I'm so sorry you're going through this Isabella! Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating but also very winnable on appeal. The advice from everyone here is excellent - definitely don't give up! One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you're preparing for your hearing, practice explaining your case out loud beforehand. I know it sounds silly, but when I had my EDD appeal hearing, I was so nervous that I started rambling and almost forgot to mention some key points. Also, regarding the security footage - even if your employer won't provide it, the fact that you can specifically reference what the cameras would show (you completing the audit on time, reporting the system issue immediately) can still be powerful evidence. The judge will note that you're being very specific about verifiable facts. Your case has all the elements of a successful appeal: - Technical failure beyond your control - You followed proper procedures by reporting the issue - The task wasn't in your official job description - You were performing supervisor duties without supervisor pay The initial EDD interviewer probably just checked boxes without really understanding the nuances of your situation. The appeals process is where you'll get a fair hearing from someone who actually reviews the details. Keep us updated on how it goes! This community is rooting for you, and your experience will definitely help others in similar situations. You've got this! 💪

I'm new to this community but currently going through my own EDD appeal process, so reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful! @Isabella Costa - your situation sounds almost identical to what happened to me. I was terminated for not completing a task that was actually outside my official job duties, and like you, I got denied initially. The frustration is real, but don't let it discourage you! Based on what I've learned from my own research and the excellent advice in this thread, you definitely have a strong case. The key points that stand out for your appeal: 1. **Job description mismatch** - This is HUGE. The fact that inventory audits were supervisor duties but you were required to do them as a regular associate shows they were holding you to standards outside your job classification. 2. **Technical failure beyond your control** - You completed the audit on time but couldn't upload due to a system freeze. That's not misconduct, that's a technical issue. 3. **Proper reporting** - You immediately told your shift lead about the problem, showing you followed appropriate procedures. I'd definitely recommend getting that job description in writing ASAP, along with any documentation showing the pay difference between your role and supervisors who were supposed to handle inventory audits. The appeals judges are much more fair than the initial EDD reviewers. From what I've learned, they actually take time to review the facts rather than just rubber-stamping denials. Keep fighting this - you've got solid grounds for an appeal and this community is here to support you! 💪

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

I'm dealing with a similar login issue right now! It's so frustrating when you can't access your account to certify. I've been getting bounced around between different departments too. Has anyone tried clearing their browser cache and cookies before logging in? Sometimes that helps with technical glitches. Also, I noticed someone mentioned the UN department - does anyone have more details on how to specifically request to speak with them when calling EDD? The regular tier 1 and tier 2 reps don't seem to know about account blocks like the one Katelyn had.

Hi everyone, just made a video about how to call the EDD and reach a live human agent: https://youtu.be/-R4SqP7_JUA

I'm dealing with a similar situation - filed in December and still haven't received any payments despite submitting all requested documents. The "waiting period" status seems to be EDD's way of saying they're reviewing your claim for potential fraud flags. From what I've read in other threads, this can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks unfortunately. Have you tried faxing your proof of residency in addition to mailing it? Sometimes that gets processed faster. Also, keep detailed records of every interaction and document you've submitted - dates, confirmation numbers, etc. This will help when you contact your assembly member. Hang in there, you're not alone in this frustrating process!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else going through this nightmare! I finished a 15-week penalty period last summer (yeah, 15 weeks - longest penalty possible for false statement). The key thing everyone's saying is correct - no additional waiting period after penalties end. You just pick up where you left off with regular certifications. BUT here's what nobody mentioned yet: make sure to log into your EDD account a few days before your next certification date to check if there are any notices or requirements. Sometimes they'll post additional forms or questionnaires that need to be completed before you can certify again. I almost missed my certification deadline because I didn't see a "return to work" questionnaire they posted. Also, pro tip: if you haven't already, screenshot or print your penalty completion notice from your account. I had to reference mine later when there was confusion about my payment status. The EDD system sometimes glitches and shows old penalty info even after it's completed. You've survived the worst part - 10 weeks of financial stress is no joke! Just stay on top of all the requirements and you should be getting paid again soon. 💪

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - you're in the clear! No additional waiting period after penalty weeks. I went through an 8-week false statement penalty last fall and was terrified about the same thing. The moment my penalty period ended, I certified on my regular schedule and got paid for both weeks within the normal timeframe. One thing I'd add that helped me mentally prepare: don't panic if your first payment after penalties takes an extra day or two to hit your account. Mine took 4 business days instead of the usual 2-3, but EDD told me that's normal as they do a final review on post-penalty payments. Just wanted you to know in case yours is slightly delayed too. You've made it through the hardest part! Those penalty weeks feel endless when you're living on fumes, but you're about to get back to regular payments. Make sure to keep being extra careful with your certifications going forward - they definitely keep a closer eye on accounts that have had penalties.

This whole discussion has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm about to file my first unemployment claim after being let go from my marketing job last week, and I had absolutely no idea about this waiting period policy. Reading through everyone's experiences here has definitely saved me from what would have been a lot of unnecessary panic and confusion. It's honestly mind-blowing that EDD doesn't clearly explain this during the application process - like so many others have mentioned, a simple disclaimer would prevent so much stress for people who are already dealing with the anxiety of job loss. I really appreciate how this community comes together to help each other understand these confusing policies. Now I can go into my application knowing exactly what to expect for that first week and can budget accordingly. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences!

This thread is absolutely amazing! I'm in week 3 of my claim after getting laid off from a retail management position, and I had the exact same confusion about that "waiting period served" status. I actually spent an entire afternoon trying to figure out if there was an error with my account because I couldn't find any clear explanation on the EDD website. Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - it's incredible how many of us went through the same panic thinking we did something wrong! The analogy of it being like a deductible really helps put it in perspective. I wish I had found this community sooner instead of stressing about it for days. EDD really needs to step up their communication game and explain this basic policy clearly during the application process. A simple "Note: Your first week will be an unpaid waiting period as required by California law" would save so many people from unnecessary anxiety. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and helped make this confusing process a little clearer for newcomers like me!