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I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and can definitely relate to your stress! Got hit with a $3,100 overpayment after incorrectly reporting my Uber driving earnings while on UI. The anxiety was absolutely brutal, especially about potential employers finding out. Here's what I learned: The penalty weeks really do seem inconsistent from case to case. I ended up with 16 penalty weeks for my overpayment, which worked out to roughly 2-3 weeks per week I was overpaid incorrectly. EDD told me it depends on whether they view it as "negligent" vs "willful," but they don't really explain their decision-making process clearly. The HUGE relief - and I cannot stress this enough - is that this absolutely does NOT show up on background checks. I was job hunting during this whole mess and was convinced my career was over. Ended up getting hired at a tech company that does very thorough screening and absolutely nothing EDD-related appeared anywhere. This stays completely within their administrative system. My advice: Set up that repayment plan immediately! I called EDD right after getting my notice and negotiated $220/month payments. They were totally reasonable about working within my budget. The key is being proactive - don't wait for them to start collection actions. And remember, those penalty weeks only matter if you need unemployment again in the future. Hopefully by then you'll be in a stable job where it won't even be relevant. Don't let this derail your job search - employers will never know about it!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Uber earnings reporting - that's exactly the kind of gig work situation that seems to trip people up! It's really helpful to hear your specific numbers (16 penalty weeks for $3,100) as it gives me a better sense of what to expect. The 2-3 penalty weeks per overpaid week ratio seems pretty consistent across most people's experiences here. Your confirmation about the tech company background screening is such a relief - knowing they do thorough checks and still nothing showed up gives me so much confidence going into my own interviews. I was absolutely spiraling about having to explain this mess to potential employers. $220/month sounds like a reasonable payment amount that EDD was willing to work with. I'm definitely calling them tomorrow morning to get my repayment plan set up before they initiate any collection actions. It's clear from everyone's advice that being proactive is absolutely key. You're right about hopefully being in a stable job situation where the penalty weeks won't even matter by the time I might need UI again. That's a much healthier way to think about it rather than catastrophizing about hypothetical future scenarios. Thanks for the encouragement - this whole thread has been such a lifesaver during an incredibly stressful time!
I'm going through the exact same situation right now and this thread has been an absolute lifesaver! Just got my overpayment notice yesterday for $2,600 after making errors with reporting my freelance graphic design work during certification periods. I was completely panicking about whether this would show up on background checks since I'm actively interviewing with several design agencies. Reading all these real experiences from people who've actually been through employment screening - especially the HR professional's confirmation - has given me such incredible relief. I was imagining having to explain this embarrassing mistake to creative directors and was convinced my design career was over before it really started. Based on everyone's shared experiences here, it sounds like I should expect somewhere around 8-18 penalty weeks for my overpayment amount, which honestly feels much more manageable than the worst-case scenarios I was creating in my head. Knowing these only apply to future UI claims (if needed) makes it psychologically easier to handle. I'm calling EDD first thing Monday morning to set up a repayment plan - it's crystal clear from everyone's advice that being proactive is absolutely crucial. Sounds like they're pretty flexible with payment amounts as long as you reach out quickly and demonstrate you want to resolve things responsibly. Thank you to absolutely everyone who took the time to share their experiences here. This community support has been incredible during what's honestly been the most stressful week I've had in years. It's amazing how much better I feel knowing that other creative professionals and freelancers have successfully navigated this exact situation without it affecting their careers!
I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you too! The freelance graphic design work reporting is really tricky - I think a lot of creative professionals struggle with how to properly report project-based income and when payments are received versus when work was completed. It's such a common confusion point that honestly should be clearer in EDD's guidance. Your penalty week estimate of 8-18 weeks sounds totally in line with what everyone else has experienced for similar overpayment amounts. I was also creating worst-case scenarios in my head before finding all these real experiences! The creative industry background check confirmation should give you so much confidence going into those agency interviews. Design agencies typically focus on portfolio and skills anyway, and knowing this won't show up anywhere means you can just focus on showcasing your work without any extra stress. Definitely call EDD Monday morning - every person here who was proactive about their repayment plan had really positive experiences with EDD being flexible on payment terms. It seems like they genuinely want to work with people who are trying to do the right thing. Good luck with your agency interviews! The creative field can be so competitive, but at least you know this situation won't be a factor at all. Focus on nailing those portfolio presentations and don't let this stress affect your interview performance. You've got this!
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Just wanted to add another resource that might help - if you're having trouble with the phone system, try contacting your local Assembly member or State Senator's office. Most of them have constituent services staff who can help navigate EDD issues, including appeals. They often have direct contacts within the system and can sometimes get faster responses than calling the general numbers. You can find your representatives at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov by entering your zip code. I used this approach for a different EDD issue and was surprised how responsive they were. It's worth a shot while you're also trying the other phone number strategies people have suggested!
That's a really smart suggestion I hadn't thought of! I never realized that state legislators could help with EDD appeals - I always assumed they only dealt with bigger policy issues. It makes sense though since this is ultimately a state agency. I'm definitely going to look up my Assembly member while I'm trying all these other approaches. Having multiple strategies running in parallel seems like the best way to ensure I get through to someone before my hearing. Thanks for sharing this resource!
I work as a paralegal at a legal aid office and see EDD appeals cases regularly. Here are a few additional tips that might help: First, when you call CUIAB at 1-800-967-5253, have your Social Security number, appeal case number, and the date of your hearing ready - they'll ask for all three to verify your identity. Second, the 10-day evidence submission rule mentioned earlier is crucial, but you can also bring additional evidence to the hearing itself if it's newly discovered. Third, for "availability for work" disqualifications, the key is proving you had no restrictions that would limit your job search - document any steps you took to remain available (reliable transportation, childcare arrangements, flexible schedule, etc.). Finally, if you absolutely cannot reach anyone by phone, you can mail questions to the specific CUIAB office handling your case - the address should be on your hearing notice. While slower than phone contact, they are required to respond to written inquiries about pending cases. Don't give up - these cases are absolutely winnable with proper preparation!
This is incredibly helpful, especially coming from someone who sees these cases professionally! I really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed guidance. Having the specific information I need ready when I call (SSN, case number, hearing date) will definitely help me get through the verification process faster. The tip about being able to bring newly discovered evidence to the hearing itself is reassuring - I was worried I'd be completely out of luck if I missed the 10-day deadline for anything. Your point about documenting steps to remain available is spot-on - I have records of maintaining my phone availability, keeping my transportation reliable, and arranging backup childcare specifically so I could accept work at any time. I'm also going to try the written inquiry option as a backup plan. It's encouraging to hear from someone who regularly sees these cases that they're winnable with proper preparation. Thank you so much for the professional insight!
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This thread is so helpful and depressing at the same time! 😭 I'm currently on hour 6 of waiting for my callback and honestly starting to wonder if I should just give up for today and try again tomorrow. Reading everyone's experiences, it sounds like the 2+ hour wait you mentioned @876094894ea6 is actually pretty optimistic! Some of y'all have been waiting WAY longer. The inconsistency is what gets me - how can a government system be THIS unreliable? I'm definitely going to try some of the strategies mentioned here. @Charlie Yang your 7-point list is going straight into my notes, and @CosmicCommander I'm opening up the UI Online portal right now to send a message there too while I wait. Has anyone tried calling the main EDD number and just pressing different menu options to see if you can get routed to a less busy department? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point! 🤞 Stay strong everyone - at least we're all suffering through this together! 💪
@Emma Wilson I feel you on the desperation! 😩 I actually tried the random "menu option strategy" a few months ago when I was at my breaking point. Pressed every number combo I could think of, and surprisingly got through to someone in the employer services department who was actually super nice! They couldn t'help with my unemployment claim directly, but they transferred me to what they said was a priority "queue and" I got a callback within 2 hours. No idea if it actually was priority or just luck, but worth a shot when you re'6 hours deep! Also, don t'give up on today - I ve'heard of people getting callbacks as late as 7 PM even though their business "hours end" at 5. Hang in there! 🙏
Wow, reading through this entire thread is both reassuring and terrifying! I'm a newcomer to the EDD nightmare and honestly had no idea it was this bad. I've been dealing with a simple address change for 3 weeks now and thought I was going crazy. @Charlie Yang your 7-point survival guide is absolutely golden - I'm printing that out and taping it to my wall! And @CosmicCommander, trying multiple channels simultaneously is brilliant. Why didn't I think of that earlier? 🤦♀️ The fact that we need to develop these elaborate strategies just to access basic unemployment services is honestly shameful. But I'm so grateful this community exists to share these hard-learned lessons. Has anyone had any luck with the EDD's social media accounts? I saw someone on Twitter mention that messaging their Facebook page sometimes gets faster responses than calling. Probably a long shot, but at this point I'm willing to try carrier pigeons if it means getting through to an actual human! 😅 Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know my frustration is completely justified and I'm not alone in this bureaucratic maze!
@Andre Laurent Welcome to the club nobody wants to be in! 😭 You re'definitely not going crazy - 3 weeks for an address change is unfortunately pretty standard for EDD. I actually tried the social media approach you mentioned about a month ago! Sent messages to their Facebook and Twitter accounts and got... absolutely nothing back. Not even a generic we "ll'look into it response." But hey, some people swear by it so it might be worth a shot alongside all the other strategies people have shared here. The carrier pigeon comment made me actually laugh out loud - at this point I m'half convinced that might be more reliable than their phone system! 😂 Hang in there, this community really does help keep you sane through the madness.
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did u check ur SDI Online account? sometimes it will show if they recieved part B even if they havent processed it yet
I just checked and it still shows "Medical Certification Not Received" under the claim status. I guess that means they definitely haven't gotten it yet.
UPDATE REQUEST: Did you get this resolved? I'm curious because I'm about to file my own SDI claim and want to learn from your experience!
I called my doctor's office this morning and apparently they hadn't sent it yet! They had it filled out but it was sitting in some outgoing mail pile. They're going to fax it today instead of mailing it. The office manager apologized and said they've been swamped. Lesson learned: always follow up aggressively with medical paperwork!
Wow, glad you got it sorted out! That's such a common issue - paperwork just sitting around in medical offices. Thanks for the update, this is really helpful to know. I'll definitely be calling my doctor right after I submit Part A to make sure they prioritize it. Did EDD give you any indication of how long it will take to process once they receive the faxed form?
Katherine Shultz
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this financial stress. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like you're getting good advice about the W-2 wage requirement for regular UI benefits. One thing I wanted to add that might help immediately - have you looked into your local food banks and community assistance programs? Many don't have strict eligibility requirements and can help with groceries while you're figuring out your next steps. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with emergency assistance in your area. Also, if you do decide to take on any temporary or part-time W-2 work to get back into the system, even a few months could potentially help you qualify for benefits later if needed. It's frustrating that the system doesn't recognize the reality of gig work, but at least now you know exactly where you stand and can plan accordingly. Wishing you the best - this community seems really supportive and knowledgeable about navigating these challenges.
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Leslie Parker
•This is such helpful advice about 211 and local resources! I completely forgot about food banks - that could really help stretch what little money I have left. I'm definitely going to call 211 today to see what's available in my area. And you're right about maybe taking some temporary W-2 work to get back in the system - even if it's not ideal, it might be worth it for the security of having UI eligibility again. Thanks for the encouragement and practical suggestions!
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Natasha Kuznetsova
I went through something very similar a couple years ago - it's such a frustrating situation when you're caught between employment types. One thing that helped me while I was figuring out next steps was applying for emergency rental assistance through my county. Many counties have programs that can help with rent/utilities even if you don't qualify for regular benefits. Also, don't overlook temporary staffing agencies - they often have short-term assignments that could get you some W-2 income relatively quickly. Even a few weeks of temp work could help with immediate cash flow and potentially start building toward future UI eligibility if you need it again. The waiting lists for some assistance programs can be long, so I'd recommend applying for everything you might qualify for sooner rather than later. CalFresh especially can provide real relief while you're job hunting. Hang in there - this gap between gig work and traditional employment benefits is a real problem that hopefully will be addressed in the future.
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Lucas Bey
•This is really practical advice about temp agencies! I hadn't thought about that as a way to get some immediate W-2 income while also potentially building toward future UI eligibility. The emergency rental assistance tip is great too - I've been so focused on unemployment benefits that I didn't consider other county programs that might help with housing costs. Going to start making calls today to both temp agencies and my county office. Thanks for sharing your experience - it helps to know others have navigated this successfully!
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