Do EDD PFL weekly benefit amounts change when transitioning from pregnancy disability (SDI)?

ur weekly amount stays exactly the same! the whole system is connected so whatever your SDI weekly benefit is, your PFL will match it. but yeah the PFL online portal is way less helpful lol

The benefit calculation for both SDI and PFL is identical - they use the same formula based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period. So yes, your weekly benefit amount will remain exactly the same when transitioning from pregnancy disability to baby bonding. However, you're right about the online information difference. The PFL portal shows less detailed information than the SDI portal, which is frustrating. You'll receive payment notifications, but the detailed history and breakdowns aren't as accessible. I recommend keeping track of your payments manually just to be safe.

Just went through this in January! The amount stays EXACTLY the same, but prepare yourself for possible delays during the transition. My PFL payments took almost 3 weeks longer to start than EDD estimated. When I called to check status, I got disconnected FOUR TIMES after waiting 1+ hours each time! Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real EDD agent in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 The agent explained there was a "system flag" on my account during the transition that needed manual clearing. Might not happen to you, but just be prepared!

My sister-in-law just had twins and her PFL payment was different than her SDI. But I think that's because she went back to work part-time for like 2 weeks between disability and baby bonding? So maybe that changed her calculation? Not sure if that applies to you but thought I'd mention it.

Everyone's saying the same thing but let me clarify one critical detail: The FORMULA for calculating benefits is identical between SDI and PFL (approximately 60-70% of your wages up to the maximum weekly benefit amount of $1,620 in 2025). However, your specific amount COULD change in two scenarios: 1. If there's a gap between your SDI and PFL claims that crosses into a new quarter, your base period might shift, potentially changing your benefit calculation. 2. If you worked between SDI and PFL (even part-time), your earnings record would update. If you're transitioning directly from pregnancy disability to baby bonding without returning to work, your weekly amount will remain identical. Just be sure to file your PFL claim before your SDI claim ends to ensure a smooth transition.

Late to this thread but wanted to add that when I did my SDI to PFL transition last year, my weekly amount DID change - it went down by about $42/week. When I finally reached someone at EDD, they explained that the benefit year maximum had been reached so they had to recalculate. Apparently this is rare but can happen if your claim spans certain time periods. Just another possibility to be aware of!

btw don't forget you have to actually file for PFL separately!!! the SDI doesn't automatically roll into PFL. my friend thought it was automatic and had like a 3 week gap with no income, total nightmare

Just wanted to add my experience from last month - my weekly benefit amount stayed exactly the same when I transitioned from SDI to PFL ($847/week for both). However, I did notice that the PFL payments seemed to process a day or two slower than my SDI payments used to. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind for budgeting. One tip: I started my PFL application about 10 days before my SDI was set to end, and the transition was seamless. The EDD rep I spoke with recommended applying 2 weeks early if possible to avoid any gaps. Also, make sure you have your SDI claim number handy when filing for PFL - it speeds up the process!

Currently going through this transition myself and can confirm what everyone's saying - the weekly amount stays the same! I'm getting $743/week on both SDI and PFL. One thing I wish someone had warned me about though: make sure you download/screenshot your SDI payment history before your claim ends because once you transition to PFL, you lose access to that detailed SDI portal. I was trying to reference my payment dates for tax purposes and couldn't get back into the old system. The PFL side really doesn't give you much to work with in terms of tracking. Also, when you apply for PFL, they'll ask for your expected return to work date. Don't stress too much about getting this exactly right - you can always extend or shorten your leave as needed, but having a reasonable estimate helps them process everything faster.