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How do I appeal a denied California PFL or SDI claim due to employer wage continuation?

How to appeal a California PFL or SDI denial tied to employer wage continuation

Quick answer
 This article explains how to appeal a California PFL or SDI denial that resulted from your employer continuing your full, regular wages while you were on leave (wage integration). You have 30 days from the date on your denial notice to submit an appeal explaining that you did not actually receive full pay during your leave.

Who this applies to / Prerequisites

  • You applied for California PFL or SDI and received a denial notice citing continued full wages from your employer.
  • Your employer integrates wages during leave (pays you on top of or instead of state benefits).

Steps

  1. Call the relevant EDD line to reach a representative: for SDI claims, call 1-800-480-3287 and press 1, 3, 3, 0; for PFL claims, call 1-877-238-4373 and press 1, 3, 2, 1, 0.
  2. Locate the appeal form mailed with your denial notice, or request one if you don't have it.
  3. On the form, explain that your employer integrates wages, meaning you did not receive your full pay while on leave. Include a pay stub showing your full-time pay and one showing what you received while on leave, if available.
  4. Submit the appeal within 30 days of the date on your denial notice. You'll receive confirmation once EDD processes your appeal.

What if it doesn't work

  • I can't reach anyone by phone: Mail your appeal directly to your local EDD field office instead.
  • I lost or misplaced the appeal form: Mail a detailed letter to your local EDD field office. Use the office locator to find your office. The letter must include your full printed name, SDI Claim ID or EDD Customer Account Number, home address, phone number, reason for appeal, any request for language assistance or special accommodations, your signature, and — for PFL appeals — your Social Security number. You can optionally include pay stubs showing your pre-leave and during-leave pay.
  • If none of these apply, contact your Leave Success Manager.

Limits and exceptions

  • You must submit your appeal within 30 days of the date on the denial notice.
  • PFL appeal letters require your Social Security number; SDI appeal letters do not.
  • This process applies specifically to denials caused by employer wage continuation, not to denials caused by SDI/PFL overlap (see related article).

Related questions

  • How do I appeal a denied California PFL claim due to SDI benefits?
  • What phone number do I call to appeal a CA SDI or PFL denial?
  • What do I do if my state isn't listed in Tilt's appeal resources?