Will EDD PFL calculate benefits using both jobs if working 2 full-time positions?

Good news - California EDD will use your combined wages from both jobs when calculating your benefit amount as long as you paid SDI taxes at both employers. They look at your highest quarter of earnings during your base period (roughly 5-18 months before your claim starts) and the weekly benefit amount is approximately 60-70% of that. So yes, both incomes should count! Make sure both employers complete their portions of your claim forms correctly showing all wages.

im in almost the EXACT situation right now!!! took baby bonding when my daughter was born 2 months ago, was working both hospital job and clinic job. EDD definitely used BOTH incomes for calculating my benefit amount, and I got way more than I expected. like $1,250/week which was awesome. just make sure u list both employers on ur application.

When I applied for PFL baby bonding last year, I just submitted one claim form (DE2508) but listed both of my employers in the employment history section. EDD then contacted both employers to verify wages and dates. One important thing to note - if one of your jobs doesn't withhold SDI contributions (rare but happens with some employers), then those wages won't count toward your benefit calculation. Double-check your pay stubs from both jobs to make sure you see the "SDI" or "CASDI" deduction on both.

i dont think this is right guys. when i took pfl they only looked at my main job even tho i had a weekend gig too. they told me something about only using the job you're taking leave FROM not all jobs. maybe the rules changed or maybe i just got a lazy caseworker who didnt want to do the extra paperwork lol

Just wanted to chime in that when I tried calling EDD to ask this exact question when I was applying for baby bonding leave, I spent HOURS trying to get through. If you need to actually speak to someone, check out a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you when they get through. Saved me so much frustration! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5

Congrats on the upcoming baby! One thing no one mentioned yet - make sure both jobs know your leave plans well in advance. My sister-in-law worked two jobs and had issues because one employer didn't process her leave paperwork properly, which delayed her whole claim. Give yourself at least 3-4 weeks buffer before your expected leave date to get all the paperwork submitted. You can apply for PFL up to 41 days before you plan to start leave.

Just to clarify something that seems to be confusing - there's a difference between Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL/SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding. Are you the birth mother or the non-birthing parent? If you're the birth mother, you'll likely qualify for pregnancy disability first (typically 4 weeks before birth and 6-8 weeks after), THEN you can transition to baby bonding PFL. If you're the non-birthing parent, you just apply for PFL directly. The forms and processes are slightly different.

One more thing to consider - when you return to work, you need to report it to EDD immediately. If you return to either job (even part-time), you must notify them or you could face overpayment issues. You can work part-time during PFL but your benefits will be reduced proportionally based on how much you're earning compared to your normal wages.

To answer your follow-up question about partial return to work: Yes, you can return to one job and continue receiving partial benefits if you're still taking leave from the other job. EDD will calculate the appropriate reduction based on the percentage of your total pre-leave income that you're now earning. Just be very clear and prompt in reporting any return to work - even partial - to avoid complications later.

One small but important detail to add - make sure you keep detailed records of your wages from both jobs during your base period (the 12-18 months before your claim). Sometimes EDD's wage records aren't complete, especially if you recently started one of the jobs. Having your own pay stubs can help resolve any discrepancies quickly. Also, if either employer changes their payroll system or gets acquired by another company, that can sometimes cause wage reporting delays that could affect your claim timing. Good luck with everything!