Can I transition from UI benefits to PFL for pregnancy while working part-time?

congrats on the babyy! i think u can get preg disability first and THEN the baby bonding after. but UI and disability dont mix i think? someone else probly knows more but wanted to say good luck!!

You've got a few things to understand here: 1. UI and disability/PFL can't be received simultaneously - you have to choose one 2. For pregnancy, you'll first get Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) through EDD SDI (usually 4 weeks before birth, 6-8 after depending on delivery type) 3. After PDL ends, you can transition to PFL for baby bonding (8 weeks) The good news is that your UI claim now doesn't disqualify you from SDI/PFL later. Your eligibility is based on your base period earnings (typically 5-18 months before claim). Since you were working before unemployment, you likely qualify. Your new part-time job is fine, but you'll need to report those earnings to UI while collecting. Once you start disability, your part-time work may affect benefit amounts depending on hours/pay. I recommend filing your DE2501 disability form with your doctor around 4 weeks before your due date. At that point, you'll stop UI and transition to disability.

I went thru similar situation last year!!! EDD made it SOOOO complicated omg. I was on UI then got pregnant and tried calling them like 100 times to figure out how to switch to disability. NOBODY EVER ANSWERED!!! I kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Almost lost my benefits completely bc of their stupid system. Make sure u plan way ahead!!

wait i'm confused…is the baby bonding the same as maternity leave? or is that disability? and does it matter if the job is part time vs full time for qualifying??

Here's a practical timeline based on your December due date: - Continue UI + part-time work until early/mid-November - File DE2501 disability claim in early November (4 weeks pre-delivery) - Switch from UI to SDI disability - Receive SDI for ~4 weeks pre-birth + 6-8 weeks post-birth - After SDI ends, file DE2508PFL for baby bonding (8 weeks) Make sure to have your doctor complete their portion of the disability form. The most common mistake is filing too late! Set calendar reminders now. Your benefit amount is based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period, which will include your full-time work before UI. The part-time work hours won't negatively impact eligibility, though you'll need to report any part-time earnings during your disability period. Pro tip: Create an SDI Online account now so you're ready when the time comes.

My sister tried to do this last year and EDD messed up her claim so bad. They kept saying she was trying to commit fraud by getting UI and disability at same time when she was CLEARLY trying to SWITCH from one to the other. just be super careful and document EVERYTHING. save all ur paperwork, take screenshots, write down who u talked to and when.

i had my baby in febuary and i got 4 weeks off before birth and 6 weeks after with disability then the 8 weeks bonding time, so thats like almost 4 months total! its not as much as other countries but atleast its something lol

OMG WAIT - when you're on partial unemployment with the part time job, aren't you supposed to be "able and available for full time work"??? but if your pregnant and about to go on leave soon, technically you're NOT available for full time work?? Does anyone know if EDD considers this a problem??? im worried for u

One more important thing I forgot to mention - make sure you've been at your part-time job for at least a month before beginning your disability claim, if possible. While not technically required for benefits (since your previous job's earnings qualify you), it makes the transition much smoother if you've established yourself at the new workplace. Also, check if your new employer offers any additional maternity benefits, even for part-time employees. Some companies provide supplemental coverage beyond state benefits.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this exact situation 2 years ago! I was on UI, got a part-time job, then transitioned to disability for my pregnancy. A few things that really helped me: 1. Keep your UI certification current until you officially start disability - don't stop early "just in case" 2. When you file your disability claim, include a brief note explaining you're transitioning FROM unemployment TO disability (not trying to collect both) 3. Your part-time job actually worked in my favor because it showed I was actively working when I became disabled, which made the claim processing smoother The transition went pretty seamlessly for me, and like others mentioned, your benefit amount will be based on your previous full-time earnings, not the part-time job. The key is just being very clear about the timeline and not overlapping benefits. You've got this! And congrats on both the new job and the baby! 🎉