When will my pregnancy and postpartum leave start?
For typical and uncomplicated pregnancies, your leave can start at 36 weeks of pregnancy. If you have certain pregnancy complications, your clinician may adjust the start of your leave. If you prefer to work past 36 weeks of pregnancy, you can’t “save” those weeks of pregnancy leave and add them to the postpartum leave after your baby arrives.
What kinds of leave can I take before and after my baby is born?
If you work in California, you may be eligible for partial wage replacement through California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). You may also be able to request unpaid job protection through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)/California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
It’s important to discuss your leave with your employer so you know which benefits you’re eligible to receive.
- California State Disability Insurance (SDI) partial wage replacement during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Your leave can start at 36 weeks of pregnancy and will continue for 6 weeks after a vaginal birth, or 8 weeks after a C-section.
- Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides partial wage replacement for up to 8 additional weeks after your SDI ends for baby bonding. It can be taken right after SDI or at any time during your baby’s first year.
- FMLA/CFRA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.
- Private disability insurance or other benefits may be offered by your employer.
Do I need my clinician to fill out a form?
You’ll need a work status report (also called the physician/practitioner’s certification) to get your SDI benefits, pregnancy related FMLA/CFRA, or private disability insurance through your employer. You won’t need a work status report for FMLA/CFRA or PFL related to baby bonding after the birth. You’ll only need to provide proof of birth such as a birth note, birth certificate, or discharge summary. If you have pregnancy complications, you may need an updated work status report.
How do I get the work status report (physician/practitioner’s certification)?
It will be available in your medical record. This typically happens after your 32-week appointment. Let us know if you need it sooner. Go to your kp.org account and select “Medical Records” and then “Letters.”
How do I submit it to SDI?
Follow these steps:
- Complete a one-time online registration with the Employment Development Department (EDD).
- Submit an online disability insurance claim with the EDD. Keep a copy of the receipt number once your claim has been submitted,. You will need to provide it to Kaiser Permanente Release of Information (ROI) Department staff when requesting an SDI work status report or physician’s certification.
- Complete the SDI medical certification request
What if I need other forms signed?
If you need other forms signed, contact your local Kaiser Permanente Release of Information Department (ROI). Don’t give forms directly to your clinician. Local ROI office phone numbers and email addresses can be found at kp.org/requestrecords. Standard forms for employers will be provided.
When can the other parent or guardian take employment leave for baby bonding?
If eligible, the other parent or guardian can take paid leave through PFL, and/or unpaid leave through FMLA/CFRA. They’ll need to submit a birth note, birth certificate, or discharge summary. They don’t need a work status report/physician’s certification from your clinician. If there’s a complication during pregnancy or delivery and you’re unable to care for yourself on your own, you may request a caregiver report from your clinician. You may share this report with any of your designated caregivers to assist with their leave requests.
What if I have more questions?
The Kaiser Permanente Release of Information Department (ROI) is here to help. ROI can assist with pregnancy verification letters, employer/private insurance forms, medical certification documents, applying for state benefits, and questions regarding pregnancy and postpartum leave. You can also contact your local ROI Department by phone or email for assistance.
Disclaimer
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.