Pregnancy Leave

What to Do Before and After Baby Arrives

Pregnancy Leave

What to Do Before and After Baby Arrives

Are you pregnant and not sure if you should apply for Disability Insurance (DI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL)? Most new mothers use both programs. Many women start with Disability before their baby is born, then transition to Paid Family Leave after they give birth to bond with their baby.

Understand the Types of Leave

Disability pays benefits while you cannot work because of your pregnancy, childbirth, or your recovery. Paid Family Leave pays benefits after your disability claim is over, so you can bond with your new baby.

  • Step 1: Before Baby Arrives

    Apply for Disability (typically 4 weeks)

    You may qualify for benefits if you're not able to work because of your pregnancy or childbirth and your medical provider certifies (confirms) your disability.

    You should apply when your physician/practitioner says you cannot work and you begin losing wages, typically 4 weeks before your due date.

    Benefits can start earlier if your medical provider certifies you have:

    • Complications
    • Work restrictions
    • Reduced hours
    • Unsafe working conditions
    Apply Now

    Don't see what you're looking for? Review the Common Questions below for more information.

  • Step 2: After Your Baby Is Born

    Continue on Disability (typically 6-8 weeks)

    Most mothers continue receiving disability benefits while recovering from childbirth. It typically lasts 6-8 weeks after the baby is born and depends on what type of birth you had:

    • Natural birth: 6 weeks
    • Caesarean section: 8 weeks

    If you have medical complications, your provider can extend your disability claim time.

    Examples can include:

    • Preeclampsia
    • Gestational diabetes
    • Postpartum depression
    • Labor complications
     

    Still have more questions? Review the Common Questions below for more information.

Step 3: When Your Recovery Ends, Bond with Your Baby

Apply for Paid Family Leave (typically up to 8 weeks)

Once you've recovered from childbirth, it’s time to transition from receiving disability benefits to Paid Family Leave. You can transition when:

  • Your disability claim ends.
  • You've received your last disability payment.
  • Your provider releases you to return to work.

Note: We will send you the Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits – New Mother (DE 2501FP) form in your SDI Online Message Center, or by mail.

Apply Now
 

Don't see what you're looking for? Review the Common Questions below for more information.

The early weeks matter. Research shows that early bonding supports healthy development and stronger family connections.

Common Questions

I’m a farmworker who became pregnant during the off-season. Am I eligible for Disability Insurance benefits?

It depends. Some seasonal workers can qualify for Disability Insurance benefits if their pregnancy-related disability begins during the off-season and they have not left the workforce. If you think you may qualify, we encourage you to apply.

As a farmworker, pesticide exposure could put my baby or my health at risk during pregnancy. Can I get Disability Insurance benefits?

Yes. If your licensed health professional says that it’s not medically safe for you to do your usual job because of pesticide exposure during pregnancy, you can apply for disability.

My job duties (lifting, standing for long periods, chemical exposure, or other work activities) could put my baby or my health at risk during pregnancy. Can I get Disability Insurance benefits?

Yes. If your licensed health professional says that it’s not medically safe for you to do your normal job during pregnancy, you can apply for disability.

My baby is due in two months. My job requires standing for long periods, but I can’t keep doing that. If I stop working early, can I still get disability benefits?

You could still be eligible. Whether you qualify depends on risk factors like your age, job duties, pregnancy history, and current medical condition. Your licensed health professional would need to certify that you’re unable to do your usual job.

After my baby is born, can I add an extra week to my recovery time?

It depends. Disability Insurance benefits cover you only while you are unable to do your usual job because of your pregnancy or recovery. If you need more recovery time, your licensed health professional can give an extension if you are still under medical care and unable to return to work.

I’m self-employed or own a business. How can I protect my income if I can’t work because of my pregnancy?

You can protect yourself by enrolling in the Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) program. DIEC provides Disability Insurance coverage for eligible self-employed people and business owners.

I’m receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, but now I’m pregnant. How do I apply for Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave?

You cannot receive Disability Insurance (DI), or Paid Family Leave benefits at the same time as Unemployment Insurance (UI). If you need to switch from UI to DI:

  1. Stop certifying for unemployment benefits.
  2. Notify the Unemployment Insurance  program that you are no longer able and available for work. They will schedule a phone interview with you to stop your claim.
  3. Apply for DI. Register with myEDD, then file your DI claim in SDI Online. Or, fill out your Claim for Disability Insurance (DI) Benefits (DE 2501) and send it in by mail.

What if I get pregnant for a second time within the same 12 month period?

You only get 8 weeks of benefits per year. If you become pregnant for a second time, you would wait until the following benefit year to apply for another bonding claim, unless you didn’t use all 8 weeks. If you didn’t use all 8 weeks, you can use the remaining weeks on your second pregnancy.

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First 5 California provides resources, support, programs, and information for children ages 0 to 5 and their families.