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Freya Collins

PFL claim stuck on 'pending processing' for 4 weeks - how to speed it up?

Has anyone else been waiting forever for their Paid Family Leave claim to be processed? It's been 4 weeks and my claim still says pending processing. I'm getting really frustrated with the lack of communication. Anyone have any tips on how to get through to a real person or speed up the process?

I found a way to solve long Paid Family Leave processing, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocn6jnM0Ryo

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Ugh, I feel your pain! I've been waiting for 6 weeks now. Its like they dont even care about us. I've tried calling every day but can never get through. This system is so broken 😡

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6 weeks?! That's insane. Have you tried reaching out to your local representative? I've heard that can sometimes help speed things up.

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No, I haven't thought of that. Good idea! I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the tip 👍

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I tried contacting my rep and they just sent me a generic response. Don't get your hopes up 🙄

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I actually found a way to get through to someone on the phone! I used this site called claimyr.com. It's a calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and then connects you when a live agent picks up. It costs $20, but it worked for me. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

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Sounds too good to be true. Are you sure it's legit?

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Yeah, I was skeptical at first too, but I can confirm it works. Saved me hours of frustration!

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20 bucks tho? Thats kinda steep just to talk to someone who should be available for free 🤔

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I get it, but for me, it was worth it to finally get some answers. Time is money, ya know?

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Here's what I've learned after dealing with PFL claims for years: 1. Be persistent. Call every day if you have to. 2. Keep detailed records of all your communications. 3. Double-check that you've submitted all required documents. 4. If possible, submit your claim online rather than by mail. 5. Consider reaching out to your state representative or senator. 6. Join social media groups for PFL claimants - sometimes they have insider tips. 7. If all else fails, file a formal complaint with the department. Hope this helps! Hang in there, OP!

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Wow, thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely try these steps. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience 🙏

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This is gold 💯 Saving this for future reference!

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lol welcome to the club. been waiting 2 months here. starting to think they just throw our claims in a big pile and pick random ones to process 🤡

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Have you checked if there were any errors or missing information on your application? Sometimes that can cause delays.

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I double-checked everything and it all looks correct. But maybe I'll give them a call (if I can ever get through) to make sure they don't need anything else from me.

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Ive heard rumors that they're super backlogged bc of covid still. Apparently they lost a bunch of staff and haven't been able to replace them fast enough. Not an excuse, but might explain the delay 🤷‍♂️

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That tracks. My friend works for the state (not PFL tho) and says every department is understaffed rn

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Pro tip: call right when they open in the morning. I got through after only 20 mins on hold that way!

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What time do they open? Might have to set an alarm lol

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8am I think? Double check on their website to be sure tho

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Just saw this thread, mine is in pending process and applied on Dec 02

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How's it going? Still pending?

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I submitted my claim 11 weeks ago and have tried calling dozens of times and can’t get through

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11 weeks?! That's absolutely ridiculous. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. At this point I'd definitely escalate - maybe try filing a complaint with the state ombudsman or contacting your assembly member's office. They sometimes have staff who can help cut through the red tape. This system is completely broken if people are waiting nearly 3 months for basic processing.

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I'm in the exact same boat - filed my PFL claim 3 weeks ago and it's still showing "pending processing" with zero updates. It's incredibly frustrating, especially when you're already dealing with family care responsibilities and need that financial support. I've tried calling multiple times but can never get through to a human. The whole system feels like it's designed to make us give up. Thanks for all the helpful tips in this thread everyone - definitely going to try calling right at 8am and maybe look into that claimyr service if I get desperate enough. It's ridiculous that we have to pay extra just to talk to someone about our own claims though!

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@Isabella Costa I totally feel you on this! 3 weeks might seem short compared to some others here, but when you re'caring for family and counting on that support, every day feels like forever. I m'new to dealing with PFL but reading through everyone s'experiences here is both helpful and terrifying 😅 The fact that we might need to pay for a service just to reach our own government agency is honestly insane. I m'definitely bookmarking all these tips though - seems like persistence and calling right at 8am are key. Hang in there, hopefully we ll'both get through this bureaucratic nightmare soon!

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I'm completely new to the PFL system but will likely need to file soon for my own family situation. This thread has been incredibly eye-opening - it's both reassuring to see the community support here and absolutely terrifying to learn how broken the system is! The consistent stories about months-long waits, endless busy signals, and zero communication really highlight how much reform this system needs. I'm taking detailed notes on all the strategies shared here - the 8am calling tip, keeping thorough records, having assembly member contacts ready, and that claimyr service for desperate situations. It's honestly outrageous that we need to crowdsource survival tactics just to access benefits we've already paid into. Thanks to everyone for being so generous with sharing your experiences and advice - it really shows how supportive this community is even when dealing with such a frustrating system. Hoping all of you still waiting finally get the movement you deserve! 🙏

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