Can I quit toxic job at 21 weeks pregnant and still get EDD maternity benefits?

This is an important question that comes up often. The short answer is that quitting voluntarily can potentially affect your benefits, but it's not a simple yes/no. Here's what you need to know: 1. Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) benefits through SDI are based on medical necessity, not employment status. If your doctor certifies you're disabled due to pregnancy (typically 4 weeks before birth and 6-8 weeks after), you can still qualify even if you quit. 2. For Paid Family Leave (PFL) baby bonding, you technically don't need to be employed, but you must have earned enough wages during your base period (usually 5-18 months before your claim). 3. The potential issue is that EDD might investigate why you left your job. If they determine you quit without "good cause," they could potentially disqualify you from certain benefits. I'd recommend speaking with your doctor about documenting any pregnancy-related health impacts from your work stress. This documentation can help establish medical necessity if needed later.

hi i went thru something similar last year!! quit my job at 24 wks bc my boss was AWFUL. got my benefits no problem but make sure u have ur doctor document EVERYTHING about ur stress levels and bp etc. my dr wrote a note saying the job stress was harmful to my pregnancy and that helped alot

THE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY YOU!!!! I quit at 19 weeks for similar reasons and they initially DENIED my claim saying I "voluntarily quit without good cause" even though I had DOCUMENTED HARASSMENT. I had to appeal and wait MONTHS while 9 months pregnant with no income!!! Make sure you document EVERYTHING and get your doctor to explicitly state the job is affecting your health and pregnancy. Don't trust what anyone at EDD tells you on the phone either - I got different answers from EVERY person I talked to (when I could even reach someone)!!!

I'm an HR benefits specialist who deals with these situations often. Let me clarify a few important points: 1. Pregnancy Disability Leave benefits come through State Disability Insurance (SDI), which is separate from unemployment benefits. The eligibility rules are different. 2. You can absolutely receive SDI benefits even after voluntarily quitting IF your disability (medical condition related to pregnancy) is certified by your doctor. Your work separation reason primarily affects unemployment benefits, not disability benefits. 3. For Paid Family Leave baby bonding benefits, you need to have contributed to SDI during your base period and have a qualifying event (birth of your child). You don't need to be currently employed when you apply for PFL. 4. Documentation is key. Have your doctor document any pregnancy complications related to workplace stress (elevated blood pressure, anxiety, etc.). 5. File your DE2501 (disability claim) form when your doctor certifies you're disabled due to pregnancy, typically 4 weeks before your due date.

Just want to add that these benefits are insurance programs YOU PAID INTO through your paycheck deductions. You're not asking for a handout - you've been paying premiums for this coverage! I left my toxic job at 18 weeks after my doctor wrote a note saying the stress was causing pregnancy complications. Got my full PDL starting at 36 weeks and then my 8 weeks of baby bonding PFL after delivery without any issues. Just make sure when you apply you focus on the medical necessity rather than workplace complaints.

Has anyone considered trying to get accommodations under PDLL before quitting? My sister was in a similar situation but she requested reduced hours as an accommodation first and documented that they refused before quitting. Apparently that helped her claim later. Just a thought.

dont forget ur job might also try to deny u unemployment to if u quit so prepare for that!!! but SDI and PFL r different. i didnt get unemployment but did get the pregnancy disability and baby bonding no problem

Another option to consider is talking to your doctor about going on SDI early due to pregnancy complications exacerbated by work stress. If your doctor certifies you as disabled due to pregnancy before your planned quit date, you could start receiving benefits while still technically employed, which might avoid some complications. In 2025, the weekly SDI benefit maximum is $1,620, so depending on your income, this could be substantial. Worth discussing with your OB at your next appointment.