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This thread is such a lifesaver! I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant and already dreading dealing with the EDD transition from SDI to PFL based on all the horror stories I've heard. Reading through everyone's experiences here has given me a game plan - I'm definitely going to bookmark that Claimyr service and try the early morning calling strategy if I run into the same missing link issue. It's so frustrating that this is such a widespread problem that EDD hasn't bothered to fix. Thank you Dmitry for sharing your whole journey and everyone else for the helpful tips. Hopefully by the time I need this, they'll have gotten their act together, but at least now I know what to do if not!
That's smart to plan ahead! I wish I had known about all these potential issues before I hit the transition period. One more tip - make sure to take screenshots of your EDD account pages throughout your SDI claim, especially near the end. That way if the PFL link doesn't appear, you'll have documentation to show the EDD rep exactly what you're seeing (or not seeing). It helped speed up my call when I could describe exactly what was missing. Best of luck with your pregnancy and hopefully you'll have a smoother experience than the rest of us!
This whole thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - I'm on week 4 of SDI and already panicking about the transition to PFL after reading so many stories about gaps in benefits. It's reassuring to know that there are solutions like Claimyr when the EDD phone system fails (which seems to be constantly). I'm definitely going to save all these tips and check my account regularly as I get closer to my SDI end date. It's honestly shameful that EDD's system is so broken that new parents have to rely on third-party services just to access their own benefits. Dmitry, I'm so glad you got it sorted out and thanks for updating us with the solution! This thread should be pinned somewhere for other parents to find.
Hey OP, how long has it been since you applied? Sometimes it can take a few weeks to process, especially if there's a backlog.
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Applied 2 weeks ago for PFL and radio silence from EDD. No emails, no updates in my online account - nothing. It's so stressful when you're depending on that money. I've been reading through all these comments and it sounds like calling early in the morning might be the way to go. Also thinking about reaching out to my assembly member's office like @Mateo Gonzalez suggested. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least I know I'm not alone in this mess! 😤
Pro tip: If you're having trouble with the phone lines, try calling right when they open in the morning. I've had better luck getting through that way. Also, Wednesdays seem to be less busy for some reason. 🤷♂️
Have you considered reaching out to your local state representative's office? Sometimes they can help expedite things or at least get you in touch with the right person at PFL. Worth a shot if you're really stuck!
This! 👆 I did this last year and it actually worked. My rep's office had a dedicated person for dealing with state benefit issues. They got my problem solved in like a week.
I just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to EDD? If your rent is due very soon and you're still waiting, you might want to consider asking your landlord for a short extension and explaining the situation. Many landlords would rather give you a few extra days than deal with finding new tenants, especially if you can show documentation of the pending PFL claim. Also, if you're able to make a partial payment, that often goes a long way toward goodwill while you wait for the full benefit to arrive.
We finally got through using that Claimyr service someone suggested! Turns out there was an issue with my husband's ID verification that wasn't showing up online at all. The agent was able to verify his identity over the phone and said the payment should process in 3-5 business days. Our landlord agreed to give us until the 10th without a late fee. Fingers crossed the money arrives in time!
That's such great news that you finally got through and figured out what was holding up the claim! The ID verification issue not showing up online is so typical of EDD's system - it's like they have these hidden requirements that claimants have no way of knowing about. I'm glad your landlord was understanding too. Hopefully other people reading this will know to specifically ask about identity verification when they get through to an agent. Keep us updated on when the payment actually hits your account!
This is exactly why I joined this community - real people helping each other navigate these impossible government systems! @ef7084b4b048 I'm so relieved you got through and found the actual problem. The hidden ID verification issue is infuriating but unfortunately very common. I hope your payment comes through quickly and you can finally breathe easy. Thanks for sharing the update - it gives hope to others dealing with the same nightmare!
Dylan Baskin
Anyone else notice that these issues always seem to happen when you need the money most? It's like they have a sixth sense for inconvenience 😒
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Lauren Wood
•Murphy's Law of unemployment benefits 🤦♂️
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Elin Robinson
I went through this exact same thing a few months ago! Turned out there was a "waiting period" that I wasn't aware of that affected my first week. The EDD rep explained that sometimes the first 7 days include a waiting period where you don't get paid for the first day, so you only get 6 days of benefits, but if there were other deductions or issues, it could be even less. Definitely call and ask them to break down exactly what days you're being paid for and why. Also, make sure you have your confirmation numbers from when you certified - that helped me prove what I had claimed. Hope this helps and you get it sorted out soon!
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Toot-n-Mighty
•This is super helpful! I had no idea about the waiting period thing. That could totally explain what's happening with my claim. Did you have to do anything special to get them to explain the breakdown, or did they just offer that info once you got through to someone?
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