PFL Nightmare: Denied Benefits, Missing Declaration, No Response to Appeal - Help!

Ugh, I feel your pain! 😫 The PFL system is a total mess. I've been through similar hoops with my dad's care. It's like they purposely make it confusing to discourage people from claiming benefits. Have you tried calling them directly? Sometimes that's the only way to get answers.

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 about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

Here's what you need to do to navigate the PFL bureaucracy: 1. Document everything. Keep copies of all forms, letters, and online submissions. 2. Follow up regularly. Set reminders to check on your claim status every week. 3. Use certified mail for important documents so you have proof of delivery. 4. Keep a log of all phone calls, including date, time, and name of the person you spoke with. 5. If possible, submit everything through the online portal AND by mail. 6. Consider reaching out to your local state representative's office. They can sometimes help push things along. 7. Be persistent but polite. The people on the phone didn't create the system. 8. If your appeal is denied, request a hearing immediately. 9. Look into getting help from a social worker or patient advocate who's familiar with the system. Remember, the system is designed to be complicated. Don't give up! You're entitled to these benefits.

This is why we need major reform in our healthcare and family leave systems. It's a disgrace that people caring for loved ones have to jump through so many hoops. 😤

have you tried faxing your documents? sometimes the old school methods work better with these dinosaur agencies lol

I'm in the same boat, caring for my mom. It's exhausting dealing with her needs AND fighting the bureaucracy. Sending you strength and patience. ❤️

Quick question - did you make sure to use the most up-to-date forms? They changed some of them recently and it caused a bunch of headaches for me.

unpopular opinion: maybe we should all just give up on PFL and crowd fund care for each other instead. The system is beyond broken at this point. 🤷‍♂️

Has anyone had success with getting retroactive payments for denied claims that were later approved? I'm worried about the financial hit while this gets sorted out.

@Amina Diallo Yes, I actually got retroactive payments after my appeal was approved! It took about 6-8 weeks after the approval, but they did pay everything I was owed from the original claim date. Keep all your documentation showing the dates you should have been paid - they'll need that to calculate the back pay. The financial stress during the waiting period is real though. I had to use credit cards to cover some expenses, but getting that lump sum retroactive payment definitely helped catch up. Don't give up hope! 💪

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Filed my PFL claim 3 months ago for caring for my disabled sister and it's been nothing but delays and requests for "additional documentation" that I've already submitted twice. The worst part is when they ask for the same forms over and over again like they're not even keeping track of what they've received. I've started sending everything certified mail with return receipts AND uploading to their portal simultaneously. Also keeping a detailed spreadsheet of every interaction, document sent, and phone call made. It's ridiculous that we have to become our own case managers just to get benefits we're entitled to. Hang in there - you're not alone in this bureaucratic nightmare! 💪

I've been in a similar situation with my mom's PFL claims and one thing that really helped was escalating to a supervisor when I finally got through on the phone. Don't just accept the first person you talk to - politely ask to speak with their supervisor or case manager. Also, if you have any local disability rights organizations or senior centers in your area, they sometimes have advocates who know the PFL system inside and out and can help navigate the process. I found one through my county's aging services department and she was a lifesaver! The key is being persistent but not giving up. Your parent is lucky to have someone fighting for them like this. Keep pushing! 🙌

I'm going through something very similar right now with my grandmother's care! Filed my PFL claim back in October and I'm still waiting for a resolution. The most frustrating part is when they send you those vague denial letters that don't clearly explain what's actually missing or wrong. I've learned to always ask for specific details about what they need and get it in writing (or take detailed notes during phone calls with names and reference numbers). One thing that helped me was requesting a "case summary" when I finally got through to someone - it shows all the documents they have on file and what's still pending. Sometimes they have your stuff but it's sitting in the wrong department! Keep fighting - our loved ones deserve better than this broken system. Sending you strength! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I'm relatively new to dealing with PFL (just started the process for my dad's care) and reading all these experiences is both helpful and terrifying. It sounds like the system is designed to wear people down until they give up. I'm taking notes on all the strategies everyone is sharing - the spreadsheet tracking, certified mail, case summaries, escalating to supervisors. It's overwhelming that we need to become experts in bureaucracy just to care for our loved ones. Quick question for anyone who's been through this - should I be preparing for this kind of runaround from the start, or is there anything I can do upfront to avoid some of these issues? Thanks for sharing your story Carlos, and I hope you get a resolution soon! 🤞

This thread is incredibly helpful - I'm bookmarking it for reference! I'm just starting my own PFL journey for my mom's care and honestly feeling pretty intimidated after reading everyone's experiences. It's clear the system has serious issues, but I'm grateful for all the practical advice being shared here. One thing I'm wondering about - has anyone had success using their state assembly member or senator's office to help with stuck cases? I've heard they sometimes have caseworkers who can cut through bureaucratic red tape. Also, for those who've been through multiple claims over the years like Carlos, do you find it gets any easier once they have your information on file, or is it basically starting from scratch each time? Thanks everyone for being so supportive of each other through this frustrating process! 💙

I'm going through almost the exact same situation with my elderly father's care! Filed my PFL claim back in November and got the same "Declaration Missing" denial even though I submitted everything they requested - including the doctor's certification about my dad's inability to sign due to his dementia. The most infuriating part is that I've been caring for him for 3 years now and go through this same bureaucratic nightmare every single time I need to file a claim. What really helped me was keeping a detailed log with dates, times, and reference numbers for every single interaction. When I finally got through to someone last week (after literally 4 hours on hold), I was able to reference specific submission dates and confirmation numbers which seemed to move things along faster. Also, I started sending everything via certified mail with return receipts AND uploading to their online portal simultaneously. It's redundant but gives you proof they received everything when they inevitably claim they didn't. Hang in there Carlos - the system is broken but don't let them wear you down. Our parents deserve better than this! 💪

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this Carlos! I've been through a similar situation with my aunt's care and the PFL bureaucracy is absolutely maddening. The "missing declaration" issue is so common - it's like they have a checklist designed to trip people up. One thing that helped me was creating a "PFL survival kit" - a folder with copies of EVERY document, including photos of forms before I mail them, tracking numbers, confirmation screenshots from online submissions, and a detailed timeline of all interactions. I also learned to ask for the representative's full name and employee ID number during every phone call and to request email confirmations when possible. The appeals process is painfully slow, but don't give up! I waited 8 weeks for my appeal response, but it was eventually approved with retroactive payments. In the meantime, if you're facing financial hardship, some counties have emergency caregiver assistance programs that might help bridge the gap. Also, consider reaching out to your state assembly member's office - they often have caseworkers who specialize in helping constituents navigate state agencies like EDD. They can sometimes get through barriers that regular citizens can't. You're doing an amazing thing caring for your parent, and you deserve support, not obstacles. Keep fighting - the system is broken, but you're not! 💪❤️