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Malik Jenkins

Can I get EDD PFL for caring for sick family member abroad? 8 weeks needed

Hi everyone! My uncle was just diagnosed with a serious heart condition in Argentina and I'm the only family member who can help him during recovery after his upcoming surgery. Need to be there about 8 weeks starting next month. Can I apply for CA Paid Family Leave to care for him? I've worked at my company in California for 3 years and have regular deductions from my paycheck, but I'm confused about how this works for family members who don't live in the US. Does anyone know: 1. Am I even eligible if my family member lives outside the country? 2. What medical documentation would I need? 3. How long does approval usually take? Really appreciate any advice! I'm stressed about both the situation and potentially losing 2 months of income.

Yes, you can absolutely apply for PFL for an out-of-country family member! I did this last year when my mother in Mexico needed care after cancer surgery. Here's what you need to know: - The location of your family member doesn't matter for PFL eligibility - You'll need the DE2501F form completed by your uncle's doctor - Foreign medical documentation needs to be translated to English - Get your uncle's medical records certified with a proper stamp/signature One challenge: the form may be unfamiliar to foreign doctors, so I recommend having a video call to explain what they need to document and why. Start the application process ASAP because international mail can delay things.

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Malik Jenkins

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Thank you so much! That's such a relief. Did you have any issues with the doctor filling out the form correctly? My Spanish is decent but I'm worried about explaining all the technical requirements to my uncle's cardiologist.

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Eduardo Silva

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just make sure ur uncle is considered a "family member" under california law...not all relatives qualify...pretty sure its parents, kids, spouse, registered domestic partner, grandparents, grandkids, siblings, and parents-in-law

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Malik Jenkins

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Oh shoot, I didn't even think about that! I'll double-check, but I think uncles might not be covered. That would change everything... 😟

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Leila Haddad

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Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but uncles are NOT covered family members for California PFL. The exact list is: - Child (including adopted, foster, step, or legal ward) - Parent (including in-laws, adoptive, foster, or stepparent) - Spouse - Registered domestic partner - Grandparent - Grandchild - Sibling Unfortunately, uncles don't qualify. You might want to check with your employer about other leave options like FMLA (though that's unpaid) or ask about a personal leave of absence.

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Malik Jenkins

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Thanks for confirming. That's really disappointing. I'll talk to HR about unpaid leave options. I was really counting on at least some income during this time.

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Emma Johnson

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THE EDD SYSTEM IS SO RIDICULOUS!!!!! Why do they get to decide which family members "count"?? What if your uncle raised you? What if he's your only family? The government shouldn't be telling us who qualifies as family we can care for. I had a similar issue when my aunt needed care - I was basically her daughter but NOPE, not eligible because we don't have the "right" relationship on paper. It's INFURIATING!!

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Eduardo Silva

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preach!!! the system is so broken. my cousin who i lived with for 10 yrs got cancer and i couldnt get benefits to help him. had to quit my job

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I'm so sorry I gave incorrect information about eligibility. I was thinking of my mother, not realizing uncles don't qualify. One option to consider: does your uncle have any qualifying relationship to you other than uncle? For example, if he legally adopted you at any point, or if he's also your godparent with legal status? Sometimes there are technical relationships that might qualify.

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Malik Jenkins

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Unfortunately not - he's just my mom's brother. No formal legal relationship beyond that. I appreciate you trying to help though!

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Ravi Patel

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When I needed to reach EDD about a similar situation (caring for my grandmother in Colombia), I spent DAYS trying to get through on the phone. Someone recommended Claimyr to me and it was a huge help. Their service got me connected to an EDD agent in 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. I was able to get clear answers about my international documentation requirements. I'd recommend checking them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 showing how it works. Even though your uncle doesn't qualify, they might help you figure out alternative programs or options faster than trying to reach someone on your own.

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Does this actually work? I tried calling EDD about my disability claim like 50 times last month and gave up. Been wondering if there's any way to actually talk to a human there!

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Ravi Patel

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It really did work for me! I was skeptical too but I was desperate after trying for 3 days. Got connected within about 25 minutes. The agent was able to explain exactly what documentation I needed for my international claim. Saved me a ton of stress.

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PixelPrincess

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Have you considered checking if your employer offers any compassionate leave? My company has a policy where you can take up to 4 weeks for family emergencies that aren't covered by PFL. It's only half pay but better than nothing. Also some companies let coworkers donate PTO - my friend's office did this when she needed to care for her cousin after an accident. Also I think I read somewhere that California is considering expanding the definition of family members for PFL but it hasn't happened yet. Typical bureaucracy moving so slow!

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Malik Jenkins

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That's a great suggestion about compassionate leave and PTO donation. I'll definitely ask HR about both options. Even half pay would be better than nothing, and my coworkers are pretty supportive. Thank you!

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Leila Haddad

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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.

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Malik Jenkins

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Thank you for laying out all these options! I'll definitely get the documentation from his doctor regardless of which route I end up taking. Really appreciate the clear information.

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Eduardo Silva

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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?

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Malik Jenkins

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That's a really good point! My job is partially remote already. I might be able to work part-time from there and use PTO for the rest. Going to talk to my manager tomorrow.

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Kendrick Webb

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That's actually brilliant! Even if you can only work 20-30 hours a week while caring for him, that would help stretch your finances. Plus Argentina has decent internet in the major cities. Just make sure to check with your company about any tax implications of working internationally for that long.

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