EDD PFL appeal hearing success - can I still get retroactive benefits for missed certifications?

Congratulations on winning your appeal! That's huge. Regarding your backpay question - EDD should automatically process payments for any weeks that were previously denied but are now approved through your appeal. However, for weeks you didn't certify at all, you'll need to contact them directly to request retroactive certification. I recommend calling the PFL office specifically (not the regular UI number) and explaining that you've won your appeal and need to certify for missed weeks. Have your case number and appeal decision reference number ready when you call. They can guide you through the retroactive certification process.

congrats!! i had a similar thing happen with my baby bonding benefit. they initially denied me cause they said i didn't submit proof that i was the primary caregiver (even tho i did). for the weeks u didn't certify u definitely need to call them, they won't automatically backpay those without u asking. just be prepare to be on hold FOREVER when u call lol

If you're struggling to get through to EDD on the phone (which is extremely common with PFL claims), try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same situation after winning my PFL appeal and couldn't get through for days. Claimyr got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 25 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 Once I got through, the rep was able to process my retroactive certifications for the missed weeks right on the call. Just make sure you have all your documentation ready.

DO NOT let that money go!!! The EDD system is DESIGNED to wear you down so you'll give up on benefits you're legally entitled to. I went through this exact situation last year and had to FIGHT for my retroactive payments after winning my appeal. They will NOT automatically pay you for weeks you didn't certify - that's a fact. And be warned: even after you request the retroactive certification, they might "lose" your request or claim they never received it. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Get names and ID numbers of everyone you speak with. If possible, get confirmation numbers for any forms you submit. This system is BROKEN but that's YOUR money!!!

While the previous advice is correct about needing to contact EDD for missed certifications, there's actually a specific form you should request: DE 2501F "Claim For Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits - Retroactive". This is specifically for situations where you missed filing during your eligible period. For weeks you certified but were denied (and now approved through appeal), those should be processed automatically within 10-15 business days of your favorable decision. If you don't see payment by then, call the PFL office at 1-877-238-4373. There is a time limit - you generally have 30 days from the appeal decision date to submit retroactive certification requests. Make this a priority!

My sister just went through this! She had her baby in November and was initially denied PFL because her employer messed up her employment verification. She won her appeal last month and got all her back pay INCLUDING the weeks she didn't certify for. But she did have to call and specifically request the retroactive certification form that someone mentioned above. Just wondering - did you transition from pregnancy disability to PFL baby bonding? That might affect how they handle your back payments too.

Congrats on winning! Quick question - did you have legal representation at your hearing or did you represent yourself? I have my PFL appeal coming up next month and I'm debating hiring a lawyer.

Just to follow up on your question about the timing - for EDD PFL, you technically have up to 41 weeks from the first day you were eligible for benefits to file a late claim (with good cause). Since your appeal was successful, you've established good cause for the delay. Make sure when you call that you specifically mention you need to submit DE 2501F for retroactive certification for the weeks of [list your specific dates]. Also request information about the "continued claim certification" form for any weeks you were previously denied but should now be approved. Finally, ask them to note in your file that these requests are related to your successful appeal (have your appeal case number ready). This creates a paper trail in case you need to follow up later.

First of all, huge congratulations on winning your appeal! That's such a relief after all the stress you've been through. I'm currently dealing with a similar situation where my PFL claim was initially denied due to "insufficient documentation" even though I submitted everything they asked for. Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like you definitely need to pursue those retroactive payments - $2,800 is a significant amount that your family deserves. I know you're exhausted from the whole process (I totally get that feeling), but based on what everyone's saying, EDD won't automatically handle the weeks you didn't certify for. One thing I wanted to add - when you do call, try calling right when they open at 8 AM. I've had better luck getting through earlier in the day rather than later. Also, if you get disconnected (which happens way too often), don't give up! Sometimes it takes multiple attempts. You've already done the hardest part by winning your appeal. Now it's just about following through to get what you're owed. Your experience gives me hope for my own upcoming hearing - thank you for sharing the details about how it went!

Congratulations on winning your appeal, Ellie! That's fantastic news and such a relief after going through all that stress. I went through something very similar last year with my PFL claim. I was initially denied for baby bonding benefits and won my appeal, but like you, I had missed certifying for several weeks during the confusion. Here's what I learned: You absolutely should pursue those retroactive payments! $2,800 is a lot of money, especially when you have a new baby and all the expenses that come with that. Don't let EDD's bureaucratic maze discourage you from getting what you're legally entitled to. For the weeks you missed certifying, you'll definitely need to call and request the DE 2501F form that Diego mentioned. I had to do the same thing. The key is being very specific when you call - have your exact dates ready and your appeal case number. One tip that helped me: when I finally got through to someone, I asked them to email me a confirmation of our conversation with the details of what forms they were sending me. Most reps will do this if you ask, and it's great documentation in case anything gets "lost" later. The whole process took about 6 weeks from my call to actually receiving the back payments, but it was totally worth it. Don't give up - you've already done the hard part by winning your appeal!