Help! Filed PFL before SDI after c-section, need to cancel and backdate. What to expect when calling EDD?
I messed up and filed for Paid Family Leave (PFL) before filing for State Disability Insurance (SDI) after my c-section. My HR just told me I was supposed to file SDI first. Now I need to stop my PFL application and backdate an SDI claim. I'm worried about missing the deadline for recovery time and how long this will take to process. Has anyone dealt with this before? What should I expect when I call to fix this?
21 comments

Miguel Harvey
Ugh, been there done that! 🤦♀️ The whole system is so confusing. When I called, they were actually pretty understanding about the mix-up. Just explain your situation clearly and ask if they can expedite the process. It took about 2 weeks for me once I got everything sorted out.
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Finnegan Gunn
AuthorThanks for sharing your experience! Did you have any issues with backdating the SDI claim? I'm worried because it's been 7 weeks since my baby was born.
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Miguel Harvey
No problem! They were able to backdate mine, but I caught it earlier than 7 weeks. Definitely mention the misunderstanding with your HR when you call. They might make an exception. Fingers crossed for you! 🤞
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Ashley Simian
2 weeks?! You got lucky. It took me over a month to get my claim processed after a similar mixup. The EDD is a total clown show 🤡
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Oliver Cheng
Here's what you need to do: 1. Call EDD immediately to cancel your PFL claim. 2. File your SDI claim ASAP, explaining the situation and requesting backdating. 3. Gather all relevant documentation (birth certificate, doctor's notes, etc.) 4. Follow up with EDD regularly to ensure your claim is being processed. 5. Keep your HR in the loop about what's happening. The 40-day filing deadline for SDI is usually strict, but they may make exceptions for genuine misunderstandings. Be persistent and polite when dealing with EDD. Good luck!
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Finnegan Gunn
AuthorThank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely follow these steps. Do you know if there's a specific department I should ask for when I call?
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Oliver Cheng
You're welcome! Ask for the SDI claims department specifically. And make sure to get the name and ID number of anyone you talk to, it'll help if you need to follow up later.
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Taylor To
lol welcome to the wonderful world of California bureaucracy 😂 Seriously tho, don't stress too much. These mix-ups happen all the time. Just be prepared for a lot of hold music when you call!
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Ella Cofer
Quick question - did your HR provide any guidance on how to fix this? Seems like they dropped the ball by not telling you about SDI first.
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Finnegan Gunn
AuthorNope, they just told me I filed wrong and need to fix it. Kinda frustrating tbh.
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Ella Cofer
Wow, that's not cool. Maybe ask them to provide some written documentation about the mixup? Could help your case with EDD.
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Kevin Bell
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone without waiting forever. 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
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Savannah Glover
Sounds too good to be true. Does it realy work? How long did you wait?
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Kevin Bell
It actually does! I was skeptical too, but I got a call back in about 2 hours. Way better than spending all day on hold.
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Felix Grigori
20 bucks tho? Seems kinda steep just to make a phone call.
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Kevin Bell
I get it, but for me, it was worth it to not waste an entire day on hold. Time is money, ya know? 🤷♂️
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Felicity Bud
Pro tip: if you can't get through on the phone, try reaching out to your local state assembly member's office. They often have contacts at EDD and can help expedite things.
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Max Reyes
OMG this exact thing happend to me last year! I was able to get it fixed but it took forever. Make sure you keep copys of EVERYTHING. The EDD lost my paperwork twice 🙄
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Finnegan Gunn
AuthorYikes, that sounds like a nightmare! How long did the whole process take for you?
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Max Reyes
It took about 2 months all told. But I also had trouble getting through on the phone. If you can talk to someone quicker it might go faster!
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Chloe Robinson
I went through something similar a few months ago! The key is to call first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - you'll have a better chance of getting through. When you do get someone on the line, explain that your HR gave you incorrect guidance about filing order. Most reps understand this mix-up happens frequently. Also, ask them to put notes in your file about the conversation so if you need to call back, the next person will see what's going on. The backdating might still be possible even at 7 weeks if you can show it was due to misinformation. Don't give up! 💪
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