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EDD denying disability due to 'new assignment' in entertainment industry - how to appeal?

Has anyone else had issues with EDD claiming you're ineligible for disability because you 'accepted a new assignment'? I work in the entertainment industry where we don't have regular jobs, just short-term assignments. EDD is saying I'm not eligible because I took an assignment, but that's just how our industry works! It doesn't mean I have steady income. I'm so frustrated and don't know what to do. Any advice on how to explain this to them?

Tom Maxon

I found a way to solve EDD ineligibility for gig workers, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNUTzu6MQcY

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Giovanni Rossi

Have you considered filing an appeal? You have the right to challenge their decision. It's a bit of a process, but it might be worth it if you're sure you're eligible.

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Yuki Tanaka

Appeals can be a lengthy process, but they're there for a reason. Make sure you're well-prepared!

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Dylan Mitchell

Here's a pro tip: when you call, immediately ask for a tier 2 specialist. They have more authority to actually solve complex cases like yours. Don't waste time with the first person who answers.

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Yuki Tanaka

Requesting a higher-tier specialist can expedite the process, but patience is key.

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Amina Diop

This is why we need universal basic income. The current system just doesn't work for modern employment situations.

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Oliver Weber

Preach! 🙌 The whole system needs an overhaul

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Natasha Romanova

Yeah, because more government handouts will totally solve everything 🙄

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Amina Diop

It's not a handout, it's ensuring everyone has basic needs met. But that's a whole other discussion...

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Yuki Tanaka

UBI is a complex topic, but it's worth discussing in the context of supporting modern gig work.

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Sofia Gutierrez

Maybe we need to start a petition or something to get EDD to update their policies for gig workers and entertainment industry folks. This is getting ridiculous!

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Dmitry Petrov

I'd sign that in a heartbeat! 👍

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StarSurfer

Great idea! Maybe we could get one of the entertainment unions involved too?

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Yuki Tanaka

Petitions can be powerful tools for change, especially when backed by organizations.

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QuantumQuasar

Have you tried explaining your situation on Twitter and tagging the official EDD account? Sometimes public pressure can get results.

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Yuki Tanaka

Using social media can sometimes expedite responses from organizations like EDD.

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Carmen Diaz

I had a similar issue last year. Here's what worked for me: 1. Gather all your assignment contracts/emails 2. Write a clear explanation of how your industry works 3. Get a letter from your union or guild if possible 4. Call EDD and ask for a supervisor who understands entertainment industry work It took some time, but I finally got through to someone who got it. Don't give up!

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Aisha Abdullah

Thanks for the advice! Did you have to call multiple times to get someone who understood?

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Carmen Diaz

Yeah, it took like 3 or 4 calls. Each time I asked to speak to a supervisor who had experience with entertainment industry claims. Eventually I got lucky!

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Andre Laurent

This is great advice! I'd add one thing: keep a log of all your calls, including date, time, and who you spoke to. It helps if you need to escalate later.

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Yuki Tanaka

Keeping a log is crucial! It can be a lifesaver if you need to reference past conversations.

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Zainab Abdulrahman

Plot twist: what if we all just showed up at the EDD office dressed as clowns? Maybe then they'd realize how ridiculous this whole situation is 🤡🤡🤡

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Connor Byrne

LMAO I'm in! At least we'd be putting our entertainment industry skills to use 😂

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Yara Elias

This is the kind of outside-the-box thinking we need! 👏👏👏

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Yuki Tanaka

Humor aside, creative ways of drawing attention to systemic issues can sometimes lead to change.

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Ava Martinez

Ive been dealing with this for 6 months now. its a nightmare. EDD keeps saying theyll 'escalate' my case but nothing ever happens. im about ready to give up tbh

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Aisha Abdullah

Oh no, I'm so sorry you've been dealing with this for so long. Sending good vibes your way 💕

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Miguel Castro

Don't give up! That's what they want. Keep fighting!

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Yuki Tanaka

It's tough, but persistence often pays off. Keep documenting everything!

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Mei Zhang

Have you tried reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes they can help cut through the red tape and get things moving.

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Aisha Abdullah

I hadn't thought of that! Do you know how I would go about contacting them?

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Mei Zhang

Just google '[your area] state representative' and you should find their office contact info. Send an email explaining your situation and ask if they can help. Good luck!

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Yuki Tanaka

State representatives can sometimes provide assistance with bureaucratic red tape. It's worth a try!

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Yuki Tanaka

It can be incredibly frustrating dealing with the EDD as a gig worker in the entertainment industry. The current system is often rigid and not well-suited for the fluidity that comes with non-traditional employment. One option that has shown effectiveness is using Claimyr, which provides a calling service that connects you more efficiently with EDD representatives, albeit for a fee. However, it's important to consider the cost and evaluate whether it's worth it for your situation. Additionally, gathering documentation about your work assignments and maintaining thorough records of your communications with EDD can be crucial when contesting their decisions. Filing an appeal is also a legitimate avenue if you believe your case has been wrongly assessed. Remember, persistence is key, and seeking help from industry-specific unions or local representatives can sometimes provide the needed push to move things forward. Despite the flaws in the system, staying informed, organized, and proactive gives you the best chance of overcoming these obstacles.

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Keisha Jackson

guys i think i figured it out. you gotta speak their language. next time you call, just say 'beep boop, computer says no assignment, gimme money'. works every time 60% of the time 🤖💰

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Paolo Moretti

LOL if only it were that easy 😂

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Aisha Abdullah

Haha, at this point I'm willing to try anything! 🤣

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Fatima Al-Maktoum

omg i'm in the exact same boat!!! been trying to explain to edd for WEEKS that my 'new assignment' was just a 3-day gig. this system is a joke 🤡

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Aisha Abdullah

It's so frustrating! Have you had any luck getting through to them?

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Fatima Al-Maktoum

nope, still waiting. feels like i'm screaming into the void lol. let me know if you figure anything out!

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Yuki Tanaka

Solidarity is important. Stay connected with others in similar situations for support and tips.

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NebulaNinja

Hey OP, what kind of work do you do in the entertainment industry? Just curious how different roles are affected by this EDD nonsense.

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Yuki Tanaka

Different roles face unique challenges with systems like EDD. Understanding these nuances is important.

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Ethan Wilson

Ugh, I feel your pain. The EDD system is not set up for gig workers or anyone with non-traditional employment. It's like they're stuck in the 1950s or something.

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Yuki Tanaka

Totally agree. They need to update their definition of what constitutes 'employment.'

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Liam McConnell

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ

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Amara Oluwaseyi

Sounds sketchy. Is this legit?

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Liam McConnell

Totally legit! I was skeptical too but it saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imo

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CosmicCaptain

$20 just to talk to someone? That's ridiculous. The system is so broken 😡

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Liam McConnell

I get it, but think about how much your time is worth. For me, not spending hours on hold was worth the cost.

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Yuki Tanaka

While Claimyr can be a useful tool for some, it's important to weigh the cost against your personal needs and time.

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AstroAce

the edd is a joke lol. they have no idea how real ppl work these days. good luck getting thru to anyone who has more than 2 brain cells to rub together 🙄

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Zoe Kyriakidou

Harsh but true 😂 I swear sometimes I think they're actively trying to make it hard for us

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Jamal Brown

Come on, that's not fair. The people working there are just doing their jobs. The system is broken, not the individuals.

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AstroAce

ok bootlicker 🙄 keep defending a system that screws over workers

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Yuki Tanaka

Let's focus on improving the system rather than insulting individuals.

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