any luck? im having the same problem now and freaking out

I went through this exact same nightmare about 6 months ago! What finally worked for me was calling ID.me early in the morning (like 8 AM Pacific) - the wait times were way shorter. But honestly, the support ticket route through help.id.me that others mentioned is probably your best bet. One thing I learned is that you can also try reaching out to your state assemblyperson's office - they have constituent services that can sometimes help escalate these kinds of issues with state agencies. It sounds weird but my friend did this when she was stuck in ID.me limbo and they actually got her case prioritized. Worth a shot if the direct routes don't work! Hope you get this sorted out soon - I know how stressful it is when you can't access your benefits! 🤞

This is such helpful information for anyone going through this process! I'm in a similar situation where I'm waiting for my Money Network card after setting up direct deposit too late. One thing I learned from calling EDD (after many attempts) is that they can't actually expedite the Money Network card delivery - that's handled entirely by a third-party company. The EDD rep told me the only thing they can do is confirm that the payment was processed and sent to Money Network for card loading. So unfortunately we're all at the mercy of their standard 7-10 business day delivery window. But it's good to know that future payments will go straight to our bank accounts once direct deposit kicks in!

Just wanted to add something that might help others in this situation - if you're really strapped for cash while waiting for the Money Network card, you might want to check if your local food banks or community assistance programs can help bridge the gap. I know it's not ideal, but when I was waiting for my card last year and rent was due, I found some local resources that helped with groceries and even had emergency rental assistance programs. It's worth looking into while you're waiting for that card to arrive. Also, if you have any bills due soon, call the companies and explain your situation - many have hardship programs or will work with you on payment plans. The unemployment system is frustratingly slow, but there are other resources out there to help get you through this waiting period.

One last piece of advice - once you get the case file, go through it with a fine-tooth comb. Look for any inconsistencies in the employer's statements, dates that don't match up, or claims that contradict your husband's employment record. During the hearing, be respectful but assertive in pointing these out. Stay organized and stick to relevant facts. Judges appreciate concise, well-organized presentations rather than emotional appeals. If your husband truly was laid off rather than fired for misconduct, focus on presenting the evidence that supports this fact pattern. Best of luck with your hearing!

As someone who went through this process recently, I want to emphasize how important it is to act quickly. I submitted my DE 6313 form online through the EDD website and also called the appeals office multiple times until I got through. Don't just rely on one method - use both! When you do get your case file, pay special attention to the initial determination letter and any statements from your husband's former employer. In misconduct cases, employers often make vague or unsupported claims, so look for specific examples they provide (or lack thereof). Also, if your husband has any documentation about the company's financial situation, layoffs of other employees around the same time, or communications suggesting it was a layoff rather than termination for cause, gather all of that. The appeals process can feel overwhelming, but being thorough in your preparation really makes a difference. Wishing you both the best of luck!

Hey! I used a callback service about 6 months ago and from what I remember, the $20 fee doesn't have a specific expiration date - it's more about them making a certain number of attempts to get you connected. Most services will keep trying for about a week, sometimes longer depending on their policy. The important thing is to make absolutely sure you can answer when they call back, because if you miss it multiple times, you might have to start over and pay again. I'd definitely recommend checking your email confirmation for the exact terms. Also, make sure your phone is charged and the volume is up during EDD business hours! The wait is nerve-wracking but these services are honestly a lifesaver compared to the alternative of calling manually. Hang in there! 📞

From what I've experienced with these callback services, the $20 typically covers their attempts to get you connected rather than being time-limited. Most services will keep trying for about 5-10 days, making multiple attempts throughout EDD's business hours. The key is being available when they call - if you miss it, they'll usually try a few more times, but after that you might have to pay again. I'd check your confirmation email for the specific terms of whichever service you used. Also, make sure your phone's ringer is on high and you're near it during 8 AM - 5 PM weekdays! I know it sucks having to pay just to reach a government office, but these services honestly do work better than the alternative. Stay strong - you'll get through eventually! 💪

wait so do I need to go back and fix my old certifications where I only reported the hours on my paystub? or just do it right going forward?

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation working as a freelance photographer where I get paid per shoot but the hours vary wildly. Some shoots are 12+ hours but my invoices just show "1 day" or a flat rate. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like the key is reporting actual hours worked since that's what determines your availability for other employment. I've been stressing about this for weeks thinking I might mess up my certification. @Connor Richards thanks for posting this and following up with the EDD confirmation - super helpful to know they actually have guidance for these situations!