Switching from UI to disability/PFL while pregnant - can I still receive benefits postpartum?

Yes, you can potentially transition from UI to Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) and then to Paid Family Leave (PFL), but there are important timing details to know. Since you're not currently employed, you'll need to have earned enough wages during your base period to qualify. Typically, you can file for PDL about 4 weeks before your due date if your doctor certifies you can't work due to pregnancy. After delivery, you could then transition to PFL for baby bonding. These are completely separate claims from your UI - you'll need to file a DE2501F for disability and later a DE2508 form for PFL.

im on the exact same boat!! my ui runs out next month and baby isnt due until july. did you figure out if you can just switch over? unemployment doesnt pay much so im hoping disability is better lol

This is something I helped my sister navigate last year. Here's what you need to know: 1. You MUST STOP certifying for UI before filing for disability - collecting both is fraud 2. For pregnancy disability, you need your doctor to complete Section B of the DE2501F form 3. You can typically go on disability 4 weeks before your due date (or earlier with complications) 4. After birth, you'll transition to PFL using form DE2508 5. The wage requirement looks at a different base period than UI did Most importantly - file your disability claim ONLINE as soon as your doctor says you can stop working. The paper forms take forever to process.

BE CAREFUL with this!!! My cousin tried to do the same thing and got denied because she didn't have enough 'recent wages' when she applied for disability after UI. Make sure you check if your base period wages qualify you!! The EDD website is IMPOSSIBLE to figure this out and the online calculator is broken half the time.

I was in this situation in 2023! I had been on unemployment for about 4 months before transitioning to pregnancy disability and then PFL. The most frustrating part was trying to reach someone at EDD to confirm I was doing everything correctly. After spending HOURS trying to get through on their phone lines, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually connected me with an EDD representative in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 Totally worth it because I needed specific answers about my situation that the website couldn't provide. The rep helped me figure out exactly when to stop UI and submit my disability claim to avoid any gaps.

Just my two cents but make absolutely sure you stop UI before filing for disability. My friend got flagged for fraud and had to pay back a week of overlapping benefits plus a penalty. The systems don't automatically talk to each other like you'd expect!

One more important thing to know: the benefit amount for disability and PFL is calculated differently than UI. It's based on your highest quarter earnings during the 5-18 months before your claim begins. So depending on your work history, your weekly benefit amount might be higher or lower than what you're getting from UI. You can use the calculator on the EDD website to get an estimate: https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/Disability-Insurance-Benefit-Calculator/

Based on your June due date, you'd typically qualify for pregnancy disability starting in May 2025 (about 4 weeks before). I'd recommend talking to your doctor at your next appointment to discuss when they would support you stopping work due to pregnancy. That medical certification is key for your disability claim. Then you'll get up to 8 weeks of PFL after birth for baby bonding.

Just wanted to add something important about the timing - you mentioned your UI benefits run out around $2500 left. Make sure to calculate how long that will last you at your current weekly benefit rate. If there's going to be a gap between when UI ends and when you can start disability (which might not be until May), you'll want to plan for that financially. Some people in similar situations have had to find temporary part-time work to bridge that gap, but obviously that depends on your pregnancy and what your doctor advises. Also, keep all your documentation organized - EDD will want to see everything is properly timed and there's no overlap between the different benefit types.

I went through this exact transition last year and wanted to share a few things that might help! First, regarding the wage requirements - they are similar to UI but use a different base period, so even if you qualified for UI, double-check your eligibility for disability. Second, I found it really helpful to create a timeline working backwards from my due date to figure out exactly when to stop UI and file for disability. One thing that caught me off guard was that there can be a processing delay of 2-3 weeks for the first disability payment, so budget for that gap. Also, make sure your doctor is familiar with the DE2501F form - some aren't used to filling out the medical certification section. I ended up having to go back twice because they didn't complete it properly the first time. The good news is that once you're in the system, the transition from disability to PFL is much smoother. Keep copies of everything and don't hesitate to follow up if payments seem delayed!