Best time to call EDD for PFL claims - any direct numbers that actually work?
I swear I've spent half my maternity leave just trying to get through to a human at EDD! I submitted my baby bonding claim 3 weeks ago and haven't heard anything, so I'm trying to check on the status. I've been calling the main PFL number (1-877-238-4373) every day this week at different times but keep getting the 'high call volume' message and disconnected. Does anyone know if there's a better time of day to call? Or maybe a different number that actually gets you to a real person? I'm getting desperate - bills are piling up and I need this claim processed ASAP. TIA!
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AstroAce
Call exactly at 8:00:01 am when they open!!! That's what worked for me. Be ready with your finger on the dial button at 7:59. Good luck!!!
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Ethan Clark
•Thanks! Did you call the main PFL number or is there another one I should try? I've tried calling right at 8am twice but still got the 'high call volume' message ðŸ˜
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Yuki Kobayashi
This is literally why I almost had a breakdown during my maternity leave last year. The system is BROKEN!!! I called for THREE WEEKS STRAIGHT without getting through. Then suddenly one day at like 3:15pm on a Wednesday someone picked up and fixed my claim in 5 minutes. It's completely random and designed to make us give up. DON'T GIVE UP.
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Carmen Vega
•Same experience here. It's like they're actively trying to prevent people from getting benefits we've paid into. I finally got through on a Thursday around 10:30am, but I think it was just luck honestly.
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Andre Rousseau
I've found that calling on Wednesdays or Thursdays between 1pm-3pm tends to have slightly better results. Mondays are absolutely the worst. Also, try the general EDD number (1-800-300-5616) instead of the PFL specific one sometimes - occasionally they can help with PFL claims too or transfer you to the right department without hanging up on you. Another tip: when you go through the automated prompts, sometimes option 3 (for employers) has a shorter wait time, and once you get a human, they'll usually still help you even though you're not an employer. Just be polite when they answer and explain you're having trouble reaching someone about your PFL claim.
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Ethan Clark
•Thank you so much for these specific tips! I'll definitely try the general EDD number and that employer option trick sounds smart. I'll attempt the Wed/Thurs afternoon window starting tomorrow.
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Zoe Stavros
I used to struggle with this too until I discovered Claimyr. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when an EDD rep is on the line. Saved me hours of frustration with my PFL claim. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and their website is claimyr.com. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked and got my baby bonding claim sorted out in one call.
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Jamal Harris
•Does this actually work for PFL too? I thought it was just for UI claims. Has anyone else tried this for Paid Family Leave specifically?
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Zoe Stavros
•Yes, it works for PFL claims too! They connect you with EDD representatives who can handle both disability and paid family leave issues. When I used it, the rep helped resolve my baby bonding claim transition problem.
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GalaxyGlider
try calling at 8am sharp or 1pm right after lunch breka. thats usally when theres less calls i think. also try pressing 0 a bunch of times during the recorded message sometimes that gets u to a person faster lol
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Yuki Kobayashi
•The 0 trick doesn't work anymore! They updated their system to disconnect you if you press too many random buttons 🙄
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Andre Rousseau
One more thing to try: if you're having trouble reaching someone by phone, try sending a secure message through your UI Online account. Go to 'Contact Us' and select 'Paid Family Leave' as the category. While it's not as immediate as a phone call, I've sometimes received responses within 3-5 business days, which might be faster than constantly trying to call. Also, double-check your online account to make sure they haven't sent you any notices requesting additional information. Sometimes claims get held up because they need something from you, but the physical mail notification gets lost or delayed.
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Ethan Clark
•I've sent two secure messages already with no response, but you're right about checking for notices. I just logged in again and there's nothing showing as needed or missing... that's why I'm so confused about the delay. My online claim status just says 'pending' with no explanation.
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Carmen Vega
When I had my baby last year I went through this EXACT same thing. So frustrating! I finally got through by calling at exactly 8:01am on a Tuesday, but it still took 45 minutes on hold. The whole system is designed to make claiming your benefits as difficult as possible and it's especially cruel to do this to new parents. Like we don't have enough stress already?!?
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Ethan Clark
•Right?! The stress of waiting for benefits while bills pile up is so bad for postpartum mental health. I'm going to try calling super early tomorrow. Thanks for the encouragement!
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Zoe Stavros
After checking this thread later in the day - just wanted to follow up with the OP. Were you able to get through to EDD using any of these suggestions? I'm curious which method worked for you.
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Ethan Clark
•I tried the Claimyr service you recommended, and it actually worked! They called me back within about 45 minutes with an EDD rep on the line. Turns out there was a discrepancy between my last day worked that my employer reported vs. what I put on my claim. The rep fixed it right away and said my payments should process within 3-5 days. Such a relief! Thanks for the suggestion!
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