Unpopular opinion: maybe we should all just be grateful this benefit exists at all? Some states don't even have PFL...

Hey Diego! I totally get your frustration - the waiting is the absolute worst part of this whole process. I went through something similar a few months back. Here's what I learned: The approval date and payment date are two totally different things. When they say "approved," it usually means they've decided you're eligible, but then it still has to go through their payment processing system, which is... let's just say not exactly lightning fast 😅 From my experience and what I've seen others post here, you're looking at roughly 7-14 business days from approval to actually seeing the money in your account. I know that's a huge range, but it really does vary. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts with my bank so I'd know the second any deposit came in. Saved me from obsessively checking my account every hour! Also, if you haven't already, definitely verify your direct deposit info is correct in the system. I've seen people wait weeks only to find out there was a typo in their routing number. Hang in there - it WILL come! And when it does, it's usually the full amount all at once (at least for shorter claims).

Quick update: I took the advice about using Claimyr to get through to EDD and it actually worked! The representative confirmed they received my paper application on 3/22 but it was stuck in the backlog mentioned above. She added notes to expedite it since I'm approaching week 4 with no income. She said I should see it appear in my online account within 5-7 business days. Fingers crossed this actually resolves things!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I just went through something similar last month. My baby bonding application also seemed to disappear after my disability ended, and I was panicking about having no income. After reading through all these comments, it sounds like the March 2025 system upgrade backlog is affecting a lot of us. One thing that helped me was documenting everything - I kept a log of every call attempt, confirmation numbers, and any correspondence. When I finally got through to someone, having all those details ready made the conversation much more productive. Also, if you haven't already, try calling right at 8 AM when they open - I had better luck getting through then. The waiting is absolutely awful when you have bills to pay, but it sounds like your application is in the system and just stuck in processing. Hang in there!

Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to make us give up? 🤔 It's like they make it as difficult as possible on purpose.

Hey Luca! I just went through this same process a few months ago and totally understand your frustration. A couple things that helped me: 1. Try calling right at 8 AM when they open - I had better luck getting through then 2. If you have a case number, have it ready along with your social and all your info 3. There's also a callback option on their website where you can request they call you back instead of waiting on hold 4. Keep trying the online portal - sometimes it updates before they call you The waiting is definitely the worst part, but hang in there! Most people I know eventually got their stuff processed, it just takes way longer than it should. Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞

Protip: Tweet at them. I know it sounds weird, but their social media team sometimes responds faster than customer service.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - applied for PFL almost 4 weeks ago and my claim still isn't showing up online. It's so stressful when you're counting on that money! I've tried calling but like everyone else said, it's impossible to get through. I'm thinking of trying that assembly member tip someone mentioned. Has anyone actually had success with contacting their local representative's office? Also wondering if anyone knows if there's a specific timeframe they're supposed to process these applications by law?

Has anyone tried contacting them through social media? I've heard some people have had luck getting responses that way.

@Caesar Grant, I totally get your stress! I'm dealing with the same thing right now - my second payment was supposed to hit last week and nothing. What really helped me was checking the "Payment History" section in the online portal first before calling. Sometimes there's a little note that explains what's going on (like "payment processing" or if they need additional documentation). Also, if you haven't already, make sure your bank didn't flag it as suspicious and put a hold on it. I had that happen with my first payment and didn't realize for days. My credit union held it because it was an "unusual large deposit" 🙄 Keep us posted on what you find out! We're all in this together.