Can't reach California Paid Family Leave? Claimyr connects you to a live EDD agent in minutes.
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Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the EDD drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls β which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
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Harold Oh
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 2 months ago and it feels like I'm stuck in limbo. The phone system is absolutely brutal - I've probably made 50+ calls and only gotten through once, just to be told they needed more documentation (which I had already submitted twice). One thing that's helped me stay organized is creating a spreadsheet with all my call attempts, confirmation numbers, and what was discussed each time. Also screenshot everything in your online account - I've had things mysteriously disappear from my portal before. Has anyone tried faxing documents instead of uploading them online? I'm wondering if that might be more reliable. At this point I'm willing to try anything! π©
Oh wow, 2 months is insane! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too. The spreadsheet idea is brilliant - I'm definitely going to start doing that. It's crazy how disorganized this whole process makes you feel when you're just trying to keep track of everything. I haven't tried faxing yet, but that's actually a really good idea! Sometimes the old-school methods work better than their "modern" online systems. Have you considered sending documents via certified mail too? At least then you'd have proof they received it. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one going through this nightmare! π€
I'm dealing with the same frustration! Been waiting 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. One thing that helped me was calling the disability insurance number (1-800-480-3287) instead of the main PFL line - sometimes they can transfer you or give you updates since PFL claims go through the same system. Also, if you have a case worker assigned, try asking for their direct extension when you do get through. I finally got one after my 4th successful call and it's been a game changer for follow-ups. The whole system definitely needs an overhaul, but hang in there! You'll get through eventually. Keep detailed records of everything like others mentioned - it really does help when you finally talk to someone. Good luck! π€
Freya Ross
β’This is such great advice! I had no idea about calling the disability insurance number - that's a really smart workaround. 8 weeks is absolutely ridiculous though, I can't believe how broken this system is. Getting a case worker's direct extension sounds like it would be a lifesaver. Did you have to specifically ask for one, or did they just assign you one after multiple calls? I'm definitely going to try this approach when I call tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tip and for sharing your experience! It really helps to know what strategies are actually working for people. Fingers crossed we all get our claims sorted out soon! π
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Thank you everyone for all your advice!! I called my OB office today and they said they submit the medical certification electronically, but I need to let them know when I'm ready to file. I also created my SDI Online account (took like 10 minutes) and talked to my HR department. They gave me a separation notice that I'll need to upload when I file my claim. I'm still a little confused about the transition from disability to baby bonding though... do I need to file a whole new claim for that? And how do I make sure there's no gap between the two?
Jamal Harris
β’Yes, you'll need to file a separate claim for PFL baby bonding after your pregnancy disability claim ends. Timing is important - you should file your PFL claim when you're about 1-2 weeks away from the end of your pregnancy disability period (which would be 4-6 weeks after delivery, depending on delivery type). The system will ask if this is a transition from SDI to PFL, which helps ensure continuous coverage. Make sure to use the same EDD Customer Account Number on both claims. Most importantly, don't wait until your disability completely ends to file the PFL claim or you might experience a gap in payments.
Great job on being proactive and getting your account set up early! π One additional tip that helped me - when you're ready to file on Dec 8th, make sure you have your most recent pay stub handy. The system will ask for wage information and having exact figures speeds up the process. Also, regarding the transition to PFL - you can actually apply for baby bonding PFL up to 12 months after your baby's birth, so there's flexibility there. But like @Jamal Harris mentioned, timing it right prevents payment gaps. One last thing - save your confirmation number and print/screenshot the final submission page when you file. I've seen people have issues where EDD couldn't locate their claim initially, and having that documentation saved the day. You're doing everything right though - sounds like you'll be much better prepared than most first-time filers!
This is so helpful! I didn't know about needing my pay stub for the application. Quick question - should I bring my most recent stub or like the last few months? And when you mention the 12-month window for PFL, does that mean I could potentially take baby bonding leave later if I wanted to go back to work right after my disability period ends? Like could I save some of that time for when baby is older?
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Lucas Adams
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My PFL ended last week and I'm dealing with postpartum anxiety that my doctor says needs treatment before I can return to work. Reading all these responses has been SO helpful - I had no idea about the separate systems or that I needed to file a completely new claim. One question though - has anyone had experience with mental health conditions vs physical postpartum issues? I'm worried EDD might be more skeptical of anxiety/depression claims compared to physical recovery issues. My doctor is supportive but I want to make sure we're filling out the forms in the strongest way possible.
Diego Vargas
β’I can speak to this from personal experience! I had to transition from PFL to disability for postpartum anxiety and depression last year. EDD doesn't discriminate between physical and mental health conditions - they're both covered under SDI as long as your doctor certifies that you're unable to work due to your condition. The key is having your doctor be very specific on the DE2501 form about how your anxiety symptoms prevent you from performing your job duties. My psychiatrist detailed things like difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, sleep disruption, etc. and how these made me unable to safely perform my work responsibilities. The claim was approved without any additional questions. Mental health is just as valid as physical recovery - don't let anyone make you feel otherwise! @Lucas Adams
Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in HR and deals with these situations regularly. A few additional points that might help: 1. Make sure your employer is aware of the transition from PFL to SDI - they may need to adjust their records and won't expect you back when your original PFL ended. 2. If you're paying for health insurance through your employer, check if the premium deductions will continue during your SDI period or if you need to make other arrangements. 3. Keep all your documentation organized - copies of the DE2501, doctor's notes, confirmation numbers, etc. Having everything in one place makes it much easier if you need to follow up or appeal anything. 4. Consider having your doctor write a brief letter explaining the medical necessity for the extended leave in addition to the official forms. While not required, it can help provide context if there are any questions about your claim. The transition from PFL to SDI is actually pretty common, especially for postpartum complications, so don't feel like you're doing anything unusual. The systems are frustrating but they do work once you get through the initial paperwork hurdles. Wishing you a smooth process and a healthy recovery!
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Just joined this community after my own PFL nightmare - my application has been "under review" for 8 weeks with absolutely no communication from EDD. I'm taking care of my partner after a major surgery, and the stress of fighting this broken system while managing a medical crisis is overwhelming. What really frustrates me is that I've been paying into this system for years, yet when I actually need the benefits, it's like pulling teeth to get basic information. I've called probably 60+ times and only got through twice - both times they just said "keep waiting" with no timeline or explanation. Reading all your stories here makes me feel less alone but also more angry about how broken this system is. We're all dealing with serious family emergencies that need our attention, but instead we're forced to become EDD experts just to access our own benefits. I'm definitely going to try the local EDD office strategy that @Alberto Souchard mentioned - sounds like that's been the most successful approach. Also planning to contact my state rep's office since several people have had luck with that route. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and tips. It's both heartbreaking and comforting to know we're all fighting the same fight. Will update everyone on my progress - we need to support each other through this bureaucratic nightmare! πͺ
Cedric Chung
β’@Chloe Anderson I just joined this community too and your 8-week nightmare sounds all too familiar! I m'also new to dealing with EDD but unfortunately getting a crash course in their broken system. The fact that you ve'been paying into this for years and now have to fight tooth and nail just to get basic information is absolutely ridiculous. It s'like they ve'designed the system to make us give up! I m'also going to try the local EDD office approach that @Alberto Souchard shared - seems like multiple people here have had success with that strategy. The state rep route also sounds promising based on what others have experienced. It s honestly'insane that we all have to become EDD detectives when we should be focusing on our family emergencies. Thanks for sharing your story and adding to this supportive community - knowing we re not'alone in this mess really does help. Keep us posted on how the local office strategy works out! π€
Levi Parker
New member here dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! My PFL application has been stuck in processing limbo for 6 weeks now with zero communication from EDD. Like so many others here, I'm trying to care for a family member while simultaneously becoming a full-time EDD detective just to get basic updates on my own benefits. What really gets me is that we've all been paying into this system for years, yet when we actually need it during legitimate family emergencies, they make us jump through impossible hoops. I've called countless times and can rarely get through - and when I do, they just say "keep waiting" with no timeline or explanation. Reading everyone's experiences here is both comforting and infuriating - we're all fighting the same broken system! I'm definitely going to try the local EDD office strategy that @Alberto Souchard mentioned since that seems to be working for people. Also planning to reach out to my state rep based on the success stories here. Thank you all for creating this supportive community and sharing your strategies. It shouldn't take a village to access our own benefits, but at least we're not facing this nightmare alone! Will keep everyone updated on my progress. Stay strong everyone! πͺ
Ravi Malhotra
I'm also navigating this process for the first time and this thread has been SO helpful! I just wanted to add that I called EDD yesterday (after trying for hours to get through) and the representative told me something interesting - they said that while the automated system shows "14 days for processing," their internal goal is actually to process pregnancy disability claims within 10 business days when possible, since they recognize the urgency for expecting mothers. However, she confirmed that holidays do pause the business day count, and they're currently running behind due to year-end staffing. She recommended calling back if you don't see any movement by January 10th, as that would indicate a potential issue rather than just holiday delays. Also, for anyone filing in the future - she mentioned that submitting your claim online rather than by mail can save 2-3 days in processing time, since mailed claims have to be manually entered into their system first. Hope this helps! Sending positive vibes to everyone waiting for their payments! β¨
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Evelyn Kim
β’This is incredibly helpful information, thank you for actually getting through to speak with someone! The 10 business day internal goal is really good to know - that's more reasonable than the vague "14 days" they post everywhere. And the tip about online vs mail submission is something I wish I'd known earlier (though I did submit online thankfully). It's reassuring to have a specific date (January 10th) to use as a benchmark for when to call back if there's still no movement. I've been wondering what timeframe would actually indicate a problem versus normal holiday delays. Really appreciate you sharing what the rep told you - this kind of insider info makes such a difference when you're stuck waiting! π
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Dylan Mitchell
I'm currently going through my first pregnancy and this thread has been a lifesaver! I'm only 28 weeks but already starting to stress about the timing of everything, especially after reading about these holiday delays. One thing I wanted to ask - has anyone had experience with claims getting processed faster if your employer proactively submits their portion early? My HR department mentioned they can submit employer verification as soon as I file my initial claim, rather than waiting for EDD to request it. I'm wondering if that helps speed things up at all, or if it just sits in their system until they get to processing the whole claim anyway? Also, for Zainab and others waiting - I know the financial stress is real, but it sounds like you'll definitely get your backdated payments once things process. The waiting is horrible but at least you won't lose any money! Keeping my fingers crossed that everyone starts seeing payments roll in early January! π€β¨
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Ana ErdoΔan
β’That's a great question about employer verification! I haven't been through this process yet myself, but from what I've observed in other government benefit systems, having all documentation submitted upfront (including employer verification) usually does help speed things along. Even if it just sits in their system, it means the EDD processor has everything they need in one place when they get to your file, rather than having to send requests and wait for responses. Your HR department sounds really proactive - I'd definitely take them up on that offer! It can't hurt and might save you a few days in the overall timeline.
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