what everyone else has said about the timeline - it's crucial to get this right: - Apply for SDI exactly 9 days before your planned last work day - Have your doctor ready to complete certification forms quickly - File for PFL about 2 weeks before your SDI claim ends - Keep detailed records of everything One thing I didn't see mentioned much is that EDD has a mobile app now that makes it easier to check your claim status and submit documents. It was a lifesaver when I needed to upload additional paperwork quickly. Also, regarding job protection - I had the same concern since per diem workers don't get FMLA coverage. I talked directly to my department manager (not HR) and they were actually very accommodating about holding shifts for me when I was ready to return. Many healthcare facilities value experienced per diem staff because we provide scheduling flexibility. Don't let your employer's ignorance about state benefits stress you out! You've been paying into this system specifically for situations like pregnancy and baby bonding. These are YOUR benefits that you've earned. Start collecting those paystubs and get ready to apply with confidence! 💙

As a per diem ultrasound tech who just successfully navigated this exact situation 3 months ago, I want to add my voice to this incredibly helpful thread! Your HR department is giving you the same misleading information that almost every per diem healthcare worker hears - they're confusing employer benefits with California state benefits. Here's what I wish someone had told me when I was panicking at 5 months pregnant: California SDI and PFL don't care if you're per diem, part-time, or full-time. They only care that you've been paying CASDI contributions and have sufficient earnings in your base period. Based on your 18 months of consistent work and $1,100-1,600 monthly earnings, you're in excellent shape to qualify! A few additional tips from my recent experience: - Start familiarizing yourself with the EDD website now while you're not stressed - Ask your OB's office about their experience with EDD disability forms - mine had a dedicated person who knew the process inside and out - When you apply, use your highest earning months to calculate expected benefits (the system uses your best quarter) - Screenshot everything during the application process - the EDD website can be glitchy The transition from SDI to PFL is where many people get tripped up, so definitely file your PFL application 2 weeks before your SDI ends. I learned this from reading forums like this and it saved me from any payment gaps. Regarding job protection - I had the same worry since we don't qualify for FMLA. I approached my direct supervisor rather than HR and they were actually very understanding about accommodating my return. Per diem positions often have more flexibility built in since the scheduling is already variable. You've been paying into this system specifically for life events like having a baby. Don't let misinformed HR representatives make you think you don't deserve the benefits you've literally been funding with every paycheck! Start gathering those paystubs and prepare to apply with confidence. This community has your back! 💪