Pregnant teacher contract ended - any way to extend UI after birth when not eligible for SDI?

OMG that sucks so bad!! I didnt know teachers dont get SDI! That seems so unfair especially since you all work with KIDS. Can you apply for COBRA for your health insurance? Its expensive but might keep your Kaiser. Sorry I dont know about UI extension :

I went through something kinda similar last year but in healthcare not teaching. Unfortunately UI doesn't extend for pregnancy/birth reasons in California - it's strictly for those able and available to work. Since you'll be recovering from surgery, you technically won't meet that requirement. For healthcare, you have 3 options: 1. COBRA (expensive but keeps exact same coverage) 2. Covered California - you might qualify for heavy subsidies due to loss of income 3. Medi-Cal - with pregnancy and low/no income, you and kids might qualify Did your district give you any separation benefits or accrued sick leave payout? Sometimes those can help bridge the gap.

This is why our system is so messed up!!! Teachers that educate our kids dont even get basic maternity benfits like the rest of us. I'm furious for you. I think there's a special enrollment for Covered California when you lose your job, you should check that out ASAP before your Kaiser ends. Good luck with your delivery next week.

I'm a former HR specialist with experience in CA benefit programs, and I can clarify a few things: 1. You're correct that most CA public school teachers don't qualify for SDI or PFL since districts don't pay into that system. However, some districts have negotiated alternate disability plans through their unions - did you check if yours has anything like that? 2. For UI, you cannot technically collect if you're not able to work and actively seeking employment. After birth, you would need to report that you're not available for work, which would pause benefits. Once cleared by your doctor, you can resume UI if your benefit year and balance remain. 3. Healthcare options: - COBRA: Expensive but seamless continuation - Covered California: Special enrollment period of 60 days from loss of coverage - Medi-Cal: Immediate coverage possible, especially with pregnancy/newborn 4. For your children: Check if they qualify for Medi-Cal even if you don't. California has expanded children's coverage. 5. Once recovered, you might qualify for substitute teaching which could provide some income until next hiring cycle. Best of luck with your delivery!

This happened to my sister who taught in San Diego. She applied for regular Medi-Cal for herself during pregnancy (approved within days) and then applied for the Medi-Cal Access Program for her kids. The income limits are higher for pregnant women and newborns. For money, she did end up having to use credit cards for a while until she could work as a sub teacher. Also check out your local WIC office - they can help with formula if you're not breastfeeding or need to supplement. Have you tried calling EDD directly to ask about your specific situation? They might have programs we don't know about, but getting through to them is IMPOSSIBLE. I spent 3 weeks calling hundreds of times. I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. It costs money but was worth it for the info I got. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and their site is claimyr.com. At least you can get definitive answers about your UI situation.

im so sorry ur going thru this. the system is rigged against mothers. I work retail and when I had my baby last year I had similar issues. No advice just solidarity.

Try reaching out to your union rep if you have one! My cousin's teachrs union helped her find some emergency assistance program for union members. might be worth a shot

have you calculated how much COBRA would actually cost to maintain your Kaiser? might be less than you think especially if you can put it on a credit card until you're back on your feet. better than switching doctors right before delivery imo

One thing nobody's mentioned - CA Assembly Bill 500 was supposed to give school employees paid leave for pregnancy/childbirth, but I think implementation has been slow. Worth checking if your district has adopted it yet.

WAIT I just remembered somthing important!!! If you apply for Medi-Cal while pregnant they have to backdate it to cover your delivery!! My friend did this last year when she lost her job at 8 months pregnant!