I'm sorry to hear about your situation! Getting fired from a job is stressful enough without worrying about unemployment benefits. I went through something similar a few years ago when I worked for a small nonprofit that also didn't pay UI taxes. It's definitely worth applying even if you're not sure you'll qualify - the EDD will review all your work history during the base period. From what others have shared, that holiday retail work you mentioned could be key! Also, don't forget to look into other resources while you're job hunting - food banks, utility assistance programs, and local churches (ironically) often have emergency assistance funds for people in tough spots. Wishing you the best of luck with your application!

Hey Kolton! I went through almost the exact same thing when I got laid off from a religious school in 2021. The church exemption is so frustrating when you're on the receiving end! One thing I learned that might help - even if your regular UI claim gets denied due to the church employment, you can sometimes qualify for federal programs like Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (though that's expired now) or other special assistance programs during economic hardships. Also, while you're waiting to hear back from EDD, definitely check with your local workforce development office. They often have emergency funds or can connect you with temporary work opportunities that pay immediately. Many of them also offer free resume help and job placement services. The waiting period for EDD can be brutal, so having multiple irons in the fire really helps. Keep us posted on how your application goes!

I'm new to this community and currently going through my first unemployment experience. This whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening and honestly a huge relief! I had no idea that EDD does these random eligibility reviews - it's both frustrating that it can happen to anyone at any time, but also reassuring to see so many people go through it and come out fine on the other end. The way @2ff2c9d98ae1 documented their entire journey from panic to resolution really helped me understand what to expect if this happens to me. I'm definitely taking all the advice here to heart about keeping super detailed work search records, saving screenshots of job postings, and continuing to certify even if payments go pending. I'm also bookmarking that Claimyr service just in case - the regular EDD phone lines seem impossible to get through to. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences so openly - this kind of community knowledge is invaluable for navigating such a confusing system!

I'm brand new to both this community and the unemployment system, and this entire thread has been absolutely invaluable! I just started my claim last month and had no clue that EDD does these random eligibility reviews - it's honestly terrifying that it can happen without warning, but seeing how many people have successfully navigated through it is really encouraging. What impressed me most was how @2ff2c9d98ae1 kept everyone updated throughout the whole process and shared the solution that worked. I'm definitely going to start keeping much more detailed records of my job search activities after reading all the advice here. I'm also saving the Claimyr information just in case I need it in the future since it seems like the regular phone system is nearly impossible. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - it's amazing how this community helps newcomers like me understand what we might face and how to handle it!

I'm a former EDD employee and want to clarify something important that hasn't been mentioned yet. When you file for SDI, make sure to check if your overpayment included any "false statement" penalties. Even if it wasn't classified as fraud, false statement penalties can create a flag in the system that might delay your SDI claim while they verify everything is resolved. You can check this by logging into your UI Online account and looking at the overpayment details - it should show if any penalties were included beyond just the benefit overpayment amount. If there were penalties, make sure you have documentation that ALL penalties were satisfied, not just the base overpayment. This is often overlooked and can cause unnecessary delays. Also, the SDI waiting period is actually a good thing in your case - it gives their system time to process and verify that your UI account is clear before your benefits start.

I went through a very similar situation about 6 months ago! Had a UI overpayment of around $11,000 that was paid off through tax intercepts, and then needed to file for SDI due to surgery recovery. What really helped me was calling EDD about a week after I submitted my SDI application to proactively ask them to verify that my UI overpayment showed as fully satisfied in their system. The rep was able to confirm everything looked good and even made a note in my file. My SDI payments started on time with no issues. One thing I learned is that even though the programs are separate, it's worth that extra phone call just for peace of mind. Also, make sure you keep copies of any tax documents showing the intercepts went to EDD - I had to reference mine once when there was a minor question about timing. You should be fine since you've already paid everything back, but being proactive definitely doesn't hurt!

Dylan, that's fantastic news about your status changing to "paid"! 12 days is actually really encouraging - I've been following this thread closely because I'm in day 6 of waiting after my own successful appeal. I wanted to share something that might help speed things up for anyone else reading this - when I called EDD yesterday just to check on status, the rep mentioned that sometimes there's a separate "payment authorization" step that has to happen even after your account shows "paid." She said if the money doesn't hit your account within 3 business days of the status change, definitely call back because there might be an additional flag that needs manual removal. Also, completely agree with everyone about the bank limits thing. I work at a credit union and we definitely flag large government deposits sometimes, especially if they're significantly higher than the account's normal activity. A quick heads up call can prevent a 1-2 day hold. This thread has been such a lifeline during this stressful process. Really hoping that $7,800 shows up in your account today Dylan! Keep us posted on the final timeline once it actually deposits.

Dylan, huge congratulations on winning your appeal and getting to "paid" status! This entire thread has been incredibly informative - I've bookmarked it because the timeline and tips everyone shared are so valuable. I'm currently waiting for my own appeal hearing (scheduled for next week) and reading through everyone's experiences has really helped me prepare mentally for what comes after. The 12-day timeline to status change gives me realistic expectations, and all the practical advice about bank limits, certification history, and potential manual flags is stuff I never would have known to look out for. One question for you or anyone else who's been through this - did you have to provide any additional documentation between winning the appeal and getting the "paid" status? Or was it pretty much just waiting for EDD to process everything on their end? Really hoping that deposit hits your account soon! You've been so helpful sharing your journey with everyone here. This community makes such a stressful process feel much more manageable when you know others have successfully made it through to the other side.

Just a warning - when I transitioned from disability back to work, EDD CONTINUED sending me payments I wasn't entitled to for THREE WEEKS after I reported returning to work!!! Then 6 months later they sent me an OVERPAYMENT NOTICE demanding I pay back $2,800!! Their system is COMPLETELY BROKEN. Make sure you document EVERYTHING and call to confirm they processed your return to work when that time comes.

Just wanted to add from my recent experience - I was on SDI for 7 months after knee surgery and the process was actually smoother than I expected. My orthopedic surgeon was really familiar with the EDD forms and made sure to be conservative with the initial certification (6 weeks) then proactive with extensions. The key was staying in regular contact with my doctor's office about 2 weeks before each certification period ended. They have a system for handling these extensions since they deal with them frequently. Also, make sure your surgeon's office knows you're planning to file for SDI BEFORE your surgery - some doctors prefer to have the paperwork ready to go rather than scrambling after the fact. The 7-day waiting period starts from when you stop working, not when you apply, so get that application in as soon as possible after your surgery date.