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How to apply for PFL? Need tips for navigating EDD process

Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out how to apply for paid family leave. Has anyone gone through this process recently? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated. I'm not sure where to start or what documents I need to have ready.

Tom Maxon

I found a way to solve applying for paid family leave, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSpcQ2y9Yrk

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Luca Russo

I just went through this a few months ago. Here's what I learned: • First, make sure you're eligible. You need to have paid into State Disability Insurance (SDI) in the past 5-18 months. • Gather all your documents: medical certification, proof of relationship to the family member you're caring for, etc. • You can apply online through the EDD website or by mail. Online is faster. • Be prepared to wait. It can take a few weeks to process. • Keep all your paperwork and correspondence organized. You might need it later. • If you have any questions during the process, call them ASAP. Don't wait. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions.

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Zara Mirza

Wow, thank you so much for all this info! 🙏 This is super helpful. Quick question - how long did it take for your application to get approved?

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Luca Russo

For me, it took about 3 weeks from when I submitted everything to when I got approved. But I've heard it can vary quite a bit depending on how busy they are and if they need any additional info from you.

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Nia Harris

This is great advice! I'd add that you should make copies of EVERYTHING before you send it in. The EDD has been known to lose paperwork sometimes 🙄

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GalaxyGazer

ugh, good luck. the whole system is a nightmare. i've been trying to get through to someone on the phone for weeks with no luck.

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Mateo Sanchez

I found a method to 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

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Aisha Mahmood

Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?

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Ethan Moore

20 bucks? thats kinda steep just to talk to someone...

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Mateo Sanchez

I get the skepticism, but it honestly saved me so much time and frustration. I was spending hours trying to get through before. For me, it was worth it.

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Yuki Kobayashi

Make sure you start the process ASAP! I waited too long and almost missed out on some benefits. Don't be like me lol

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Zara Mirza

Oh no! Thanks for the heads up. How long before you needed leave did you start the process?

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Yuki Kobayashi

I started about 2 weeks before I needed to take leave. Should've given myself at least a month. The bureaucracy is real 😩

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Carmen Vega

Anyone know if the process is different for bonding leave vs caring for a sick family member?

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QuantumQuester

Yeah, it's a bit different. For bonding, you need proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers, etc.). For care leave, you need medical certification from the family member's doctor. The basic process is similar tho.

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Andre Moreau

Pro tip: if you're having trouble with the online application, try using a different browser. For some reason, it worked way better for me in Firefox than Chrome.

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