When to File a Pregnancy Related Disability & PFL Claim in California + FAQS

Are you a pregnant mom in California? Get clear on when to file both your PFL (paid family leave) and pregnancy related disability claim with the EDD.
We delve into the timeline for filing a disability and Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim for pregnancy in California. Understanding the timing and process of these claims is crucial for expecting mothers. We provide valuable insights on:
1.When to file these claims
2. The length of PFL and disability claims
3. When you should expect payment
4. How to qualify for disability & PFL
5. How to calculate your payout
Click this link to get an estimate on your weekly payout for disability and Paid family leave.
edd.ca.gov/en/disability/Calc....
Additionally, we address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to clarify common questions we've had about filing claims with the EDD. Join us as we guide you through the process, empowering you to make informed decisions and access the benefits you deserve. Don't miss out on this essential information for expecting mothers. Watch now and take the first step towards securing your rights and well-being during pregnancy.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my channel for more videos on mommy life, postpartum, pregnancy, healthy and fitness, beauty and more..
Instagram @radlifebarbie

[@jessicasmith3464]

This is such a helpful and informative video! It's honestly been really daunting figuring out where/when/how to apply for SDI, PFL, and other types of leave. Thank you for making this video and helping another mama get the most of her time with her newborn!

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@Ginabonina-ko3ly]

Thank you for the simple and clear explanation! I think I get it now

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gabrieladeltoro8594]

Thank you so much ! You cleared up so much confusion!

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it helped!

[@KramTurbine]

This was very helpful for me and my Wife, thanks for making this video

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it was helpful! Congrats!

[@krinashah5956]

Amazing video. thank you! It is very informative and helpful.

[@CaelaCook]

You're very welcome!

[@bjjonpoint4324]

Great video and explanation thanks!

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-cf9tn2gn3p]

Thank you my daughter works for bunt cakes and is very tired but she thought she couldn’t take off cause she would miss the 6 weeks with baby thanks for clearing this up :)

[@CaelaCook]

You are so welcome!

[@user-nt9dk9qt7h]

This was exactly what I needed. I was feeling so overwhelmed but this video was clear, to the point and extremely helpful! Thank you @CaelaCook !!

[@CaelaCook]

Glad it was helpful! Congrats!

[@katrinacastaneda5832]

Hi! My current employer does not pay into CASDI, but my previous employer does. I stopped working with them 17 months ago. Should I put my former employer’s information in the application and NOT my current employer’s information on the Disability and PFL applications?

[@sky_dbs8924]

So helpful and informative! Thank you!! When can I start applying disability leave claim online if my doctor signed the form a week(the date is 9/8) before my due date. Do I need to register EDD on the first day of my leave or before ? Is there a deadline?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching, you won't be able to apply until the day you begin leave. The deadline for filing is 41 days after leave has started.

[@lig.2926]

If you would like to take paid family leave scattered through out the year how do you get paid upfront or do you need the dates available?

[@hanig8860]

If my delivery date is also not certain (might be earlier or later than due date), when do you recommend me to start SDI?

[@sbarmin5511]

hi question, for the disability you said on your other videos to file at 35 weeks OR 5 weeks before due date. Does that still apply or It has to be 4 weeks before due date?? Thank you and God bless!

[@ChampagneNCupcakes]

So informative, tysm! How is it different if your company does provide maternity leave?

[@CaelaCook]

It varies depending on the program they offer!

[@Rita-vy3ts]

Great video, thank you!! I know you said you can't file your claim until you've actually stopped working -- does that mean the whole process, including getting the certification from your care provider, can't even begin until after that date?

[@CaelaCook]

Correct when you do it online your physician will typically login on their end and fill out their statement after the claim has been filed

[@hilasela4444]

Hi I’m confused on when to file the disability because there is processing time and also 9 days they want to wait, so isn’t it better to file at least 6 weeks before the due date and not 4? Also you may deliver earlier

[@shakehhaghnazarian3237]

I know this is for mothers not getting benefits from employer but in my case I do get benefits but I wanted to know if I can file State disability with my work's short term disability ?

[@pixystik68]

Thank you for these videos! You made filing my claim super easy. But I did have a question, I’m over my due date but once the baby is born, are there additional forms that need to be filled out with EDD?

[@CaelaCook]

Thank you for watching, yes they will send you a message in the portal or via a paper form to report the birth

[@navyboibutta7640]

After it is processed what is remaining benefits balance?

[@mariliag8237]

Thank you dear this is super helpful! I have a question; my work has stated they need 30 days notice for me to let them know whether I’m taking PDL before my due date. But how can I give them notice if as you said in the video, I can’t actually file PDL in advance? Appreciate if you have any insights! Also my OB said she typically only gives 2-3 weeks of disability before due date…I’m 32 weeks and working 15+ hours a day in my design job and I’m barely holding on! How does one convince their OB to give the full 4 weeks? Appreciate your time and advice.

[@CaelaCook]

You can let your OB know your job is making you overly tired and stressed or that it’s physically strenuous. Your work can request notice even though you won’t be able to file until you actually go on leave. Congrats!

[@shantharoopantsb10]

Amazing video! God bless for creating this content. Can someone who has worked for 1 year prior but lost job just 4 months before due date apply for disability (stating disabled to look for job) and PFL?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes!

[@hanig8860]

Hi. Thanks for this great video. I have a question. I have been working as a contractor for a company since Oct 2022. My contract will end in Oct 2024. I am pregnant and my due date is Sep 2024, which will be one month before my contract ends. Can I still apply for Disability and PFL leaves, while my contract ends one month after my due date and will be unemployed one month after giving birth. During my work for this company, I have been paying for disability.

[@TheVanessaLife]

can I still apply for PFL if my employer offers 12 weeks baby bonding (I have to use PTO for employer baby bonding) ?

[@shailala1]

I had a full time salary job, got laid off briefly, then got employed part time for a less paying job. Will the process be the same for me? Or is there a partial unemployment benefit that would apply to me based off going from full time to part time? I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant.

[@ksamadoff]

Hello & thank you for this video! My question is, who lets EDD know once I have given birth?

[@CaelaCook]

You will let them know either by completing the statement online or paper form!

[@kristiekaiser9347]

Hey! This was so helpful. Thank you! My question is, if I take disability pay and then paid family leave, can my employer cover the extra 40% of my wages that I won't be receiving through this program or would that decrease the amount of money the state would pay?

[@CaelaCook]

The edd will ask if you are receiving any other wages, reporting additional wages paid to you by an employer may effect the payout. I’m not sure by how much as I didn’t have that supplemental income from an employer.

[@dominicnfon7296]

Thank you so much. This is very informative. While filling for FPL, what does it this question mean *Do you want to claim the maximum amount of benefit weeks now? Thank you so much.

[@CaelaCook]

It’s asking if you are going to take all eight weeks at once. Thank you for watching!

[@dominicnfon7296]

@@CaelaCook thank you very much. You helped me file my SDI and PFL correctly. I appreciate

[@hanig8860]

I didn’t understand some part. You said you started SDI 6weeks before your delivery but you got paid only 5 weeks? What does 1week waiting period mean? So they did not paid you 6weeks at the end?

[@MWflower810]

Just to clarify, on EDD website it says there is a 7 day unpaid waiting period. I filed my claim the week before my due date. I’m due 5/25 and I filed my claim on 5/21, last day of work was 5/17. My HR is saying I won’t get paid through DI for this 1 week prior to due date and I should use my sick time. Not sure what to do! Please help!

[@CaelaCook]

There will be a 1 week unpaid waiting period. I don’t see a disadvantage of using the sick pay.

[@ravekanak]

Thanks for the video. Can I split my PFL 8 weeks instead of taking in one GO?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you can!

[@haleyangeles755]

Hi! Thank you for all of your help for us mamas! I wanted to ask, would I be able to file my PFL claim a week prior to my disability claim ending? Also, do you happen to know if there's any way to get any of these leaves extended to be able to stay with my baby longer with pay such as postpartum depression?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! Great questions, thanks oh do have to start leave before filing so you wouldn’t be able to file in advance. And yes you can get disability extended for post partum!

[@haleyangeles755]

Hi Caela, Great to know. Would I have to file a brand new disability claim for postpartum depression or will it be extended by providing doctor's approval? Also, is the waiting period still 2-3 weeks to get paid again after filing for PFL claim?

[@liltashat3265]

My baby came 6 weeks early so I lost 4 weeks of pay 😩.

[@CaelaCook]

That def can happen! Congrats!

[@yeseniaverjan8721]

Thank you for the information, very informative. When I Google information, it states that pfl is up to 12 weeks? What's the difference between 8 weeks and 12 weeks?

[@CaelaCook]

The state pays out for 8 weeks, employers may offer more. Check with Your companies HR department to see what’s offered!

[@delaylay1491]

After we got pay 8 weeks, if we not go back to work, can we got extensions for PFL claim? Thanks you

[@sallyto387]

Great video! One question: Do I have to update my SDI application if i gave birth earlier than my due date?

[@quyennguyen7805]

Yes, i believe you have to update the delivery date so they can start counting 6 weeks or 8 weeks if you do c section

[@CaelaCook]

They will contact you to get the exact delivery date

[@ayushijain7228]

Hey! Thanks for the information. I have delivered baby in June, Can I file DI claim now?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you can! Do it as soon as possible!

[@pattyl.3290]

Question what do we submit to work? Or I should say do we have to keep reporting to work? Or submitting paperwork to work for job security?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, it really depends on your employer, each one is different. Speak with your manager or the HR department! Congrats momma!

[@Lovelytalkstotheworld]

Thank you for the video. I work at a busy restaurant, and around my 4 month pregnancy I started working half hours than before, probably will keep it till my due date. And my question is will this lower the amount of my benefits? Please help. I’m so stressed now, will lose all my income in few months due to the pregnancy. Thank you.

[@CaelaCook]

I don’t think they will pay as much if you are still working part time but I would definitely research it on the edd site.

[@karlaresendiz3250]

The company I work for is California based. I have been paying into CA Disabilty the whole time. Just last year I moved to Florida, but still pay CADI. Will I still be able to file a Disability claim 4 weeks prior to my due date? The only thing I can think of is that I will need to file a paper claim, since I now have a Florida DL, but I should still qualify for CA disability.

[@CaelaCook]

Yes, where you live does not affect your eligibility!

[@aakidatta]

Really informative video, thank you so much for that. One question: What if I got fired couple of weeks earlier than I should be going on disability. Am i still eligible?

[@CaelaCook]

Thank you for watching. The Edd will look at the last previous 18-5 months of employment, so you getting fired doesn’t matter.

[@aakidatta]

Thank you for responding @@CaelaCook

[@learnthroughreading]

Hello! Can I still file for disability benefits if my job needs to exhaust my accrued time off first?

[@CaelaCook]

You can still file as long as you aren’t working, however both you and your employer will report those accrued wages.

[@stephaniekuisell5860]

If I’m a full time employee now, but go to part time or PRN around 30 weeks, can I still wait until my 36 week mark to file for disability? I’m worried changing from full time status will mess something up, but also not sure I can continue full time as an operating room nurse, with all of the lifting and moving and running, it’s a concern.

[@CaelaCook]

It will not effect it, they will look at your last 5-18 months of pay and base your payout in your highest earning quarter.

[@stephaniekuisell5860]

Thank you for the reply!

[@sarahsalman3661]

May I know do I need to choose new claim for PFL after my disability insurance end ? Or I get link ? I still don’t get any link so I’m worry 😅

[@CaelaCook]

You should get a notice in the mail, but you can file online. The pfl claim is in addition to the disability claim.

[@TheWuFamily_]

Hi thanks for this video it’s very helpful. I am on week 3 of disability and should be delivering soon. After the baby is born my employer gives me 16 weeks so would I also apply for PFL along side my employer benefits or do I take the 16 weeks my employer pays then after that file PFL through EDD? I am not sure if that is possible and I can’t get through the 800 number. Thank you in advance 😊

[@CaelaCook]

Are you planning on taking more time off after your 16 weeks ends? And is your employer of paying your full salary?

[@TheWuFamily_]

@@CaelaCook yes I wanted to extend for as long as I can. During the 16 weeks my employer is paying 100% so I was wondering after the 16 weeks would I then apply for PFL to take the extra time? In another scenario if I don’t end up taking it after 16 weeks can I take the PFL within the year of baby being born.

[@BarbaraGotha]

Following,@@TheWuFamily_

[@itsploy]

Hi thank you for making this video! So my employer is making up the rest of EDD payout so that I can have full pay (ex. EDD pays around 60%, employer pays around 40% to make up 100%). My question is do I hit "YES" on the question "Has or will your employer continue to pay you during your disability leave" and what type of pay would that be? Thanks so much!

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, I’d you are getting paid you would select yes, as far as the type I can’t remember the options!

[@dy751]

Hello, what did u end up hitting? My employer is planning to pay me sick time to make up for my disability pay

[@itsploy]

I ended up putting “yes”, “other pay” and wrote “integrated” I got paid accordingly based on that!

[@jpvillabona]

ive got a quick question, my wife gave birth to our daughter 1.5 months before the due date and is recovering and child is in the hospitals Special care nursery, this was all a complete surprise and thankfully were all doing good, i did go ahead and help her file her disability claim like 5 days after all this happened and i am waiting to see whats next, my question is did i do right by filing the disability claim? we wont be able to have baby home for some weeks and my wife is recovering from her C section so i figured it was not time to file PFL just yet...let me know your thoughts! thanks

[@CaelaCook]

Yes your correct the disabilities claim should be filed first then PFL!

[@Steph-yi4qc]

Hello, I’m due on February 20th and January 23rd I can stop working to begin my first 4 weeks before birth, I just wanted to confirm I can file my claim around January since I can continue working. I feel like I’m in a rush but still have time correct?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, and thank you for watching you can’t file before you stop working but you have several weeks to file after you stop working

[@andreaespinoza7913]

When filling out PFL the question that says ; *Have you stopped claiming Disability Insurance benefits? Would I answer yes or no ?

[@CaelaCook]

It should be yes because you wouldn’t want to start pfl until disability is over

[@delaylay1491]

Hi I have a question.After we used 8 weeks PFL,Can we got extensions for PFL? If we not go back to work yet?

[@CaelaCook]

I have seen that there are options to apply for that but don’t know what’s required. Congrats!

[@cpswr]

Do you file on the first day disability starts or after the 9 day waiting period?

[@CaelaCook]

I was able to file the day after I stopped working. The waiting period will still apply to the disability claim.

[@chantalalfaro1983]

If i went out at 32 weeks (so 4 weeks before the standard), and got a 10 week extension (on top of the 6 week after birth), does this cut into my 8 weeks of baby bonding?

[@CaelaCook]

As long as it’s all disability it does not!

[@Steph-yi4qc]

You said we will most likely qualify if we aren’t working or working full time? Does that mean we have to wait until we stop working to file? Or this is just to someone who doesn’t have a job?

[@CaelaCook]

You do have to wait until you stop working to file. But that comment was directed towards someone that is currently unemployed.

[@patriciarosales8567]

Is a required to come back to work after my pfl ends??

[@CaelaCook]

No it is not !

[@arlenetuvera2026]

For paid family leave it said in the website that you must file it not later than 41 days from the start of your disablity leave? Is that true? I file my paid family leave after 47 days from the start date of my disability. 😢 Do you think I can still avail the paid family leave of 8 weeks?

[@CaelaCook]

It may be possible doesn’t hurt to try, worst case scenario you lose out on a week of leave

[@arlenetuvera2026]

@@CaelaCook thank you so much. I will call the EDD tomorrow. I didn’t see their email ahead of time and only open their message last July 9 😭😭😭. I gave birth in June 8. Start of my disability leave is May 24. I deliver my baby 2 weeks earlier of my due date….

[@hanig8860]

If I stop working after giving birth, and dont work for one year, can I still use pfl one month after Disability ends? I mean, can I file for pfl when I have been fully unemployed for like four months?

[@CaelaCook]

You can file up to one year after giving birth and they will look at your last 18 months of income.

[@beezybabe6292]

If I worked two jobs, could I get paid for both with the EDD disability?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes!

[@courtsidewithcev8709]

What if I’ve been with my company less than 5 months

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, in that case your previous employer salary will be used (whatever you made in the previous 5-18 months) !

[@hanig8860]

Is disability only for mother? Or dads can also get it? I think pfl is for both

[@CaelaCook]

Pfl is for both, disability is for mom only!

[@wDeathw]

I did Paid family leave. Will i get automatic pay biweekly?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you should get paid out biweekly once your claim is approved!

[@wDeathw]

@@CaelaCook last question. Can I stop the payment whenever I want to go back at work and continue it next year February instead?

[@mayramendez2733]

Hi, I’m a per diem employee and based on my ytd deductions I have not paid at least $300 for CA SDI. Does that make me ineligible? And if so, what can I do? My job does not offer paid leave and I cannot afford that 😭

[@jocquisekillings1298]

Did you ever find an answer to this? I’m in a similar situation

[@mayramendez2733]

@@jocquisekillings1298 no I have not & im so stressed out. Not even my own HR department has been helpful :(

[@jocquisekillings1298]

@@mayramendez2733 dang it I supposed to meet with my HR Friday but I’m afraid they won’t be able to do nothing for me either . I switched jobs so I only been at my job for 4 months . And I haven’t met the $300 CA SDI either . Same boat girl 😩

[@mayramendez2733]

@@jocquisekillings1298 hopefully they’re helpful to you! Ask lots of questions and please let me know if you have an answer soon, I’ll do the same 🥲

[@mayramendez2733]

@@jocquisekillings1298 please let me know what they tell you! I’ll do the same if I find out sooner! Best of luck girl

[@mehjabeensaif7901]

Hi thank you for this video. So from all the google search I got confused. I thought Pregnancy disability leave and SDI are the same thing. I got more confused when I got to know that pregnancy disability leave is unpaid. So from your video what I have understood that I will be eligible for 2 paid leave one is SDI which can start 4 weeks prior from the due date to till 6/8 weeks after birth. And once SDI claims ended I can apply for PFL too. Correct? I hope I understood clearly.

[@CaelaCook]

Yes, you are correct. One filing is for disability (4 weeks before and 6/8weeks after) and the second if for pfl (8 weeks). Hope this helps!

[@mehjabeensaif7901]

Thank you so much for the reply ❤

[@haleyangeles755]

Will a new claim have to be filed for postpartum depression?

[@CaelaCook]

Typically you’d be able to extend your initial disability claim if it’s still open!

[@haleyangeles755]

Great thank you for your help!

[@karlanhhiram]

Hi! Thanks for the great video! If my Dr extends due to PP depression is it still paid the same as it has been throughout my disability?

[@karlanhhiram]

Hey I'll answer this myself, as I just went thru it. YES if they extend it is still paid.

[@soniaraina7312]

​@@CaelaCook What's the meaning of 'if it's still open'

[@aarenalvaro3559]

What if you have two jobs

[@CaelaCook]

They will both e taken into acccount as far as payout!