How to check CA PFL claim status? No updates, worried about payment
Hey everyone, I'm trying to check on my Paid Family Leave claim status. I filed a while back and haven't heard anything. Anyone know how to get an update? I'm getting worried about when I'll receive payment. Any tips on what to say when I call?
59 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve PFL claim status uncertainty, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYenrwynj4Y
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Anna Stewart
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'm gonna try calling tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed ๐ค
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Molly Chambers
โขLet us know how it goes! We're all in the same boat here ๐ฃโโ๏ธ
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Anna Stewart
โขWill do! Appreciate the support ๐ฏ
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Ian Armstrong
โขYou've got this! Hope you get some answers.
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Eli Butler
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 explaining it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
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Marcus Patterson
โขSounds sketchy. Is it legit?
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Lydia Bailey
โข$20? That's highway robbery! ๐คก
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Eli Butler
โขI know it sounds weird, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imho.
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Mateo Warren
โขI've read that others have had success with it too, but I wish there were cheaper options.
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Lilah Brooks
am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we gotta jump thru all these hoops just to get basic info about our claims? the system is broken af ๐คฎ
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Jackson Carter
โขPreach! ๐ It's a total clown show ๐คก
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Kolton Murphy
โขFor real. We need to bombard our representatives with complaints. This isn't acceptable.
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Evelyn Rivera
โขIkr? It's like they're purposely making it difficult ๐
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Julia Hall
โขIt feels like there should be better communication channels in this day and age.
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Sofia Price
Here's what you need to know about checking your PFL claim status: 1. Have your claim number ready 2. Know your filing date 3. Ask about any missing documents 4. Inquire about estimated payment timeframe 5. Request info on next steps When you call, be polite but firm. Sometimes you gotta be persistent to get answers. If the first person can't help, politely ask for a supervisor. Remember, the system is overwhelmed, so patience is key. But don't let them give you the runaround either. You have a right to know what's going on with your claim. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
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Anna Stewart
โขThis is super helpful, thanks! I'll definitely use these tips when I call.
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Alice Coleman
โขGreat advice! I'd add: take notes during the call, including the name of who you spoke to. It can help if you need to follow up later.
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Owen Jenkins
โขYep, keeping a record is always a good practice, especially when dealing with bureaucracy.
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Ruby Knight
Anybody else feel like we need a support group for dealing with PFL stress? ๐ This whole process is giving me gray hairs!
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Diego Castillo
โขLmao yes please! We can call it "PFL Survivors Anonymous" ๐คฃ
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Logan Stewart
โขSign me up! First meeting agenda: screaming into the void ๐ฑ
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Anna Stewart
โขCount me in! We can swap hold music horror stories ๐ต๐
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Mikayla Brown
โขA support group sounds like a great idea to share experiences and tips!
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Ella rollingthunder87
Yo, anyone else notice how the wait times seem to get longer every week? I swear I spent half my life on hold last time I called ๐ซ
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Yara Campbell
โขTell me about it! I could've watched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy during my last hold time ๐งโโ๏ธ
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Isaac Wright
โขPro tip: use speakerphone and do chores while you wait. At least you'll have a clean house when you finally get through! ๐งน๐งผ
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Maya Diaz
โขSpeakerphone is a lifesaver when you're stuck on hold for ages.
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Tami Morgan
Hey OP, how long ago did you file? I'm on week 6 of waiting and starting to lose my mind ๐คช
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Anna Stewart
โขOof, I'm only on week 3. Sounds like I might be in for a long wait ๐ฉ
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Rami Samuels
โขHang in there, OP! Hopefully, it won't take much longer.
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Lara Woods
Pro tip: call early in the morning, like right when they open. You'll have a better chance of getting through without a long wait. Good luck!
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Adrian Hughes
โขThat's true! It's surprising how much difference timing can make.
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Haley Bennett
PROTIP: If u cant get thru on the main line, try calling one of the foreign language lines and then ask to be transfered to an english speaker. Sometimes the wait is shorter!
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Douglas Foster
โขGenius! ๐ง Which language line usually works best?
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Haley Bennett
โขI've had luck with the Vietnamese line, but YMMV. Just be polite when asking for a transfer!
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Nina Chan
โขThat's a smart workaround! As long as you're polite, it seems worth trying.
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Arjun Patel
Has anyone tried using the online portal? I heard they updated it recently, but idk if it's any better for checking claim status.
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Jade Lopez
โขLOL good luck with that. Last time I tried, it was down for "maintenance" ๐
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Anna Stewart
โขI actually tried earlier, but it just says "pending" with no other info. Super frustrating.
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Tony Brooks
โขThe online portal could be a great tool if it were more reliable.
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Layla Sanders
I feel ya, buddy. The PFL system can be a real pain. When I called, I asked about the current status, if they needed any more docs from me, and when I might see some $$. Hang in there!
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Morgan Washington
โขGood points! Also, stay calm and try to be patient; it really helps.
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Kaylee Cook
Ugh, been there done that. It's like pulling teeth to get info sometimes. Make sure you have your claim number and filing date ready when you call. And don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if you're not getting anywhere with the first person.
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Oliver Alexander
โขAbsolutely! Being prepared with your information can really speed things up.
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Sean Matthews
To check your Paid Family Leave claim status, calling is often the most direct method despite the frustration it can entail. Ensure you're prepared with your claim details, like your claim number and filing date, to help verify your identity. While Claimyr, at a cost, can be a useful tool to bypass lengthy waits, it's crucial to weigh its expense against the potential time saved. Using such services might be worth it if you're particularly pressed for time or have exhausted other options. For a balanced approach, also consider using any available online portals or automated systems which are free of charge, keeping in mind these might have limited functionality and reliability. Patience remains key, as PFL and other similar systems are often swamped. Leverage early morning calls to circumvent long waits, or try the foreign language line trick to get through faster. Regardless of the method you choose, being polite yet persistent and keeping a record of your communications will serve you well. Don't hesitate to escalate the issue to a supervisor if you feel your queries aren't being adequately addressed. Ultimately, while the system has its flaws, knowing how to navigate it can alleviate some of the associated stress.
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Brady Clean
I went through this same nightmare a few months back! Here's what worked for me: Call right at 8am when they open (set an alarm), have your SSN and claim number ready, and when you get through, ask specifically about any "pending issues" on your claim. That's the magic phrase that gets them to actually look deeper into your file. Also, if they say "it's processing" ask for a timeline - don't let them brush you off with vague answers. The whole system is a mess but you CAN get answers if you're persistent. Sending good vibes your way! ๐
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Niko Ramsey
โขThis is super helpful advice! I'm new to dealing with PFL claims and the "pending issues" phrase is gold - I never would have thought to ask about that specifically. Thanks for sharing what actually worked for you! ๐
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Myles Regis
Just wanted to jump in as someone who's been lurking here for a while - finally created an account because this thread is so relatable! ๐ I'm currently on week 4 of waiting for my PFL claim to process and the anxiety is real. Reading all these tips has been incredibly helpful, especially the advice about calling first thing in the morning and asking about "pending issues." I never would have known to use that specific phrase! It's honestly both comforting and frustrating to know we're all going through the same struggle. The fact that we need to use workarounds like foreign language lines or pay $20 for callback services just to get basic info about our own claims is pretty ridiculous. But I'm grateful for this community - at least we can help each other navigate this mess! Planning to try the 8am call strategy tomorrow. Wish me luck! ๐ค
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Freya Nielsen
โขWelcome to the community! ๐ Week 4 is rough - I totally get that anxiety. You're definitely not alone in this struggle. The 8am strategy really does work better than calling later in the day. Also, don't forget to write down the name of whoever you talk to and any reference numbers they give you - it helps if you need to call back. Rooting for you to get some answers tomorrow! Let us know how it goes ๐ค
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Adriana Cohn
Hey Anna! I totally feel your frustration - the waiting game with PFL claims is absolutely nerve-wracking. I went through something similar last year and here's what helped me get through to someone: Try calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they first open (like others mentioned), but also have a backup plan for around 11:30 AM - I noticed that's when some agents come back from breaks and the hold times can be shorter. When you do get through, definitely ask about any "pending issues" or "outstanding requirements" on your claim - that phrase seems to unlock more detailed info from the reps. Also, if they mention needing additional documentation, ask them to email you the exact list rather than just telling you over the phone. I learned that the hard way after forgetting half of what they told me! The whole system is definitely broken and shouldn't require us jumping through all these hoops, but you've got this! Keep us posted on how your call goes tomorrow ๐ช
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Noah huntAce420
โขThis is such solid advice! The 11:30 AM backup time is brilliant - I never thought about calling when agents might be coming back from breaks. And yes to getting things emailed instead of trying to remember everything from the phone call! I'm definitely going to try both time slots if needed. Thanks for sharing what actually worked for you - it gives me hope that I'll eventually get through this process ๐
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Jackie Martinez
I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now - filed my PFL claim about 5 weeks ago and it's been radio silence ever since! The uncertainty is killing me because I really need that payment to come through soon. Reading through all these comments has been both reassuring (knowing I'm not alone) and infuriating (realizing how broken this system really is). I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy tomorrow along with having my claim number and specific questions ready. The "pending issues" phrase tip is gold - thank you everyone for sharing what actually works! It's crazy that we have to become experts at navigating bureaucracy just to get updates on our own claims. Will report back with how the call goes. Fingers crossed we all get the answers and payments we're waiting for soon! ๐ค๐ช
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Alexis Robinson
โขWelcome to the club none of us wanted to join! ๐ 5 weeks is rough - I can totally understand that anxiety about needing the payment. You're definitely taking the right approach by being prepared with your claim number and questions. One thing I'd add to everyone's great advice is to also ask for an estimated timeline when you do get through - even if they can't give you an exact date, sometimes they can tell you if you're looking at days vs weeks. And don't be discouraged if the first call doesn't give you all the answers you need - sometimes it takes a couple tries to get someone who really digs into your file. We're all rooting for you! Keep us posted on how it goes ๐ช
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Paloma Clark
โข5 weeks is really tough - I totally get why you're stressed about this! One thing that helped me when I was in a similar situation was keeping a simple log of every interaction (date, time, who I spoke with, what they said). It sounds tedious but it actually made me feel more in control of the situation and helped when I had to reference previous conversations. Also, if you don't get satisfactory answers on your first call, don't hesitate to call back and speak to someone else - sometimes you just get a more helpful rep the second time around. The whole waiting game is absolutely brutal but you're doing everything right by being proactive. Sending positive vibes that your call tomorrow gets you some real answers! ๐
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Dmitry Petrov
Just wanted to chime in as someone who finally got through this process! I was in your exact shoes about 3 months ago - filed my PFL claim and then just... nothing. The silence was deafening and I was getting really worried about my finances. What finally worked for me was a combination of the strategies mentioned here: I called at exactly 8:00 AM (literally had my phone ready to dial at 7:59), had all my info written down beforehand, and when I got through I specifically asked "Are there any pending issues preventing my claim from processing?" That magic phrase got the rep to actually dig into my file instead of just giving me the generic "it's being processed" response. Turns out there was a simple document verification issue that had been holding things up for weeks - something that could have been resolved much earlier if I'd known about it! The whole experience really highlighted how broken the communication is in this system. We shouldn't have to become detective-level persistent just to get basic updates on our own claims. But the good news is that once I got that issue resolved, my payment came through within about a week. Hang in there everyone - the waiting is brutal but there is light at the end of this very frustrating tunnel! ๐ช
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Jamal Brown
โขThis gives me so much hope! ๐ Thank you for sharing your success story - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now. The fact that it was just a simple document verification issue that was holding everything up is both relieving and infuriating at the same time. Like you said, if they had better communication we could have resolved these things weeks earlier! I'm definitely writing down that exact phrase about "pending issues preventing my claim from processing" - it sounds like that's the key to getting them to actually look deeper. Really appreciate you taking the time to share what worked and giving us hope that there's light at the end of this tunnel! ๐ช
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
I'm going through the exact same thing right now and honestly, this thread is a lifesaver! I've been stuck in limbo for about 6 weeks with zero communication from EDD. The stress is unreal when you're counting on that money to pay bills. I'm definitely trying the 8am call strategy tomorrow with all these tips - especially asking about "pending issues preventing my claim from processing." It's wild that we have to crowdsource solutions just to get basic info about our own claims, but I'm so grateful for everyone sharing what actually works. The system is clearly broken when people are paying $20 just to get through on the phone! Will definitely update everyone on how my call goes. Thanks for creating this community where we can actually help each other navigate this mess! ๐
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Evelyn Kelly
โข6 weeks is absolutely brutal - I can't imagine the stress you're dealing with right now! ๐ฐ You're so right that it's ridiculous we have to crowdsource basic information about our own benefits. This community has been a game-changer for me too. That "pending issues preventing my claim from processing" phrase seems to be the magic words based on everyone's experiences. I'm planning to call tomorrow morning too, so maybe we'll both finally get some answers! The fact that we're all going through the same nightmare really shows how systemic this problem is. Keep us posted on how your call goes - we're all rooting for each other here! ๐ค
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