EDD PFL benefits after interstate claim problems - can I still file retroactively?
I'm in a total mess with my PFL claim due to some interstate issues and need advice! Here's my situation: I moved from Arizona to California in late 2023, started a new job in Jan 2024, then went on maternity leave in April 2024. When I applied for PFL baby bonding benefits in California, they told me I needed to file in Arizona first since that's where some of my base period wages were from. Arizona kept bouncing me back to CA, saying I needed to file here since my recent employment was in California. I got stuck in this horrible loop between the two states for MONTHS, with neither one accepting my claim. I was getting passed around between regular PFL and some special interstate division. Filed appeals, submitted all documentation multiple times, made 30+ phone calls (literally couldn't get through most times). FINALLY, Arizona just closed their claim investigation, saying they have no jurisdiction. Now California should be able to process my claim! But here's the problem - my baby is now 8 months old, and I never received a single payment during my leave. I'm back at work and desperately need that backpay. Can I still get retroactive PFL benefits now that Arizona finally closed their claim? California EDD should have taken my claim from day one according to everything I've researched. I'm owed about 8 weeks of benefits (~$8,000) but can't get through on the phones. Am I just out of luck because of bureaucratic nonsense?
18 comments


Isabella Tucker
You're definitely NOT out of luck! CA PFL has a retroactive filing period - you can claim benefits up to 41 weeks after your baby's birth. Since your baby is only 8 months old, you're still within the window. Since AZ officially closed their claim and documented they have no jurisdiction, you need to do these specific things: 1. Submit a NEW PFL claim in California immediately (DE2508 form) 2. Attach a copy of AZ's claim closure document 3. Include a detailed timeline of events showing the interstate run-around 4. Submit proof of your leave period (letter from employer with exact dates) 5. Include all medical documentation from your original claim Make sure you specifically note on the form this is a RETROACTIVE claim for baby bonding that was delayed due to interstate jurisdiction issues. The key is getting through to someone who understands interstate claims.
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Emma Swift
•Thank you SO much for this detailed response! I'm going to gather all those documents today. Do you know if there's any specific department I should try to reach? I've been trying the main PFL number with no luck.
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Jayden Hill
omg this happened to me but with oregon!!! the EXACT same thing, kept getting sent back n forth between states when i moved. its crazy how they dont communicate with eachother at all?? i ended up giving up after like 2 months cause i couldnt handle the stress with a newborn. hope you can get your $$
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Emma Swift
•It's so frustrating!! I can't believe this is happening to other people too. I totally understand giving up - the stress on top of new baby care is overwhelming. I'm only pushing because we really need that money. Did you ever end up getting anything resolved?
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LordCommander
The interstate claims system is completely BROKEN. I went through this exact nightmare when I moved from Washington to California right before my maternity leave started. No one at either state knew what they were doing, and I kept getting told different things by EVERY SINGLE PERSON I talked to. You absolutely have the right to those retroactive benefits! The problem is actually GETTING THROUGH to someone who can help. I spent 3-4 hours DAILY for weeks trying to reach a human at EDD who understood interstate claims. One tip - don't just submit online. Also mail physical copies of everything with a cover letter explaining the situation. The physical mail sometimes gets routed to different people than the online system.
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Emma Swift
•Thank you for the validation and tips! It's maddening how disorganized the system is. I'll definitely mail physical copies too - that's smart. Did you eventually get your benefits?
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Lucy Lam
If you want to actually reach a human at the EDD without spending hours redialing, try Claimyr. It's a service that connects you with an EDD agent usually within 5-10 minutes. I was skeptical but used it when I had a similar retroactive claim issue with multiple states involved. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or see their demo at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 For interstate claims, you specifically need to speak with someone in the Interstate Claims Unit, not just any representative. Regular reps often don't understand how to handle these complex cases. When you get connected, immediately ask to be transferred to that department.
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Emma Swift
•Oh wow, I've never heard of this service! I'll check out the video. At this point, I'd do anything to get through to someone who actually knows how to handle interstate claims. I'll specifically ask for the Interstate Claims Unit. Thank you!
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Aidan Hudson
Sorry your going through this! Quick question tho - did u qualify for SDI before the PFL? In California you usually get pregnancy disability first, then baby bonding PFL after. Were you trying to get both or just the baby bonding? That might be part of the confusion with your claim
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Emma Swift
•That's actually a good question. I was trying to get both - I filed for SDI first for the pregnancy/recovery period (about 6 weeks), then was trying to transition to the 8 weeks of baby bonding PFL. Neither got approved because of the interstate confusion. The SDI claim got stuck in the same loop.
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Zoe Wang
I had a similar issue with a PFL claim that spanned two states, and here's what helped me finally resolve it: 1. Contact your state representative's office and ask for constituent services help with your EDD claim. They have special channels to EDD and can often break through bureaucratic walls. 2. File a formal appeal using form DE 1000M. Be very specific about the timeline and include a copy of the Arizona closure notice. The appeal process forces them to review your case more thoroughly. 3. When you resubmit your claim, write "INTERSTATE CLAIM - RETROACTIVE BABY BONDING" in large letters at the top of each page. 4. Calculate your benefit amount based on your highest quarter of CA earnings to show exactly what you're owed and for which dates. The system is frustrating, but with persistence and the right documentation, you can get your retroactive benefits. Don't give up - you earned these benefits!
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Emma Swift
•This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you! I never thought about contacting my state representative - that's brilliant. I'm going to try all of these approaches. And you're right, I need to be super explicit about this being an interstate retroactive claim on all documents.
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Connor Richards
idk if this helps but i had a problem with my PFL claim (not interstate tho) and i just kept calling calling calling. took like 60 tries but finally got thru. the lady told me to submit a form DE 2501F (??) for claims that need special processing. maybe thats something to look into
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Isabella Tucker
•The form number is actually DE 2501F-CIC for complex or interstate claims. Good suggestion! This form is specifically designed for unusual circumstances that don't fit the standard claim process.
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Zoe Wang
Success update: I finally got my retroactive baby bonding PFL approved after a similar interstate nightmare (NV/CA). The key was getting through to the Interstate Claims Unit and having them flag my file. Make sure you emphasize to the EDD that the issue wasn't your fault - it was a matter of administrative confusion between states. I had to cite the specific regulation that gives CA jurisdiction (Section 2708(a) of CA Unemployment Insurance Code), and then they finally processed my claim correctly. You're absolutely entitled to those benefits even if you're back at work now. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
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Emma Swift
•This gives me so much hope! Thank you for sharing your success story and the specific regulation. I'll make sure to cite that section when I talk to them. Did it take a long time from when you finally reached the right department until you got your benefits?
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Emma Swift
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at EDD today! Used the Claimyr service that someone suggested and it actually worked - got connected in about 7 minutes instead of endless redialing. The agent confirmed I can still file for retroactive benefits since I'm within the 41-week window. She transferred me to the Interstate Claims Unit, and they're sending me a special package of forms to complete. They said I need to provide: - Proof of Arizona's claim closure - Documentation of all my attempts to file - Employment verification from both states - Birth certificate - Employer's confirmation of leave dates I should receive the forms in 5-7 days, and once I submit everything with all documentation, they said it could take 2-3 weeks to process but that I'm likely eligible for the full 8 weeks of benefits I missed. Such a relief to finally have some progress! Will update again when I know more.
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Zoe Wang
•That's fantastic news! Make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them. I also recommend sending it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The Interstate Claims Unit is much better at handling these complex cases than the general representatives. Wishing you a smooth process from here!
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