Can I apply for PFL while working a new job? Eligibility and start date questions
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a situation and could use some advice. I started a new job back in November, but now I'm thinking about applying for paid family leave. Does anyone know if I'm still eligible while working this job? And when would I be able to start the leave? I'm not sure how to navigate this process or what documents I might need. Any insights would be super helpful!
27 comments
Raúl Mora
I was in a similar situation last year. From what I remember, you can apply for paid family leave while still employed, but there are some requirements you need to meet. Here's what I learned: • You usually need to have worked for a certain number of hours or earned a minimum amount in the past 12-18 months • The reason for your leave needs to qualify (like caring for a family member or bonding with a new child) • You might need to give your employer advance notice • There's typically a waiting period before benefits start My advice would be to gather all your employment info, including pay stubs from your previous job if you had one. Also, be prepared to provide medical documentation if it's for a family member's health condition. Hope this helps! Good luck with your application 👍
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Arjun Kurti
Thank you so much for this detailed response! It's really helpful. Do you remember how long the waiting period was before your benefits started?
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Raúl Mora
Glad I could help! For me, the waiting period was about a week after my claim was approved. But I've heard it can vary depending on your situation and the state you're in.
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Margot Quinn
This is great info! 💯 I'm saving this for future reference. Quick question tho - does the minimum hours/earnings requirement include your current job, or just previous employment?
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Raúl Mora
Good question! In my experience, it included both current and previous employment within the qualifying period. But it's always best to double-check with your local PFL office, as rules can change.
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Evelyn Kim
ugh, the system is so confusing. i tried to apply last month and got denied becuz i didnt have enough work hours. now im stuck without any support 😭
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Diego Fisher
That sucks, I'm sorry to hear that. Have you looked into any alternative support programs? Sometimes there are local orgs that can help out.
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Evelyn Kim
thanks for the suggestion. i'll look into it. just feels like were always fighting an uphill battle, you know?
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Henrietta Beasley
Pro tip: Document EVERYTHING. Keep copies of all your paystubs, any communication with HR, and medical records if applicable. Trust me, it'll save you a ton of headaches later on.
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Lincoln Ramiro
Has anyone actually managed to get through to a real person on their helpline? I've been trying for days and keep getting stuck in their automated system 🤬
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Faith Kingston
Omg, I thought it was just me! I've been trying for weeks. It's like they don't want us to actually use the benefits we're entitled to 🙄
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Emma Johnson
I found a way to get through! There's this site called claimyr.com that has a calling tool. It dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and then connects you to a live agent when one picks up. It costs $20, but it worked for me. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
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Lincoln Ramiro
Wow, really? That sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Liam Brown
I'm skeptical. $20 just to talk to someone? Seems like a scam to me.
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Emma Johnson
I get the skepticism, but it's legit. I was desperate after trying for days and it actually worked. Saved me hours of frustration. Sometimes you gotta spend money to save time, you know?
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Olivia Garcia
Just a heads up, the rules for PFL can vary by state. Make sure you're looking at the right info for where you live. I learned that the hard way 🤦♂️
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Noah Lee
Anyone know if you can use PFL intermittently? Like, take a few days off each month instead of one long leave?
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Ava Hernandez
Yes, you can! I did this last year when my mom was sick. Had to jump through some extra hoops with paperwork, but it was doable.
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Noah Lee
That's great to know, thanks! Did you have to reapply each time or was it all under one application?
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Ava Hernandez
It was all under one application, but I had to submit time sheets for the days I took off. Bit of a pain, but worth it for the flexibility.
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Isabella Martin
Hot take: the whole system needs an overhaul. It's 2023, why is it still so hard to access basic benefits? 🤔
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Elijah Jackson
Preach! 🙌 It's like they're stuck in the stone age. We need a complete digital transformation of these government services.
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Sophia Miller
Careful what you wish for. Last time they tried to "upgrade" the system in my state, it was down for weeks and caused a huge backlog of claims.
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Mason Davis
LPT: If you're planning to apply, start gathering your docs NOW. Don't wait until you actually need the leave. Future you will thank present you.
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Mia Rodriguez
Does anyone know if theres a maximum amount you can receive on PFL? I make decent money and I'm worried about taking a big pay cut if I need to use it.
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Jacob Lewis
Yeah, there's usually a cap. In my state, it's about 60-70% of your wages up to a certain amount per week. But it varies, so check your local rules.
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Mia Rodriguez
Oof, that could be rough. Guess I better start saving up just in case. Thanks for the info!
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