How to get paid for PFL daddy bonding time? Need help navigating the process!
Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out how to get paid for daddy bonding time. I had to miss work to spend time with my kid, and I'm wondering if there's a way to get compensated for that. Has anyone gone through this process before? What steps did you take? Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Malik Robinson
I went through this last year! It's called Paid Family Leave (PFL) in most states. You need to file a claim with your state's employment department. Make sure you have all your documentation ready - dates you took off, your child's birth certificate, and a letter from your employer confirming your time off.
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Isabella Silva
ā¢This is super helpful, thanks! Do you know how long the process usually takes? I'm worried about bills piling up while I wait for approval.
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Malik Robinson
ā¢In my experience, it took about 2-3 weeks to get approved and then another week to get the first payment. But I've heard it can vary depending on how busy they are. Definitely file ASAP!
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Ravi Choudhury
ā¢2-3 weeks?! š± That's actually not bad. When I applied for unemployment it took like 2 months lol. The system is so broken š¤”
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CosmosCaptain
Congrats on taking time for your kid, OP! š It's awesome that you're prioritizing family. Just be aware that PFL usually only covers a portion of your regular wages, not the full amount. Plan accordingly!
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Freya Johansen
ugh, i tried to do this and it was a NIGHTMARE. couldn't get anyone on the phone, website kept crashing, and when I finally got through they said I didn't qualify. hope you have better luck than me, OP!
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Omar Fawzi
ā¢Same here! The system is such a mess. I swear they make it difficult on purpose š
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Chloe Wilson
ā¢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. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
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Diego Mendoza
ā¢Wait, seriously? You had to pay to talk to someone at a government agency? That's messed up. Does it actually work?
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Chloe Wilson
ā¢Yeah, I know it sounds sketchy, but it really did work for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imho.
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Anastasia Romanov
Make sure you check your company's policies too! Some places offer additional parental leave or flexible work arrangements that might help you out. Don't leave any money on the table!
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Emma Taylor
ā¢Good point! I'll definitely look into that. Thanks for the tip!
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StellarSurfer
Hey OP, just a heads up - the process can be pretty confusing. Here's what I learned when I went through it: ā¢ Start by checking if your state offers PFL. Not all do, unfortunately. ā¢ Gather all your docs before you start: pay stubs, birth certificate, employer verification, etc. ā¢ File your claim as soon as possible. There's usually a waiting period. ā¢ Be prepared for a reduction in income. Most states pay a percentage of your regular wages. ā¢ Keep detailed records of all communications with the agency. ā¢ If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are usually resources available. ā¢ Consider reaching out to a local family law attorney if things get really complicated. Hope this helps! Good luck with everything šŖ
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Sean Kelly
ā¢This is gold! šÆ Wish I had this info when I was going through the process. Saving this for future reference!
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Zara Malik
ā¢Quick question - do you know if foster parents qualify for this too? Or is it just biological and adoptive parents?
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StellarSurfer
ā¢Great question! In many states, foster parents do qualify for PFL. But the rules can vary, so it's best to check with your specific state's guidelines. Some states have expanded their policies recently to be more inclusive.
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Luca Greco
am i the only one who thinks its ridiculous we have to jump through all these hoops just to spend time with our kids? the system is so messed up š¤
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Nia Thompson
ā¢Preach! š We're so behind other countries when it comes to parental leave. It's embarrassing tbh
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Mateo Rodriguez
ā¢Totally agree. We need to vote for politicians who prioritize family-friendly policies. This isn't gonna change unless we make our voices heard!
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Aisha Hussain
Has anyone here successfully appealed a denied claim? I'm in the same boat as OP but got rejected and idk what to do next...
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