Pregnant and moved from CA to NC - Still eligible for SDI/PFL?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle and could use some advice. I'm pregnant and due in December, currently living in North Carolina. I used to live in California and paid into SDI until August when we moved due to my husband's job. Now I'm working full-time in NC, but they don't have paid family leave here. I'm wondering if I might still qualify for CA disability pay, baby bonding, or FMLA when I give birth. Anyone been in a similar situation or know how this works across state lines?
23 comments
Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve California disability eligibility confusion, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUSZCesNA5E
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Caden Nguyen
Congrats on the baby! 🎉 This is a tricky situation. From what I know, FMLA is federal so you should still be eligible if you meet the requirements (worked for your employer for at least a year, etc.). For CA benefits, it might depend on how long you paid into the system and when you left. Have you tried contacting the CA EDD directly?
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Harper Hill
Thanks for the congrats and the info! I haven't contacted CA EDD yet, I've been nervous about navigating the system. But I guess that's the next step, huh?
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Avery Flores
Good luck getting ahold of EDD 🙄 Their wait times are insane!
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Caden Nguyen
Ugh, yeah, the wait times can be brutal. But don't let that discourage you! Your situation is unique enough that talking to a real person is probably your best bet.
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Zoe Gonzalez
I was in a similar boat last year! Moved from CA to TX while pregnant. Bad news: I wasn't eligible for CA disability or PFL because I hadn't paid into the system for the required base period. Good news: I could still use FMLA with my new employer in TX. Definitely check with your HR about FMLA!
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Ashley Adams
The system is so broken 😤 Why can't we have a national paid leave policy like every other developed country?? Sorry you're dealing with this OP, it's not fair to new parents.
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Alexis Robinson
Preach! 🙌 It's 2023 and we're still debating whether parents deserve time off with their newborns. Ridiculous.
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Aaron Lee
ikr? my cousin in canada got like a whole year off, fully paid. meanwhile we're over here begging for scraps 😩
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Chloe Mitchell
Hey there! I actually found a way to get someone on the phone at EDD without the insane wait. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
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Michael Adams
Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit? Anyone else tried it?
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Chloe Mitchell
Totally get the skepticism, but yeah it's legit. I was desperate after being on hold for hours and decided to give it a shot. Worked like a charm. saved me so much time and frustration
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Natalie Wang
Wait, you have to PAY to talk to a government agency? That's messed up. 🤦♂️
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Chloe Mitchell
I hear ya, but for me it was worth it. Time is money, and I was wasting whole days on hold. $20 to actually get my problem solved? Sign me up.
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Noah Torres
Okay, let me break this down for you based on my experience as an HR manager who's dealt with multi-state issues: 1. FMLA: This is federal, so you're good as long as you meet the eligibility requirements (worked for your employer for 12 months, at least 1250 hours in the last 12 months, and they have 50+ employees within 75 miles). 2. CA SDI and PFL: This is trickier. Typically, you need to have earned at least $300 in wages in California that were subject to SDI deductions during your base period. The base period is the 12 months that ends just before your claim start date, divided into quarters. 3. NC benefits: Unfortunately, NC doesn't have a state disability insurance program or paid family leave. 4. Your current job: Even if you don't qualify for CA benefits, check with your current employer. Some companies offer short-term disability or parental leave policies that might help. 5. Timing: If you're due in December, your base period for CA might still include some of your CA wages, depending on exactly when you moved and when you file. My advice: - Definitely call CA EDD to check on your eligibility. Your situation is unique and they can give you the most accurate info. - Talk to your current employer about FMLA and any company-specific leave policies. - Start budgeting now in case you end up with unpaid leave. Good luck with everything!
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Harper Hill
Wow, thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! This really helps clarify things. I'll definitely be calling CA EDD and talking to my HR department ASAP.
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Samantha Hall
This is why I love this community. Always someone coming through with the expert advice! 👏
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Ryan Young
Quick question - does it matter that OP paid into SDI until August? Wouldn't that affect the base period calculation?
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Noah Torres
Good catch! Yes, it could definitely affect the base period calculation. That's why it's crucial for OP to speak directly with EDD. They can do the exact calculations based on her specific dates and wages.
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Sophia Clark
oof, interstate benefit stuff is always a headache. sending you good vibes OP, hope you get it sorted! 🤞
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Katherine Harris
Have you considered moving back to CA temporarily? Might be extreme but could be worth it for the benefits if you can swing it.
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Harper Hill
Honestly, we've thought about it! But with my husband's job and our new place here, it's probably not feasible. Thanks for the suggestion though!
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Madison Allen
Not to be that guy, but maybe start looking into work-from-home jobs based in California? Could solve your problem for future kiddos too. Just a thought!
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