Do I need to certify for PFL benefits? How often and where?
Hey everyone, I'm new to PFL and I'm a bit confused about the certification process. Do I need to certify for Paid Family Leave benefits? If so, how often do I need to do it and where? Any help would be appreciated!
21 comments


Liam McGuire
Yes, you definitely need to certify for PFL benefits. It's a crucial step in the process. As for how often, it depends on your specific situation. Generally, you'll need to certify every two weeks, but it's best to check with your local EDD office for the most accurate info.
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Amara Eze
•This is correct. I've been on PFL twice now, and you do need to certify regularly. It's not automatic like some ppl think.
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Giovanni Ricci
•Wait, really? I thought PFL was different from regular unemployment. Do we seriously have to certify for this too? 🤦♂️
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Liam McGuire
•Yep, @profile 3. PFL might be different, but certification is still required. It's how they verify you're still eligible for benefits.
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NeonNomad
I remember being confused about this too when I first applied. Here's what I learned: • You do need to certify for PFL • It's usually done online through the EDD website • The frequency can vary, but it's often biweekly • You'll get notifications when it's time to certify • Make sure to do it on time to avoid payment delays Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Mei Zhang
•Thank you so much! This is really helpful. Do you know if there's a specific section on the EDD website for PFL certification?
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NeonNomad
•Glad I could help! Yes, there should be a specific section for PFL on the EDD website. Once you log in, look for something like 'Manage Paid Family Leave Claim' or similar. If you cant find it, give them a call.
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Fatima Al-Hashemi
ugh, the whole system is so confusing. why cant they just make it automatic? its not like were taking a vacation or somthing 🙄
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Dylan Mitchell
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at EDD. 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 about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
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Sofia Martinez
•Sounds interesting, but $20? Is it really worth it?
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Dylan Mitchell
•For me, it was totally worth it. I spent hours trying to get through on my own. This saved me so much time and frustration.
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Dmitry Volkov
•Idk man, seems kinda sketchy. Has anyone else tried this?
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Dylan Mitchell
•@profile 8 I get the skepticism, but it's legit. They don't ask for any personal info beyond your phone number to call you back. Saved me a massive headache.
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Ava Thompson
Pro tip: Set a reminder on your phone for certification days. I missed one once and it was a PAIN to get it sorted out. Don't be like me lol
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CyberSiren
•This!!! 💯 Missed certifications can mess up your whole claim. Better safe than sorry!
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Miguel Alvarez
Anyone know if the certification process is different for bonding vs caring for a sick family member? I'm about to switch from one to the other and I'm not sure if anything changes.
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Zainab Yusuf
•I've done both. The certification process is pretty much the same, but the questions they ask might be slightly different. Just read carefully and you'll be fine.
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Miguel Castro
Just went through this process myself! Yes, you absolutely need to certify for PFL benefits. Here's what I learned: • You'll typically certify every 2 weeks (biweekly) • It's done online through your EDD UI Online account • Look for the "Certify for Benefits" section once you log in • You'll answer questions about your availability and any work/income during the certification period • DO NOT miss your certification deadline - it can delay or stop your payments The system will usually send you a text or email reminder when it's time to certify. I'd recommend setting up those notifications if you haven't already. The whole process only takes a few minutes once you get the hang of it! Good luck with your claim! 🙂
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Andre Laurent
•This is super helpful, thank you! I'm still waiting for my claim to be processed - how long did it take for you to get access to the online certification system after you first applied? I keep checking my account but don't see the certification option yet.
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Nia Harris
•@Andre Laurent It took about a week after my claim was approved for the certification option to show up in my account. Sometimes there s'a delay between when you apply and when the system is fully set up for certifications. If it s'been more than 2 weeks since you applied, I d'definitely call EDD to check on the status. The waiting is the worst part, but hang in there!
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Yuki Yamamoto
Just a heads up for anyone dealing with certification issues - I had a situation where my certification window didn't show up on time and I panicked thinking I'd miss it. Turns out the EDD system sometimes has delays updating, especially on weekends. If your certification date passes and you don't see the option in your account, don't freak out! You usually have a grace period (I think it's about 7-10 days) to complete it once it does appear. The system will backdate it to your original certification date. That said, definitely try to certify as soon as the option becomes available to avoid any payment delays. The peace of mind is worth it! Also pro tip: Screenshot your completed certification confirmation page - it's saved me when there were system glitches and they couldn't find my submission in their records.
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