PFL account locked, can't reach anyone to access benefits for newborn. Help!
I've been trying to reach the PFL office for weeks now to access my benefits for my newborn son. My account is locked and I can't get through to speak with a representative. It's so frustrating! I don't have time to sit and explain all their shortcomings. Has anyone else had this problem or found a way to actually talk to someone?
22 comments
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Sofia Ramirez
Congrats on your new baby! 🎉 I feel your pain, the PFL system is a nightmare. Have you tried calling right when they open? I heard that's the best time to get through.
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Dylan Cooper
•Thanks! Yeah, I've tried calling at opening, during lunch, before closing... no luck. It's like they don't want us to get our benefits 🙄
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Dmitry Volkov
•Pro tip: keep calling and hanging up until you get in the queue. It took me like 50 tries but I finally got through!
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StarSeeker
•ugh same boat here. been trying for 3 weeks straight. this system is so broken 😤
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Ava Martinez
I found a method that actually works 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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Miguel Ortiz
•Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Zainab Omar
•20 bucks? thats highway robbery 🤡
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Ava Martinez
•I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Was desperate after trying for weeks and it got me through in a couple hours.
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Connor Murphy
•How does it work exactly? Do they just keep redialing or what?
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Ava Martinez
•From what I understand, they have some automated system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold. When a real person picks up, it calls your phone. Saved me hours of frustration tbh
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Yara Sayegh
Here's what worked for me to unlock my PFL account: 1. Email them at pfl@edd.ca.gov with your full name, claim ID, and brief explanation 2. Call the main line (877-238-4373) and use option 3 for tech support 3. Be prepared with your identity documents 4. If all else fails, contact your state representative's office Hope this helps! The system is a mess but persistence pays off.
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Dylan Cooper
•Thank you so much for the detailed advice! I'll give these a try. Fingers crossed 🤞
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NebulaNova
•Option 3 for tech support is clutch. got through in 20 mins when i tried it last week
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Keisha Williams
have u tried faxing them? I know it sounds ancient but I heard they respond faster to faxes lol
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Paolo Conti
This is why we need better family leave policies in this country. It's ridiculous that new parents have to jump through so many hoops just to get the benefits they're entitled to. 😤
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Amina Diallo
•Preach! 🙌 The whole system needs an overhaul. We're so behind other developed countries its embarrassing
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Oliver Schulz
•Yeah but who's gonna pay for it? Our taxes r already too high
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Paolo Conti
•It's not about higher taxes, it's about prioritizing families over corporate profits. Other countries manage it just fine.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
Pro tip: if u can't get thru on the phone, try reaching out on Twitter. Sometimes they respond faster there. Worth a shot! 🤷♂️
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Dylan Cooper
•Really? I'll give that a try. Thanks for the tip!
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AstroAdventurer
Ugh, I feel your pain. I had to deal with this last year and it was a NIGHTMARE. Took me 2 months to finally get my benefits. Hang in there!
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Oliver Fischer
Have you tried contacting your local assembly member's office? They often have caseworkers who can help with EDD issues. I had success with this approach when I was stuck in a similar situation. They can sometimes get through to the right people faster than calling directly. Also, document everything - dates you called, times, any reference numbers. It helps when you finally do get through to someone!
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