PFL claim denied due to late application - how to appeal EDD decision?

I found a way to solve denied paid family leave claim, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVVpPTu1Gtw

Have you checked if there were any technical issues with the EDD website around the time you tried to apply? Sometimes they have glitches and that could be grounds for an exception.

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

Plot twist: what if you "reapply" as if it's a new claim? Maybe you'll get a different agent who won't notice the previous denial. Worth a shot? 🤷‍♂️

Oof, that's rough buddy. The 41-day rule is such a pain. I've heard they sometimes make exceptions for "good cause" but idk what qualifies. Maybe worth a shot?

Hey OP, hang in there! I know it feels hopeless, but keep pushing. I was in a similar situation last year and eventually got it sorted. You got this! 💪

lol welcome to the wonderful world of bureaucracy 🤡 where the rules are made up and your needs don't matter

Here's what you need to do: 1. Call EDD immediately and explain your situation. 2. Be prepared with all your documentation. 3. Ask specifically about the appeal process or exception requests. 4. Emphasize that you still have days left in your eligibility period. 5. If the first agent isn't helpful, don't be afraid to call back and try again. 6. Consider writing a formal appeal letter if they can't help over the phone. 7. Document everything - dates, times, who you spoke to. Remember, stay calm and polite, but be persistent. The system is frustrating, but there are ways to navigate it. Good luck!

Has anyone else noticed that the EDD website is always "under maintenance" when you actually need to use it? 🙄 It's like they're trolling us at this point.

This happened to my cousin last year. She wrote a really detailed letter explaining why she missed the deadline and they actually approved her claim! Don't give up hope!

Same boat here 🚣‍♀️ I missed the deadline by like 2 days and they denied me. It's so frustrating! Let me know if you find a way to appeal.

PROTIP: Call exactly at 8:01 AM when they open. You're more likely to get through and the agents are usually in a better mood early in the day.

Have you considered reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes they can help navigate these issues or even intervene on your behalf.

Navigating the EDD system can indeed be frustrating, but persistence and awareness of your rights can be key to success. Firstly, consider calling the EDD directly, as talking to an agent may provide clarity on appealing your claim. Documenting everything during these interactions is crucial. You might also consider using services like Claimyr, which, though it comes at a cost, has been validated by users as an efficient way to reach an agent without the usual hassle of long hold times. Ensure all your documentation is organized, and be specific about your situation, emphasizing the remaining eligible time you have for PFL. Furthermore, researching the 41-day rule can empower you to understand any potential exceptions. As a balanced view, while Claimyr can save time, note that the cost may not be justifiable for everyone. Finally, consider reaching out to your state representative if you're hitting a dead-end, as they might be able to advocate on your behalf. Remember, persistence is key, and many have succeeded with diligence and clear communication. Good luck!

Have you tried faxing your appeal? Sometimes old school methods work better with these dinosaur agencies 🦕📠

Ugh, the EDD is the WORST. I've been dealing with them for months and it's like talking to a brick wall. Good luck, you're gonna need it 🙄

Ugh, I feel you. The system is so confusing and they don't make it easy to understand all the rules. Have you tried calling them to explain your situation? Sometimes you can get lucky with a sympathetic agent.

I went through something similar last year and managed to get my claim approved after initially being denied for a late application. Here's what worked for me: I called the EDD appeals office directly (not the main line) and explained that I wasn't aware of the 41-day deadline - they actually have a provision for "good cause" exceptions. I also gathered any documentation showing when I first learned about PFL and when my qualifying event occurred. The key was being persistent but respectful, and emphasizing that I still had time left in my eligibility period. It took about 3 weeks, but they reversed the denial. Don't give up - there are definitely pathways to appeal this decision!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - missing deadlines for something you didn't even know existed is incredibly frustrating! I just wanted to add that when you do call EDD, try to get the agent's name and reference number for your call. I've found that helps when you need to call back and reference previous conversations. Also, if they deny your appeal initially, ask about requesting a formal hearing - sometimes that's a separate process that can still work even after an initial appeal denial. The whole system feels designed to wear you down, but don't let it! You still have valid time left in your eligibility period and that should count for something.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - the EDD system can be so overwhelming, especially when you're already stressed about taking time off for family reasons. From reading through all these responses, it sounds like there's definitely hope for getting your denial reversed! A few people have shared success stories about appealing late applications, which is encouraging. One thing I'd suggest that I didn't see mentioned yet is to check if your employer has any HR documentation about when they informed employees about PFL benefits (or if they didn't inform you at all). Sometimes employers are required to provide this information and if they failed to do so, that could strengthen your "good cause" argument. Also, if you have any emails or texts where you were asking friends/family about leave options before the deadline, those could help show you were actively trying to figure out your options but just didn't know about the 41-day rule. The fact that you still have time left in your eligibility period really should work in your favor. Don't let them wear you down - you deserve these benefits! Keep us posted on how it goes.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - dealing with EDD denials is incredibly frustrating, especially when you didn't even know about the deadline! I've been following this thread and there's actually a lot of hope here. Multiple people have shared success stories about getting late application denials reversed, which is really encouraging. From what I'm seeing, the key seems to be calling EDD and specifically asking about "good cause" exceptions to the 41-day rule. Document everything - when you first learned about PFL, any technical issues with their website, whether your employer informed you about the benefits (spoiler: they probably didn't properly). The fact that you still have time left in your eligibility period is huge and should definitely work in your favor. Don't let them wear you down with bureaucratic runaround - you deserve these benefits! Stay persistent but polite, get agent names and reference numbers, and don't be afraid to call multiple times if you get different answers. You've got a whole community here rooting for you! Please keep us updated on how your appeal goes. 🤞

Hey Sydney! I went through almost the exact same situation a few months ago - missed the deadline by about a week because I had no idea it existed. I was so stressed and thought I was completely out of luck, but I ended up getting my claim approved after appealing! Here's what worked for me: I called EDD and specifically asked about filing an appeal for "good cause." The key phrase is "good cause" - they have provisions for situations where you missed the deadline due to circumstances beyond your control, like not being properly informed about the deadline. I wrote a detailed letter explaining that I was never informed by my employer about the 41-day rule (which turned out to be true - they only had generic info about PFL existing, nothing about deadlines). I also emphasized that I still had months left in my eligibility period and genuinely didn't know about the deadline until after it passed. It took about 3 weeks and one follow-up call, but they reversed the denial! The agent told me that "lack of knowledge about the deadline" can qualify as good cause if you can show you were reasonably trying to access your benefits. Don't give up - the fact that you still have time in your eligibility period is a strong point in your favor. Document everything when you call, get agent names, and be persistent but polite. You've got this! 💪