Can you collect unemployment after having a baby in California?

Thank you, that's reassuring. I was worried they'd automatically deny me because of the baby. So I should just go ahead and file on UI Online?

Yes, file through UI Online as soon as possible. Your benefit year and base period wages will be calculated from before your leave, so you should have enough wages to qualify. Don't delay because there's typically a one week unpaid waiting period and you want your benefits to start as soon as possible.

Oh good to know your sister went through this! Did she have any issues with the adjudication process or did it go smoothly?

She had a short adjudication period, maybe 2 weeks, but then it cleared and payments started. I think it was because they verified the circumstances of her layoff.

The adjudication hold for job elimination during leave situations is pretty common, California EDD wants to confirm it was a real layoff and not a voluntary quit or something. Usually resolves itself.

Oh wow that Claimyr thing sounds incredibly useful right now. I literally cannot sit on hold for 3 hours with a baby who needs feeding every couple hours lol. Will look into this thank you!

claimyr worked for me too when my claim was in adjudication. got a callback within a few hours instead of spending all day redialing

Does Claimyr actually work or is it one of those scammy things? Genuinely asking because I've been trying to reach EDD for two weeks

No, you can't collect PFL (Paid Family Leave) and regular UI unemployment at the same time. They serve different purposes. PFL is for bonding with a new child and is a separate SDI program. Regular unemployment is for when you're unemployed and looking for work. In OP's case, her PFL/SDI period sounds like it has ended and now she's filing for regular UI because her job was eliminated - those are sequential, not overlapping.

ohhhh ok that makes more sense. so sdI first then pfl then if still no job then UI. got it

Yeah I already finished both the SDI pregnancy part and PFL bonding time. Now I'm just regular unemployed with no job to go back to.

Oh no, that's terrifying. My employer sent an email saying my position was being eliminated due to restructuring - is that enough documentation?

That email is GOLD. Save it to multiple places. Screenshot it. Email it to yourself on a personal account. That's exactly the kind of evidence you need if your former employer tries to fight your claim.

This is really good advice. Employer-contested claims do take longer and often go to adjudication or even appeals, but having clear written documentation significantly improves your chances of prevailing.

Also keep notes with dates and times of any phone calls, who you spoke with, what was discussed. It all adds up during an appeal.

For regular California EDD unemployment, yes, you generally need to meet the job search requirements - currently three work search activities per week unless you have an approved exemption. Standby status is different and applies to specific situations like union hiring halls or temporary layoffs expecting recall. OP's situation doesn't really sound like standby. But since she said she has childcare lined up through her mom, she should be able to meet the availability and job search requirements. You just have to honestly certify that you're able and available each week.

ok gotcha. three activities per week doesn't sound too bad actually

This is such a clear answer thank you. I'm going to file today.

Came here with the same question, bookmarking this whole thread

Great point. California EDD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on wages in your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed. If you were on unpaid leave during part of that time, your benefit amount might be lower than expected. But SDI wage replacement during pregnancy leave does not count as wages for UI purposes. You might want to call EDD to get a benefit estimate before filing so you're not surprised.

I was on SDI for about 4 months, so that's good to know. I'll try to get an estimate. Though with a newborn I guess calling EDD is going to be a whole ordeal...

seriously try Claimyr for that, claimyr.com - I mentioned it above but getting a callback instead of sitting on hold is so much better especially with a baby in the house needing your attention constantly

Ugh, that's really discouraging. When they denied you did they ask for proof of childcare?

During the appeal I had to basically prove I had reliable childcare. A written statement from my mom saying she was available to watch the baby was part of what helped turn it around. So get something in writing from your mom just in case.

This is actually really valuable experience to share. If your childcare arrangement is a family member, having a simple written statement confirming their availability can head off a lot of potential issues.

I would never have thought of that. Getting a statement from my mom right now. Thank you so much for sharing this even though it was a rough experience.

Yes, California FEHA prohibits pregnancy discrimination and CFRA protects job reinstatement rights after leave. If your position was eliminated while you were on protected leave it's worth consulting with an employment attorney because you might have both a UI claim and potentially a wrongful termination/discrimination claim. Many employment attorneys offer free consultations.

yeah I thought so. OP should definitely look into that angle too

I hadn't even thought about that angle. I'm definitely going to look into a free consultation. Right now I'm focused on getting the UI filed but that's worth exploring.

The baby doesn't have any SDI - SDI and PFL are your benefits as the parent/worker, not the baby's. And no, having collected SDI or PFL previously does not reduce your regular UI unemployment benefit amount. They're separate programs funded differently. Your UI benefit amount is based purely on your wages in the base period.

ok I clearly had no idea how any of this worked thanks for being patient with my dumb question

not dumb at all these programs are genuinely confusing especially when you're dealing with them for the first time

That's really clear, thank you. My mom is genuinely committed to helping and lives five minutes away so I feel okay answering yes honestly.

Then you should be in good shape. Just make sure to do your three job search activities each week and document them in case you ever get audited.

I've been trying to reach EDD for days. going to try this right now

I was skeptical earlier in this thread but if multiple people are vouching for it I'll give it a shot. The regular call system is genuinely impossible.

Yeah I think with a newborn I definitely need the callback option rather than sitting on hold. This seems worth it.

This is super actionable advice. I'll be very precise with the wording. I have the email with the exact date so I'll use that.

Perfect. Exact dates and specific language matching what your employer told you in writing is the gold standard for avoiding unnecessary delays.

Agree 100%. Vague separation reasons are what trigger most adjudication holds in my experience.

I just submitted my initial claim this morning! I was very specific about the circumstances like everyone suggested. I also got my mom to write a brief statement about childcare. Now I'm in the waiting game. I'll update the thread when I hear back.

Good luck!! This whole thread was incredibly helpful for me too, I'm in almost the exact same boat

fingers crossed for you. the waiting is the hardest part

Yes, absolutely report all part-time earnings when you certify each week. California EDD has a partial benefits formula - you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount without any reduction, and earnings above that reduce your benefit dollar for dollar. Not reporting earnings is considered fraud and can result in disqualification and repayment demands. As for only being able to do part time because of baby - if you're only available for part-time work you need to disclose that limitation because it affects your availability certification.

ok good to know. I was wondering if people just don't report small amounts and that seems like a really bad idea actually

Yeah seriously don't do that. California EDD cross-checks with employer payroll records and the EDD data match catches unreported wages constantly. It's never worth it.

Oh good reminder! I set an alert in my phone for next week. UI Online also shows when the next certification opens I think?

Yes it shows on your dashboard. Also sign up for the email notifications so you get reminders directly.

The certification period opens on Sundays for the two-week period that just ended. You have until midnight Saturday to complete it. Missing a certification is one of the most common mistakes new claimants make.

Agreed, found this through Google and it answered everything I needed to know

I'm glad my stressful situation could help other people! Will definitely update when I get a decision on my claim.

I absolutely will update! It's been 5 days since I filed and my status just shows 'pending' on UI Online. I did get a letter saying they may contact my former employer to verify separation details. Fingers crossed they don't try to fight it.

Pending with employer contact is totally normal. Usually resolves within 2-3 weeks if the employer confirms the layoff. The email you saved is your safety net if they try anything.

If it gets stuck or you need to talk to someone about it, seriously use Claimyr - claimyr.com - to get through to an EDD agent. Way easier than trying to get through the regular phone system and helpful for checking on pending claim status when you need a human to explain what's happening.