2025 California State Disability Insurance (SDI) pregnancy and maternity leave guide
California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides up to 12 weeks of income support for pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery in 2025. Learn who qualifies, how long benefits last, and when to file your claim.
California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides partial wage replacement to workers who are unable to do their jobs because of pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery. For many new mothers, SDI serves as the first stage of income support before transitioning into Paid Family Leave (PFL), which covers bonding time with a new child after recovery.
In 2025, SDI benefits remain generous compared to other states. Eligible workers can receive 60–90% of their wages, up to a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681, depending on income.
Eligibility During Pregnancy
You may qualify for SDI during pregnancy if a licensed health professional certifies that you are unable to perform your usual job duties. This can apply in several situations, including:
- Pregnancy itself when it prevents you from continuing normal work.
- Pregnancy-related medical conditions or complications.
- Recovery following childbirth.
Certain workers also face job-specific risks that may qualify them for benefits:
- Farmworkers exposed to pesticides during pregnancy.
- Employees in roles requiring heavy lifting, long periods of standing, or regular chemical exposure.
- Workers whose health care providers recommend reduced hours or modified duties that lead to lost wages.
When to File for SDI During Pregnancy
The standard timeframe for pregnancy-related SDI is:
- Up to four weeks before your estimated due date.
- Up to six weeks after delivery for a vaginal birth.
- Up to eight weeks after delivery for a cesarean section.
However, if your health professional certifies that you need to stop working earlier due to complications or restricted duties, you may be eligible to file before the standard four-week window.
Keep in mind that you cannot start an SDI claim before you actually stop working or begin losing wages. Your licensed health professional must also confirm that you are unable to continue performing your regular job at that time.
Duration of Pregnancy Disability Benefits
For most pregnancies without medical complications, California SDI typically covers:
- Up to four weeks before your expected due date.
- Six weeks after delivery for a vaginal birth.
- Eight weeks after delivery for a cesarean section.
If complications arise, your licensed health professional can certify you for a longer period before or after delivery. This flexibility ensures that women who need additional recovery time — whether due to medical issues during pregnancy or post-partum complications — can continue receiving benefits.
Transition from SDI to Paid Family Leave (PFL)
SDI benefits end once your health care provider clears you to return to work from a medical standpoint. At that point, most new mothers shift to Paid Family Leave (PFL) to cover bonding time with their newborn.
The Employment Development Department (EDD) makes this transition easier by sending you instructions automatically. You’ll receive either:
- A link to the Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits – New Mother (DE 2501FP) in your SDI Online inbox, or
- A paper version of the same form in the mail.
Filing Process for Expectant Mothers
Filing for SDI during pregnancy can be done in two ways:
- Online: through the SDI Online system within your myEDD portal.
- By mail: by completing the official DI claim forms provided by EDD.
In both cases, you’ll need certification from your licensed health professional confirming that you are unable to perform your regular job duties.
Timing is critical. You should file once you are medically certified and no longer earning full wages. Filing too early (before you’ve stopped working) can result in delays or denial of benefits.
Special Situations
Self-Employed or Business Owners
If you run your own business or work as an independent contractor, you can protect your income during pregnancy by enrolling in California’s Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) program. This allows self-employed individuals to pay into the system and qualify for the same wage replacement benefits as traditional employees.
Unemployment Claimants
You cannot collect Unemployment Insurance (UI) at the same time as SDI or Paid Family Leave. If you’re pregnant and already receiving UI, you’ll need to:
- Stop certifying for unemployment benefits.
- Notify the UI program that you are no longer able and available to work.
- File an SDI claim through SDI Online or by mail.
Once your pregnancy-related disability period ends, you can transition to Paid Family Leave for bonding time.
Workplace Health Risks
If your job duties pose risks to you or your baby — such as heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or chemical exposure — your licensed health professional may certify you as disabled. This certification allows you to file an SDI claim even if you stop working earlier than the standard four weeks before your due date.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- California SDI provides 60–90% wage replacement during pregnancy and recovery, capped at $1,681 per week in 2025.
- Typical pregnancy disability benefits last 10–12 weeks total, though more time may be certified if medical complications arise.
- After SDI ends, most new mothers transition into Paid Family Leave for additional bonding time with their child.
- Filing correctly and on time — with proper medical certification — ensures smooth benefit processing.h
For more details on benefit amounts, eligibility, and the claims process, explore our 2025 California SDI Benefits Guide and 2025 California SDI Tax Guide.
