Can I start SDI before delivery, pause for work, then restart for postpartum benefits?

This is tricky timing for sure! Yes, you can technically start SDI for pregnancy disability, pause it if you get a job, and then reapply after delivery. However, there are some important things to consider: 1. You need a doctor to certify that you're disabled due to pregnancy before you can get SDI now (typically only approved 4 weeks before due date unless complications). 2. If you get a job in between, your benefit amount might change when you reapply after birth, depending on your new wages. 3. For the baby bonding PFL portion, you'll need to have paid into SDI at some point during the base period (roughly 5-18 months before claiming). I'd recommend getting your doctor's input on timing for the pregnancy disability claim. And definitely preserve any documentation if you start SDI then pause it.

this hapened to me last year!!! i was on unemployment then got pregnant and couldnt find work. i applied for SDI at 30 weeks (had back problems) then got a job offer at 32 weeks! I called EDD and they told me you have to CANCEL your claim completely if you go back to work, not just pause it. then when i had the baby i had to file a whole new claim. it was a mess honestly

The previous responses are partially correct, but there are some important nuances to understand about your situation: 1. You cannot technically "pause" SDI - you either have an active claim or you don't. If you return to work, you must notify EDD and your claim will end. 2. If you get a job, work briefly, then deliver, you'd file a new SDI claim for the postpartum period. This would be based on your more recent earnings. 3. For the pregnancy portion of SDI, you need medical certification that you're unable to work. Without complications, this is typically only approved 4 weeks before your due date. 4. Your base period for calculating benefits is based on a specific earnings window, typically 5-18 months before your claim. If you've been unemployed for 7 months, you may still have enough wages in your base period to qualify. 5. For PFL baby bonding, you don't need to be employed when applying, but you need to have contributed to SDI during your base period. I'd recommend speaking directly with an EDD representative to discuss your specific situation and benefit calculations.

Everyone is overthinking this! Just apply for the jobs and don't mention your pregnancy. It's illegal for them to discriminate. Then use PDL/FMLA after you start. Problem solved.

I went through something similar in 2025! The timing is SO HARD with pregnancy and job searching. Here's what EDD told me when I called about this exact situation: - If you have enough wages in your base period from your previous employment, you can qualify for SDI based on that even if you're currently unemployed - If you start SDI and then get a job, you should report that you've returned to work and your SDI claim will end - After delivery, you'd file a brand new SDI claim for the postpartum recovery period (typically 6-8 weeks depending on delivery type) - After your postpartum SDI ends, you can transition to PFL for baby bonding The most important thing is to be transparent with EDD about your employment status changes. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! Keep all claim numbers, copies of forms, and records of any conversations with representatives (names, dates, what they told you). The system is confusing and things can get lost in transition between different benefit types.

WHY IS THIS SYSTEM SO FRUSTRATING?!?! I'm currently on maternity leave and trying to figure everything out was a NIGHTMARE. The EDD website is useless and confusing, and good luck trying to talk to an actual human being on the phone. I spent 3 weeks calling DAILY before getting through. My advice: start documenting EVERYTHING now. Keep copies of all forms, take screenshots of confirmations, write down names of any reps you talk to. The system is designed to make you give up!!! Also - don't expect timely payments. I waited 6 weeks for my first disability payment after giving birth. SIX WEEKS with a newborn and no income! Have emergency savings if possible.

random question but how many weeks are you getting for baby bonding? i heard its increasing to 10 weeks in 2025

Just a quick follow-up on my earlier comment - one strategy to consider if you do get a job offer now: be upfront with the employer about your pregnancy after receiving the offer (not during interviews). Some employers might be willing to let you start, work for a few weeks, take leave for birth, and then return. Many employers would prefer this over restarting their search, especially if they like you as a candidate. You could potentially negotiate a modified onboarding plan that acknowledges your upcoming leave. This doesn't work in all fields or with all employers, but it might be worth considering.

I'm going through a very similar situation right now - 26 weeks pregnant and have been job searching since my unemployment ran out. The stress is real! One thing I learned from my sister who went through this last year is that you might want to check if your state has any temporary disability programs through other agencies while you're figuring out the EDD maze. Also, have you looked into any local pregnancy resource centers? Some of them have emergency financial assistance programs or can connect you with other support services while you're navigating this transition. I found one near me that helped with some bills while I was waiting for benefits to process. The timing is so hard because you need income NOW but also need to plan for maternity leave. Sending you lots of support - this system shouldn't be so complicated when we're already dealing with pregnancy stress!

I went through almost this exact scenario two years ago! I was 30 weeks pregnant when I finally got a job offer after months of searching. Here's what I learned: First, regarding SDI timing - you typically can't get pregnancy disability benefits until 4 weeks before your due date unless there are complications. Since you mentioned potential gestational hypertension, definitely discuss this with your OB as it might qualify you for earlier benefits. Second, about pausing/restarting SDI - as others mentioned, you can't technically "pause" it. If you return to work, your claim ends and you'd file a new one after delivery. BUT here's the key thing no one mentioned: make sure you have enough recent wages to qualify for a new claim. Since you've been unemployed for months, your benefit calculation might be based on older wages. My advice: If you get a job offer, consider negotiating a start date that gives you a few weeks to work before delivery. This accomplishes several things: 1) You establish some recent wages for potential future SDI claims, 2) You build goodwill with the employer, and 3) You get some income flowing again. Also, don't forget about WIC and other assistance programs while you're navigating this - pregnancy qualifies you for additional support that can help bridge financial gaps. The system is frustrating but manageable if you plan ahead. Feel free to ask if you want more details about my experience!

I'm currently going through a very similar situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far! I'm 32 weeks pregnant and was unemployed for about 4 months before landing a position last month. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of all my options with dates. I mapped out when I could potentially start SDI (with and without complications), when I'd deliver, and what my benefit eligibility would look like under different scenarios. This helped me make a more informed decision about whether to take a job offer. I ended up taking a position and being upfront with my employer after the offer about my pregnancy timeline. They were actually really understanding and we worked out a plan where I'd work for about 6 weeks, take maternity leave, and then return. Having those recent wages has definitely helped with my benefit calculations. A few practical tips: 1) Start gathering all your employment documentation now (pay stubs, tax forms, etc.) - you'll need this for any benefit applications, 2) If you have any pregnancy complications, document everything with your doctor as it could qualify you for earlier SDI, 3) Consider reaching out to a benefits counselor at EDD or through community organizations - they can sometimes explain your specific situation better than the general website info. The whole system is definitely confusing, but having a clear plan and understanding your options makes it much less stressful. Wishing you the best with whatever path you choose!