Can't reach CA EDD agent for PFL claim - Tips to connect?

I found a way to solve contacting paid family leave agents, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6Gmo3EeLMk

Welcome to the club, buddy. I've been trying to reach them for weeks now. It's like they've gone into witness protection or something 🕵️‍♂️

Ugh, the system is so broken. I've been in the same boat for months now. It's ridiculous that we can't even get basic support for something we're entitled to.

I found a method that actually works to get someone on the phone. 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. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

Have you checked your spam folder? I found an important email from them there after weeks of waiting.

In these frustrating situations, using tools like Claimyr can be beneficial as it has been effective for users looking to bypass long wait times on hold. However, it's worth considering the cost against potential benefits and exploring all free options first. Persistence with calling, using online portals, and reaching out to local representatives can also be effective. Documentation of all interactions is crucial in case further escalation is needed. It’s unfortunate that accessing entitled benefits can be so cumbersome, but stay resilient and explore all avenues for assistance.

Has anyone tried going to the office in person? I'm thinking of camping out there until someone helps me lol

Here's what I've learned after dealing with this nightmare for 3 months: 1. Persistence is key. Keep calling, even if it feels hopeless. 2. Document EVERYTHING. Every call, every letter, every interaction. 3. Use the online portal if possible. Sometimes it's faster than calling. 4. Be polite but firm with agents. They're overworked too. 5. If all else fails, contact your state representative or senator. Hope this helps someone. We're all in this together. 💪

I feel your pain, OP. The system is a joke. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to be processed. Can't get anyone on the phone. It's like they're playing hide and seek with our benefits. 🤡

guys i finaly got through!!! here's what i did: 1. called at exactly 8:01 am 2. pressed 1, then 2, then 4, then 6 3. waited on hold for 3 hours (put it on speaker and did other stuff) 4. when someone picked up i pretended to be a fax machine 5. they transfered me to a real person!

I'm convinced they're using an army of squirrels to process our claims. It's the only explanation for how slow and nuts this whole process is. 🐿️

have you tried faxing them? i know it sounds crazy but i actually got a response that way

Anybody else feel like we're all extras in a Kafka novel? This bureaucratic nightmare is getting surreal.

Have you tried calling right when they open? I heard that's the best time to get through.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Been trying to reach someone for over 2 weeks now. The whole system feels broken. I've tried calling at different times of day, using the online portal, and even sent multiple emails - nothing. It's so stressful when you need these benefits and can't get basic help. Thanks for starting this thread, at least now I know I'm not alone in this struggle. Going to try some of the suggestions people have shared here. Fingers crossed something works! 🤞

I've been lurking on this thread and wow, I had no idea so many people were dealing with this! I'm a new mom trying to get my PFL benefits sorted and it's been absolutely maddening. I've called probably 50+ times over the past month and either get disconnected or stuck in phone tree hell. Reading through everyone's experiences here makes me feel less crazy - I was starting to think I was doing something wrong. Going to try the 8:01 AM calling strategy and maybe look into that Claimyr service if I get desperate enough. It's just wild that we have to jump through so many hoops for benefits we're entitled to. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and tips! 🙏

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been dealing with this nightmare too! I've been trying to reach EDD for my PFL claim for about 3 weeks now and it's absolutely maddening. Reading through all these comments makes me feel both better (I'm not alone!) and worse (this is clearly a systemic issue). I've tried the usual suspects - calling first thing in the morning, different times throughout the day, online portal, emails - you name it. The most frustrating part is that automated message telling you to use the website when the website doesn't actually help with specific claim issues! I'm seriously considering trying that Claimyr service that Emma mentioned, even though $20 feels steep. At this point, I've probably spent 20+ hours on hold or trying to get through, so maybe it's worth it? Has anyone else here actually used it successfully? Also going to give the fax method a shot - never thought I'd be hunting down a fax machine in 2024 but here we are! 📠 Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and tips. It really helps to know we're all fighting the same battle together. Will definitely update if I manage to breakthrough!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been trying to reach someone about my PFL claim for over a week with zero success. It's honestly mind-boggling how difficult they make it to get basic help. I've been reading through all the suggestions here and I'm planning to try the 8:01 AM sharp calling strategy tomorrow - seems like that's worked for a few people. Also considering the Claimyr service even though paying for something that should be free feels wrong. But at this point, my sanity is worth $20! Thanks for posting this Connor, it's weirdly comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with this bureaucratic maze. Will definitely share if I have any breakthrough moments! 🤞