When exactly should I file for EDD pregnancy disability leave at 36 weeks? Confused about payment timeline

You should file your claim with EDD as soon as your doctor completes the medical certification (DE2501) form. Don't wait until you're exactly 36 weeks - you can actually submit it up to 9 days before your first day of disability. EDD recommends filing promptly to avoid payment delays.\n\nAs for payment, pregnancy disability is considered State Disability Insurance (SDI), not PFL. It's paid at approximately 60-70% of your wages (depending on your income) for up to 4 weeks before your due date and 6-8 weeks after birth (longer if C-section). There's a 7-day waiting period before benefits start, so plan for that first week to be unpaid.

Thank you! So even though my doctor is clearing me at 36 weeks, I should submit the claim NOW? Or wait until she actually gives me the form? Sorry for being dense, I'm just so worried about messing this up and not having income!

i did mine last year and u can actually start the claim online before u even get the doctors note! just create the account and start the process and theres a part where it tells u that u need to get the doc to fill out their section but at least ull have ur part done

This is BAD advice!!! You absolutely SHOULD NOT file until you have the doctor's certification in hand. If you file early without medical documentation, EDD will send you confusing requests for additional info and potentially delay your claim!!! Happened to my sister and she didn't get paid for MONTHS because of this exact mistake!

Hi there! The process isn't as complicated as it might seem. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Your doctor needs to complete the DE2501 form (medical certification) stating when your disability begins (36 weeks in your case)\n\n2. You can file your claim AFTER the doctor completes this form but BEFORE your actual disability start date - EDD allows filing up to 9 days before your first day of disability\n\n3. There's a 7-day unpaid waiting period that begins on your disability start date\n\n4. After that waiting period, payments should begin if your claim is approved\n\n5. Pregnancy disability is paid at approximately 60-70% of your wages up to the maximum benefit amount\n\nOnce your pregnancy disability ends (usually 6-8 weeks after birth), you'll need to apply separately for Paid Family Leave for baby bonding. That's a completely different claim with no waiting period.

This is so helpful, thank you! So if I understand correctly: I wait until my doctor gives me the completed form at my 36 week appointment, then immediately file with EDD, then my benefits would start after the 7-day waiting period? And I'd need to separately apply for the baby bonding PFL after delivery?

Yes, exactly! You've got it right. Here's your timeline:\n\n1. Doctor completes form at 36 week appointment\n2. You immediately file with EDD (online is fastest)\n3. Your disability officially starts at 36 weeks \n4. First week is unpaid (waiting period)\n5. Benefits begin after waiting period if approved\n6. After birth + recovery period, file separate PFL claim for baby bonding\n\nOne tip: Ask your doctor's office if they can complete the form a few days before your 36 week mark. That way you can submit immediately when you hit 36 weeks without delay. Some doctors are happy to do this!

When I did this in 2023, the online system was HORRIBLE!!! I tried filing 5 times and kept getting errors. Finally got through to an EDD rep who fixed everything after I spent 3 hours on hold. If the website gives you problems, try Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an actual EDD rep in 20 minutes instead of hours on hold. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 - totally worth it when you're pregnant and stressed!

my cousin just went thru this! she said make sure ur doctor uses the RIGHT DATE on the form bc her doc put the wrong date and it messed up her whole claim and she had to file an appeal which took forever omg the stress nearly put her into early labor lollll

THIS!! Review EVERYTHING on the form before you leave the doctor's office! My OB's office staff entered the wrong date (they put my due date instead of my disability start date), and it created a NIGHTMARE with EDD. I literally had to get my doctor on the phone with EDD to straighten it out. Check every single date, especially the \

Another important note: make sure you understand the difference between Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding. They're two separate benefits, with separate applications:\n\n1. Pregnancy Disability (SDI) - What you're applying for at 36 weeks. Can start up to 4 weeks before due date with doctor certification. Continues for 6-8 weeks after birth (8 if C-section).\n\n2. Baby Bonding (PFL) - Starts after your recovery period. Currently offers 8 weeks of partial wage replacement. You'll file this claim AFTER your pregnancy disability ends.\n\nDon't try to apply for both at the same time - it doesn't work that way and will just create confusion.

That makes sense! I've been confusing the two. So pregnancy disability is what I'm about to apply for (at 36 weeks), and then after delivery I'll need to file for baby bonding PFL as a separate claim. I'm writing this all down now so I don't mess up the sequence!

anybody else notice how the EDD website is always 'down for maintenance' exactly when ur trying to file something important???? happened to me 3x during my pregnancy last year lol

omg YES like how do they know the exact moment i need to submit something?? its like they have cameras watching me or something lmaoooo

The EDD system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING and designed to make you give up! I had to file THREE TIMES for my pregnancy disability last year because they kept \

You're absolutely right about keeping copies! My claim was delayed because they said they never received my doctor's certification, even though I had uploaded it online. Fortunately I had saved the confirmation screen. Still took 3 weeks to resolve though.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to:\n\n1. Wait for my doctor to complete the DE2501 at my 36 week appointment\n2. Double-check all dates on the form before leaving the office\n3. File my claim immediately after getting the form\n4. Keep copies of EVERYTHING\n5. Understand that the first week will be unpaid\n6. Remember that I'll need to file a separate PFL claim after delivery for baby bonding\n\nStill nervous but feeling much more prepared now! I'll update once I go through the process in case it helps someone else.

That's a perfect plan! One last tip: when you do eventually transition from pregnancy disability to PFL baby bonding, there might be a short gap in payments while the new claim processes. Try to have a small financial buffer for that transition period if possible. Good luck with everything!