2026 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 2026. Learn about the new $1,765 weekly cap and how to transition into bonding leave.
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 medical recovery.
This guide explains how SDI applies to pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery in 2026, detailing standard timelines and eligibility for new parents. For benefit details—including new payout levels in 2026—see our 2026 SDI benefits guide. For tax details—including the updated 2026 SDI tax rate—see our 2026 SDI tax guide.
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 (e.g., gestational diabetes or preeclampsia).
- Recovery following childbirth (postpartum care).
Certain workers also face job-specific risks that may qualify them for benefits earlier than the standard window:
- Farmworkers exposed to pesticides or extreme heat.
- 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 in 2026 remains:
- 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 high-risk job duties, you may be eligible to file before the standard four-week window. You cannot start an SDI claim until you actually stop working or begin losing wages, and your medical provider must confirm your inability to work at that time.
New for 2026: The "Vacation Choice" Rule
A major policy shift effective January 1, 2026, significantly benefits expectant parents. Under new state law (AB 2123), employers can no longer require you to use your earned vacation time before you can access Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits.
While you can still voluntarily choose to use vacation pay to receive 100% of your salary, your employer cannot mandate it as a condition for receiving state benefits. This allows you to save your hard-earned vacation time for later in the year or use it to "top off" your state disability payments.
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—such as severe morning sickness, gestational diabetes, or post-partum depression—your licensed health professional can certify you for a longer period before or after delivery. This flexibility ensures that parents who need additional recovery time can continue receiving benefits for up to the 52-week maximum.
2026 Pregnancy Benefit Tiers
The amount you receive each week is based on your highest quarterly earnings during your base period. In 2026, lower-income earners receive a higher percentage of their wages (90%) to ensure leave is accessible for all workers.
| Estimated Annual Income | Highest Quarterly Wages | Weekly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $1,200 | Less than $300 | Not eligible |
| $1,200 – $2,889.96 | $300 – $722.49 | $50 (Minimum) |
| $2,890 – $65,119.60 | $722.50 – $16,279.90 | 90% of weekly wages |
| $65,119.64 – $83,725.20 | $16,279.91 – $20,931.30 | Flat rate: $1,127/week |
| Over $83,725.24 | Over $20,931.31 | 70% of weekly wages, max of $1,765/week |
Transition from SDI to Paid Family Leave (PFL)
SDI benefits for pregnancy recovery end once your health care provider clears you to return to work. At that point, most new parents transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) to cover bonding time with their newborn.
In 2026, PFL provides an additional 8 weeks of paid bonding leave. The Employment Development Department (EDD) simplifies this transition by automatically sending you the required bonding form (DE 2501FP) through your SDI Online inbox or by mail once your disability period concludes.
Special Situations
- Self-Employed Individuals: If you operate as an independent contractor, you can access these maternity benefits by enrolling in Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) at least six months before your claim.
- Unemployment Claimants: You cannot collect Unemployment Insurance (UI) and SDI simultaneously. If you become disabled while receiving UI, you must notify the UI program and switch your claim to SDI.
- Workplace Health Risks: If your job requires heavy lifting or involves chemical exposure, your doctor can certify you as disabled earlier than the standard four-week pre-birth window to protect your health and the health of the baby.
Key Takeaways for 2026
- Higher Caps: The maximum weekly benefit has risen to $1,765 for 2026.
- 90% Replacement: Lower-to-middle income workers now qualify for 90% of their weekly wages.
- Vacation Choice: Your employer can no longer force you to use vacation time before you start bonding leave.
- Standard Duration: Benefits typically cover 10–12 weeks of total pregnancy and recovery time.
Future Planning
In 2026, SDI benefits reached a new milestone in the implementation of Senate Bill 951. Eligible workers can now receive between 70% and 90% of their wages, up to a record maximum weekly benefit of $1,765, ensuring that pregnancy leave is more financially sustainable for California families.
To learn more, check the resources below.
- Integration of Benefits
- Part Time Intermittent Reduced Work Schedule
- Voluntary Plan
- Self-Employed – Eligibility for Disability Insurance Elective Coverage
- EDD State Disability Insurance Overview
- 2026 Benefit Payment FAQs
Find DI Information for You
- Physicians/Practitioners
- State Employees
- Employers and Self-Employed/Independent Contractor
- Employers/Employees of Voluntary Plan
