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ugh im in the same boat rn. its like trying to nail jello to a wall getting answers from these ppl. solidarity, friend ✊
I went through something similar last year! Turns out my payment got lost in the mail and was returned to sender. Here's what worked for me: I had to request a "payment trace" - basically asking them to track where the payment went. You can do this by calling the PFL number and specifically asking for a payment trace. They'll investigate and if the payment was indeed returned, they can reissue it as a direct deposit instead of a check. It took about 2-3 weeks but I finally got my money. Don't let them brush you off - be persistent and ask for supervisor if the first person can't help!
This is why we need serious reform in our benefits system. It's ridiculous that people have to jump through so many hoops just to get what they're entitled to. We should all be writing to our representatives about this!
I'm in a similar boat right now - submitted my PFL claim 2.5 weeks ago and still nothing. It's so stressful when you're counting on that money! I've been trying the early morning call strategy that @Liam mentioned, and while I haven't gotten through yet, I did notice the hold times are shorter around 8:15am vs later in the day. Also, @Dmitry's advice about documenting everything is spot on - I started keeping a spreadsheet of all my call attempts and it's already helped me stay organized. Hang in there, we'll get through this! 💪
Hey OP, hang in there. I know it's tough, but your claim will get processed eventually. Try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know). Sending positive vibes your way! ❤️
I went through the exact same thing last year and it was incredibly frustrating. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the 1-877-238-4373 number repeatedly using the redial feature on my phone while doing other tasks. It took about 2 hours of constant redialing, but I eventually got through. Also, try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays - seemed like those days had shorter wait times in my experience. Once you do get someone on the line, be super polite and have all your documents ready to go. The representatives are dealing with tons of frustrated people all day, so a little kindness goes a long way. You got this! 💪
Thank you all for the helpful information! I've decided to: 1. Try reaching an EDD representative using Claimyr to get official confirmation about my eligibility 2. Visit our base's family support center to learn about military-specific programs 3. Talk to my employer about whether they offer any additional leave benefits 4. Start budgeting for the possibility of unpaid leave It's disappointing that moving to California so recently might disqualify me from benefits despite contributing, but at least now I have a clearer understanding of how the system works. I'll update this thread if I learn anything that might help others in similar situations!
Good luck with everything! I just wanted to add that if you do end up not qualifying for CA benefits, don't forget to check if your employer offers any short-term disability insurance or if you have any personal policies that might cover maternity leave. Some companies also have their own parental leave policies that are separate from state programs. Also, while you're exploring military family support options, ask about dependent care assistance programs - they sometimes have childcare vouchers or other support for new parents that can help offset the financial impact of unpaid leave. Keep us posted on what you find out!
This is such great additional advice! I completely forgot about checking for personal short-term disability policies. I think I might actually have something through my previous employer that could still be active. And you're absolutely right about employer-specific parental leave policies - my company has been pretty supportive about the remote work arrangement, so they might have other benefits I haven't explored yet. The dependent care assistance programs sound really helpful too. Thanks for thinking of all these different angles - it gives me hope that there might be other options even if the CA state benefits don't work out!
Freya Andersen
Just checking in - did your payment arrive today? If not, I'd recommend contacting EDD directly. One other thought - did you perhaps file your final certification early? Sometimes filing slightly early can cause a delay while they verify you didn't return to work before the end of your claim period.
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Isabella Oliveira
•IT JUST ARRIVED!! About an hour ago actually. Such a relief! You were right about the delay. I guess the system saying "processed" doesn't mean it's actually been sent to my bank. Thanks everyone for the reassurance and advice - definitely helped keep me from panicking completely!
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Ethan Wilson
So glad your payment finally came through! This is really helpful info for anyone else going through PFL delays. I'm currently on my 4th week of baby bonding and this thread is making me realize I should probably expect some delays with my final payment too. It's so stressful when you're counting on that money! Thanks for updating us - I was actually wondering how it turned out for you.
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Emma Wilson
•I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm actually just starting my PFL journey - my baby was born last week and I'm trying to figure out all the paperwork. It's really reassuring to see how supportive everyone is here when dealing with EDD delays and issues. @Isabella Oliveira thanks for sharing your experience and updating us! It s'good to know that even when payments are delayed, they do eventually come through. I ll'definitely keep this thread bookmarked for when I get to my final payment in a few months.
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