Self-employed stylist eligibility for CA PFL & disability during pregnancy - employee vs. independent contractor?

Congrats on your pregnancy! The good news is that if you've been paying into SDI as a self-employed person (which many 1099 workers opt into), you DO qualify for both Pregnancy Disability Leave and Paid Family Leave for baby bonding. You can check your pay stubs or tax forms for the "CASDI" deduction to confirm. If you haven't been paying in, the employee position might be better since W-2 employees automatically have SDI deductions. Just know you typically need to work at the job for a certain period before qualifying. Either way, you'd be eligible for up to 4 weeks of disability BEFORE your due date, then another 6-8 weeks after birth (depending on delivery type), followed by 8 weeks of baby bonding PFL. The benefit amount is about 60-70% of your average income.

u should take the employee job. way easier to get benifits and u dont have to figure out all the sdi stuff urself. i switched from 1099 to w2 before my baby and it was WORTH IT.

Hold up - there's important details missing here. If you're self-employed and have been paying into SDI (which is optional for self-employed people through Elective Coverage), you need to have been enrolled in the program for at least 6-18 months before your claim date, depending on your specific situation. The benefit amount is calculated on your highest-earning quarter during your base period (typically 5-18 months before your claim). The state uses your reported income from tax filings to determine this. As for the employee position - yes, you'd automatically have SDI coverage, but you generally need to have earned at least $300 in the base period while covered by SDI. There's also a potential waiting period to establish your earnings history. I'd recommend checking your specific contribution history at https://edd.ca.gov/disability/ before making any career decisions.

Don't forget that pregnancy leave and baby bonding are TWO SEPARATE THINGS in California!! I messed this up and it was a nightmare. You file for disability first (pregnancy), then after recovery you file a SEPARATE claim for PFL (bonding). Don't let them tell you it's automatic cuz IT'S NOT!!! You need form DE2501 for disability and later form DE2508 for bonding time. The EDD website is super confusing about this!!

When I was pregnant last year, I had been self-employed and paying SDI for about 2 years. The process was actually pretty smooth UNTIL I needed to speak with someone at EDD about transitioning from pregnancy disability to baby bonding PFL. I was on hold for literally 3+ hours multiple times! I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual EDD agent in under 20 minutes. Changed everything! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and their site is claimyr.com. Worth every penny because they resolved my transition issue in one call. Regarding your situation - if you've been paying SDI taxes, staying self-employed is probably fine. The benefit amount was decent for me even with variable income. They took my highest-earning quarter to calculate the benefit.

Just my two cents - I started a W2 job when I was 3 months pregnant after being self-employed and it was a MISTAKE. they found reasons to cut my hours once I started showing and I barely qualified for benefits. If you already have a stable self-employed situation AND have been paying SDI, stick with that. The grass isn't always greener!

To answer your follow-up question about income verification - when you're self-employed, EDD uses your tax returns to determine your benefit amount. They look at your highest-earning quarter during the base period (which is typically 5-18 months before your claim date). The formula is complex, but generally, you can expect about 60-70% of your average weekly income up to a maximum cap ($1,620/week in 2025). If your income fluctuates significantly, this can actually work in your favor if you had a particularly good quarter during your base period. Just make sure your tax filings accurately reflect your earnings. You'll need to provide: 1. Your tax returns (Schedule C most likely) 2. Possibly profit/loss statements 3. The DE2501 form for disability claims 4. Later, the DE2508 form for baby bonding The most important thing is having consistent SDI contributions before filing.

anyone kno how much the benefit actually is in $$$$? like if I make about $4k a month as a hairdresser (before expenses), what would I get? trying to budget for my own pregnancy too lol

congrats on the baby!!! one thing nobody mentioned is that when ur self employed u might need a doctors note saying when u need to stop working. my friend is a massage therapist and her doc wrote that she should stop at 36 weeks cuz of being on her feet all day. as a stylist u might get the same!

Just wanted to add something important that might help with your decision - as a self-employed stylist, you have more flexibility with your work schedule during pregnancy compared to being an employee. When I was pregnant, I could adjust my client appointments around my energy levels and doctor visits without having to ask permission or worry about using up sick days. Since you've already been paying into SDI for 3 years, you're in a really good position! The only downside is that self-employed folks sometimes have to be more proactive about filing claims and providing documentation, but it sounds like you keep good records. One tip: start organizing your tax documents and income records NOW so you're prepared when it's time to file. Having everything ready made my claim process so much smoother. Also, consider talking to your current clients about your pregnancy timeline - many will book ahead to secure appointments before your leave! The employee position might seem tempting for the "easier" benefits, but don't underestimate the value of being your own boss, especially with a baby on the way. You've got this! 💪

Hey Ava! Congrats on your pregnancy! 🎉 As someone who just went through this process as a self-employed esthetician, I wanted to share my experience. Since you've been paying into SDI for 3 years, you're definitely covered! I was really worried about the income verification part too, but it ended up being straightforward. The key is that they calculate your benefits based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period, so if you had some really good months, that works in your favor. I actually chose to stay self-employed during my pregnancy and I'm so glad I did. The flexibility was HUGE - I could work around morning sickness, take breaks when I needed them, and gradually reduce my client load as I got further along. Plus, I didn't have to worry about office politics or someone trying to push me out because of my pregnancy. My advice? Stick with what you know and what's been working for you. You've already established your SDI payments, you have supportive clients, and you have the flexibility to manage your own schedule. The paperwork might seem daunting now, but it's really not that bad when you have all your records organized. Start gathering your tax documents now and maybe even reach out to some of the services people mentioned if you need help navigating the EDD system. You've got this! 💪

Congrats on your pregnancy! 🎉 As someone who works in benefits administration, I can tell you that you're actually in a really good position since you've been paying SDI for 3 years. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that California recently increased the PFL benefit rate to 70% of your wages (up from the previous 60-70% range), so that's even better news for you! Here's my take on employee vs. self-employed: Since you already have an established client base and SDI coverage, switching jobs while pregnant could actually be riskier. New employees often face probationary periods, and unfortunately pregnancy discrimination still happens even though it's illegal. A few practical tips: - Download the EDD mobile app to track your claim status - Keep digital copies of ALL your income records (not just tax returns - bank statements, 1099s, everything) - Consider setting aside some money now since there can be a 1-2 week delay before your first benefit payment arrives The self-employed route requires a bit more paperwork upfront, but you maintain your flexibility and established income stream. Plus, your clients will probably be more understanding about scheduling around appointments than a new boss would be!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As someone who recently navigated this exact situation as a freelance makeup artist, I can definitely relate to feeling overwhelmed by all the government paperwork! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, you're in great shape! I'd actually recommend staying self-employed rather than switching to the W-2 position. Here's why: 1. You already have established SDI coverage - no waiting periods or uncertainty 2. Pregnancy discrimination is unfortunately still real, even if illegal. Starting a new job while pregnant can put you in a vulnerable position 3. The flexibility of being self-employed during pregnancy is INVALUABLE - trust me on this one! Quick tip: Start a folder NOW with all your income documentation (tax returns, 1099s, bank statements, etc.). When it comes time to file, having everything organized will save you so much stress. Also, don't let anyone scare you about the paperwork being too complicated. Yes, there are two separate claims (disability first, then PFL), but thousands of self-employed people go through this successfully every year. The EDD website has gotten much better with step-by-step guides too. You've got this mama! The fact that you're thinking ahead and asking the right questions shows you're already on the right track. 💪

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 I went through this same decision process about 2 years ago as a self-employed wedding photographer. Since you've been paying into SDI for 3 years, you're absolutely covered and switching jobs now could actually hurt more than help. Here's what I wish someone had told me: being self-employed during pregnancy is actually a huge advantage! I could schedule shoots around my energy levels, take naps between appointments, and didn't have to worry about using up sick days for all those doctor visits. Plus no office politics or having to prove myself at a new job while dealing with pregnancy symptoms. The paperwork really isn't as scary as it seems - just keep good records of your quarterly earnings. When I filed, they used my best quarter from the base period, which actually worked out better than I expected since I had a really busy wedding season that year. One practical tip: start tracking your symptoms and how they affect your work now. Your doctor will need to certify when you should stop working, and having a record of things like fatigue, back pain from standing, etc. will help support your claim for starting disability benefits before your due date. You've got a stable business, established SDI coverage, and supportive clients. Don't fix what isn't broken! The benefits you're already entitled to are probably better than starting over somewhere new. 💪

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 I'm a self-employed nail technician who went through this exact same decision last year, and I'm so glad I stuck with being self-employed! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, you're definitely covered for both pregnancy disability and PFL. Here's what really helped me: I called EDD directly (yes, the wait times are brutal but worth it) and had them confirm my SDI contribution history over the phone. They could tell me exactly what my benefit amount would be based on my earnings history. Having that concrete number made the decision so much easier! The income calculation actually worked in my favor because they use your highest-earning quarter. I had one really good quarter where I did a bunch of wedding parties, and that boosted my benefit rate significantly. My advice? Stay self-employed! You already have: ✅ 3 years of SDI payments ✅ Established client relationships ✅ Income flexibility ✅ No risk of pregnancy discrimination at a new job Plus, when you're ready to come back after baby, your clients will still be there waiting for you. I had clients booking appointments for 3 months out before I even went on leave! The paperwork seems overwhelming now, but it's really just two forms at different times. You've got this mama! 💪

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As a self-employed massage therapist who just went through this process, I can tell you that staying self-employed was absolutely the right choice for me! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, you're in an excellent position. Here's something that might help with your decision: I created a simple spreadsheet comparing my potential benefits as self-employed vs. what I might get as a new W-2 employee. The self-employed route won by a landslide because: 1. My established SDI payments meant no waiting periods 2. They used my best earning quarter (which was amazing!) 3. I avoided the risk of reduced hours or discrimination at a new job 4. I kept my flexible schedule for all those prenatal appointments One thing I learned: start documenting your physical symptoms now (back pain from standing, swollen feet, fatigue, etc.). Your doctor will use this to determine when you should stop working, and good documentation can help you start disability benefits earlier if needed. The two-form process (DE2501 for pregnancy disability, then DE2508 for bonding) is really not as complicated as it seems once you have your paperwork organized. You've already done the hard part by paying into the system! Trust your instincts - you've built a successful business with loyal clients. Don't let pregnancy anxiety make you second-guess what's clearly working for you! 💪

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As someone who just navigated this process as a self-employed lash technician, I want to echo what everyone else is saying - you're in such a good position already! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, switching to W-2 now would honestly be a step backwards. Here's what really sealed the deal for me: I realized that as a self-employed beauty professional, I have something that most employees don't - CONTROL over my work environment and schedule. When morning sickness hit hard around week 8, I could reschedule clients without having to call in sick or use PTO. When I needed to leave early for an emergency prenatal appointment, I didn't need anyone's permission. Also, your existing clients are going to be your biggest asset during this time. I had clients who were so excited about my pregnancy that they started booking months in advance and even brought me snacks during appointments! You can't put a price on that kind of support. The paperwork really isn't as scary as it seems once you dive in. I kept a simple folder with my quarterly tax payments, 1099s, and profit/loss statements. When filing time came, I had everything ready to go. You've already built something amazing - don't let pregnancy nerves make you doubt that! Stick with what's working and enjoy the flexibility that comes with being your own boss during this special time. 💪✨

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As a self-employed esthetician who went through this exact situation 18 months ago, I can't stress enough how glad I am that I stayed self-employed! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, you're already golden - don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Here's the reality check nobody talks about: switching to W-2 while pregnant is risky business. Even with legal protections, I've seen too many women get their hours cut or face subtle discrimination once they start showing. Meanwhile, your current clients probably already love you and will be genuinely excited about your pregnancy! My biggest piece of advice? Start a "pregnancy benefits" folder RIGHT NOW with all your tax docs, 1099s, and SDI payment records. When I filed my claim, having everything organized made the process so much smoother. Also, the income calculation actually worked in my favor because they use your highest-earning quarter - I had one amazing month doing bridal parties that boosted my benefit rate significantly! The flexibility alone is worth staying self-employed. I could work around morning sickness, take breaks when I needed them, and gradually reduce my client load without asking permission from anyone. Plus, when you're ready to come back after baby, your established client base will still be there waiting for you. You've already built something successful - trust that! The benefits you're entitled to as a self-employed person who's been paying into the system are probably better than starting over somewhere new. You've got this mama! 💪