State Disability Insurance (SDI) for pregnancy

You need at least $300 in wages that paid into SDI during your “base period,” about 5 to 18 months before your claim — you’ll usually see CASDI on your pay stub. You also need to be working, or looking for work, when your disability begins.

Self-employed? You’re covered only if you enrolled in EDD’s Elective Coverage well before your pregnancy. Some state and public employees are on a different program, and some employers run their own plan that you file with instead of EDD — ask HR where your claim goes.

EDD looks at the quarter of your base period when you earned the most. Your weekly benefit is about 70% of that quarter’s pay divided by 13 — 90% for lower earners — up to $1,765 a week in 2026. EDD mails a Notice of Computation with your exact amount. For a typical pregnancy that’s about 9 paid weeks after the waiting week.

• Set up a myEDD account and SDI Online ahead of time — identity verification can take a few days.
• File your part of the claim online from your first day of leave, and within 49 days. Choose direct deposit, which is only offered online.
• Send your receipt number to your provider so they can certify the medical part. Nothing is paid until they do.
• If your employer pays you during leave, say so on the claim. State pay and company pay together can’t pass your usual weekly pay.

Pregnancy disability pay usually isn’t taxable, federally or in California. Paid Family Leave, which comes next, is federally taxable but exempt from California income tax.

When your disability ends, EDD sends you a Paid Family Leave claim form automatically, so your bonding pay can start the next day.