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Noah Ali

Denied PFL after entering wrong SDI recovery date - Can I fix this online or need to appeal?

I'm so frustrated and confused right now. I was on State Disability Insurance for 3 months following a major surgery, and when I tried to transition to Paid Family Leave to care for my mom (she had a stroke), my PFL claim was denied! Looking closer at the denial letter, I think I messed up by putting the wrong date for when I received my final SDI payment. I accidentally put April 15, 2025 when I should have put March 28, 2025. Is there a way to fix this online? Can I just log into my SDI Online account and update my recovery status to show I'm no longer receiving disability benefits? Or do I HAVE to go through the formal appeal process for my PFL denial? I really need this PFL to kick in ASAP since I've already started caring for my mom and took unpaid leave from work. Has anyone dealt with something similar? Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

same thing happened to my sister last year!! she put the wrong date too and it was a NIGHTMARE. took her like 2 months to get her money and she almost got evicted

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Noah Ali

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Oh no, that's terrifying! What did she end up doing to fix it? Did she appeal or was there another way?

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You can't just update your recovery date online after the fact, unfortunately. The SDI and PFL systems are connected, but once you've received a formal denial, you need to go through the appeal process. Here's what you should do: 1. File an appeal immediately (you have 30 days from the date on your denial notice) 2. Include documentation showing your actual last day of SDI benefits 3. Explain clearly it was a data entry error, not an attempt to double-dip benefits 4. Call the PFL office directly to notify them about your appeal The good news is that once resolved, you'll receive back payments from your original eligibility date. Just make sure you continue certifying for PFL while your appeal is pending.

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Noah Ali

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Thank you so much for these clear steps! I was hoping there would be a simpler fix, but I'll start the appeal process today. Do you know if there's any way to expedite this since it was just a simple date entry error?

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Olivia Harris

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i think ur confusing PFL with CFRA leave... they have different requirements and PFL is through EDD but CFRA is thru ur employer so maybe thats why u got denied?

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No, the OP is correct about their situation. They're trying to transition from SDI to PFL (both administered by EDD), and the issue is about date continuity between the two programs. CFRA is job protection, not wage replacement, so that's a separate matter entirely.

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The EXACT same thing happened to me in January!!! I was on disability for pregnancy then tried to switch to PFL for bonding time with my baby. I put my SDI end date wrong by just 3 days and they denied my PFL claim. It was SO frustrating because I called EDD like 50 times and could never get through. I spent HOURS on hold only to get disconnected. I finally had to file an appeal and it took 6 weeks to get sorted out. The system is BROKEN!!! Why can't they just check the records themselves since they have access to all my SDI info anyway???!!!

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Noah Ali

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Six weeks?? That's so long to wait without income. I'm already stressed about caring for my mom with no pay. Did they at least backpay you for the full amount once it was resolved?

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Yes they did backpay everything but it was still really stressful waiting all that time not knowing for sure if it would get approved. And I had to use credit cards for everything which sucked. The worst part was not being able to talk to anyone at EDD directly about my case!

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Alicia Stern

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I know this is frustrating, but there's a faster way to handle this than waiting forever on appeals. I was in a similar situation last month and spent days trying to reach someone at EDD. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent was able to see both my SDI and PFL claims and note the date error in the system. I still had to submit some documentation, but having that direct conversation saved me weeks of waiting. Just make sure you have your claim numbers and dates ready when you call.

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does this actually work? seems sketchy to me

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Drake

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This is a common issue with SDI to PFL transitions. Here's what's happening: When you file for PFL after SDI, the system checks for continuous eligibility between programs. The date discrepancy makes it appear you're trying to receive both benefits simultaneously (which isn't allowed) or that there's a gap (which could affect eligibility). You have three options: 1. Appeal the PFL denial (takes 3-6 weeks typically) 2. Call EDD directly and request a claim adjustment (difficult to reach someone) 3. Visit an EDD office in person with documentation of your correct dates Importantly, the mistake doesn't affect your total eligibility period for PFL (still 8 weeks), just the start date. File DE 1009A appeal form with documentation showing your actual last SDI payment date. Be specific about the error being a date entry mistake. Regarding your question about updating online - unfortunately, once benefits are paid, you cannot retroactively change dates in the system yourself.

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Noah Ali

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Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! This helps me understand what happened. I think I'll try calling first, and if I can't get through, I'll definitely file the appeal with all the documentation you suggested. It's good to know this won't affect my total PFL eligibility period at least.

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Sarah Jones

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why dont u just go to your local EDD office? thats wat i did when they messed up my claim and i talked to someone right there on the spot and they fixed it

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Noah Ali

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I didn't know that was an option! The EDD office near me always looks so crowded. Do you need an appointment or can you just walk in? How long did you have to wait?

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Sarah Jones

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i just walked in but had to wait like 2 hrs so bring a book lol. but still faster than dealing with phones and mail!

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To address your specific question about updating your recovery status online - once you've certified for a period and been paid, you can't retroactively change that information yourself. The system prevents this to avoid fraud. Since you've already received a denial, you need to appeal. Make sure you include: 1. Your last SDI payment stub showing the correct date 2. A copy of your SDI claim award showing your benefit period 3. Any medical documentation supporting your recovery date 4. A clear written explanation of the data entry error While waiting for the appeal, try to reach a representative by phone who might be able to expedite the process. The technical term for what you need is an "Amended Certification" for your SDI claim with the correct recovery date.

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Noah Ali

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Thank you for the specific documents I need to gather. I'll start collecting everything today and will use the term "Amended Certification" when I talk to them. Really hoping this gets resolved quickly!

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the whole system is designed to make u give up!!! my neighbor works for edd and says they WANT people to mess up dates so they can deny claims and save money!!

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That's not accurate. EDD has processing issues due to outdated systems and high volume, but there's no policy to intentionally deny valid claims. In fact, they have performance metrics based on correctly processing claims, not denying them. Please be careful about spreading misinformation that might discourage people from applying for benefits they're entitled to receive.

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Zoe Papadakis

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I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I made the same mistake with my SDI end date when applying for PFL to care for my elderly father. What I learned from talking to an EDD supervisor (after many, many calls) is that you absolutely need to appeal, but here's a tip that might help speed things up: when you file your DE 1009A appeal form, also submit a "Request for Expedited Review" and mark it as a "clerical error correction." The supervisor told me that simple date entry errors like ours get prioritized differently than complex eligibility disputes. Make sure to include a copy of your actual last SDI payment (from your bank statement or EDD payment history) along with a brief letter explaining it was just a typo. I'm still waiting for my resolution (it's been 3 weeks), but they told me to expect a decision within 4-5 weeks instead of the usual 6-8 weeks for regular appeals. Also, keep certifying for PFL benefits even while your appeal is pending - don't let any weeks lapse or you might lose those benefit periods entirely. Hope this helps and good luck with your mom's care!

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Zoey Bianchi

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This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I had no idea there was a "Request for Expedited Review" option or that clerical errors get prioritized differently. I'll definitely include that with my DE 1009A form and make sure to gather my bank statements showing the actual SDI payment dates. It's reassuring to know that even 4-5 weeks is better than the standard timeline. I really appreciate you sharing what the supervisor told you - it gives me hope that this will get resolved faster than I feared. Best of luck with your father's care and getting your situation sorted out too!

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Diego Vargas

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I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago! The date mix-up is so easy to do when you're dealing with the stress of transitioning between programs. Here's what worked for me: I called EDD first thing in the morning (around 8:01 AM) on a Tuesday - seems like Tuesdays and Wednesdays have shorter wait times. When I finally got through, the representative was actually really helpful once I explained it was just a date entry error. She was able to see my SDI payment history right there and noted the discrepancy in my file. She told me to still file the formal appeal (which I did using the DE 1009A form), but having that phone conversation where she documented the error in the system definitely helped speed things up. My appeal was approved in about 3 weeks instead of the typical 6-8 weeks. One thing that really helped was having my EDD payment history printed out before I called - you can get this from your SDI Online account under "Payment History." Having those exact dates ready made the conversation go much smoother. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but your situation is totally fixable since it's just a clerical error. Keep trying to call while you wait for the appeal process - sometimes getting that human contact makes all the difference.

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Ali Anderson

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This is such great advice about calling early in the morning on specific days! I never would have thought about timing mattering that much. Having the payment history ready before calling is really smart too - I'll definitely log into my SDI Online account and print everything out before I attempt to call. It's so encouraging to hear that you got your appeal approved in just 3 weeks after having that phone conversation. I'm going to try calling tomorrow morning (Tuesday) right at 8:01 AM and see if I can get through. Thank you for sharing your experience and giving me hope that this really is fixable!

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I work at a nonprofit that helps people navigate EDD issues, and I see this exact scenario almost weekly. The good news is that date entry errors for SDI-to-PFL transitions are among the most straightforward appeals to resolve - you're definitely not alone in making this mistake! Here's my recommendation based on what I've seen work best: 1. File your DE 1009A appeal immediately (don't wait) with clear documentation of your actual SDI end date 2. Try calling EDD early morning (8:00-8:30 AM) on Tuesday/Wednesday for best chance of getting through 3. If you can't reach anyone by phone after a few days, consider visiting your local EDD office - yes, there's a wait, but sometimes face-to-face gets faster results Most importantly: keep certifying for PFL while your appeal is pending! I've seen people lose benefit weeks because they stopped certifying thinking they had to wait for the appeal decision first. The typical timeline I see for these types of clerical error appeals is 3-5 weeks once properly documented. Since you're already caring for your mom, make sure you're tracking all your caregiving activities/hours as you'll need to report those when your benefits get approved. Stay persistent - this will get resolved!

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Taylor To

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This is exactly what I needed to hear from someone who sees these cases regularly! It's so reassuring to know that this type of appeal is considered straightforward and that I'm not the only one who's made this mistake. I really appreciate the specific timeline (3-5 weeks) and the reminder to keep certifying for PFL while waiting - I definitely would have made that mistake of stopping certification thinking I had to wait for the appeal first. I'm already tracking my caregiving hours for my mom, so I'll be ready with that documentation when this gets approved. Thank you for the encouragement and for the work you do helping people navigate this confusing system!

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