Help with PFL application: Accidentally submitted twice & need advice on splitting leave

Ugh, the PFL system can be such a headache! 🤦‍♂️ For your first issue, you'll probably need to call them directly to get one of the applications deleted. As for splitting PFL, here's what I know: 1. Apply for the first period with specific dates 2. Wait for approval 3. Before the first period ends, contact them to request a split and give new dates for the second period Make sure you have all your docs ready when you call! Good luck!

I feel your pain! The EDD website is like navigating a maze blindfolded sometimes. Have you tried reaching out to your HR department? They might be able to help with the application mess.

Pro tip: 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. Check out this video for more info: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

lol welcome to the wonderful world of california bureaucracy 🤡 where nothing makes sense and the rules change every 5 minutes

Hey OP, for your wife's split leave, make sure she communicates clearly with her employer too. Some companies have their own policies about split leaves that might affect how she plans it out. Better to cover all bases!

I had a similar issue last year. Ended up having to fax (yes, FAX in 2023 🙄) a letter explaining the situation. It took forever, but they eventually sorted it out. Hang in there!

Quick question - has anyone here successfully deleted a PFL application before? Wondering if its even possible or if OP is gonna be stuck with both...

For the duplicate application issue, definitely call the PFL phone line as soon as possible! I had this happen to me too - submitted one application, realized I made an error, then submitted another thinking the first would automatically cancel. Big mistake! When I finally got through to someone (took forever on hold), they explained that duplicate applications can actually delay processing for BOTH applications while they figure out which one is correct. The rep was able to cancel the incorrect one over the phone, but said it would have been much messier if I'd waited longer. For your wife's split leave - she'll want to be really specific about her intended dates when she first applies. Even though you can modify later, it's easier if the initial application is close to what she actually wants. Also make sure she keeps detailed records of all communications with EDD about the split! Good luck navigating the bureaucracy! 🤞

Hey @Zara Khan! I went through something similar with EDD last year. Definitely echo what others are saying about calling ASAP for the duplicate application - they can absolutely cancel one if you catch it early enough. One thing I learned the hard way: when you do call, have both application confirmation numbers ready if you have them. The rep I spoke with needed those to identify which applications were duplicates in their system. For your wife's split leave, here's what worked for us: she applied for the full period she was eligible for initially, then called about 2 weeks before she wanted to return to work temporarily to request the split. They had her fill out a form (can't remember the exact number, but they'll send it to you) and she had to get her doctor to sign off on the return-to-work portion. The whole process took about a week to process. Also, pro tip: if you're both planning to take PFL for the same event (like bonding with a new baby), make sure to coordinate your timing. There are some rules about overlapping benefits that can get tricky. Hope this helps!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread is a goldmine! Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - when you call EDD about the duplicate applications, ask them to put a note in your file about the cancellation. I didn't think to do this initially, and when I called back a few weeks later about something else, the new rep had no record of the previous cancellation and almost reopened the case. Having that documentation saved me from a huge headache! Also, for anyone else reading this who's struggling to get through on the phone - I found calling right when they open (8 AM) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays gave me the best luck. Mondays and Fridays seem to be their busiest days. Hope everyone gets their PFL issues sorted out! 🤞

As a newcomer to this whole PFL process, I just want to say how incredibly helpful this thread has been! I'm actually in a very similar boat - about to apply for PFL myself and was dreading having to figure out the system. Reading through everyone's experiences and tips has given me so much confidence going into this. @Zara Khan - definitely call them ASAP about that duplicate application like everyone's suggesting. It sounds like it's totally fixable if you catch it early! And for your wife's split leave, it seems like the key is being super organized with documentation and timing. One quick question for the group - when you're calling EDD, do you find it helpful to have all your documents pulled up on your computer beforehand? Like employment history, medical records, etc.? I want to be as prepared as possible for when I make my own call! Thanks again everyone for sharing your experiences! 🙏

Just jumping in as someone who's been lurking in this community for a while but finally creating an account because this thread is so helpful! I'm actually preparing to apply for PFL in the next few weeks and was feeling pretty overwhelmed by the whole process. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - especially knowing that duplicate applications are fixable and that there are actual strategies for getting through to someone on the phone. I had no idea about calling on Tuesday/Wednesday mornings or having all your documentation ready beforehand. @Zara Khan I hope you get both issues sorted out quickly! It sounds like you've got a solid game plan now thanks to all the advice here. For anyone else who's new to this like me - this community is amazing and I'm so glad I found it. Sometimes it really does take a village to navigate government bureaucracy! 😅 Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips - you're all lifesavers! 🌟