EDD Disability Insurance for Expecting Mothers (DIEC) application questions - timing & documents

Hi there! I went through this process last year with my pregnancy. Here's what you need to know: 1. Do NOT submit copies of licenses and tax returns with your initial application. You'll submit your DIEC application, and then EDD will request any additional documentation they need. Sending extra paperwork upfront can actually delay processing. 2. You should mark that you're still working when you submit the application. Your doctor will indicate your last day of work on their portion of the form (DE 2501). Ideally, you should submit the application after your doctor has completed their certification but BEFORE your last day of work. EDD recommends filing within 49 days of your disability start date. 3. There is NO application fee for DIEC or any EDD disability program. Be wary of any website claiming you need to pay a fee. 4. Yes, benefits are paid biweekly just like regular DI, typically via EDD debit card or direct deposit if you set that up. Make sure your doctor completes their portion accurately with your expected disability period. For pregnancy, benefits typically begin 4 weeks before your expected delivery date and continue for 6-8 weeks after birth (longer for C-section).

congrats on the baby!! when i had my son last year i sent EVERYTHING with my application (paystubs, ID, etc) and my claim was delayed for like 3 weeks because they said i sent too much stuff lol. just send the application only and theyll ask for anything else they need. theyre super slow to process right now fyi

To clarify some confusion here - you're actually applying for regular State Disability Insurance (SDI), not something called "DIEC." Pregnancy is covered under standard SDI in California. The form you need is DE 2501 (Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits). Your doctor needs to certify your disability, which for pregnancy typically starts 4 weeks before your expected delivery date. As others mentioned, don't send extra documents unless requested, file after your doctor completes their portion but before your last day of work, and payments come biweekly after a claim is approved. There's no application fee. Make sure you understand the difference between SDI (which you're applying for now) and Paid Family Leave (PFL), which you can apply for after your SDI benefits end if you want additional bonding time with your baby.

anyone know if theres a way to check status after mailing?? I sent mine 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything and I'm freaking out a little

I spent THREE DAYS trying to get someone on the phone at EDD when my pregnancy disability claim had issues last month. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Worth it for me because I needed to explain that my doctor submitted the wrong dates on my form, and I couldn't fix it through the online portal. The EDD rep was able to update everything while I was on the phone.

I got DENIED last year because my doctor checked the wrong box on the form!!!! Make sure your doctor fills out their section 100% correctly. The smallest mistake can cause massive delays. My first payment came almost 6 weeks after I applied because of this stupid error. Also when you get the EDD debit card, set up direct deposit to your bank account right away. The Money Network cards are a PAIN to deal with and some ATMs charge fees.

when does the money show up after approval? i need to budget and plan for bills

Make sure you're using the CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS to send your application! EDD has different processing centers for different programs. My sister sent her pregnancy disability claim to the wrong address last year and it delayed everything by almost a month. For SDI claims, mail to: State of California Employment Development Department P.O. Box 989777 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9777