How to apply for maternity leave in CaliforniaTwo requests, two EDD claims, one plan.

§ 04

How to apply for maternity leave, step by step

Follow these in order. The letters are starting points; change the details to fit your situation.

1. Check which leave you qualify for

   Confirm your employer’s size and your time on the job (see above). The leave planner lays out your dates, and PDL, CFRA and FMLA explains how the laws overlap.

2. Send your written leave request

   Send it to your manager and HR at least 30 days before your expected start date when you can. Ask for both leaves in one letter, and ask for the written promise of reinstatement the rules give you.

   Copy this maternity leave request letterCopy

   Subject: Request for pregnancy disability leave and CFRA bonding leave
   
   Dear [manager or HR contact],
   
   I am requesting leave for my pregnancy and the birth of my child. My expected due date is [date].
   
   1. Pregnancy disability leave (PDL). My health care provider expects that I will be disabled by pregnancy starting on or about [date]. I request PDL from that date for as long as my provider certifies, up to four months. I will provide my provider’s certification [now / by (date)]. It will state that I am disabled by pregnancy, the start date, and the estimated length of my leave.
   
   2. CFRA bonding leave. When my PDL ends, I request CFRA leave to bond with my baby for [number] weeks, through about [date].
   
   Please confirm in writing:
   - that my leave is approved, and the dates;
   - that I will return to my same position after PDL, and to my same or a comparable position after CFRA leave;
   - that my group health coverage will continue during my leave; and
   - your policy on using sick leave, vacation or other paid time off during each leave.
   
   I understand a response is due within 10 calendar days for PDL and 5 business days for CFRA leave. If my dates change, I will let you know as soon as I can.
   
   Thank you,
   [Your name]
   [Job title]
   [Phone and email]
   [Date]

3. Give your employer the certification

   Ask your provider for a short note that says you are disabled by pregnancy, the start date and the expected length. If your employer asks for your diagnosis, you can politely point out that the rules don’t require it.

4. Get the approval in writing

   If you hear nothing, follow up in writing. A short, polite reminder creates a record. If your request is denied or you are punished for asking, read about pregnancy retaliation.

   Copy this follow-up emailCopy

   Subject: Following up on my leave request of [date]
   
   Hi [Name],
   
   On [date], I requested pregnancy disability leave starting on or about [date], and CFRA bonding leave after it. I have not yet received a response.
   
   Please confirm in writing that my leave is approved, my dates, and that I will return to my same position after PDL [and to my same or a comparable position after CFRA leave].
   
   Thank you,
   [Your name]

5. File your SDI claim with EDD

   EDD says to apply when your provider says you can’t work and you begin losing wages, typically about 4 weeks before your due date, or earlier if your provider certifies complications. Register with myEDD and file in SDI Online, or mail the Claim for Disability Insurance (DI) Benefits (DE 2501).

   File no earlier than 9 days and no later than 49 days after your disability begins. Your provider certifies your disability to EDD. The first 7 days of a new claim are an unpaid waiting period.

6. Move to Paid Family Leave for bonding

   When your disability claim ends, EDD sends you the Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits – New Mother (DE 2501FP), in your SDI Online Message Center or by mail. PFL pays up to 8 weeks in a 12-month period, used within 12 months of the birth.

   Apply no earlier than the first day your family leave begins and no later than 41 days after. A parent without a pregnancy disability claim, such as a father or adoptive parent, sends a proof-of-relationship document, such as the child’s birth certificate.

7. Tell your employer if your dates change

   If your start or return date moves, tell your employer in writing as soon as you know. When your return date changes, your employer must reinstate you within 2 business days of your notice where feasible. More in getting your job back after maternity leave.

   Copy this date-change emailCopy

   Subject: Update to my leave dates
   
   Hi [Name],
   
   My [leave start date / return date] has changed from [old date] to [new date] because [my baby arrived early / my provider extended my leave / my provider released me to return].
   
   [If returning:] I am ready to return to work on [date]. Please confirm my return date, position, schedule and pay in writing.
   
   I will send any updated certification you need.
   
   Thank you,
   [Your name]