Quick question - has anyone had luck with the online portal? I tried using it but it's so confusing lol

I'm in the exact same boat - filed in September and still waiting! What really helped me was keeping a detailed spreadsheet of every interaction (dates, confirmation numbers, documents sent, etc.). Also, try emailing them weekly with a brief status update request. I know it sounds annoying, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease with EDD. Don't give up - I've heard from others that cases often get resolved all at once after months of silence. Hang in there! 💪

have u tried turning it off and on again? 🙃

I had the exact same E313 error! Turns out it was because my name has special characters (like yours with the ğ). What worked for me was typing my name exactly as it appears on my Social Security card, but replacing any special characters with regular letters. So "Erdoğan" would become "Erdogan". The system apparently can't handle non-ASCII characters properly. Give that a try and let us know if it works!

Just so you know all your options: 1. FMLA/CFRA - unpaid but job-protected for up to 12 weeks if you qualify 2. Employer compassionate leave policies (varies by company) 3. Accrued PTO/vacation time 4. Unpaid personal leave of absence 5. Short-term disability IF you have a separate policy (won't cover family caregiving though) For documentation, I recommend getting a detailed letter from your uncle's doctor explaining the condition, surgery details, recovery timeline, and specifically why a caregiver is medically necessary. Have it translated officially. This will help with any type of leave request.

my company let me work remote when my grandma was sick in mexico...any chance u can do ur job from argentina for those 8 weeks?

I know this doesn't help your immediate situation, but I want to mention that there's currently legislation being considered to expand parental leave benefits for federal workers. If you're passionate about this issue (as it sounds like you are), consider contacting your representatives. The more federal employees who speak up about these gaps in coverage, the more likely we are to see meaningful change in the future. There's a Federal Employee Family Leave caucus that's specifically working on these issues.

Congratulations on getting those extra 6 weeks approved! That's a huge win, especially given how difficult it can be to navigate federal leave policies. I'm currently dealing with something similar as a new federal employee - it's so frustrating how we fall through the cracks between state and federal systems. Your post has been really educational for me to understand what options might be available. Enjoy that precious bonding time with your baby, and definitely follow the advice about getting everything in writing! It sounds like you really advocated well for yourself and your family.

To check your Paid Family Leave claim status, calling is often the most direct method despite the frustration it can entail. Ensure you're prepared with your claim details, like your claim number and filing date, to help verify your identity. While Claimyr, at a cost, can be a useful tool to bypass lengthy waits, it's crucial to weigh its expense against the potential time saved. Using such services might be worth it if you're particularly pressed for time or have exhausted other options. For a balanced approach, also consider using any available online portals or automated systems which are free of charge, keeping in mind these might have limited functionality and reliability. Patience remains key, as PFL and other similar systems are often swamped. Leverage early morning calls to circumvent long waits, or try the foreign language line trick to get through faster. Regardless of the method you choose, being polite yet persistent and keeping a record of your communications will serve you well. Don't hesitate to escalate the issue to a supervisor if you feel your queries aren't being adequately addressed. Ultimately, while the system has its flaws, knowing how to navigate it can alleviate some of the associated stress.

I went through this same nightmare a few months back! Here's what worked for me: Call right at 8am when they open (set an alarm), have your SSN and claim number ready, and when you get through, ask specifically about any "pending issues" on your claim. That's the magic phrase that gets them to actually look deeper into your file. Also, if they say "it's processing" ask for a timeline - don't let them brush you off with vague answers. The whole system is a mess but you CAN get answers if you're persistent. Sending good vibes your way! 🙏