EDD sending unexpected PFL checks after appeal - trying to avoid overpayment issues

Do NOT cash those checks!! My sister-in-law had a similar thing happen last year and she deposited the extra checks thinking they were legitimate. EDD came back 5 months later demanding repayment with interest!! Its a total nightmare trying to sort it out once u cash them.

you need to call EDD asap...they probly think your wife took all her time at once which is the default unless you specify intermittent leave. good luck getting thru tho lol ive spent hours on hold with them before

This is a common issue when claims go through the appeal process. What happened is that once your appeal was approved, the system automatically processed payments for the entire claim period instead of just the 3 weeks your wife has taken so far. You need to: 1. Do NOT cash those checks (as mentioned above) 2. Contact EDD immediately to report the overpayment before they notice it themselves 3. Ask them to adjust your claim to reflect intermittent bonding time rather than continuous 4. Get written confirmation of the correction Regarding the 'Notice of Change in Claimant Status' - this form actually confirms that your appeal was successful and your wife's claim status changed from 'denied' to 'approved.' The 'Notice of Automatic Payments' is explaining that the system is now generating payments automatically based on the approved timeframe. You need to contact EDD to clarify that you're using intermittent bonding time, not continuous.

They'll typically ask you to return the uncashed checks with a letter explaining the situation. Make sure to keep copies of everything! If you send the checks back, use certified mail so you have proof of return. When you talk to them, also specifically ask them to note in your file that you're using intermittent PFL and what your expected schedule is (if you know it). This will help prevent the same issue from happening again.

THE EDD SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! This happens ALL THE TIME! When you appeal, their ancient computer system just blindly approves EVERYTHING without any human checking if its correct. I work in HR and see this disaster play out constantly. You're doing the right thing catching it early, but be prepared for a LONG fight with them. Document EVERYTHING, get names of every rep you talk to, confirmation numbers for every call. And for the love of god, NEVER assume EDD knows what they're doing - even when they send you official notices!

I encountered this exact problem last year with my PFL claim. The key is getting through to a tier 2 specialist - they're the only ones who can actually fix this in the system. Regular representatives will try to help but don't have access to override the automatic payment system. After spending hours unable to get through on the regular line, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD representative within 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 Once I got through to a tier 2 specialist, they were able to correct my claim from continuous to intermittent, stop the automatic payments, and create a proper record. They also gave me specific instructions for returning the uncashed checks with the correct documentation.

When you get connected, just clearly explain that you need help with stopping automatic PFL payments after an appeal and changing your claim from continuous to intermittent. The first-level rep should recognize this requires a tier 2 specialist. If they don't offer to transfer you, specifically ask to speak with a tier 2 specialist who can modify claim payment settings. Also, if you still have that 'Notice of Change in Claimant Status' form, have it handy during the call - there should be a claim ID number on it that will help them locate your record faster.

@confused_dad_2023 Yes, it worked for me when I was desperate. I had tried for over a week with no success before using it. Not sure if there are other similar services, but this one did what it promised. The key is that once you're connected, you need to be very specific about needing a tier 2 specialist who can modify PFL claim settings.

just wanna say congrats on the new baby!! this stuff is stressful but you'll get through it. make sure to enjoy this special time too, they grow up so fast! my little one is already 8 months and i feel like the newborn phase was a blur.

Just adding one more thing - when you send back those checks, make sure you write "VOID" across them in big letters with permanent marker before you mail them back. My cousin didn't do this and somehow one of the checks she returned still got cashed (not by her!). Created a whole additional headache to resolve.

UPDATE: The EDD procedure for returning uncashed benefit checks changed last year. You should: 1. Write "VOID" across the check in large letters 2. Complete form DE 2612 (Voluntary Return of Benefit Payments) 3. Mail both to the address on the DE 2612 form via certified mail You can download form DE 2612 from the EDD website or request it when you speak with a representative. This creates a paper trail showing exactly what you returned and why.

I'm a new parent dealing with something similar but from a different angle - my PFL claim was initially approved but then I got a notice saying they're "reviewing" it and all payments have been suspended. Meanwhile I see posts like this where people are getting TOO many payments after appeals. The inconsistency in how EDD handles these cases is mind-boggling. @Miguel - it sounds like you're getting great advice here, especially about contacting a tier 2 specialist and using that DE 2612 form to return the checks properly. One thing I'd add is to screenshot or photocopy everything before you send it back, including the voided checks. I learned this the hard way when dealing with other government agencies - they have a habit of "losing" paperwork. Having visual proof of what you returned and when can save you months of headaches later. Good luck getting this sorted out, and congratulations on your new baby!