How SDI maternity payments work - retroactive vs future payments (payment schedule confusion)

SDI maternity payments are retroactive (for time already taken off), not for future weeks. Typically EDD processes payments after each two-week period has passed. So if you started leave yesterday, your first payment would cover approximately 2 weeks from now, and would be processed a few days after that period ends. You'll continue receiving payments until either your pregnancy disability period ends (usually 6 weeks for vaginal delivery, 8 weeks for c-section) or until your doctor releases you to return to work, whichever comes first. You don't need to certify for SDI like you do with regular unemployment. After your pregnancy disability ends, you'll need to submit a separate PFL claim for baby bonding if you want to continue receiving benefits.

Actually it's even more complicated than that lol. There's a one-week UNPAID waiting period at the beginning of your SDI claim. So your first payment will only cover the second week of your leave. After that, yes, payments come every two weeks for time already taken. My first payment took almost 3 weeks to arrive after I started leave, but then they were pretty regular after that. Just budget accordingly because that first month can be tight with the delay + waiting period!

my sister just had a baby in december and she said you dont get paid till AFTER the weeks ur claiming. they dont pay in advance. and ya theres that stupid waiting week at the beginning that you never get paid for. also dont forget theyll take taxes out if u elected for that so ur payments will be less than u might expect

Let me clarify the payment schedule since there seems to be some confusion: 1. First week = unpaid waiting period (you never get this) 2. Weeks 2-3 = first payment (arrives ~5-10 days after week 3 ends) 3. Weeks 4-5 = second payment (arrives ~5-10 days after week 5 ends) And so on. You'll continue receiving payments until either: - Your doctor releases you to return to work - You reach the maximum pregnancy disability period (typically 6-8 weeks postpartum) Then you need to file a separate PFL claim for baby bonding (form DE2508) which has NO waiting period. There should be a seamless transition if you file your PFL claim before your disability period ends.

when i had my baby in 2024 i had the worst time getting thru to ask EDD questions about my payments!! i spent like 3 hours on hold and then got disconnected twice. so frustrating

Thank you all SO MUCH for these detailed responses! This clarifies a lot. So to summarize what I'm understanding: - First week is unpaid (boo) - Payments are for time already taken, not future weeks - First payment comes about 3 weeks after starting leave - After that, payments come every 2 weeks - Payments continue until doctor releases me or I hit the standard 6-8 weeks - Then I need to file the separate PFL claim (DE2508) for baby bonding I'm so glad I asked because I was budgeting all wrong assuming I'd get paid right away for the full period! Going to adjust my expectations and budget now.

Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I was on maternity leave last year - keep track of all your dates! I made a simple calendar marking my start date, when I expected each payment, and when my disability period would end. It really helped me stay on top of everything and plan ahead for filing the PFL claim. Also, if you're planning to breastfeed, you might be eligible for additional disability time beyond the standard 6-8 weeks if you have complications. My doctor extended mine by 2 weeks due to breastfeeding issues, and EDD honored it without any problems. Just make sure your doctor documents everything properly! Good luck with your delivery! The payment system is confusing but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad.

Hi Henrietta! Great questions! I'll share what I learned from my experience last year: 1. Yes, you can set up direct deposit before filing your SDI claim! Just create your EDD online account at edd.ca.gov and you can add your banking info right away. I did this about a month before my due date and it saved me time later when I was dealing with newborn chaos. 2. For documentation, I kept: pay stubs from the last few months, insurance cards, doctor visit summaries, hospital discharge papers, any forms your doctor gives you, and screenshots of every online submission you make to EDD. I also took photos of any paper forms before mailing them. It sounds like overkill but it really saved me when there was a question about my claim later. 3. I had supplemental STD through my employer too! The coordination was actually pretty smooth - my employer's plan paid the difference between my SDI amount and my full salary. Just make sure to file both claims promptly and keep both insurers informed about the other coverage. Some companies require you to apply for SDI first before their supplemental kicks in, so check your policy details. One extra tip: start that tracking calendar now! I marked my due date, when to file SDI, when to expect first payment, when to file PFL, etc. It was so helpful to have everything mapped out visually, especially during those sleep-deprived early weeks. You're being so proactive - that will really pay off when you're in the thick of new parent life!