How to apply for PFL benefits? Need help 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. Thanks in advance!
24 comments
Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve applying for paid family leave, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HnWE2Jz09Q
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Amelia Dietrich
I just went through this a few months ago. It's not too bad once you get the hang of it. First, make sure you're eligible - you need to have paid into State Disability Insurance (SDI) in the past 5-18 months. Then, you'll need to file a claim online or by mail. The EDD website has all the forms you need.
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Kaiya Rivera
This is super helpful, thanks! Do you remember how long it took for them to process your claim?
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Amelia Dietrich
It took about 2 weeks for me, but I've heard it can take up to a month sometimes. Just make sure you fill out everything correctly to avoid delays!
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Katherine Ziminski
2 weeks?! Luckyy. Mine took like 6 weeks to process ðŸ˜
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Noah Irving
Ugh, good luck dealing with EDD. Their system is a nightmare 🤮
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Vanessa Chang
For real tho. I spent hours on hold just trying to get someone to answer a simple question. Total clown show 🤡
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Madison King
Make sure you have all your medical documentation ready before you apply. They'll need proof from your doctor about why you need the leave. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit!
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Julian Paolo
Has anyone used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool? I heard it dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to your phone. It costs $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
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Ella Knight
Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit?
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Julian Paolo
Yeah, it's totally legit! I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imo.
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William Schwarz
I've used it twice now. Worked like a charm both times. Beats sitting on hold all day!
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Lauren Johnson
Pro tip: start the application process BEFORE you actually need to take leave. It can take a while to get approved, and you don't want to be stuck without income while waiting.
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Jade Santiago
This!!! 💯 I wish someone had told me this before I applied. I was stressed af waiting for approval.
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Caleb Stone
Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to do: 1. Check eligibility: Make sure you've paid into SDI and have a qualifying reason for leave. 2. Gather documents: You'll need your Social Security number, employment info, and medical certification. 3. File your claim: Do this online through SDI Online for fastest processing. 4. Provide info to your employer: Let them know you're taking PFL. 5. Wait for processing: It usually takes about 2 weeks, but can be longer. 6. Certify for benefits: Once approved, you'll need to certify every two weeks. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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KhalilStar
Wow, thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! This is exactly what I needed. Quick question - for the medical certification, does it need to be a specific form or just a note from my doctor?
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Caleb Stone
There's actually a specific form called the 'Certification of Health Care Provider' (Form DE 2501F) that your doctor needs to fill out. You can find it on the EDD website. Make sure your doc fills it out completely to avoid delays!
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Daniel Price
Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to be as confusing as possible? 🤔 It's like they don't want us to actually use the benefits we're entitled to.
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Olivia Evans
Preach! 🙌 I swear they make it complicated on purpose to discourage people from applying.
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Sophia Bennett
Idk, I think it's just understaffed and underfunded. But yeah, the end result is the same - it's a pain to deal with.
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Aiden Chen
Hey OP, what's your reason for taking leave? I'm in the same boat, trying to figure out if I qualify to care for my elderly parent.
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KhalilStar
I'm actually applying to take care of my newborn. But I'm pretty sure caring for an elderly parent qualifies too! Check the EDD website, they have a list of all the qualifying reasons.
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Aiden Chen
Thanks! Yeah, I'll double check. Congrats on the new baby btw! 🎉
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Zoey Bianchi
Word of advice: keep a log of all your calls and interactions with EDD. Note down who you talked to, when, and what they said. It'll save you a lot of headaches if there are any issues down the line.
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