EDD PFL denied for mother-in-law caregiver - fighter-in-law vs mother-in-law confusion - help with appeal?

This is definitely something you can appeal! The qualifying family relationships for PFL caregiving include parent-in-law relationships, so your MIL should qualify. It sounds like this was either a clerical error on EDD's part (misreading "daughter-in-law" as "fighter-in-law") or a misunderstanding of the relationship. File an appeal within 30 days of the denial notice using the form that came with your denial letter. Include: 1. A copy of your marriage license 2. A letter clearly explaining the relationship (that she is your mother-in-law caring for you) 3. Highlight the section in the PFL regulations that lists mother-in-law as a qualifying relationship Also call EDD directly to explain the situation - sometimes they can fix obvious errors like this without a formal appeal hearing.

my sister in law had this EXACT same problem last year!!! they said she couldnt care for her brother in law but thats absolutely allowed. the EDD rep told her it was a training issue with new claim processors not understanding all the family relationships that qualify. definitely appeal and send in your marriage license!!

This is definitely an error worth appealing. The California PFL program specifically includes in-laws in the qualifying family relationships. From personal experience, I'd recommend: 1. File the appeal immediately (DE 1000M form) 2. Include very clear documentation - marriage license, a family tree diagram, and highlight the relevant section of the CA law 3. Call EDD every few days for status updates 4. Consider submitting a new claim with corrected information while the appeal is processing When my wife's PFL claim had a similar issue, we called every day until we reached someone who understood the problem and could escalate it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with EDD.

I tried calling EDD for 2 WEEKS straight when my claim got denied!!! Could never get through!! Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep in 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 The rep was able to look at my case right away and told me exactly what documents to submit for my appeal. Saved me so much stress! Definitely try them because waiting for a formal appeal takes FOREVER.

ok but can we talk about how RIDICULOUS it is that they denied you because they misread "fighter in law"?? like what even IS a fighter in law?? 😂 i cant with these government agencies sometimes. of COURSE mother in law is covered, its literally in their own guidelines!

Something important to add: while you're appealing, your MIL should be certifying for benefits every two weeks as if she were receiving them. If you win the appeal, EDD will only pay for weeks that were properly certified, even retroactively. Use SDI Online or the paper DE 2580 forms to keep certifying during the appeal process.

Also, make sure when you file the appeal that you request a telephone hearing rather than an in-person hearing. Phone hearings are scheduled much faster (usually within 4-6 weeks versus 2-3 months for in-person), and the PFL Appeals Board can often resolve clear-cut issues like this one early in the process once they see your documentation.

my cousins wife had almost the exact same thing happen!!!! but hers was because she wrote "daughter-in-law" and they said that wasn't covered. she gave up and didn't appeal so they never got the money. dont do what she did!!!! APPEAL!!!

btw has your MIL applied for unemployment while waiting for the appeal? she might qualify since she's available for work but just waiting on the PFL appeal.

I work with PFL claims professionally, and this is a clear case where you should win your appeal. The relevant family relationships for PFL Caregiving claims include: - Child (biological, adopted, foster, stepchild, legal ward, or child of domestic partner) - Parent (biological, adoptive, foster, stepparent, legal guardian, or parent-in-law) - Spouse or registered domestic partner - Grandparent, grandchild, sibling Mother-in-law falls under the "parent-in-law" category. Make sure your appeal clearly states this and references California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 3302(f). I would also recommend getting a new certification form completed by your doctor that very clearly states the relationship as "mother-in-law" in typed format if possible.

this is making me so mad FOR you! last year my claim was denied because they said i didn't submit a form that i DEFINITELY submitted. i spent like 20+ hours on the phone trying to get through to anyone who could help. the whole system is broken!!! 😡

One more tip: In your appeal, clearly specify that you're requesting retroactive benefits from the start date of the original claim. Also, regarding the previous claim being approved when she listed herself as "mother" instead of "mother-in-law" - I wouldn't mention this in your appeal as it could potentially complicate things. Just focus on the current claim and the fact that mother-in-law is a qualifying relationship.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some encouragement - I went through a similar situation last year with my father-in-law's PFL claim being denied due to a relationship misunderstanding. The appeal process worked and he got all his retroactive benefits! A few things that helped us: 1. We submitted the appeal with a very clear cover letter explaining the error 2. Included multiple forms of documentation (marriage certificate, family photos with dates, even a notarized affidavit from other family members confirming the relationship) 3. Called EDD's PFL unit directly (not the general UI line) - the number is 1-877-238-4373 The whole appeal took about 6 weeks from start to finish, and he received a lump sum payment for all the missed weeks. Don't give up - this is exactly the kind of obvious error that appeals are designed to fix. Your MIL absolutely qualifies as your caregiver under the parent-in-law relationship category!