Can't reach California Paid Family Leave? Claimyr connects you to a live EDD agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the EDD drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
Thank you everyone for all your advice!! I called my OB office today and they said they submit the medical certification electronically, but I need to let them know when I'm ready to file. I also created my SDI Online account (took like 10 minutes) and talked to my HR department. They gave me a separation notice that I'll need to upload when I file my claim. I'm still a little confused about the transition from disability to baby bonding though... do I need to file a whole new claim for that? And how do I make sure there's no gap between the two?
Yes, you'll need to file a separate claim for PFL baby bonding after your pregnancy disability claim ends. Timing is important - you should file your PFL claim when you're about 1-2 weeks away from the end of your pregnancy disability period (which would be 4-6 weeks after delivery, depending on delivery type). The system will ask if this is a transition from SDI to PFL, which helps ensure continuous coverage. Make sure to use the same EDD Customer Account Number on both claims. Most importantly, don't wait until your disability completely ends to file the PFL claim or you might experience a gap in payments.
Great job on being proactive and getting your account set up early! 👏 One additional tip that helped me - when you're ready to file on Dec 8th, make sure you have your most recent pay stub handy. The system will ask for wage information and having exact figures speeds up the process. Also, regarding the transition to PFL - you can actually apply for baby bonding PFL up to 12 months after your baby's birth, so there's flexibility there. But like @Jamal Harris mentioned, timing it right prevents payment gaps. One last thing - save your confirmation number and print/screenshot the final submission page when you file. I've seen people have issues where EDD couldn't locate their claim initially, and having that documentation saved the day. You're doing everything right though - sounds like you'll be much better prepared than most first-time filers!
This is so helpful! I didn't know about needing my pay stub for the application. Quick question - should I bring my most recent stub or like the last few months? And when you mention the 12-month window for PFL, does that mean I could potentially take baby bonding leave later if I wanted to go back to work right after my disability period ends? Like could I save some of that time for when baby is older?
Join the conversation
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My PFL ended last week and I'm dealing with postpartum anxiety that my doctor says needs treatment before I can return to work. Reading all these responses has been SO helpful - I had no idea about the separate systems or that I needed to file a completely new claim. One question though - has anyone had experience with mental health conditions vs physical postpartum issues? I'm worried EDD might be more skeptical of anxiety/depression claims compared to physical recovery issues. My doctor is supportive but I want to make sure we're filling out the forms in the strongest way possible.
I can speak to this from personal experience! I had to transition from PFL to disability for postpartum anxiety and depression last year. EDD doesn't discriminate between physical and mental health conditions - they're both covered under SDI as long as your doctor certifies that you're unable to work due to your condition. The key is having your doctor be very specific on the DE2501 form about how your anxiety symptoms prevent you from performing your job duties. My psychiatrist detailed things like difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, sleep disruption, etc. and how these made me unable to safely perform my work responsibilities. The claim was approved without any additional questions. Mental health is just as valid as physical recovery - don't let anyone make you feel otherwise! @Lucas Adams
Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in HR and deals with these situations regularly. A few additional points that might help: 1. Make sure your employer is aware of the transition from PFL to SDI - they may need to adjust their records and won't expect you back when your original PFL ended. 2. If you're paying for health insurance through your employer, check if the premium deductions will continue during your SDI period or if you need to make other arrangements. 3. Keep all your documentation organized - copies of the DE2501, doctor's notes, confirmation numbers, etc. Having everything in one place makes it much easier if you need to follow up or appeal anything. 4. Consider having your doctor write a brief letter explaining the medical necessity for the extended leave in addition to the official forms. While not required, it can help provide context if there are any questions about your claim. The transition from PFL to SDI is actually pretty common, especially for postpartum complications, so don't feel like you're doing anything unusual. The systems are frustrating but they do work once you get through the initial paperwork hurdles. Wishing you a smooth process and a healthy recovery!
Join the conversation
Just joined this community after my own PFL nightmare - my application has been "under review" for 8 weeks with absolutely no communication from EDD. I'm taking care of my partner after a major surgery, and the stress of fighting this broken system while managing a medical crisis is overwhelming. What really frustrates me is that I've been paying into this system for years, yet when I actually need the benefits, it's like pulling teeth to get basic information. I've called probably 60+ times and only got through twice - both times they just said "keep waiting" with no timeline or explanation. Reading all your stories here makes me feel less alone but also more angry about how broken this system is. We're all dealing with serious family emergencies that need our attention, but instead we're forced to become EDD experts just to access our own benefits. I'm definitely going to try the local EDD office strategy that @Alberto Souchard mentioned - sounds like that's been the most successful approach. Also planning to contact my state rep's office since several people have had luck with that route. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and tips. It's both heartbreaking and comforting to know we're all fighting the same fight. Will update everyone on my progress - we need to support each other through this bureaucratic nightmare! 💪
@Chloe Anderson I just joined this community too and your 8-week nightmare sounds all too familiar! I m'also new to dealing with EDD but unfortunately getting a crash course in their broken system. The fact that you ve'been paying into this for years and now have to fight tooth and nail just to get basic information is absolutely ridiculous. It s'like they ve'designed the system to make us give up! I m'also going to try the local EDD office approach that @Alberto Souchard shared - seems like multiple people here have had success with that strategy. The state rep route also sounds promising based on what others have experienced. It s honestly'insane that we all have to become EDD detectives when we should be focusing on our family emergencies. Thanks for sharing your story and adding to this supportive community - knowing we re not'alone in this mess really does help. Keep us posted on how the local office strategy works out! 🤞
New member here dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! My PFL application has been stuck in processing limbo for 6 weeks now with zero communication from EDD. Like so many others here, I'm trying to care for a family member while simultaneously becoming a full-time EDD detective just to get basic updates on my own benefits. What really gets me is that we've all been paying into this system for years, yet when we actually need it during legitimate family emergencies, they make us jump through impossible hoops. I've called countless times and can rarely get through - and when I do, they just say "keep waiting" with no timeline or explanation. Reading everyone's experiences here is both comforting and infuriating - we're all fighting the same broken system! I'm definitely going to try the local EDD office strategy that @Alberto Souchard mentioned since that seems to be working for people. Also planning to reach out to my state rep based on the success stories here. Thank you all for creating this supportive community and sharing your strategies. It shouldn't take a village to access our own benefits, but at least we're not facing this nightmare alone! Will keep everyone updated on my progress. Stay strong everyone! 💪
Join the conversation
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 3 weeks ago to care for my sick father and it's been stuck on "pending processing" the entire time with zero updates or communication. It's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about a family health situation and then have to worry about whether you'll ever actually receive the benefits you've been paying into. I've called at least 15 times but always get busy signals or sit on hold for hours before getting disconnected. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring (knowing I'm not the only one dealing with this) and honestly pretty scary seeing people wait 2-3 months! I'm definitely going to try that 8am calling strategy that several people mentioned, and I'm bookmarking the assembly member contact route in case I hit the one-month mark. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become experts at navigating bureaucracy just to access help during family emergencies. Thank you to everyone for sharing your stories and advice - this thread has been incredibly helpful even though the whole situation is so maddening! 🤞
@Destiny Bryant I m'so sorry to hear about your father s'illness and the stress you re'dealing with trying to get your PFL claim processed! 3 weeks is already way too long when you re'managing a family health crisis. I m'completely new to this whole system but have been following this thread to learn what I might be up against, and it s'honestly shocking how many people are experiencing identical issues. The fact that we all have the same stories about busy signals, endless holds, and zero communication really shows how systemically broken this is. That 8am calling tip seems to be the golden advice here, and having your assembly member s'contact ready after a month sounds like a solid backup plan. It s'just infuriating that we need battle strategies to access benefits we ve'already paid for! I really hope you get some movement on your claim soon and that your father s'health improves. Hang in there! 🙏
I'm dealing with a very similar situation - filed my PFL claim about 3.5 weeks ago to care for my partner after surgery, and it's been stuck on "pending processing" ever since. It's so frustrating when you're already juggling caregiving responsibilities and then have to stress about whether your claim will ever move forward! I've tried calling at least 12 times but keep hitting busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting on hold for what feels like forever. Reading through all these experiences has been both helpful and honestly pretty disheartening - it's clear this is a widespread issue with the system. I'm definitely going to try that 8am calling strategy that everyone keeps mentioning, and I'm taking notes on all the other tips shared here. It's just ridiculous that we need to strategize and fight just to access benefits we've been paying into all along. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and advice - at least we know we're not dealing with this broken system alone! 🤞
Harold Oh
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my PFL claim 2 months ago and it feels like I'm stuck in limbo. The phone system is absolutely brutal - I've probably made 50+ calls and only gotten through once, just to be told they needed more documentation (which I had already submitted twice). One thing that's helped me stay organized is creating a spreadsheet with all my call attempts, confirmation numbers, and what was discussed each time. Also screenshot everything in your online account - I've had things mysteriously disappear from my portal before. Has anyone tried faxing documents instead of uploading them online? I'm wondering if that might be more reliable. At this point I'm willing to try anything! 😩
0 coins
Connor O'Neill
•Oh wow, 2 months is insane! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too. The spreadsheet idea is brilliant - I'm definitely going to start doing that. It's crazy how disorganized this whole process makes you feel when you're just trying to keep track of everything. I haven't tried faxing yet, but that's actually a really good idea! Sometimes the old-school methods work better than their "modern" online systems. Have you considered sending documents via certified mail too? At least then you'd have proof they received it. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one going through this nightmare! 🤝
0 coins
Yuki Yamamoto
I'm dealing with the same frustration! Been waiting 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. One thing that helped me was calling the disability insurance number (1-800-480-3287) instead of the main PFL line - sometimes they can transfer you or give you updates since PFL claims go through the same system. Also, if you have a case worker assigned, try asking for their direct extension when you do get through. I finally got one after my 4th successful call and it's been a game changer for follow-ups. The whole system definitely needs an overhaul, but hang in there! You'll get through eventually. Keep detailed records of everything like others mentioned - it really does help when you finally talk to someone. Good luck! 🤞
0 coins
Freya Ross
•This is such great advice! I had no idea about calling the disability insurance number - that's a really smart workaround. 8 weeks is absolutely ridiculous though, I can't believe how broken this system is. Getting a case worker's direct extension sounds like it would be a lifesaver. Did you have to specifically ask for one, or did they just assign you one after multiple calls? I'm definitely going to try this approach when I call tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tip and for sharing your experience! It really helps to know what strategies are actually working for people. Fingers crossed we all get our claims sorted out soon! 🙏
0 coins