Just wanted to check in - were you able to get through to anyone using any of these suggestions? I know exactly how stressful this waiting period is, especially with a newborn!

That's amazing news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and get it escalated. The fact that they confirmed your original request was just sitting there "pending review" with no timeline is exactly the kind of bureaucratic nonsense that drives people crazy. Keep us posted on whether the 48-72 hour timeline actually happens - I think a lot of people here would benefit from knowing if that supervisor escalation actually works. And definitely make sure you get that backpay for all the weeks you've been waiting! This whole thread has been super helpful for understanding the PDL-to-PFL transition issues. I'm bookmarking it in case I need it for my own maternity leave next year. Thanks for sharing your experience and hopefully this nightmare is almost over for you!

LPT: Take screenshots of everything you do on the unemployment website. It's saved my butt more than once when they claimed I didn't do something I know I did.

Hey Malik! I just went through this same process last week. One thing to keep in mind - if you're switching because you think checks are faster, they're actually usually slower than the debit card. The debit card loads pretty much instantly once your payment is processed, but checks can take 3-5 business days to arrive by mail, plus processing time. Just want to make sure you're not expecting it to speed things up! But if you have other reasons for wanting checks (like avoiding debit card fees), then definitely go for it. The process Isabella described is spot on.

Have you tried faxing your documents again? Sometimes they "lose" them and won't tell you unless you ask 🙄

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my claim has been pending for 6 weeks. One thing that helped me was requesting a callback through their online portal instead of trying to call directly. You can schedule it for a specific time window and they actually call you back (usually within the timeframe they promise). Also, make sure you're checking your mail regularly - sometimes they send requests for additional documentation that can easily get missed. Hope this helps and you get some movement on your claim soon!

Anyone know if there have been any changes to the family leave policy recently? I heard rumors about extended benefits but can't find any official info.

I've been dealing with this exact same issue! What worked for me was creating a detailed timeline of all my submissions and communications, then calling first thing in the morning (like 8:00 AM sharp). I also found that if you mention you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay, they sometimes prioritize your case. Another trick - if you get disconnected, call back immediately because you might get the same agent who remembers your case. The wait times are brutal, but don't give up! Keep us posted on how it goes.

have u tried faxing them? i know it sounds old school but sometimes it works when nothing else does lol

I went through this exact same issue a few months ago! Here's what worked for me: I ended up going to the EDD website and creating an online account (if you don't have one already). From there, I was able to access most of the forms I needed digitally. Also, try calling first thing in the morning around 8am - I had better luck getting through then. If the PFL form specifically isn't available online, you can also try visiting your local EDD office with your ID and any documentation about your claim. Hope this helps and you get it sorted out soon! 🤞