Can I apply for PFL while employed? When to start?
Hey everyone, I'm currently working a job but I'm wondering about my eligibility for paid family leave. Does anyone know if I can still apply for it while employed? And if so, when could I potentially start it? Any advice or experiences would be really helpful!
20 comments
Write a comment...
Aiden Chen
Yes, you can definitely apply for paid family leave while employed! In fact, that's usually when people apply. The eligibility requirements typically include: • Being currently employed or recently employed • Having paid into the state disability insurance (SDI) program • Having a qualifying event (birth, adoption, caring for a seriously ill family member, etc.) • Meeting the minimum earnings requirement As for when you can start, it depends on your situation. If it's for bonding with a new child, you usually have to take it within the first year. For other reasons, you can start as soon as you're approved. Just make sure to give your employer proper notice! Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
0 coins
Sophia Bennett
Thank you so much for the detailed response! This is really helpful. Do you know how long the approval process usually takes?
0 coins
1M
Aiden Chen
Glad I could help! The approval process can vary, but it typically takes about 14 days from when they receive a properly completed claim. Sometimes it's faster, sometimes slower. Make sure you have all your docs ready to go!
0 coins
1M
Zoey Bianchi
Just to add on, make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. The EDD can be a real pain sometimes and lose stuff 🙄
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Christopher Morgan
I was in the same boat last year! Applied while working and it was fine. Just make sure you communicate clearly with your employer about your plans. Some companies have their own policies on top of state benefits, so check with HR too.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Aurora St.Pierre
Ugh, good luck dealing with EDD. Their system is a nightmare 🤮 Took me forever to get through when I applied.
0 coins
Grace Johnson
For real tho. I swear they make it complicated on purpose 🙄
0 coins
1M
Jayden Reed
Yall I found a way to get someone on the phone fast. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
0 coins
1M
Nora Brooks
Wait, seriously? Is that even legal? Sounds kinda sketchy...
0 coins
1M
Jayden Reed
Totally legal! It's just a service that waits on hold for you. Saved me hours of frustration, honestly worth every penny.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Eli Wang
Make sure you have all your ducks in a row before applying. They ask for a TON of info and if you miss anything it can delay the whole process.
0 coins
Sophia Bennett
Thanks for the heads up! Do you remember what kind of info they asked for?
0 coins
1M
Eli Wang
Oh man, lets see... They wanted my employment history, last day worked, reason for leave, doctor's certification (if applicable), info about the person you're caring for (if that's why you're taking leave). Basicaly, have your W-2s, paystubs, and any medical docs ready to go.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Cassandra Moon
Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to make us give up? 🤔 It's like they don't want us to actually use the benefits we pay for smh
0 coins
Zane Hernandez
PREACH 👏👏👏
0 coins
1M
Genevieve Cavalier
Idk man, I think it's just underfunded and understaffed. But yeah, it suuuucks to deal with 😫
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Ethan Scott
Pro tip: if you're having trouble reaching someone, try calling right when they open. I got through pretty quick that way!
0 coins
Write a comment...
Lola Perez
Hey OP, just curious - what's your reason for taking leave? Different reasons can have different rules and timeframes.
0 coins
Sophia Bennett
I'm actually looking into it for future planning. My partner and I are thinking about starting a family soon, so I want to understand my options now.
0 coins
1M
Lola Perez
Oh nice! Congrats on the future plans 😊 For new parents, you typically get up to 8 weeks for pregnancy disability (if applicable) and then another 8 weeks for bonding. And your partner might be eligible for bonding time too!
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...