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I've been following this thread and wanted to share another option that worked for me recently. If you have the Money Network mobile app, try using the "Contact Us" feature within the app itself - sometimes this connects you to chat support faster than calling. I was able to resolve a similar payment delay issue through their in-app chat in about 30 minutes instead of spending hours on the phone. Also, for future reference, Money Network has a Twitter account (@MoneyNetworkCS) where they respond to customer service issues. While it's not ideal for urgent situations, they do monitor it and can sometimes escalate your case if you tweet about persistent problems with your account number. The key thing I learned is to always get a reference number for any issue you report - whether by phone, chat, or online. That way if you have to call back, you can reference the previous case and avoid starting from scratch each time.
That's really helpful about the mobile app chat feature - I didn't even know that was an option! I always just tried calling. And the Twitter tip is smart too, though like you said probably better for non-urgent stuff. Getting a reference number is such good advice - I've definitely had to start over multiple times when calling different agencies because I didn't have any kind of case number to reference. It's crazy how many different ways there are to contact them that most people (including me) don't even know about. Thanks for sharing these alternatives!
This is such valuable information! I had no idea about the in-app chat feature - I've been banging my head against the wall trying to get through on the phone when there might have been easier options available. The Twitter angle is interesting too, especially since social media complaints sometimes get faster responses because they're public. I'm definitely going to download the app and try the chat feature first next time I have an issue. And you're absolutely right about getting reference numbers - I learned that the hard way after having to explain my situation from scratch multiple times to different representatives. Thanks for taking the time to share these tips!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm currently dealing with the exact same Money Network nightmare - my EDD payment has been "processing" for 4 days now and I can't get through to anyone. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to try the 8am calling strategy tomorrow with the button sequence tricks, and if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into the mobile app chat feature that @Nia Wilson mentioned - I had no idea that even existed! It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become experts in navigating these systems just to access our own unemployment benefits, but I really appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked for them. Will update if I have any success with these methods!
Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I'm definitely going to continue keeping detailed records and doing legitimate job searches. The potential consequences aren't worth the risk. I'll check out CalJOBS and set up that email folder system too. Better safe than sorry!
Smart decision to keep doing everything legitimately! I've been on unemployment twice and always kept meticulous records - it's definitely worth the extra effort for peace of mind. One tip that helped me: I started using a simple Google Form to log my job search activities in real-time instead of trying to remember everything later. You just fill it out right after applying somewhere and it automatically creates a spreadsheet with timestamps. Way easier than manually maintaining records and you'll never forget the details. Plus having that timestamp data could be really helpful if you ever need to prove when you applied somewhere.
I had this exact same issue a few weeks ago and it was so stressful! What ended up working for me was a combination of things - first, I cleared all my browser data and cookies, then tried requesting the verification code through the website instead of the app. I also had to update my phone number in my Money Network profile because apparently it was still showing an old number even though I thought I had updated it. One thing that really helped was calling during their "off-peak" hours - I called at 7 AM Pacific time and actually got through to a real person within 10 minutes instead of the usual hour+ wait. They were able to manually send me a verification code that worked right away. In the meantime, you can use any ATM to check your balance and withdraw cash if you need immediate access to your funds. Most Walmart, Target, and bank ATMs work with the Money Network card without extra fees. Hope this helps and you get it sorted out soon!
This is super helpful! I'm dealing with the same verification code nightmare right now and getting really stressed about it. Definitely going to try calling early in the morning - didn't think about timing making such a big difference. Quick question though - when you updated your phone number in your Money Network profile, did you have to verify the new number somehow or did it just let you change it? I'm wondering if that might be part of my problem too since I changed carriers a few months ago but kept the same number.
I've been having the exact same verification code issues with Money Network! What's been working for me is using the website version instead of the mobile app - it seems way more stable. Also, make sure to check if your phone carrier is blocking the SMS codes as potential spam. I had to contact my carrier (Verizon) and ask them to whitelist Money Network's number. If you need immediate access to your funds, you can use the card at any ATM that accepts Visa - most grocery stores and banks work fine and won't charge fees for balance checks or withdrawals. I know it's frustrating when you just need to see if your payment went through, but the ATM option at least lets you verify your available balance while you're sorting out the app problems. One other tip - try requesting the verification code and then wait a full 5-10 minutes before requesting another one. Sometimes they come through delayed and requesting multiple codes can actually block the system from sending them. Hope you get it resolved soon!
I went through this exact same thing about 8 months ago! Got denied for "insufficient wages" but kept getting certification emails every two weeks. It was so confusing and stressful. Here's what I learned: the certification system runs independently from the determination system, so you can be denied but still be expected to certify. The key thing is to KEEP CERTIFYING while you appeal - I can't stress this enough. When my appeal was eventually approved, I only got paid for the weeks I had properly certified for. A few things that helped me: - I appealed within the 30-day window (super important!) - I specifically requested alternate base period consideration in my appeal letter - I included copies of ALL my recent pay stubs, even from jobs that seemed too short to matter - I kept detailed records of my job search activities for every week I certified The whole process took about 7 weeks for me, but I got backpay for everything. Don't let the denial discourage you - with his recent work history, the alternate base period could totally change the outcome. The system is frustrating but it does work eventually if you stay on top of it. Good luck with the appeal! Feel free to ask if you have questions about the process.
This is really encouraging to hear! 7 weeks seems long but knowing you got everything backpaid makes it feel more manageable. I'm definitely going to make sure we stay on top of the certification process and document everything carefully. Did you have to do anything special when writing your appeal letter, or was it pretty straightforward? I want to make sure we mention the alternate base period specifically like you suggested. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience - it really helps to know others have gotten through this successfully!
I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! My wife was denied for "insufficient wages in base period" but we're still getting those certification emails every week. It's such a relief to see this thread and know we're not alone in this confusing mess. Based on all the advice here, we're definitely going to: 1. Keep certifying for every week (even though it feels weird after being denied) 2. File an appeal and specifically request the alternate base period 3. Gather all pay stubs from her recent jobs The thing about the base period looking at older quarters makes so much sense now - she just started working again after being out of the workforce for a while, so the standard base period probably misses most of her recent earnings. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! It gives me hope that this can actually work out if we stay persistent with the process. The EDD system is definitely broken but at least there seems to be a path forward. @Dananyl Lear - please do update us on how your appeal goes. I think a lot of us are in similar boats and would love to hear about any progress!
@Ella Lewis I m'so glad this thread is helping you too! It s'amazing how many of us are dealing with this same confusing situation. Your plan sounds exactly right - keep certifying, appeal with ABP request, and gather all those pay stubs. Since your wife was out of the workforce for a while and then started working again recently, the alternate base period should definitely help your case. That s'exactly the kind of situation it s'designed for. I ll'absolutely update here once we hear back on our appeal! Hopefully we ll'have good news to share soon. In the meantime, stay strong and keep certifying - it sounds like most people who stick with the process end up getting their benefits eventually, even if it takes longer than it should. The system is frustrating but at least we know there s'light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck with everything!
Amelia Dietrich
I went through something very similar at my previous job! Got terminated for what they called "timecard fraud" but was really just me forgetting to clock out for lunch one day. I was so worried about getting unemployment but EDD approved me after the phone interview. The key things that helped my case were: 1) I had no prior disciplinary actions, 2) I could show it was an honest mistake, and 3) I had tried to fix it through the proper channels before getting fired. Your situation sounds even stronger since you immediately reported the error yourself. When you do the phone interview, speak slowly and clearly - don't let them rush you through the explanation. Take your time to explain exactly what happened and why it was obviously an accident. The fact that you were trying to use VTO (which costs the company nothing) instead of regular time makes it clear you weren't trying to steal time. Good luck! Don't let Costco intimidate you - you deserve those benefits.
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Oliver Brown
•Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through almost the exact same thing. You're absolutely right about the VTO part - it makes no sense that I'd be trying to steal time when I was literally trying to take unpaid time off! I'll definitely remember to speak slowly during the phone interview and not let them rush me. Sometimes when I'm nervous I talk too fast and might not explain things clearly. Your point about having no prior disciplinary actions is spot on too - I think that's going to be one of my strongest points. Thank you for the encouragement!
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Bruno Simmons
I'm a former EDD case worker and want to give you some insider perspective on your situation. What you're describing would typically NOT be considered misconduct under California unemployment law. The three-part test for misconduct requires it to be willful, substantial, and connected to work duties. An accidental button press that you immediately self-reported fails the "willful" component entirely. Here's what will likely happen: Costco will submit their documentation claiming "time theft," but the EDD adjudicator will look beyond their characterization to the actual facts. Your 9-month clean record, immediate self-reporting, and attempt to resolve through proper channels all work heavily in your favor. Pro tip for the phone interview: Have a timeline written out beforehand with exact times/dates. Be ready to explain the difference between the VTO button and clock-in button on their system. The interviewer wants to understand HOW this mistake could happen accidentally. Also, don't be surprised if it takes 2-3 weeks to get your interview scheduled - that's normal right now, not a bad sign. Keep certifying every two weeks regardless of your claim status. You've got a strong case here!
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Felicity Bud
•This is incredibly valuable insight from someone who actually worked at EDD! Thank you so much for breaking down the three-part test - knowing that the "willful" component is key makes me feel much more confident about my case. I'll definitely write out a detailed timeline with exact dates and times before the interview. And you're right about explaining how easy it would be to accidentally hit the wrong button - the VTO and clock-in options are literally right next to each other on the touch screen menu. It's such a relief to hear from someone with inside knowledge that this type of situation typically doesn't qualify as misconduct. I was starting to worry that EDD would just automatically side with the employer, but it sounds like they actually do look at the real facts. Thanks for the tip about the 2-3 week timeline too - at least I'll know what to expect!
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