Pregnant at 36 weeks while unemployed - Which to file first: UI, SDI, or PFL?

You should apply for SDI (State Disability Insurance) first since you're so close to delivery. At 36 weeks, you can get medical certification from your doctor to start disability at 4 weeks before your due date. After you deliver and exhaust your pregnancy disability benefits, then you can transition to PFL for baby bonding. UI would be the least beneficial right now since you'd have to certify you're able and available to work (which gets complicated when you're 36 weeks pregnant).

I went through this exact situation last year! File for SDI immediately using DE2501 form - have your doctor complete their portion saying you can go on disability at 36 weeks. The standard is 4 weeks before due date but they can approve earlier with medical reason. You'll get more money this way than unemployment because UI requires you to be looking for work, which you don't want to deal with right now. After delivery, you'll get 6-8 weeks more disability (depending on delivery type). THEN you file for PFL baby bonding using DE2508 form for additional 8 weeks. Don't file UI at all right now - it will just complicate everything!

All these acronymns are SUPER CONFUSING!! I went through this in 2024 and the EDD reps gave me different answers every time I called!!! One told me to file UI, another said SDI. I ended up doing disability first (SDI) and that was definitely the right choice. But getting through to anyone at EDD was IMPOSSIBLE - I called 47 times in one day and kept getting disconnected!!! The system is broken!!!

Wait I'm confused... isn't pregnancy disability the same as paid family leave? I thought they were the same program?

my sister had her baby last month and she did disability first then the bonding leave thing after. she said the important part was getting your doctor to fill out the form right away because it takes forever for edd to process anything these days good luck

congratz on ur baby!!! one thing nobody mentioned - make sure u file ur claim online if possible!! the paper forms take FOREVER to process. i did mine online and got approved way faster than my friend who mailed hers in. also edd website is super glitchy at night fyi

One more important thing - if you worked enough quarters to qualify for SDI (which it sounds like you did with 2 years at your job), your benefit amount is based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period. So your weekly SDI benefit might actually be higher than what you'd get from UI. And then when you transition to PFL, you'll get the same weekly amount as your SDI payment. Make sure when your SDI claim is ending, you file the PFL claim about 1-2 weeks before your SDI runs out to avoid gaps in payment.

You can use the EDD benefit calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount: https://edd.ca.gov/en/Disability/Calculating_DI_Benefit_Payment_Amounts/ With earnings of $4,200/month, your quarterly earnings would be approximately $12,600. Based on 2025 rates, your weekly benefit would likely be around $550-600, but the calculator will give you a more precise estimate. Just remember that SDI and PFL benefits are approximately 60-70% of your regular wages, up to the maximum benefit amount.

I'm in a similar situation right now (32 weeks pregnant, just lost my job due to company restructuring). From what I've researched and what everyone is saying here, the SDI route definitely seems like the smartest approach. One thing I want to add - make sure you have all your recent pay stubs and employment documentation ready when you apply. EDD will need to verify your earnings to calculate your benefit amount. Also, if you have any complications or your doctor recommends earlier disability, they can approve you before the standard 4 weeks prior to due date. My OB said they're usually pretty accommodating if there's a medical reason. Best of luck with everything - navigating this while pregnant and unemployed is so stressful!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact scenario 6 months ago! I was 35 weeks when I got laid off and was so confused about which benefits to apply for. Everyone here is absolutely right - go straight to SDI, don't even bother with UI right now. I made the mistake of initially filing for unemployment and it was such a headache trying to prove I was "available for work" when I was that pregnant. One thing I'll add that really helped me: when you get the DE2501 form, ask your doctor's office how long they typically take to complete their portion. Mine took almost 2 weeks which delayed my whole claim! Also, make sure your doctor is specific about your disability start date - if they just write "due date" instead of the actual calendar date, it can cause processing delays. The transition from SDI to PFL was seamless once I figured out the timing. You'll get through this! Being pregnant and unemployed is scary but California's disability and family leave programs are actually pretty good once you navigate the initial paperwork maze.

I went through something very similar last year - lost my job at 34 weeks pregnant and was completely overwhelmed by all the different benefit options! Everyone here has given you excellent advice about going the SDI route first. I just wanted to add a couple things that really helped me: 1) When you call your doctor to get the DE2501 started, ask them to fax it directly to EDD rather than giving you a paper copy to mail. It processes much faster that way. 2) Keep detailed records of all your application dates and confirmation numbers. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking when I applied for SDI, when it was approved, estimated end date, and when to file for PFL. It really helped me stay organized during such a chaotic time. 3) Don't stress too much about the benefit amount calculations right now - just focus on getting that initial SDI claim filed. You can always call EDD later with questions about your weekly benefit amount. The most important thing is getting that first application submitted soon so there's time for processing before your due date. You've got this! And congratulations on your upcoming baby! 💕

I'm currently going through this process myself - 37 weeks pregnant and recently unemployed due to layoffs. Based on my research and what my doctor told me, definitely go with SDI first! I just submitted my DE2501 form last week and my OB was super helpful in explaining the timeline. She said most doctors are very familiar with the 4-weeks-before-due-date rule and will certify you without any issues at 36 weeks. One tip that really helped me: I called EDD's SDI line directly (not the main number) and spoke to someone who walked me through exactly what documentation I'd need. They were way more knowledgeable than the general customer service line. The number is 1-800-480-3287. Also, make sure you apply online if possible - the rep told me online applications are prioritized over mailed forms right now. Don't worry about UI at this stage - you can always apply for unemployment benefits later if needed after your PFL period ends and you're ready to job search again. Focus on securing your immediate income through disability and family leave first. The stress of juggling a job search while this pregnant just isn't worth it when you have better options available through SDI/PFL!

I just want to echo what everyone else is saying - definitely go the SDI route first! I was in almost the exact same situation 8 months ago (lost my job at 35 weeks due to budget cuts) and I'm so glad I listened to advice like this. A few things that really helped me through the process: - Get your doctor appointment scheduled ASAP to start the DE2501 paperwork. Mine was booked out 2 weeks and I was panicking about timing. - When you meet with your doctor, bring a list of any pregnancy complications or discomforts you're experiencing (back pain, swelling, difficulty sleeping, etc.). This can help justify starting disability earlier than 38 weeks if needed. - Save all your recent pay stubs and tax documents in one folder - you'll need them for benefit calculations and EDD loves to ask for additional documentation. The whole process felt overwhelming when I was pregnant and stressed about money, but looking back it was actually pretty straightforward once I got that first SDI claim submitted. You'll get through this! And definitely don't feel guilty about not job hunting right now - no employer is realistically going to hire someone who's about to give birth anyway. Focus on securing your benefits and preparing for your baby. Congratulations! 🍼