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.

I experienced this exact same problem and it was driving me crazy! After missing 3 callbacks, I discovered that my phone's "Do Not Disturb" settings were automatically enabled during certain hours. Even though my phone showed it was off, there was a scheduled DND that I had forgotten about. Check your DND settings thoroughly - sometimes there are multiple layers of call filtering that can interfere. Also, if you're using Google Voice or any call forwarding services, those can sometimes cause issues with receiving callbacks. I ended up temporarily disabling all call filtering features and finally got through on my next callback. The relief when that phone actually rang was incredible! Don't give up - there's usually a solution hiding in your phone settings somewhere.

I had this exact same frustrating experience! After missing several callbacks, I discovered it was a combination of issues. First, check if your phone has any "Scam Shield" or similar carrier-level blocking - I called my carrier and they had automatically enabled spam protection that was flagging the EDD number. Second, make sure your voicemail box isn't full or close to full, as this can cause calls to fail before they even ring. Third, try restarting your phone completely before your next scheduled callback - sometimes there are background processes interfering with incoming calls. I also recommend testing by having a friend call you from an unknown number to see if it rings through properly. After fixing these issues, my next callback came through perfectly. It's such a relief when you finally hear that phone ring! Don't lose hope - there's usually a technical solution hiding somewhere in your phone or carrier settings.