This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm currently dealing with the exact same "review required" status and had no idea about the severance pay double-reporting trap until reading everyone's experiences here. I received both severance and unused PTO when I was laid off last month, reported both on my initial application, then like an idiot reported them AGAIN during my first certification because that's when the money actually showed up in my account. The EDD system really makes it seem like you should report all income during the certification period - there's zero indication that payments already reported on your initial claim should be excluded. Reading through all these success stories gives me hope though! I've been dreading the thought of calling EDD because of all the horror stories about wait times, but it sounds like once you get through to the right person, they can actually fix this pretty quickly. Planning to start calling bright and early tomorrow at 8 AM with the main number. I'll be specific about the potential double-reporting issue right from the start and really hoping for that callback option everyone mentioned. Thanks to everyone who shared their detailed experiences - this thread should honestly be pinned somewhere as a resource for anyone dealing with EDD claim issues. Will definitely update once I get this sorted out!

Wow, this thread is like a goldmine of information! I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now - my claim has been stuck on "review required" for about 10 days and I was starting to panic. I got laid off in February and received both severance and accrued sick leave, which I carefully reported on my initial application. But then when I did my first certification, I saw those payments in my bank account and thought "well, this is income I received during this period" so I reported them again. Reading through everyone's experiences, I'm now 99% sure that's what triggered my review flag. It's honestly infuriating that EDD's system is set up this way! The certification form literally asks about "all income received" during the period with no mention of exceptions for payments already reported elsewhere. How are people supposed to know not to report income twice when the system makes it seem like you should report everything? But I'm so grateful for all the detailed advice here. I was hesitant to call because I've heard such horror stories about EDD phone wait times, but seeing how quickly everyone got their issues resolved once they reached the right person gives me hope. Planning to start calling tomorrow morning at 8 AM sharp with the main number and will be very specific about the potential double-reporting issue from the get-go. This community is amazing - thank you all for sharing your experiences so thoroughly! I'll definitely come back and update once I get this mess sorted out.

Update: Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice! I called Money Network this morning and confirmed my card was mailed out yesterday. They verified my address was correct (phew!) and said I should have it by next Wednesday. I'll be carefully checking my mail and will set up direct deposit as soon as I get it. This forum has been so helpful - much better than the official EDD info!

Great update! Really glad Money Network was able to confirm everything for you. One more tip - when you do get your card, make sure to keep the envelope and any paperwork that comes with it. There's usually a customer service number and important info about fees that you'll want to reference later. Also, some ATMs charge fees for the Money Network card, so look for fee-free ATM locations (they usually list them on their website). You're almost there!

I've been dealing with this exact same loop for about 3 weeks now! It's absolutely maddening. What worked for me was trying at around 6 AM when the system isn't as overloaded. I also had to disable all my browser extensions and use incognito mode. Even then, it took me about 5 attempts over different days to finally break through the loop. The system is definitely glitchy, but don't give up! Also, if you have an old laptop or different device, try that too - sometimes it's browser-specific issues causing the problem.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Been stuck in this loop for over a week. It's like the website is designed by someone who's never actually had to use it. I've tried different browsers, clearing cache, even tried my neighbor's computer - nothing works. The most frustrating part is that you can see the system recognizes you need to file a new claim, but then it just... doesn't let you? It's like being stuck in unemployment purgatory. Really hoping someone here has found a solution that actually works because I'm running out of patience and options! 😤

I actually just went through this same situation a few months ago! EDD won't have any issues with duplicate appeals - they'll just process whichever one arrives first and note in their system that it was received via multiple methods. The important thing is that you get it submitted within that 30-day window. I ended up faxing mine and then mailing a copy the next day just to be extra sure, and the EDD rep I spoke with later said that was totally fine. One thing I'd also suggest - when you fax it, call EDD a day or two later to confirm they received it. Sometimes fax machines can be finicky and you want to make sure it actually went through properly. The peace of mind is worth the extra effort when you're dealing with something this important!

I'm dealing with a similar employer date dispute right now! One thing that really helped me was gathering ALL possible documentation before submitting my appeal. Beyond just the final paystub, I also included my timesheet from that last week, any text messages or emails about my last day, and even printed out my work schedule showing I wasn't scheduled after April. The more evidence you can provide upfront, the stronger your case will be. Also, when you write your explanation on the DE 1000M form, be really specific about what your employer got wrong - don't just say "they're lying about my end date" but explain exactly what they claimed vs. what actually happened. I know the paper process is frustrating, but hang in there! The key is being thorough with your documentation.

I went through this exact same stress when I first filed for unemployment! The waiting period between "paid" and actually receiving the check feels like forever, especially when you have bills due. One thing that helped me was setting up a USPS hold at my local post office for important mail - you can request that they hold any checks or important documents for pickup instead of leaving them in your mailbox. This way you don't have to worry about theft and you can pick it up as soon as it arrives. It's free and gives you more control over when you actually get your payment. Also, once you switch to direct deposit (which you definitely should!), the anxiety pretty much disappears since it's so much faster and more reliable.

I totally understand that anxiety! I've been there too. One thing I learned from experience - if you're really stressed about timing, you can actually call your bank and explain the situation. Some banks offer short-term overdraft protection or small emergency loans for customers in good standing, especially if you can show proof that your unemployment payment is on the way. Also, many landlords are more understanding than you'd expect if you communicate proactively - reach out now and let them know your payment is in transit, rather than waiting until rent is actually late. Worst case scenario, most places have a grace period. You're doing everything right by switching to direct deposit once this clears!