EDD asking about previous PFL claim - weeks stuck pending. Need to call?
I just finished a Paid Family Leave claim about 2 months ago and decided to file for regular unemployment last week. During my UI application, EDD kept asking me a bunch of questions about my previous PFL claim which caught me off guard. Now my UI claim is showing all my weeks as pending with no explanation. Is this normal when you file for UI after PFL? Do I need to call EDD to explain that these are separate claims, or will it eventually sort itself out? Getting anxious since rent is due next week and I wasn't expecting this holdup.
15 comments

Jungleboo Soletrain
ya this happens alot, system gets confused between diff benefit types. you DEF need 2 call them asap
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Anna Xian
AuthorThanks. Have you gone through this before? How long did it take to resolve once you called?
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Rajan Walker
When you transition from one benefit type to another (PFL to UI), the EDD system often needs manual review to verify there's no overlap in your benefit periods. This is actually quite common. Since your weeks are showing as pending, it indicates they're reviewing your claim. However, I wouldn't wait too long - if it's been more than 10 days with pending status, you should definitely call.
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Nadia Zaldivar
THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! Why should anyone have to call and wait HOURS just because their computers can't figure out that PFL and UI are DIFFERENT PROGRAMS?? I had the EXACT same issue last year and spent 3 WEEKS trying to get through to someone. Complete joke!!!
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Lukas Fitzgerald
omg i feel this... waiting on pending payments is so stressful especially with bills due :
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Ev Luca
You definitely need to call EDD. This is a common issue when transitioning between different benefit types like PFL and UI. The system flags these cases for manual review to ensure there's no overlap in benefit periods. I recommend using Claimyr to get through to an EDD representative quickly - saved me hours of redial frustration. You can check them out at claimyr.com and see how it works in their video demo here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km When you reach a rep, specifically mention you completed PFL two months ago and need them to review your new UI claim. They'll need to manually clear the flag in their system.
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Anna Xian
AuthorThanks for the tip! I've been trying to call all morning with no luck. I'll check out that service if I can't get through by tomorrow.
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Avery Davis
Wait I'm confused... isn't PFL the same as disability? Or is that SDI? And do you have to have been on UI before you can get PFL? I thought they were all connected somehow. I'm about to go on maternity leave and trying to figure this all out is giving me a headache!
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Rajan Walker
They're different programs: - UI = Unemployment Insurance (when you lose your job) - SDI = State Disability Insurance (when you can't work due to non-work-related illness/injury) - PFL = Paid Family Leave (to care for family or bond with new child) PFL is actually a component of the SDI program, not UI. You don't need to be on UI before PFL. The confusion happens when transitioning between programs because they're administered by the same department (EDD) but have different eligibility requirements.
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Collins Angel
When I had this issue last year i just waited it out and after about 3 weeks they finally processed everything and I got paid all at once. If you can afford to wait, sometimes it resolves on its own. But if you need the money now, definitely try calling.
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Anna Xian
AuthorThanks for sharing your experience. I really can't wait 3 weeks though - bills are piling up fast. I'm going to try calling again tomorrow morning right when they open.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
my cousin works for edd she says call tuesday morning at 8:01am exactly thats when the lines are least busy
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Rajan Walker
Just to update you - I checked the current EDD guidelines, and for 2025, they actually have a dedicated team that handles benefit transition issues like yours (PFL to UI). When you call, specifically ask for the "Benefits Transition Unit" or mention you're transitioning from PFL to UI. This should help get you to the right department faster. Make sure you have your PFL claim end date and UI application date ready when you call.
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Anna Xian
AuthorThank you! I finally got through today and mentioned the Benefits Transition Unit. They were able to review my claim and said the pending status should change to paid within 48 hours. They confirmed it was flagged because of my recent PFL claim but said it's all sorted now.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
That's such great news! Thanks for updating us - this gives me hope for my own situation. I'm dealing with a similar PFL to UI transition issue right now. Going to try calling and asking for the Benefits Transition Unit like you did. Really appreciate you taking the time to share what worked!
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