UPDATE FOR THOSE FOLLOWING: I just wanted to clarify something important. While EDD technically goes by the postmark date, there are situations where appeals can still be rejected if: 1. The postmark is illegible or missing 2. You have no proof of mailing on that date 3. The appeal arrives significantly late (like 3+ weeks after deadline) For maximum protection, I always recommend sending appeals via certified mail with return receipt, or faxing (yes, faxing still works and provides timestamp proof). Also, even if your appeal is initially rejected as "late," you can appeal THAT decision by showing good cause for the delay - such as post office issues, personal illness, or misinformation from EDD staff.

Hey Angelica, I totally get your stress about this! I went through something similar last year. The postmark date is definitely what counts, but here's what I learned the hard way - keep calling EDD every few days to confirm they received it. I know the phone lines are awful, but it's worth the hassle for peace of mind. Also, start preparing your evidence NOW for the actual hearing. Get any emails, texts, or documents from your employer about the layoff. If you have coworkers who witnessed what happened, ask them to write statements. The appeal deadline stress is nothing compared to actually winning your case, so use this time wisely to build your argument that you were laid off, not quit. One more tip - if you do end up needing to file a late appeal for any reason, "postal delays" is actually considered good cause by EDD. You're not as screwed as you think even if something goes wrong!

I can totally relate to the paranoia about scams - EDD-related fraud is so common these days! But this sounds 100% legitimate based on your description. The fact that it only requested address verification (not personal info like SSN or bank details) and showed your wife's correct benefit year are the key indicators it's real. I got a similar request about 8 months ago, also after my claim was completely finished, and I was convinced it was fake at first. Turns out EDD started doing these random post-payment audits in 2023 as part of their enhanced fraud prevention system. I submitted a lease agreement and like others mentioned, never got any confirmation - just radio silence, which apparently means everything was accepted. You absolutely did the right thing responding quickly with the bank statement. The whole process is confusing and poorly communicated by EDD, but it's become pretty routine now unfortunately.

I just went through this same exact situation last month! Got the address verification letter about 3 weeks after my benefit year ended and I was totally convinced it was a scam at first. The timing felt so random and suspicious. But after doing some research and talking to others who'd been through it, I learned this is EDD's new normal process - they're doing way more post-payment audits now as part of their fraud prevention efforts that started ramping up in 2023. The dead giveaway that yours is legitimate is that it only asked for address proof, not sensitive info like SSN or banking details that scammers typically want. I submitted a utility bill through their official portal and never heard back, which I later found out means everything was approved. You definitely did the right thing responding quickly with your bank statement - that's perfect documentation for address verification. Don't stress about not getting a confirmation; EDD's system is terrible at communication but silence usually means you're good to go!

I was in a very similar situation last year - scheduled interview for eligibility determination after a hours reduction at my retail job. The waiting was absolutely brutal, especially when you're already struggling financially. From my experience and what I've learned from this community, calling early unfortunately won't help and could potentially create confusion in their system. However, here's what I wish someone had told me during that awful waiting period: apply for emergency food assistance immediately (CalFresh can be approved within days), contact your utility companies about hardship programs, and start documenting EVERYTHING about your job situation now. For your specific case with the restaurant hours cut from 40 to 10, that's typically considered "constructive dismissal" or reduction in work that constitutes good cause for leaving. Make sure you have any texts, emails, or schedules showing the dramatic hour reduction. The interview itself was much shorter and less intimidating than I expected. Hang in there - this community has been a lifesaver for navigating this process!

I went through this exact same anxiety last summer when I had my eligibility interview scheduled. The wait feels endless when you're stressed about money, but unfortunately calling early really won't help - those interviews are specifically scheduled and the rep needs time to review your file beforehand. What DID help me was using that waiting time productively: I gathered every piece of documentation I could find (old schedules, any messages about hour changes, pay stubs showing the reduction), wrote out a clear timeline of events, and practiced explaining my situation out loud. Since your hours dropped from 40 to 10 per week, that's actually a pretty strong case - that level of reduction often qualifies as good cause for leaving. The actual interview was way less stressful than I built up in my head, and having all my info organized made me feel much more confident. Also definitely look into CalFresh and local food banks while you wait - there's no shame in getting help during this gap period!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm currently dealing with a similar issue on my EDD application. I had a small freelance writing gig last year that only paid about $800 total, and I wasn't sure if I needed to include it. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I definitely need to add it as self-employment income. It's really frustrating that the EDD website doesn't explain this clearly - they should have a tooltip or help text explaining that ALL income sources must be reported, no matter how small. Thanks everyone for sharing your solutions!

As a newcomer to this community, I just wanted to say thank you all for this incredibly helpful thread! I'm currently stuck on the exact same screen in my EDD application and was getting so frustrated. I had a small Uber driving gig last year that only brought in about $400, and I honestly didn't think it was worth mentioning since it was such a tiny amount. But reading everyone's experiences here, it's clear I need to add it as self-employment income. It's amazing how many people run into this same issue - EDD really should make this requirement more obvious on their website. Going to add my Uber income right now and hopefully get past this roadblock. This community is a lifesaver!

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Got my overpayment notice last month for $6,200 with fraud designation because I mixed up which weeks to report my seasonal retail earnings during the holiday rush. The job had me working different shifts every week and I got completely confused about the reporting periods. What's giving me the most anxiety is that I work in banking and we have to disclose any "fraud" issues to our compliance department. But based on what everyone is saying here about administrative vs criminal fraud, it sounds like I might be overthinking this? Has anyone here actually had to deal with employer disclosure requirements for EDD administrative issues? I'm planning to appeal using all the great advice in this thread, but I'm also wondering if I should proactively talk to HR or wait to see if the appeal is successful first. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - it's made me feel so much less alone in this mess!

I'm also going through this nightmare right now and honestly this thread has been more helpful than anything I could find on EDD's actual website! Got hit with a $4,200 overpayment with fraud designation because I was working as a substitute teacher with completely unpredictable schedules - some weeks I'd work 2 days, other weeks 5 days, and the pay would come at different times depending on which district I worked for. I tried my best to report accurately but clearly messed something up. The anxiety about this affecting my teaching career has been overwhelming, but reading everyone's experiences about the difference between administrative and criminal fraud is such a relief. I had no idea there was even a distinction! I'm definitely going to appeal using the language suggestions about "unintentional error" and "no intent to defraud" that @Isaiah Sanders mentioned. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone successfully argued that EDD's reporting system itself is confusing? Like, the fact that we have to report earnings for work periods that don't align with when we actually get paid seems like it sets people up for honest mistakes, especially those of us with irregular work schedules. I'm wondering if that's something worth mentioning in my appeal or if I should just focus on explaining my specific situation with the substitute teaching confusion. Thanks again to everyone sharing their stories - you're all helping so many people who are dealing with this stress!