How to get EDD to call me back about PFL claim issue?

EDD doesn't have an official callback system where u can just email them. I tried emailing the general address and got an auto-reply saying to call the main number. It's frustrating!!

I had the same issue last month with my baby bonding claim. The regular EDD phone system is basically useless - I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through. What worked for me was using Claimyr. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you and then calls you when they have an EDD agent on the line. I was super skeptical but it actually worked in about 30 minutes. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 and the website is claimyr.com. The agent I spoke with was able to fix my claim status right away.

There's a lot of confusion about contacting EDD for PFL claims. To be clear, there are three main ways to contact them: 1. Call the main PFL number (877-238-4373) - but yes, wait times are extremely long 2. Use your UI Online account to send a secure message (though responses can take 5-7 business days) 3. Mail in a written request to the PFL office (slowest option) Unfortunately, EDD doesn't have an official email-for-callback system. The third-party service mentioned above is one option some people use, but it's not officially associated with EDD. When you do get through, make sure you have your claim number, the last 4 of your SSN, and be specific about what's wrong with your claim. For baby bonding, they'll want to know your child's birthdate and whether you've submitted the birth certificate documentation.

when i had my baby last year the EXACT same thing happened to me!! called like 50 times and never got anywhere. my doctor's office actually told me to try calling right when they open at 8am and that worked for me. took about 20 mins on hold but i actually got through!! good luck mama!!

EDD IS THE WORST!!!!!! I waited 9 WEEKS to get my PFL for baby bonding. The system is BROKEN!!!!! They never answer calls, messages go nowhere, and then they expect us to survive how??? With a newborn????? The only thing that worked for me was going to my state representative's office. They have caseworkers who can file inquiries with EDD directly. Google your district rep and call their office. THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT WORKED!

I had this same issue in January with my PFL claim. Just a heads up - if your claim is stuck in "pending" status, it's usually because they're either missing documentation or there's a discrepancy between what you submitted and what they have on file. For baby bonding specifically, make sure you've submitted: 1. Your baby's birth certificate (or hospital documentation if the certificate isn't available yet) 2. Confirmation of when your maternity disability ended (if you were on PDL/SDI first) 3. Verification of your return-to-work date Also, if your baby's other parent is also filing for PFL, they sometimes flag claims for review to make sure you're not overlapping benefits. When you do get someone on the phone, ask them specifically what's causing the delay rather than just asking about status.

Just wanted to follow up - I understand the hesitation about third-party services. I felt the same way! The way it actually works is they don't access your claim or personal information - they just connect the call and then you talk directly to EDD. The only reason I tried it was because I was at my wit's end after trying for days. Whatever route you choose, I hope you get your benefits soon!

btw if ur baby is 6 weeks old did u transition from disability to paid family leave? sometimes theres a gap there that causes problems. my cousin had that happen and her payments were delayed by like a month because the system didnt process the transition right

Yes, I was on pregnancy disability first! No one told me there might be issues with the transition. Maybe that's the problem? I'm going to try calling again tomorrow at 8am sharp and if that doesn't work, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'm just so frustrated that this is so difficult while I'm trying to care for a newborn. Will update once I (hopefully) get through to someone.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now with my PFL claim! My baby is 8 weeks old and I've been waiting almost a month for any response. The phone system is absolutely broken - I've called probably 30+ times and either get disconnected or the call just drops after waiting forever. One thing that's helped me is calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open. I've had better luck getting in the queue then, though I still haven't actually gotten through to a human yet. Also, if you have a smartphone, you can put the call on speaker and do other things while you wait - I've been doing chores and baby care while holding. Have you tried reaching out to your local assembly member's office? I just learned about this option from reading the comments here and I'm planning to try it next week if I still can't get through. They apparently have staff who can help with EDD issues. Hang in there - this system is so frustrating when you're already dealing with the stress of a new baby and financial pressure. You're not alone in this struggle!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the EDD system is incredibly frustrating, especially when you're caring for a newborn and need those benefits! I went through something similar with my PFL claim last year. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the PFL line (877-238-4373) at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday morning and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The key things that helped were: 1. Calling right when they open - weekdays seem better than Mondays 2. Having all my info ready: claim number, SSN, baby's birthdate, and specific questions written down 3. Being persistent but polite with the representative Since you mentioned transitioning from pregnancy disability, that's likely where the holdup is. When I spoke to the rep, they had to manually link my SDI and PFL claims in their system - apparently this doesn't always happen automatically. If calling doesn't work, definitely try contacting your state assembly member's office. I've heard they can really help escalate EDD issues. You can find your representative at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Don't give up! Your benefits are rightfully yours and you shouldn't have to struggle like this with a 6-week-old baby. Sending you strength and hoping you get this resolved soon! 💪

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress while caring for your newborn! I went through a similar situation with my PFL claim a few months ago and the SDI to PFL transition issue is definitely real. Here's what finally worked for me: I called at exactly 8:00 AM on a Wednesday (avoid Mondays - they're swamped) and got through after about 35 minutes. The key was having my claim number, SSN, and baby's birth certificate info ready, plus I wrote down specific questions about the SDI/PFL link. When I got through, the rep discovered my claims weren't properly linked in their system - she had to manually connect them and my benefits were released within 48 hours. She said this happens frequently with the transition and they have to fix it case by case. If you still can't get through by phone, definitely contact your state assembly member's office. They have dedicated staff for EDD issues and can file official inquiries that get faster responses than regular channels. You can find yours at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Hang in there - you WILL get your benefits! The system is broken but your claim is valid and you've earned those benefits. Don't let EDD's dysfunction make you feel like you're doing something wrong. You've got this! 💪

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the exact same thing happened to me when my son was born 3 months ago! The SDI to PFL transition is definitely where most claims get stuck, and it's infuriating that EDD doesn't warn people about this issue. Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of trying: 1. Called at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday - got through after 42 minutes on hold 2. Had everything written down: claim number, SSN, baby's birth certificate number (not just date), and specific questions 3. Asked the rep to check my "claim transition status between SDI and PFL" - those exact words seemed to help 4. The rep found that my claims weren't linked and fixed it manually on the spot 5. Got my first PFL payment 3 days later! The representative told me this SDI/PFL linking issue happens to about 30% of baby bonding claims and they have to fix each one manually. It's completely ridiculous that their systems don't talk to each other properly. If calling doesn't work after a few attempts, definitely try your assembly member's office - they have staff dedicated to EDD issues and can escalate your case. You can find yours at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Don't give up! Your benefits are rightfully yours and this delay isn't your fault - it's EDD's broken system. Hang in there mama, you've got this! 💙