PFL Claim: Can't Reach Live Agent at CA EDD - Any Tips for Getting Through?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to file a claim for Paid Family Leave and I'm having a hard time getting through to someone. I've been trying to call for days but the lines are always busy. Has anyone had any luck speaking to a live agent recently? I really need to get this sorted out and I'm not sure what else to do. Any advice would be appreciated!
79 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve Paid Family Leave claim difficulties, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN1Ahe1V_L0
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Aisha Mahmood
Guys, I think I figured it out. If you call exactly at 10:17 AM on a Tuesday while standing on one foot and reciting the pledge of allegiance backwards, you'll get through instantly. Trust me, it works 60% of the time, every time ๐
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Emma Davis
โขLOL, at this point I'm desperate enough to try anything ๐
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Ethan Clark
โขInstructions unclear. Got my foot stuck in the phone and now I'm pledging allegiance to my cat. Send help.
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Aisha Mahmood
โขSometimes you just gotta try outside-the-box solutions!
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NebulaNinja
I feel for you, OP. The system is broken and it's us regular folks who suffer. Hang in there and don't give up. Sending positive vibes your way! โค๏ธ
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NebulaNinja
โขSeriously, you're not alone and we've got your back!
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Anastasia Kozlov
lmao good luck. I've been trying to get through for 3 weeks now. The whole system is a joke ๐คก
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Anastasia Kozlov
โขIt's frustrating, but hang in there. You're not alone in this fight.
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LunarLegend
I feel your pain! I was in the same boat last month. Have you tried calling right when they open? I had some luck getting through around 8:05 AM.
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Amina Diallo
Based on all the experiences shared here, it seems like the PFL system really needs a major overhaul. While services like Claimyr can be a bit pricey, it does seem to provide a legitimate alternative for those who value their time. However, it's crucial to balance between cost and benefit, ensuring we aren't just adding more stress. Also, if you are considering using any third-party service, always do a bit of your own research to confirm its legitimacy. As mentioned by others, engaging with your local representatives and using every possible online tool provided by the PFL may eventually yield the results you need. Stay resilient and remember that while the process is frustrating, your determination will eventually pay off.
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CosmicCrusader
Have you tried reaching out to your local assembly member's office? They sometimes have direct lines to EDD and can help push your claim through. Worth a shot!
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CosmicCrusader
โขI've heard this working for others, so don't hesitate to reach out.
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Sean Flanagan
Have you tried faxing your application? I know it sounds archaic, but sometimes old school methods work when the phone lines are jammed.
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Zara Mirza
โขWait, people still use fax machines? What year is it? 1995? ๐คฃ
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Sean Flanagan
โขHey, don't knock it till you've tried it! Sometimes the old ways are the best ways ๐
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Sean Flanagan
โขWho'd have thought that retro tech could be a solution?
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Paolo Longo
Pro tip: if you play the hold music backwards, it actually contains step-by-step instructions on how to get your claim approved. You're welcome ๐ต๐๐
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Emma Davis
โขBrb, gonna go dust off my old record player and try this out ๐ฐ๏ธ
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CosmicCowboy
โขInstructions unclear. Summoned a demon who's now filing my PFL claim for me. Task failed successfully? ๐น๐
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Paolo Longo
โขIf only deciphering music were actually the key!
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Luca Russo
Has anyone else noticed that the hold music is like, the worst ever? I swear they use it as torture to make us hang up ๐คฎ
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Nia Wilson
โขomg yes! I hear that music in my nightmares now ๐
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Mateo Sanchez
โขPlot twist: the hold music is actually a secret code. If you decipher it, you get instant approval for your claim ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
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Luca Russo
โขI wonder if they realize how off-putting it is.
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Mei Wong
Hey OP, have you tried sacrificing a goat to the EDD gods yet? I hear that's the only surefire way to get your claim processed these days ๐๐ฎ
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Emma Davis
โขLmao, I'm vegetarian but at this point I might make an exception ๐
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Liam Sullivan
โขInstructions unclear. Sacrificed my diet instead. Now I'm stress-eating donuts while on hold ๐ฉ๐
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Mei Wong
โขIn all seriousness, a little humor can lighten such a frustrating experience.
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Connor Gallagher
Anyone else feel like they're in a twisted game show called "Who Wants to Be on Hold for a Millionaire's Salary"? ๐ค๐บ
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Yara Sayegh
โขMore like "Who Wants to Lose Their Sanity Over Basic Benefits" ๐คช
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Keisha Johnson
โขI'd watch that show. Probably more entertaining than actually calling EDD ๐
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Connor Gallagher
โขIt's a reality show we never asked to be part of.
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Chloe Robinson
Listen up, folks. I've been dealing with the PFL system for YEARS and here's what I've learned: 1. Persistence is key. You gotta keep calling, even if it feels hopeless. 2. Time your calls strategically. Early morning (right at opening) or late afternoon tend to have shorter wait times. 3. Have all your docs ready BEFORE you call. Nothing worse than finally getting through and realizing you're missing info. 4. Use the online system as much as possible. It's not perfect, but it can save you some headaches. 5. If you're really stuck, contact your local rep or senator's office. They can sometimes work miracles. 6. Be nice to the agents when you get through. They're overworked and dealing with angry people all day. 7. Keep detailed records of all your calls, who you spoke to, and what was said. Remember, you're not alone in this struggle. The system sucks, but we're all in this together. Good luck!
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Emma Davis
โขWow, thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely try some of these strategies. It's good to know I'm not alone in this frustrating process.
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Diego Flores
โขThis should be pinned to the top of the subreddit tbh ๐ฏ
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Chloe Robinson
โขAnd remember, persistence often pays off. Don't lose hope!
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StarStrider
Guys I think I've cracked the code. If you call and immediately start speaking in pig latin, they transfer you to a secret agent who approves your claim on the spot. Trust me, my cousin's friend's dog walker's niece works for the EDD.
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Emma Davis
โขEway ouldshay ivegay isthay away ytray ๐ท (We should give this a try
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Dylan Campbell
โขThis is the quality content I come to Reddit for ๐
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StarStrider
โขSeriously, if only it were that simple.
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Ravi Patel
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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Freya Andersen
โขSounds sketchy. Is this legit? $20 seems steep just to make a phone call.
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Ravi Patel
โขI get the skepticism, but it's totally legit. I was desperate and took a chance. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo.
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Omar Zaki
โขHow long did it take to get through using this service?
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Ravi Patel
โขIt took about 2 hours for me, but I didn't have to sit there listening to hold music. They just called me when an agent was on the line.
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Omar Zaki
โขThats actually not bad. might give it a try. thx for the tip!
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Ravi Patel
โขI totally get if you'd rather not pay, but time is money too. Sometimes it's worth the investment for peace of mind.
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Yuki Kobayashi
Seriously tho, why is it so hard to get basic help with this stuff? Its not like were asking for the moon here. Just tryna get what we're entitled to smh
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Carmen Vega
โขPreach! ๐ The system is designed to wear us down until we give up. Don't let them win!
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Andre Rousseau
โขIts all about budget cuts and understaffing. They need to hire more people to handle the volume of claims.
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Yuki Kobayashi
โขExactly! It's frustrating watching things deteriorate.
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Amara Okafor
Unpopular opinion: maybe we should all just give up and start our own country with blackjack and functioning social services ๐๐ดโโ ๏ธ
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Giovanni Colombo
โขYou son of a bitch, I'm in ๐๐๐
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
โขCan we add hookers to that list? Asking for a friend ๐
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Amara Okafor
โขIt's sad when fantasy seems more practical than reality.
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Zoe Stavros
Hot take: maybe if we all showed up at their office in person, they'd have to talk to us ๐คทโโ๏ธ
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Jamal Harris
โขCareful, that might be considered an insurrection these days ๐
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GalaxyGlider
โขI'm down. When and where? I'll bring snacks for the sit-in ๐ฟ
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Zoe Stavros
โขDesperate times call for desperate measures!
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Malik Jackson
Ugh, the PFL system is such a nightmare. I swear they make it difficult on purpose. Have you tried filling out the online application? It's not perfect, but it might be easier than trying to get someone on the phone.
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Emma Davis
โขYeah, I've tried the online app but I have some specific questions that aren't covered in the FAQs. I guess I'll keep trying to call ๐ฉ
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Isabella Oliveira
โขPro tip: use the online chat feature on their website. Sometimes its faster than calling
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Isabella Oliveira
โขAlso, try checking some online forums for answers. I've found some helpful people sharing their experiences there.
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AstroAce
Anyone else feel like we need to start a support group for people dealing with PFL claims? We could call it "Hold Music Anonymous" ๐ต๐ค
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AstroAce
โขI'm so in! We can share strategies and support each other.
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Sofia Torres
Plot twist: there are no actual agents. It's just a room full of parrots trained to say "Please hold" and "Your call is important to us" ๐ฆ๐
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Dmitry Sokolov
โขThat would explain why I keep getting told to "Polly want a cracker" instead of claim info ๐ค
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Ava Martinez
โขHey now, don't insult parrots like that. They're probably more efficient than the current system ๐
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Sofia Torres
โขParrots might actually be a step up!
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Miguel Ramos
Hear me out: what if we all agreed to call at the exact same time? We could crash their system and force them to upgrade ๐คฏ
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QuantumQuasar
โขCalm down Satan ๐ (but also... I'm listening ๐
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Zainab Omar
โขPretty sure that's how you start the robot apocalypse, but I'm down if you are ๐ค
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Miguel Ramos
โขA mass call-in might be what it takes!
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Emma Anderson
I feel your pain! I've been in the exact same situation. What finally worked for me was calling right at 8:00 AM sharp when they open - I literally had my phone ready to dial at 7:59 AM. Also, try using the automated callback feature if they have it available, so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Another tip: if you have any documentation issues, try uploading everything through their online portal first before calling - it can speed up the process once you do get through. Don't give up, you've got this! ๐ช
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Mia Rodriguez
โขThis is such solid advice! I never thought about having my phone ready to dial before they even open. That 8 AM strategy sounds like it could really make a difference. Thanks for sharing what actually worked for you - gives me hope that persistence will pay off! ๐
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Ravi Choudhury
I've been dealing with this same nightmare for weeks! One thing that helped me was calling the disability hotline instead of the main PFL number - sometimes they can transfer you directly to a specialist without the usual hold times. Also, if you're getting nowhere with phone calls, try reaching out through their social media channels (Twitter/X especially) - companies often respond faster when complaints are public. The squeaky wheel gets the grease! Hang in there, you're definitely not alone in this struggle ๐ค
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Ava Thompson
โขOh wow, I had no idea about the disability hotline trick! That's genius - sometimes the indirect route really is the fastest way. And you're absolutely right about social media - companies hate bad publicity so they tend to prioritize those complaints. Thanks for the creative solutions, definitely going to try both of these approaches! ๐
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NebulaNomad
I've been there too - it's absolutely maddening! One trick that worked for me was calling around 2:30-3:00 PM on weekdays. Sounds counterintuitive, but I think that's when people are giving up for the day and call volume drops slightly. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number, case number (if you have one), and all relevant dates ready before you dial - nothing worse than finally getting through only to be put on hold again while you scramble for paperwork. If all else fails, try emailing your state assembly member's office with your situation. They often have dedicated liaisons who can cut through the red tape. Keep fighting - you deserve the benefits you've earned! ๐ค
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