I went through almost this exact scenario two years ago! I was 30 weeks pregnant when I finally got a job offer after months of searching. Here's what I learned: First, regarding SDI timing - you typically can't get pregnancy disability benefits until 4 weeks before your due date unless there are complications. Since you mentioned potential gestational hypertension, definitely discuss this with your OB as it might qualify you for earlier benefits. Second, about pausing/restarting SDI - as others mentioned, you can't technically "pause" it. If you return to work, your claim ends and you'd file a new one after delivery. BUT here's the key thing no one mentioned: make sure you have enough recent wages to qualify for a new claim. Since you've been unemployed for months, your benefit calculation might be based on older wages. My advice: If you get a job offer, consider negotiating a start date that gives you a few weeks to work before delivery. This accomplishes several things: 1) You establish some recent wages for potential future SDI claims, 2) You build goodwill with the employer, and 3) You get some income flowing again. Also, don't forget about WIC and other assistance programs while you're navigating this - pregnancy qualifies you for additional support that can help bridge financial gaps. The system is frustrating but manageable if you plan ahead. Feel free to ask if you want more details about my experience!

I'm currently going through a very similar situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far! I'm 32 weeks pregnant and was unemployed for about 4 months before landing a position last month. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of all my options with dates. I mapped out when I could potentially start SDI (with and without complications), when I'd deliver, and what my benefit eligibility would look like under different scenarios. This helped me make a more informed decision about whether to take a job offer. I ended up taking a position and being upfront with my employer after the offer about my pregnancy timeline. They were actually really understanding and we worked out a plan where I'd work for about 6 weeks, take maternity leave, and then return. Having those recent wages has definitely helped with my benefit calculations. A few practical tips: 1) Start gathering all your employment documentation now (pay stubs, tax forms, etc.) - you'll need this for any benefit applications, 2) If you have any pregnancy complications, document everything with your doctor as it could qualify you for earlier SDI, 3) Consider reaching out to a benefits counselor at EDD or through community organizations - they can sometimes explain your specific situation better than the general website info. The whole system is definitely confusing, but having a clear plan and understanding your options makes it much less stressful. Wishing you the best with whatever path you choose!

Congratulations on your new daughter! As a new dad myself who just completed the PFL baby bonding process a few months ago, I can definitely confirm that fathers are 100% eligible for up to 8 weeks of baby bonding leave. The process was actually much easier than I expected after reading horror stories online. A couple of practical tips that helped me: 1) When you file online through SDI Online, have your employer's Federal EIN number ready (not just their name and address), 2) If you're planning to split your leave, file for your first period but mention in the comments that you may file additional claims later - this helps EDD understand your situation upfront, and 3) Consider downloading the EDD mobile app for tracking your claim status. My claim was approved in about 10 days, and I received my first payment 2 weeks after that. The 65% wage replacement (in my case) made it totally feasible financially. Also, don't underestimate how much your partner will appreciate having you home during those first few weeks - the support makes such a huge difference for everyone's adjustment to parenthood. Best of luck with your claim and enjoy every moment with your little one!

Congratulations on your new daughter! Yes, fathers absolutely qualify for California PFL baby bonding benefits. You can take up to 8 weeks within the first year of your child's birth at 60-70% of your wages. Since you mentioned being confused by the EDD website, here's a simple step-by-step: 1) File online through SDI Online (not UI Online), 2) Use form DE2508 and select "bonding with a new child" as your reason, 3) You can split the 8 weeks however you want - many dads take 2-3 weeks initially then save the rest for when mom returns to work. Given your small company size, I'd definitely recommend talking to your boss first about timing and coverage. The process is much more straightforward than the website makes it seem, and having that financial support really makes it possible to be present for those precious early weeks without stressing about money. Best of luck with your claim!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As a self-employed esthetician who went through this exact situation 18 months ago, I can't stress enough how glad I am that I stayed self-employed! Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years, you're already golden - don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Here's the reality check nobody talks about: switching to W-2 while pregnant is risky business. Even with legal protections, I've seen too many women get their hours cut or face subtle discrimination once they start showing. Meanwhile, your current clients probably already love you and will be genuinely excited about your pregnancy! My biggest piece of advice? Start a "pregnancy benefits" folder RIGHT NOW with all your tax docs, 1099s, and SDI payment records. When I filed my claim, having everything organized made the process so much smoother. Also, the income calculation actually worked in my favor because they use your highest-earning quarter - I had one amazing month doing bridal parties that boosted my benefit rate significantly! The flexibility alone is worth staying self-employed. I could work around morning sickness, take breaks when I needed them, and gradually reduce my client load without asking permission from anyone. Plus, when you're ready to come back after baby, your established client base will still be there waiting for you. You've already built something successful - trust that! The benefits you're entitled to as a self-employed person who's been paying into the system are probably better than starting over somewhere new. You've got this mama! 💪

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As a labor and employment attorney who specializes in California benefits law, I wanted to add some important legal context to this discussion. Since you've been paying SDI for 3 years as a self-employed person, you are absolutely entitled to both pregnancy disability benefits and Paid Family Leave for bonding time. Here's what's crucial to understand legally: switching to W-2 employment while pregnant could actually expose you to significant risks. While pregnancy discrimination is illegal, it's unfortunately still common, especially for new employees who haven't established job security. Employers can find subtle ways to reduce hours, change responsibilities, or create hostile work environments. From a legal standpoint, your current situation is actually ideal: - Established SDI contribution history (no waiting periods) - Protection from employment discrimination (you're your own boss) - Documented income history for benefit calculations - Legal right to control your work schedule and environment The benefits calculation will use your highest-earning quarter from your base period, which often works favorably for self-employed individuals with variable income. Make sure to keep meticulous records of all your earnings and SDI contributions. One important note: start documenting any pregnancy-related symptoms that affect your ability to work (fatigue, back pain from standing, etc.). Your healthcare provider will need this information to certify your disability claim, and good documentation can help you qualify for earlier benefits if needed. You're in a strong legal and financial position - don't let anxiety about paperwork push you into a potentially risky employment situation!

Hey @Keisha Johnson, I went through something similar last year. Here's what finally worked for me: 1) Keep detailed records of when you filed and any confirmation numbers, 2) Try the "Contact EDD" form on their website - sometimes that gets faster responses than calling, 3) If you have access to a fax machine, try faxing your inquiry directly to your local office. Also, don't panic if it takes a few weeks - the system is just really backed up right now. You'll get through this! 💪

I had this exact same issue a few months ago and it was so stressful! What ended up working for me was a combination of things: First, I called the tech support line (not the regular claims line) at 1-800-300-5616 - they can sometimes see technical issues that are preventing your claim from showing up online. Also, try logging out completely and clearing your browser cache/cookies, then log back in. Sometimes it's just a website glitch. If it's been more than 10 business days since you filed, definitely start calling the main line early in the morning (like 8:01 AM) or try the callback option if available. Don't give up - I know it's frustrating but your claim is probably in the system, just not displaying properly online. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Anyone else feel like they need a law degree just to navigate this stuff? 🙃 Maybe we should start a support group: 'EDD Survivors Anonymous

I went through something similar last year! The key thing to understand is that SDI is designed to replace lost wages, so if you're getting 100% pay from your employer, EDD sees that as "no lost wages to replace." When you call for your appeal, ask specifically about: - Whether your employer is paying you directly OR if they're supplementing SDI benefits - If there's a coordination of benefits form your employer should have filed - Whether you can switch to a partial pay arrangement that would make you eligible Also, check your employee handbook - some companies have policies where they pay the difference between SDI and your full salary, which is different from just paying you 100% outright. That distinction matters to EDD! Keep pushing back on the appeal - I've seen cases where it took 2-3 attempts but people eventually got it sorted out. Don't give up! 💪