< Back to California Paid Family Leave

PFL Application Submitted - How Long Until Approval? Need ASAP!

Hey everyone, I'm freaking out a bit here. I just applied for paid family leave and I'm worried about how long it's gonna take. Has anyone gone through this recently? How long did you have to wait? I'm really hoping it doesn't take weeks because I need this ASAP. Any advice or experiences would be super helpful!

Tom Maxon

I found a way to solve paid family leave delays, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwqtLBOdiC8

0 coins

-

Zane Gray

Ugh, I feel you. I applied for PFL last month and it took about 3 weeks to get approved. The waiting game is brutal, especially when you need the money now. Have you tried calling them to check on the status?

0 coins

-

Aileen Rodriguez

3 weeks?! That's so long šŸ˜­ I haven't tried calling yet. Is it even worth it? I've heard their phone lines are a nightmare.

0 coins

-

2M

Zane Gray

Honestly, calling can be hit or miss. Sometimes you get lucky and get through quickly, other times you're on hold for hours. But it might be worth a shot if you're really anxious about it.

0 coins

-

2M

Maggie Martinez

Pro tip: call right when they open in the morning. That's how I got through after trying for days!

0 coins

-

2M

Alejandro Castro

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone without waiting forever. 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

0 coins

-

Monique Byrd

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

0 coins

-

2M

Alejandro Castro

I was skeptical at first too, but it really did work for me. Saved me hours of frustration.

0 coins

-

2M

Jackie Martinez

20 bucks tho? That's kinda steep just to talk to someone...

0 coins

-

2M

Alejandro Castro

I get it, but for me, it was worth it to not waste a whole day on hold. Time is money, ya know?

0 coins

-

2M

Lia Quinn

Here's what you need to know about PFL processing times: ā€¢ Standard processing: 2-3 weeks ā€¢ Expedited processing (if eligible): 5-7 business days ā€¢ Factors that can delay: incomplete info, employer verification issues ā€¢ Check your online account for updates ā€¢ If it's been more than 3 weeks, definitely call Hope this helps! Hang in there, the system can be frustrating but it usually works out in the end.

0 coins

-

Aileen Rodriguez

Thank you so much for this detailed info! Really helpful. Do you know how to qualify for expedited processing?

0 coins

-

2M

Lia Quinn

Glad to help! Expedited processing is usually for cases of severe financial hardship. You'd need to provide documentation proving immediate financial need. Call and ask about the 'hardship request' process.

0 coins

-

2M

Haley Stokes

lol welcome to the wonderful world of government bureaucracy šŸ¤” where everything takes 10x longer than it should

0 coins

-

Asher Levin

Have you checked if your employer offers any kind of advance or bridge loan while you wait for PFL to kick in? Some companies have programs like that.

0 coins

-

Aileen Rodriguez

I hadn't even thought of that! I'll def ask HR tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

0 coins

-

2M

Serene Snow

Ive been threw this before. Make sure you dotted all your i's and crossed all your t's on the application. Any little mistake can set you back weeks šŸ˜«

0 coins

-

Issac Nightingale

This! Triple check everything before submitting. And keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them.

0 coins

-

2M

Romeo Barrett

Anyone else notice how the PFL system seems to work faster during certain times of the year? I swear summer is the slowest šŸŒ

0 coins

-

Marina Hendrix

Omg yes! I think it's cuz more ppl take leave in summer so the system gets backlogged. Winter was way faster for me.

0 coins

-

2M