PFL claim denied - missed 41-day filing window. Help!

Ugh, that sucks! I had a similar problem last year. The 41-day rule is pretty strict, but you might still have some options. Have you tried calling them to explain your situation?

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

The whole system is broken af. They make it so hard to get benefits we're entitled to. It's like they WANT us to give up 🙄

Here's what you need to know about the 41-day rule for parental leave claims: • The clock starts ticking from the first day of your leave • You must file within 41 days of that start date • If you miss the deadline, you need a good reason ("good cause") • Examples of good cause: hospitalization, mental incapacity, misinformation from the EDD • If you have good cause, you can file a late claim • You'll need to provide evidence to support your good cause reason • Even with good cause, file ASAP - don't delay further If you missed the deadline without good cause, you might be out of luck for this claim period. But definitely call and explain your situation. Sometimes they can make exceptions or help you figure out next steps. Good luck!

have you tried faxing your claim? sometimes that works better than online or phone

oof been there done that. the 41 day thing is a real pain in the ass. keep us posted on what happens!

I went through something similar a few months ago. The 41-day deadline is brutal, but don't give up just yet! Here's what worked for me: 1. Document everything - gather any proof of why you missed the deadline (medical records, employer communications, etc.) 2. File an appeal ASAP even if your initial claim was denied 3. Be persistent with calling - I literally called 50+ times before getting through 4. If you can prove "good cause" for the delay, they might still process your claim The key is showing you had a legitimate reason for missing the deadline. Even something like not receiving proper notice from your employer about the filing requirement can sometimes count as good cause. Don't let them discourage you - you deserve those benefits! Keep fighting for what you're owed.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My claim got denied for the same reason and I'm feeling so overwhelmed. Reading through everyone's responses is giving me some hope though. I had no idea about the appeal process or that you could still file with "good cause" - my employer never clearly explained the 41-day deadline to me. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy and look into documenting everything for an appeal. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it really helps to know I'm not alone in this mess!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and it's been such a nightmare! I missed the 41-day deadline by just a few days because I was still recovering from my C-section and honestly didn't even know about the deadline until it was too late. My employer gave me a bunch of forms but never clearly explained the timing requirements. Reading through everyone's advice here is giving me hope though - especially about the "good cause" appeals process. I had no idea that was even an option! I'm going to start documenting everything I can find from my employer and medical records. Has anyone had success with medical reasons as good cause? Like if you were physically unable to file due to recovery from childbirth or complications? I'm wondering if that might be strong enough grounds for an appeal. Thanks for starting this thread @Yara Khoury - it's so helpful to know we're not alone in dealing with this broken system!

I'm so sorry you're going through this! The 41-day rule really is one of the most frustrating parts of the PFL system. I just went through a similar situation a few months ago and want to share what I learned: First, don't panic - you still have options! The "good cause" exception is real and they do approve appeals when you have legitimate reasons for missing the deadline. Things like not receiving proper notice, medical complications, or employer misinformation can all qualify. Here's what I'd recommend doing immediately: • Start documenting everything - any communications with your employer about leave, medical records if applicable, anything that shows why you missed the deadline • File an appeal form (DE 1000M) even if you haven't gotten through on the phone yet • Keep trying to call, but also consider sending everything via fax or certified mail so you have proof of submission The most important thing is to act fast and be persistent. I know it's exhausting when you're already dealing with a new baby, but don't let them wear you down. You paid into this system and deserve these benefits! Has your employer provided any documentation about the filing requirements? Sometimes lack of proper notice from employers can be grounds for good cause. Keep us posted on how it goes - we're all rooting for you! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of everything else that comes with having a new baby! I'm fairly new to navigating the PFL system myself, but reading through everyone's experiences here is really eye-opening about how many people run into this same issue with the 41-day deadline. It sounds like there are definitely still options available to you, especially if you can demonstrate "good cause" for missing the deadline. From what I'm reading, things like not receiving clear information from your employer about the filing requirements or dealing with medical recovery issues can potentially qualify. I'd definitely recommend taking @Rudy Cenizo's advice about documenting everything and filing that DE 1000M appeal form. Even if you're not sure your reason is "strong enough," it seems like it's worth trying since you have nothing to lose at this point. The fact that so many people are dealing with this same problem really shows that the system needs to do a better job of making these deadlines clear upfront. It shouldn't be this confusing when you're already dealing with the challenges of new parenthood! Keep us updated on how things go - I think a lot of us would benefit from hearing about your experience with the appeal process. Wishing you the best of luck! 🍀

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the 41-day deadline is one of those things that catches so many people off guard, especially when you're dealing with the chaos of a new baby and recovery. From reading through all the great advice here, it definitely sounds like you shouldn't give up yet! The "good cause" exception seems to be a real lifeline for situations exactly like yours. I'm pretty new to this whole PFL world myself, but it's clear from everyone's experiences that persistence really pays off. One thing that stood out to me from the responses is how important it seems to be to document absolutely everything - even things that might seem minor could end up being helpful for your appeal. And the fact that multiple people have mentioned success with medical recovery reasons gives me hope that there are legitimate paths forward even after missing that initial deadline. The calling strategy of trying right when they open seems to be the consistent advice from folks who've actually gotten through. It's frustrating that it has to be such a battle just to access benefits you've paid into, but at least there are people here who've navigated it successfully. Keep fighting for what you deserve - you've got a whole community rooting for you! 💪

I'm new to this community but wanted to chime in because I'm currently going through something similar with my PFL claim. It's really encouraging to see so many people sharing their experiences and practical advice! What really stands out to me from reading all these responses is how common this 41-day deadline issue seems to be. It makes me wonder if there's something fundamentally broken about how this information gets communicated to new parents in the first place. I've been taking notes on everyone's suggestions - the early morning calling strategy, the DE 1000M appeal form, documenting everything for "good cause" - and it's giving me a roadmap for my own situation. The fact that medical recovery and employer miscommunication can potentially qualify as good cause is really helpful to know. @Yara Khoury, I hope you're able to get through to them and that your appeal goes well. Please keep us posted on what happens - I think your experience could help a lot of other people who find themselves in this same frustrating situation. The support in this thread is exactly what makes communities like this so valuable! 🤞