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I swear, dealing with bureaucracy is a full-time job these days. Hang in there, OP. We're all in the same boat!
One thing that really helped me was scheduling a dedicated appointment with my doctor just to go over the PFL forms together. Don't try to squeeze it into a regular visit - make it the main focus. I brought the forms already filled out as much as I could, and we went through the medical sections line by line. My doctor was actually really grateful that I came prepared because it made their job easier too. Also, if your doctor's office has a medical assistant who handles forms, they might be able to help you understand what's needed before you even see the doctor. Good luck with your application!
Have you tried calling the EDD? Sometimes you can get more info that way, although getting through can be a nightmare.
Pro tip: call right when they open. You might have to try a few days in a row, but it's your best shot at getting through without a 3-hour hold time.
I once called and had luck getting through during lunchtime. It might work because fewer people try calling then.
I'm in a similar situation - applied for PFL about a month ago and still waiting! From reading all these comments, it sounds like the wait times are pretty inconsistent. Some people get responses in a few weeks, others wait months. I think the key takeaway is to be proactive - check your online account regularly, call if you can get through, and don't be afraid to follow up. The system seems overloaded but your application is probably just in the queue. Hang in there! 🤞
Just went thru this last month. Heres what worked for me: 1. Gathered all my docs 2. Wrote a letter explaining the delay 3. Called 50 times till I got thru 4. Cried a little (jk... maybe) 5. Finally got approved! Dont give up!
I'm in a similar situation - just had my baby 3 weeks ago and completely forgot about filing for baby bonding leave until now. Reading through all these comments is giving me some hope! Has anyone here actually gotten approved for retroactive pay when they applied weeks after the fact? I'm worried I waited too long but sounds like it might still be worth a shot. Also @Dallas Villalobos - love that you included crying as step 4 😂 probably gonna need that too!
3 weeks isn't too late at all! I actually applied 5 weeks after my baby was born and still got approved. The key is having a good reason for the delay - in my case, I was dealing with postpartum complications and honestly just forgot with everything going on. When I called, I was upfront about it and they were understanding. Definitely gather all your paperwork first (birth certificate, employment records, etc.) and be ready to explain the situation. You got this! 💪
Anyone else notice that ever since they "upgraded" their system last year, everything's been even slower? 🤔 I miss the old website, at least it worked most of the time.
Hey OP, what reason did you put for your PFL? If it's for bonding with a new child, make sure you've included the birth certificate or adoption papers. That held up my claim for weeks!
Ah gotcha. For care claims, you need a medical certification from your mom's doctor. Make sure that's filled out completely and submitted ASAP if you haven't already!
@Emma Taylor is absolutely right about the medical certification! I went through the same thing for my dad last year. The form needs to be completely filled out by the doctor - don t'leave ANY sections blank or they ll'send it back. Also, make sure the doctor clearly states that your mom needs care and that you re'the one providing it. That s'what they re'really looking for.
Ingrid Larsson
I'm in the same boat, OP. Filed 6 weeks ago and crickets. This wait is killing me. How are we supposed to take care of our families without income? The system is broken af 😤
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Carlos Mendoza
•Preach! 🙌 It's like they forget we have bills to pay and mouths to feed. The stress is unreal.
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Ingrid Larsson
•For real. I'm about ready to camp outside their office until someone helps me lmao
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GalacticGuru
I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 5 weeks ago and still nothing. The waiting is so stressful when you're already dealing with family stuff. I've been trying to call but can never get through - the line is always busy or I get disconnected after waiting forever. Has anyone had luck calling at specific times of day? Maybe early morning or late afternoon? I'm willing to try anything at this point. The online portal is useless too - just says "processing" with no timeline. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here, at least I know I'm not alone in this mess!
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