FMLA status pending for over a month - anyone else experiencing delays?

Ugh, I feel your pain! I went through something similar last year. It took them almost 2 months to approve my FMLA. The waiting game is the worst part. Have you tried calling them for an update?

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. 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

Have you checked your online account? Sometimes they update the status there before they actually contact you. Also, make sure your employer has submitted all the required paperwork on their end.

FMLA is such a joke these days. I swear they make it complicated on purpose to discourage people from using it. 🙄

Here's what you need to know about FMLA processing times and what you can do to potentially speed things up: • Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks, but can take up to 8 weeks in some cases • Reasons for delays: incomplete paperwork, high volume of applications, staffing issues • Steps to take: 1. Ensure all your paperwork is complete and submitted 2. Ask your employer to follow up with the FMLA office 3. Keep detailed records of all communications 4. If possible, submit your application well in advance of your leave 5. Consider reaching out to your local Department of Labor office for assistance Remember, employers are required to notify you within 5 business days whether you're eligible for FMLA. If it's been longer than that, definitely follow up. Hope this helps! Hang in there, the process can be frustrating but you'll get through it.

lol welcome to bureaucracy hell. grab a seat, we've got snacks and existential dread 🤡

Have you considered reaching out to your company's HR department? They might be able to light a fire under the FMLA office.

Ugh im in the same boat. been waiting since December. this is rediculous

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my FMLA paperwork in early January and still waiting. It's so stressful not knowing when you'll get an answer, especially when you're dealing with a family situation that requires your attention. I've been checking my online portal obsessively but no updates there either. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - at least we know we're not alone in this mess. Going to try some of the suggestions mentioned, especially the early morning calling strategy!

I'm in a similar situation - submitted my FMLA paperwork in late January and still waiting. It's honestly ridiculous how long this process takes when people are dealing with serious family situations that can't wait. I've been following some of the advice here and wanted to share what's worked for me so far: I created a simple spreadsheet tracking all my submission dates, call attempts, and any updates. Also started calling right at 8 AM on weekdays - still haven't gotten through but the hold times seem shorter in the morning. The stress of not knowing is almost worse than the actual family situation I'm dealing with. Hang in there everyone, we'll get through this bureaucratic nightmare eventually! 💪

I'm dealing with the exact same frustration right now! Been waiting since late January for my FMLA approval and it's driving me crazy. What really gets me is that they don't give you any realistic timeline - just "we'll process it when we process it" basically. I tried the early morning calling strategy that someone mentioned and actually got through once, but the person I spoke to basically just read me the same info I could see online. They did mention that January and February tend to be their busiest months because of new year benefits resets, which might explain some of the delays. Has anyone had luck with submitting additional documentation to maybe speed things up? I'm wondering if being proactive with paperwork might help move things along faster.

I'm in the exact same boat - submitted my FMLA request in mid-January and still crickets from their end. It's honestly mind-boggling how they can take this long when people are dealing with urgent family medical situations. I've been trying the early morning call strategy that @Sean O'Donnell mentioned, and while I haven't gotten through yet, the automated message does seem to have shorter estimated wait times around 8 AM. What's really frustrating is that my employer is also waiting on their end for approval to finalize my leave arrangements, so it's affecting multiple people. I've started keeping a detailed log of every attempt to contact them, including screenshots of my online account status, just in case I need to escalate this later. Reading through everyone's experiences here makes me feel less crazy for being so stressed about this - it's validating to know the system is just genuinely broken right now and it's not something I did wrong. Hang in there everyone! 🤞

This thread has been so helpful - I'm going through the exact same situation and it's reassuring to know I'm not alone! I submitted my FMLA paperwork in late January for my dad's cancer treatments and I'm still waiting for approval. The uncertainty is killing me because I need to coordinate with his oncology team and can't make solid commitments without knowing my leave status. I've tried calling multiple times but keep getting stuck in phone tree hell. Definitely going to try that 8 AM calling strategy and start keeping a detailed log like others have mentioned. It's frustrating that we have to become detective-level organized just to navigate what should be a basic workers' right. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and tips - this community support means everything when dealing with bureaucratic nightmares! 🙏

I'm in the exact same situation right now! Filed my FMLA request in early January and it's been radio silence ever since. What's really frustrating is that they don't provide any meaningful timeline updates - just generic "your application is being processed" messages. I've been trying the phone system but it's like trying to win the lottery just to speak to an actual human being. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both comforting (knowing it's not just me) and terrifying (seeing how long some people have been waiting). I'm definitely going to try that early morning calling strategy and start documenting everything like others have suggested. It's wild that we have to become amateur project managers just to navigate a system that's supposed to help us during difficult family situations. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories - at least we're all suffering through this bureaucratic maze together! 🤝

I'm going through the exact same thing! Submitted my FMLA paperwork in mid-January and still no word back. It's so stressful because I need to care for my grandmother who just had hip surgery, and I can't make any solid plans with her physical therapy schedule until I know if my leave is approved. The worst part is feeling like you're in limbo - you can't move forward with family care arrangements but you also can't just ignore work responsibilities. I've been checking the online portal daily hoping for any update, but it's been stuck on "under review" for weeks now. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring (I'm not alone!) and concerning (some people have been waiting since December!). Definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy that @Sean O'Donnell mentioned. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and tips - this community has been a lifeline during this frustrating process! 💪