I'm in the exact same boat! Filed my PFL paperwork 3 weeks ago and haven't heard a peep from them. It's so stressful when you're counting on those benefits. I've been trying the phone number daily but keep getting the "call volume is too high" message. Really considering trying that in-person visit someone mentioned - might be worth the drive if it actually gets results. Hang in there Connor, sounds like we're all dealing with the same broken system right now.

Two weeks feels like forever when you're waiting for benefits you need! I went through something similar earlier this year - submitted my PFL paperwork and didn't hear back for almost 3 weeks. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: I called the 1-877-238-4373 number every single morning at exactly 8:01 AM (set an alarm!), and I also sent a follow-up fax with copies of everything I'd already submitted plus a cover letter explaining the delay. The fax number is on their website. I know it's frustrating but don't lose hope - they're just incredibly backed up. Your benefits will come through, it's just a matter of persistence. Keep checking your online account too, sometimes updates show up there before you get any other notification.

I'm new to this community but have been reading through all the responses here, and wow - there's so much valuable information! As someone who's dealt with various government benefit applications, I wanted to add a few thoughts that might help. First, the success stories from @8e45f8127191 and others are incredibly encouraging and show that appeals really do work when approached correctly. The "good cause" provision seems to be key here. One thing I'd suggest is to also check if California has any ombudsman services for EDD disputes. Many states have independent advocates who can help navigate these situations when you hit roadblocks with the regular appeals process. Also, when you're documenting your case, consider creating a timeline that shows: - When your qualifying event occurred - When you first became aware that PFL existed - When you discovered the 41-day deadline - Any attempts you made to get information before the deadline - When you actually applied This kind of clear timeline can really help demonstrate that you were acting in good faith but just lacked the proper information. @250a660d2be0 - don't lose hope! The fact that multiple people in this thread have successfully appealed similar situations shows there's definitely a path forward. The system is confusing by design, but that confusion can actually work in your favor when arguing "good cause." Rooting for you and everyone else dealing with this frustrating situation! 💪

I'm really sorry you're going through this - I can only imagine how stressful it must be to have your claim denied when you still have eligible time left. Reading through all these responses gives me a lot of hope for your situation though! What really stands out to me is how many people have mentioned the "good cause" exception for late applications. It seems like the key is being able to demonstrate that you missed the deadline due to circumstances beyond your control - like not being properly informed about the 41-day rule. I'd definitely recommend starting with that early morning call (8:01 AM seems to be the magic time!) and being very specific about requesting a "good cause" appeal. Make sure to emphasize that you weren't aware of the deadline and that you still have time remaining in your eligibility period. Also, definitely check what information your employer provided about PFL benefits. If they gave you generic info without mentioning the crucial 41-day deadline, that could really strengthen your case. The timeline approach that @1ee9ad7e0a2b suggested sounds really smart too - documenting when you first learned about PFL vs when you discovered the deadline requirement could help show you were acting in good faith. Stay strong and don't let them wear you down! The success stories in this thread prove it's definitely possible to get these denials reversed. 🤞

I just went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The E324 error is so common for new CA residents - it's like a welcome to California hazing ritual 😅 What worked for me was calling EDD's identity verification department at 1-866-401-2849. They handle cases where there are conflicts between existing records and new account creation attempts. When you get through (and yes, the wait times are brutal), explain that you're a new resident getting E324 and suspect there might be conflicting records from when your employer started SDI withholdings. They were able to see that my employer had indeed created a basic record when they started deducting SDI from my paychecks, but it wasn't a full account I could access. They cleared the conflict and I was able to file online within 24 hours. Also, pro tip: call between 2-4 PM on weekdays. Everyone calls first thing in the morning, but mid-afternoon sometimes has shorter wait times. Good luck with your surgery - you'll get this sorted out! 🙏

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Just moved to CA from Michigan about 8 months ago and ran into the E324 error when trying to file for temporary disability after a work injury. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the technical support line at 1-800-300-5616 or the identity verification department at 1-866-401-2849. The phantom account explanation from SDI withholdings makes perfect sense too. I'm definitely going to try these numbers and strategies. It's crazy how much insider knowledge you need just to access basic benefits you've been paying into! Thank you everyone for sharing such detailed advice - this thread should be pinned as a resource for new CA residents dealing with EDD issues. Hope your surgery goes smoothly and you get this resolved quickly!

Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect when setting up an offset for benefits overpayment: • First, gather all relevant documents: overpayment notice, past benefit statements, and any correspondence with EDD. • When you call, you'll need to provide your Social Security number and confirm your identity. • The rep will explain the reason for the overpayment and the total amount owed. • You can then discuss repayment options. An offset means they'll reduce your future benefits to recoup the overpayment. • You have the right to negotiate the amount of the offset. They can't take more than 25% of your weekly benefit. • If you disagree with the overpayment, you can request an appeal or apply for a waiver. • Make sure to get a confirmation number or case number for your offset agreement. • Ask for a written statement of the agreement to be mailed to you. Remember, stay calm and polite, but be firm about your rights and needs. Good luck!

One thing I'd add - if you're currently receiving benefits and they want to start the offset immediately, you can ask for a hardship deferral if the reduced payments would cause financial distress. I had to do this when my offset would have dropped my weekly benefit below what I needed for rent. They approved a temporary delay while I got my finances sorted. It's not guaranteed, but worth asking about if you're in a tight spot financially.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation for my 2-month-old! Just wanted to share that I called EDD yesterday and they confirmed what everyone here is saying - the DE 2580GF form absolutely must be mailed, no online option available. What really helped calm my nerves was learning about their "batch processing" system - they told me they process all PFL certification forms in batches twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays), so as long as your form arrives by Monday or Thursday, it gets processed in the next batch. I'm planning to use Priority Mail with tracking tomorrow and will make copies like everyone suggests. It's honestly such a relief to find this community of other new parents going through the same bureaucratic nightmare! The rep also mentioned they're working on digitizing this process but gave no timeline (shocker, right?). Hang in there everyone - we're all figuring this out together while running on minimal sleep!

I'm also going through this with my 3-week-old and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! Just wanted to add that I called my insurance provider (who handles the PFL claims processing for EDD) and they gave me a helpful tip - if you're really worried about the form getting lost, you can also fax it to them as backup documentation after you mail the original. They said to write "BACKUP - ORIGINAL MAILED" at the top and include your tracking number. The fax number should be on your paperwork or you can get it by calling. Obviously the mailed original is still required, but having that fax backup gave me extra peace of mind. I'm planning to mail mine tomorrow with Priority Mail tracking and then fax a copy the same day. It's so frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops when we should be focused on bonding with our babies, but at least we have this community helping each other navigate the system!