I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - EDD's timing requirements are absolutely ridiculous when they don't account for normal mail processing delays. You definitely have grounds for a successful appeal since you can prove you sent everything promptly via certified mail. Here's what I'd do in your exact situation: 1. File that appeal online through UI Online TODAY - don't wait another day since the 30-day deadline is strict 2. Try calling EDD at exactly 8:02 AM tomorrow (right when they open) - sometimes an agent can reverse these decisions immediately if they see your docs arrived 3. When you call, have your certified mail receipt and tracking number ready to give them 4. Keep certifying every two weeks while your appeal is pending! The fact that you only missed their deadline by ONE DAY due to mail processing, and you have certified mail proof showing you sent it with 2 days to spare, makes this a very winnable appeal. EDD giving you only 9 days to respond (including weekends) when they mailed it on 3/22 but you didn't receive until 3/28 is completely unreasonable. Stay strong - you did everything right and have the documentation to prove it. This kind of timing issue gets overturned all the time on appeal!

I've been through almost the exact same situation and won my appeal! EDD's timing requirements are completely unreasonable - they expect you to respond within days but take weeks or months to process anything on their end. Here's what saved me: I had all my certified mail documentation organized (receipt showing send date, tracking showing delivery date) and I emphasized in my appeal that I made a "good faith effort" to comply within their unrealistic timeframe. The Administrative Law Judge agreed that one day late due to normal mail processing was not grounds for disqualification when I had proof of timely mailing. A few critical things to remember: - File your appeal online through UI Online immediately (you have 30 days from 4/1/25) - Keep certifying every two weeks during the appeal process - Try calling EDD at 8:02 AM sharp - sometimes they can reverse it without going through the full appeal - In your appeal letter, be factual and include your certified mail receipt number and tracking info You absolutely did nothing wrong here. Sending certified mail on 3/29 for a 3/31 deadline was completely reasonable - the postal service delay was beyond your control. Stay strong and fight this!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! My father-in-law just started collecting Social Security retirement while on unemployment and we were so confused about the reporting requirements. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea that Social Security retirement doesn't reduce UI benefits in California but still needs to be reported. We've been putting off his certification because we were worried about doing it wrong, but now I feel confident enough to help him through it. The tip about having the award letter ready and taking screenshots for documentation is perfect. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - it's such a relief to know we're not alone in navigating this confusing process!

I'm brand new to this community but had to jump in because I'm literally going through this exact same thing with my stepdad right now! He's 67, just started getting Social Security retirement last month, and has been on EDD unemployment since December. We were both SO stressed about whether to report it or not - he was convinced he'd lose his unemployment benefits if he did. Reading all these responses has been such a huge relief! It sounds like the key points are: 1) Yes, definitely report it during certification, 2) It won't reduce his UI benefits in California, 3) Report the gross amount before deductions, 4) Be specific that it's SS retirement, and 5) Keep documentation. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is literally going to save us so much anxiety! We have his next certification tomorrow so perfect timing.

That's such great news! I'm so glad you got it resolved quickly once you actually spoke to someone. This is exactly why I always tell people not to just wait around hoping EDD will get to their documents - the system really does seem to work better when you get a human involved. Hopefully your payments come through in the next day or two as promised. Thanks for updating us with the resolution too, it's really helpful for others who might be going through the same thing!

This is exactly why I always recommend calling EDD rather than just waiting when you have verification issues! The automated systems are so backed up but the reps can usually fix things instantly once you get through. I had a similar situation last year where my identity verification documents sat in their system for 3 weeks until I called - then it was resolved in 5 minutes. It's frustrating that you have to fight to get through their phone system, but it's almost always worth it. Glad to see Charlee got it sorted out! For anyone else dealing with this, definitely don't just wait around hoping they'll process your docs automatically.

Hey Kennedy! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - got laid off right before a pre-planned trip to visit family. Everyone here is giving you solid advice about filing ASAP, but I wanted to add something that really helped me: when you file tonight, make sure to note down the exact date you became unemployed (your last day of work) because EDD will ask for this info later when you certify. Also, just a heads up - when you return and do your first certification, you'll need to report any severance pay you received during those weeks. It might affect your benefit amount temporarily, but it's better to be upfront about it than have issues later. The good news is that once you're back and available for work, the benefits process is pretty straightforward. You'll certify every two weeks online and if everything goes smoothly, you'll get paid within a few days. Enjoy your family reunion and don't stress too much about this - you're handling it the right way by filing before you leave!

One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet - make sure you have your Social Security card and driver's license handy when you file tonight. The online application will ask for these details and it's much easier to have the physical documents in front of you rather than trying to remember exact numbers. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, you'll need their information too (company names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for leaving each job). I'd also recommend checking that your contact information is current in the system - phone number, email, and mailing address - because EDD will use these to communicate with you about your claim status. You don't want important notices going to an old address while you're traveling! One last thing: when you return from vacation and start certifying, remember that you need to be actively looking for work to continue receiving benefits. Keep records of your job search activities because EDD can audit these at any time. But for now, just focus on getting that claim filed before you leave. You've got this!

I went through this same anxiety a few months ago! EDD called me back from a number that showed "CALIFORNIA EDD" on my Samsung phone. It was around 2:30pm on a Wednesday, about 5 weeks after I requested the callback. What really helped me was setting up a separate ringtone for unknown numbers - something really distinct so I'd know to drop everything and answer. Also make sure to keep your phone charged and with you at all times during business hours. I literally carried a portable charger everywhere for weeks because I was so paranoid about missing the call. The agent was super helpful once I finally got through, so the wait is worth it. Hang in there!

Just wanted to share my recent experience - EDD called me back yesterday from a number that showed up as "SACRAMENTO CA" on my caller ID. It was exactly at 9:15am on a Tuesday, which was 3 weeks and 2 days after I requested the callback. The agent mentioned they try to call between 8am-12pm most days since that's when they have the most staff available. One tip that saved me: I downloaded an app called "Should I Answer?" that identifies government and official calls - it actually flagged the EDD call as "California Employment Development Department" before I even answered. Might be worth checking out if you want extra peace of mind about identifying their calls. The wait is brutal but they do eventually get to you!