Let's start with the basics. I was laid off in January from job and went on Unemployment (UI), till I found suitable work. During this time, my stepdad`s (83 years old), health was making a decline to the point he could no longer walk, he was completely deaf and was legally blind (could not see/everything blurry dizzy), so in order to help my mother out (74 years old), I applied for Paid Family Leave (PFL).

I applied for PFL April 22nd and had my Stepdad`s primary physician fill the documents and certify his conditions. I began calling and calling and calling without ever receiving any notice or even getting thru the phone lines whatsoever. I almost completely give up. 5 weeks have passed and I'm uncertain whether I will be approved or what will happen. 5 weeks is quite awhile to go without and income especially when you are flat broke.

I did continue to certify for benefits under UI after 5 weeks due to uncertainty of my PFL and not knowing what the outcome was. I did not make any false statements and was very clear that I could not accept work and if I received and offer that I would be forced to decline due to caring for my family member. The other questions asked were if I was sick, I said no. I also confirmed that I was still looking for work and regularly applying to jobs which I was using Indeed for new job postings. I even went on a couple interviews and was very clear during interviews that I was on PFL. I did not get any offers so I didn't turn down any work technically. After I submitted the certifications (all same day since they were piling up), I then received a message via benefits login saying there is an issue that may affect UI payments. I totally expected that and never expected to receive any payments.

While on PFL I was very supportive in helping my mother and stepdad with everything from showers, to mowing the yard, to cleaning the house, changing bed sheets and feeding. After nearly 7 weeks, it was June 6th, I finally receive a phone call from PFL (1st time I heard anything), letting me know I have been approved and would receive my deposit the next day. I was excited and needed the funds badly.

Next day June 7th, I receive 3 deposits. $5,500 from PFL, $900 UI and $900 UI. I'm confused and I try immediately to contact EDD. Apparently anyone who has already received at least 1 payment and there is an issue with claim that lasts longer than 2 weeks, the payments are automatically issued conditionally. So although my claim had been flagged as a potential issue, nobody took action and let it go 2 weeks without reviewing it.

Finally I contact my local congressman and received a notice that I was now banned indefinitely from EDD benefits.

First to come in Mail, I received an overpayment letter from PFL saying I received UI benefits and need to return the PFL. Second I received a letter stating an overpayment from UI and that I was unable to accept work during those weeks and needed to return the UI payments. So both sides are essentially asking for their money back due to being paid from both sides.

Regardless of who I owe (or owed), I have still not found work as of November so any money I owed should have already been a wash. Except I cannot certify for benefits and PFL is a joke. I left numerous voicemail to the PFL supervisor (saving the phone number she called me with), and reached out to councilman only to receive notice that I am disqualified indefinitely. I cannot certify for benefits on UI and PFL never allowed or extended any weeks for me to at least pay off the overpayment that I already received and spent.

My stepdad died last Monday on November 6th, so that chapter is closed. I have appealed and appealed to EDD with no response or any resolution.

Let me know your thoughts......