First pregnancy - completely confused about EDD PFL vs SDI maternity leave timeline

Congrats on your pregnancy! Let me help break this down step by step:\n\n1) PREGNANCY DISABILITY (SDI): You can start this up to 4 weeks before your due date, or earlier with doctor certification if medically necessary. File this claim using DE2501 form once your doctor certifies you can't work. This typically covers 4 weeks pre-birth and 6-8 weeks post-birth (8 for c-section).\n\n2) BABY BONDING (PFL): This gives you 8 weeks to bond with your newborn AFTER your pregnancy disability ends. You'll file form DE2508 about 2 weeks before your SDI benefits are scheduled to end.\n\nThey ARE separate applications - they don't automatically transition you.\n\nFor payment: Both SDI and PFL pay approximately 60-70% of your wages up to a maximum. At your salary, you'll likely get around $3,600-$4,000 per month (not your full salary).\n\nThe FMLA/CFRA your HR mentioned are job protection laws that run concurrently with these paid benefits.\n\nTimeline summary:\n- Around 32-36 weeks pregnant: File SDI claim\n- 4 weeks before due date: Begin SDI leave (or earlier if medically necessary)\n- 6-8 weeks after birth: SDI ends\n- File PFL claim about 2 weeks before SDI ends\n- Take your 8 weeks of PFL baby bonding\n\nHope this helps!

Thank you SO much for this clear explanation! So I need to wait until I'm around 32 weeks to file the first claim? And do I need to have my doctor fill out part of the form, or do they submit something separately? Sorry for all the questions!

congrats!!!!! I just had my baby in November and went thru all of this. its soooo confusing i know!! one thing nobody told me - u need to create an SDI online account NOW so its ready when u need to file. Also make sure ur doctor knows they need to certify ur disability. My ob almost forgot and i wouldve been delayed getting $$

Omg thank you for that tip! I definitely would have waited until the last minute to create an account. Did you use the same online account for both the SDI and PFL parts?

yes same account for everything! and when u create it they mail u a code to verify ur identity which takes like a week so dont wait til ur about to go on leave!

The previous responses covered most of it, but just to clarify on your specific payment question: The current SDI/PFL weekly benefit rate is approximately 60-70% of your wages, up to a maximum benefit amount. With your $5,800 monthly income, you'll likely receive around $3,800 monthly during both programs.\n\nOne important note: The SDI/PFL payment calculations are based on your highest quarter earnings during your base period (roughly 5-18 months before your claim). So your benefit amount should be consistent between SDI and PFL as long as your income has been stable.\n\nAlso, check if your employer offers any supplemental benefits to \

Thank you! I'll definitely ask HR about any supplemental benefits. I'm relieved to hear that the SDI and PFL payment amounts should be similar so I can budget properly.

The previous advice is good but nobody mentioned THE WORST PART of the whole process: Actually getting through to EDD when there's a problem!!!! When I had my baby last year my claim got stuck in pending for THREE WEEKS and I couldn't pay rent. I called 47 times and couldn't get a human. The EDD phone system is BROKEN!!!

OMG yes, this happened to me too. I ended up using a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual EDD agent after weeks of trying on my own. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92Wm?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and their website is claimyr.com. It was the only way I managed to fix my transition from SDI to PFL when it got stuck. They connected me to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own.

Thank you for the tip. I'm going to bookmark that site just in case. Really hoping I don't need it but sounds like dealing with EDD can be a nightmare.

Everyone here gave great advice BUT I want to warn you about something I learned the hard way: they calculate your benefits based on QUARTERS and if you had any unpaid time off or reduced hours in your base period, it can really mess up your benefit amount! I took 3 weeks unpaid time off right before getting pregnant and it decreased my benefit amount by like $900/month because it fell into one of my \

Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about that! I did take 2 weeks unpaid when my mom was sick last year. I'll definitely call and ask about how that might affect my benefit calculation. Thank you for the warning!

Just went through this whole process and delivered in January! One thing I found super confusing was the difference between FMLA/CFRA (job protection) and SDI/PFL (actual money). They run at the same time but are TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS!\n\nFMLA/CFRA = 12 weeks job protection (your job is held for you)\nSDI = 4 weeks before birth + 6-8 weeks after (money)\nPFL = 8 weeks bonding time (money)\n\nSo you're protected for 12 weeks under FMLA/CFRA but can get PAID for up to 18-20 weeks total between SDI and PFL combined (depending on vaginal vs c-section delivery). It's complicated because you're dealing with both state programs (for payment) and federal/state laws (for job protection).\n\nMake sure you clearly understand what forms your employer needs for FMLA/CFRA separate from the EDD forms for payment!

This is so helpful! Yes, I think this is exactly what was confusing me. So FMLA/CFRA is about holding my job, while SDI/PFL is about getting paid during leave. Thank you for explaining this - I need to ask HR specifically about the FMLA/CFRA paperwork separately from the EDD stuff.

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, your doctor needs to complete part of the SDI form (DE2501). There are two parts:\n\n1) Your part (claimant's statement)\n2) Your doctor's part (physician/practitioner's certificate)\n\nMany OB offices are very familiar with this process. Some will have you fill out your portion during a prenatal visit around 32 weeks, then they complete their section and submit it directly to EDD. Other doctors may give you the completed form to submit yourself.\n\nAnd yes, you use the same EDD account for both SDI and PFL. Once you create your account at https://edd.ca.gov/, you'll use it for both programs.\n\nOne timeline tip: Even though you can technically file for SDI up to 49 days (7 weeks) after your disability begins, it's best to file right at 36 weeks or when your doctor certifies you can no longer work. Processing can take 2-3 weeks in normal circumstances.

Perfect! I have my 28-week appointment coming up soon, so I'll ask my OB about the process then so we're on the same page. Is there anywhere I can download the forms ahead of time to familiarize myself with what information they'll need?

You can download the DE2501 (SDI) form here: https://edd.ca.gov/siteassets/files/forms_publications/de2501.pdf\n\nAnd the DE2508 (PFL) form here: https://edd.ca.gov/siteassets/files/forms_publications/de2508.pdf\n\nBut honestly, most people file online now through the SDI Online portal - it's faster. The paper forms are mostly for reference or if you can't file online for some reason. Your doctor can submit their certification electronically too if they're registered with EDD's system (many OB offices are).\n\nOh! And don't forget to have all this stuff ready when you file:\n- Last day worked\n- Employer contact info\n- Doctor contact info \n- Your delivery due date\n- Date you plan to stop working\n\nAnd just know that EDD's definition of \

This is such a comprehensive thread - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! I'm bookmarking this entire conversation. One quick addition: I learned that some employers have their own supplemental disability insurance that can top off the SDI/PFL payments to get you closer to your full salary. Definitely worth asking HR about - mine had this benefit but didn't mention it until I specifically asked! Also, if you're planning to take longer than the combined SDI+PFL time (like 4-6 months total), you might need to use accrued sick/vacation time or go unpaid for the additional weeks while still being job-protected under CFRA. The whole system is so complex but you all have really helped break it down!

As someone who just went through this process last year, I want to add one more important tip that saved me a lot of stress: keep copies of EVERYTHING! I made a folder (physical and digital) with copies of all my forms, doctor certifications, employer communications, and EDD correspondence. When my PFL claim got delayed because EDD said they never received my doctor's certification (even though my OB's office had records of submitting it), having my own copies made it so much easier to resolve. I was able to fax them directly and get it sorted within a few days instead of waiting weeks. Also, take screenshots of your online account pages showing claim status and benefit amounts. The EDD system sometimes glitches and it's helpful to have proof of what you submitted and when. One last thing - if you have a partner, make sure they understand the timeline too! My husband was so confused about why I was getting different amounts of money at different times, and it caused unnecessary stress during an already overwhelming period. Having him understand the SDI vs PFL transition helped a lot. You're going to do great! The fact that you're planning ahead at 16 weeks shows you're already on the right track. 💜

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm about 20 weeks pregnant and have been putting off figuring out the whole maternity leave situation because it seemed so overwhelming. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly helpful. One thing I'm still confused about - when you say to create the SDI online account early, do I need to provide any specific information about my pregnancy at that point, or am I just setting up the general account? I'm worried about creating it "too early" and somehow messing something up. Also, for those who mentioned supplemental benefits from employers - is this something that's automatically applied if you have it, or do you need to specifically request it when you file your SDI/PFL claims? Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your experiences! This has been the clearest explanation I've found anywhere about how this whole process actually works in practice.

I just want to echo what everyone else has said - this thread is GOLD! I went through this exact same confusion two years ago with my first baby and wish I had found something this comprehensive. One thing I didn't see mentioned that might help with your budgeting: the SDI/PFL payments come with a 7-day waiting period for the first claim, so your first payment might be delayed by about a week. It's not a huge deal but good to know for cash flow planning. Also, if you end up having complications during pregnancy that require you to go on leave earlier than 4 weeks before your due date, don't panic! You can still file for SDI - you'll just need additional medical documentation from your doctor. I had to go on bed rest at 28 weeks and was so worried I'd missed some deadline, but it all worked out fine. The key thing is just staying organized (like @Sophia Nguyen mentioned with the folders) and not being afraid to ask questions. Your OB office deals with this paperwork constantly, so they're usually really helpful with the process. You've got this! 🌟

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 22 weeks pregnant and had been dreading trying to figure out all this paperwork. Reading everyone's real experiences makes it so much less intimidating. One question I haven't seen addressed - does anyone know if there are any issues with filing SDI if you work remotely? I've been working from home for the past year and I'm wondering if that complicates the "unable to work" certification at all, or if the process is exactly the same? Also, I keep seeing different numbers for the payment amounts. Is there an easy way to estimate what my actual benefit will be, or do I just have to wait until I file to find out? I make about $6,200/month and want to make sure I'm budgeting correctly. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences - you've all been lifesavers! This is definitely going in my pregnancy bookmarks folder. 🙏

This entire thread is amazing! I'm 14 weeks pregnant with my first and have been so anxious about maternity leave - this breakdown has been better than anything I found on the official websites or got from HR. One thing I want to add that I learned from my sister who went through this in 2023: if you have any chronic conditions or take regular medications, make sure to discuss with your OB early on how that might affect your SDI timeline. She has gestational diabetes and her doctor recommended she start leave at 36 weeks instead of the standard 32-34 weeks, which changed her whole planning timeline. Also, for anyone else reading this - I created a simple spreadsheet to track all the key dates and deadlines mentioned here: - Week 28-30: Discuss process with OB - Week 30-32: Create SDI online account - Week 32-36: File SDI claim with doctor certification - 4 weeks before due date: Begin SDI leave - 2 weeks before SDI ends: File PFL claim - After delivery recovery (6-8 weeks): Begin PFL bonding time @Hattie Carson you asked such great questions and I'm so glad everyone jumped in with their experiences. This community is incredible for expecting mamas! Wishing you a smooth and stress-free leave process! ✨

This thread has been absolutely incredible! I'm 18 weeks pregnant and have been putting off researching maternity leave because every official resource I found was so confusing and overwhelming. Reading through everyone's real-world experiences has been a game-changer. I love how @Sara Unger laid out that timeline spreadsheet - I'm definitely stealing that idea! And @Sophia Nguyen's advice about keeping copies of everything and taking screenshots is so smart. I work in tech and even I wouldn't have thought to screenshot the EDD portal pages, but given all the horror stories about their system, that's brilliant. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone dealt with having multiple jobs while filing for SDI/PFL? I have a full-time job plus some freelance work on the side. I'm wondering if the freelance income complicates the benefit calculation or if I need to report it separately? Also, @Hattie Carson, thank you so much for starting this conversation! Your questions were exactly what I needed to see answered. This community is amazing - I've learned more from this thread than from hours of trying to navigate the EDD website. You all are lifesavers! 🙏✨

This thread is absolutely incredible - thank you all for sharing your experiences! As someone who's 25 weeks pregnant and has been procrastinating on figuring out the whole SDI/PFL situation, reading through everyone's real-world advice has been a total lifesaver. I'm particularly grateful for the timeline breakdown from @Destiny Bryant and the tip about creating the SDI account early from @Dyllan Nantx. I had no idea about the mailed verification code taking a week - I definitely would have been scrambling at the last minute! One question I haven't seen addressed: does anyone know if changing jobs during pregnancy affects your SDI/PFL eligibility or benefit calculation? I'm considering a job change in my second trimester but I'm worried it might mess up my base period calculations or create complications with the claims process. Also, @Sophia Nguyen's advice about keeping copies of everything and taking screenshots is brilliant - I'm starting that documentation system right now while I have time to get organized. @Hattie Carson thank you for asking all the right questions! This thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for other expecting parents navigating this confusing system. You all have turned what felt like an impossible maze into a clear, manageable process. This community is amazing! 🌟