Confused about SDI vs UI for maternity leave - how to check if I qualify for CA benefits?

They are NOT the same!! Unemployment (UI) is for when you lose your job but are able to work. State Disability Insurance (SDI) covers pregnancy/disability before birth and Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding after. Check your paystub for "SDI" or "CASDI" deductions. If you don't see those, you might have a problem... some employers have voluntary plans instead of state SDI though. Did you fill out any paperwork when you started about disability coverage?

To clarify what the previous commenter said, in California there are three distinct programs that people often confuse: 1. Unemployment Insurance (UI) - When you're laid off but able to work 2. State Disability Insurance (SDI) - For pregnancy disability (typically 4 weeks before birth and 6-8 weeks after) 3. Paid Family Leave (PFL) - For baby bonding (8 weeks) after your recovery period If you see SDI/CASDI on your paystub, you're eligible! You'll need form DE2501 for the disability portion from your doctor around 9 months, then transition to PFL with form DE2508 after recovery. Since you've worked 10 months at your current job, you should be within the base period for eligibility.

I was in your EXACT situation last year! Don't worry - UI and SDI are totally different. If you see CASDI on your paystub, you're good! Since you've been at your job 10 months, you should have enough in your base period (they look at earnings from 5-18 months before claim). You need your doctor to fill out the DE2501 form when you're ready to stop working (usually 36 weeks). Then after birth, you'll get 6-8 weeks recovery disability (depending on delivery type) THEN you transition to PFL for 8 weeks bonding time. The transition between programs is where people get super confused!

The transition was the WORST part honestly. My disability claim ended and I had to file for PFL but nobody told me until I realized I hadn't been paid for 2 weeks. When I called EDD they said I needed to file a separate claim for PFL with form DE2508. I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through on the phone before giving up.

Congrats on the baby!!!! Just my 2 cents but file your paperwork AT LEAST 2 weeks before you plan to stop working. My doc put me on bedrest at 34 weeks unexpected and i had to scramble to get everything filed. The online system is soooooo confusing too!!! Also when u call EDD directly be prepared to stay on hold FOREVER if u even get through at all lol

Let me TELL YOU about EDD and their awful systems!! I had my baby in february and I'm STILL fighting with them about the transition from SDI to PFL! They claim I didn't file the right paperwork but I SUBMITTED EVERYTHING! Three different reps told me three different things. ONE even said I should have stayed on disability longer instead of transitioning to PFL immediately! MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING YOU SUBMIT!!! And screenshot EVERYTHING in your online account!!

Quick tip: When you apply for PFL baby bonding after disability, do it online rather than paper form if possible. Much faster processing time. I did mine online and got approved in 10 days. My friend did paper forms and waited almost a month.

To address your follow-up questions: 1. The transition from SDI to PFL: You'll use the same online account for both. Your SDI claim will have an end date (based on your recovery period). About 5-7 days before that end date, you should file for PFL using form DE2508 (or online). Don't wait until your SDI completely ends or you might have a gap in payments. 2. Filing timeline: Your doctor can certify disability starting at 36 weeks (or earlier with complications), but don't file more than 49 days before your planned leave date. The system won't process it. 3. Benefit amount: Both SDI and PFL pay approximately 60-70% of your wages based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period. Keep all documentation and confirmation numbers when you file!

btw my benefit was like 65% of my normal paycheck which was wayyyy less than i expected... make sure u have some savings!!! and the first payment took almost 3 weeks to arrive so plan for that too

Just wanted to add - if you're planning to take the full bonding time, you can actually extend PFL for up to 8 weeks (sometimes more in certain situations). Also, your job is protected under CFRA/FMLA during this time if your employer has 50+ employees. I made the mistake of not understanding my job protection rights and was super stressed about returning to work. Don't forget to coordinate with your HR about when you're planning to return so they can hold your position! And definitely start thinking about childcare arrangements during your leave - the waiting lists are insane right now.