EDD PFL sent checks after return to work - How to handle overpayment & dependent question?

The dependent question is specifically asking who he was supporting financially during the period they're claiming was overpaid. Since you weren't working and he was supporting you and the baby during that time, he should list both of you (2 dependents). This affects how they calculate the repayment plan if you need one. Smart move not cashing those extra checks! You should return them with a copy of his return-to-work notification as proof he properly informed them.

the same thing happend to my sister last year... EDD is such a mess! they sent her checks for 2 extra weeks and then wanted all the money back even tho it was THEIR mistake not hers

This happened to me. First, definitely DO NOT cash those checks. Second, make copies of everything before you send anything back. Third, call EDD directly to explain the situation. They need to note in their system that you're returning uncashed checks so they don't process the overpayment recovery while also having you return the checks (double recovery). As for the dependents question - yes, it's who is financially dependent on him NOW, not last year's taxes. The more dependents, the less they expect you to pay monthly if you need a repayment plan. Since you're not working and he's supporting you and the baby, that's 2 dependents.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an EDD agent quickly. I was in a similar situation with overpayment notices after returning from maternity leave and was getting nowhere trying to call directly. Claimyr got me connected to an agent in about 10 minutes when I had been trying for weeks. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. Their website is claimyr.com. Seriously saved me so much stress when dealing with my overpayment issue!

DONT ANSWER THE LETTER!!! If u didnt cash the check than you dont owe anything. They r just trying to trick u into admitting u owe $$$. The EDD is totally corrupt and theyll try to take advantage. My cousin had this happen and he just returned the checks with a note saying "not entitled to these funds" and they eventually canceled the over payment. DONT ADMIT TO OWING ANYTHING!!

When I had my PFL overpayment situation last year, I learned that you need to be very specific in your communication with EDD. Make sure you write "RETURNED UNCASHED" across each check and include a letter explaining: 1. The exact date your husband returned to work 2. When and how he notified EDD (include copies of the paperwork) 3. Which check dates you're returning 4. Request confirmation that your overpayment case is resolved Keep certified mail receipts for everything you send them. For the dependent question, it's who is financially dependent on him at the time of the overpayment recovery, not who was on his taxes.

So infuriating how EDD puts the burden on us when THEY make mistakes! I spent 3 months trying to fix an overpayment that wasn't my fault when I transitioned from pregnancy disability to baby bonding. Their systems don't talk to each other and we pay the price with stress and paperwork. Definitely specify that these are UNCASHED checks you're returning - that's important for their processing.

Just wanted to add that you should keep copies of the actual checks before sending them back. Take photos or make photocopies of both sides of each check. I've seen cases where EDD lost returned checks and then came after people for the money. Documentation is your best protection in these situations.

After you resolve this, make sure to check his EDD account weekly for at least a month to ensure they've properly processed the returned checks. Sometimes they'll show as "paid" in the system even after you've returned them, which can create further confusion. If you see that happening, that's when you absolutely need to get on the phone with them, despite how difficult it can be to reach someone.

I went through this exact situation 8 months ago with PFL overpayment after returning from bonding leave. Here's what worked for me: First, you're absolutely right not to cash those checks! For the dependent question, list yourself and the baby as 2 dependents since your husband is financially supporting you both during this time period. I made the mistake of initially only counting dependents from my tax return and had to correct it later. Also, when you return the checks, include a brief timeline showing when he submitted return-to-work paperwork versus when EDD continued sending benefits - this helps demonstrate it was their processing error, not late notification on your part. The whole process took about 6 weeks to fully resolve, but they did eventually clear the overpayment once they processed the returned checks properly.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! EDD sent me 4 extra weeks of PFL checks after I returned to work from maternity leave, even though I submitted all my return-to-work documentation on time. Like you, I haven't cashed the extra checks because something felt off about receiving them. Reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about marking the checks "RETURNED UNCASHED" or that I should photograph them before sending back. The dependent question was confusing me too, but now I understand it's about who is financially dependent on me NOW, not from last year's taxes. Since my partner is currently unemployed and I'm supporting them plus our baby, that would be 2 dependents. It's so frustrating that their system errors become our paperwork nightmares, but at least we're not alone in this!