
Ask the community...
I think the transition is a mess tbh. My roommate got a BofA card last week and my cousin got a Money Network card for claims filed only 2 weeks apart. The EDD website isn't clear about which claims get which cards.
UPDATE: I was finally able to get through to EDD this morning! The card is legitimate - my appeal from 8 months ago was finally approved and this is retroactive payment. Since my original claim was processed through BofA, they're still using that system for my payments even though new claims use Money Network. Thanks everyone for your help!
my benefits ran out last month and i got a letter saying i need to look for work in a different industry since mine (restaurant) had been struggling too long. anyone else get this? do i have to apply for jobs i don't want?
That letter is about the work search requirements for extensions. During regular UI, you can limit your search to your usual occupation, but for extensions, they want you to expand your search to other fields where your skills might transfer. You don't have to take jobs outside your field, but you do need to show you're considering broader options. It's a standard requirement now.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Keep certifying even after my balance hits zero 2. Watch for notices in UI Online AND paper mail 3. The extension should be automatic but might take 1-2 weeks to process 4. Payments might show as 'pending' for a bit during the transition 5. I may need to expand my job search to other industries I feel much more prepared now. If I don't see any updates within two weeks after my regular benefits end, I'll try calling EDD (or use that Claimyr service if I can't get through). Really appreciate all the advice!
Dont even bother with the gig work tbh... the math almost never works out when u factor in gas + car depreciation + taxes. ur basically trading ur cars value for cash now. just my 2 cents.
Has anyone actually calculated if it's worth it? Like if I get $425/week from EDD and then make $300 from DoorDash, how much would I actually get from EDD after reductions? Is it better than just the $425 alone?
Let's do the math: If you earn $300 from DoorDash in one week: - First $99 is exempt, so we calculate reduction based on $201 - Reduction amount: $201 × 0.75 = $150.75 - Your weekly benefit amount of $425 would be reduced by $150.75 - You'd receive $274.25 from EDD plus your $300 from DoorDash - Total income: $574.25 So yes, you'd be about $149 better off per week in this scenario, before accounting for expenses. Just make sure you're accurately reporting and still meeting all other EDD requirements.
Make sure you set up a reminder to certify every two weeks! Even though it's a short break, you'll probably need to certify at least once, maybe twice. I almost missed my certification deadline last year because of all the holiday chaos and nearly lost a week of benefits. The EDD UI Online portal has notifications but sometimes they go to spam.
wait im confused about the work search thing... if your going back to the job after break why do you have to look for other jobs? doesnt make sense
It seems counterintuitive, but yes, you typically still need to meet work search requirements even with a definite return date. However, work search can include activities beyond just applying for jobs - things like updating your resume, networking, or taking relevant training can count. Some claims can get a work search exemption, but it's becoming increasingly rare and usually requires specific employer verification.
Just wanted to add - while you're waiting for the appeal, check if you can transfer your Money Network card balance to a bank account. Sometimes even when the physical card is frozen for purchases, the online transfer function still works. Worth a shot if you haven't tried it yet!
For anyone following this thread with similar issues: This is why I always recommend transferring EDD funds from your Money Network card to your personal bank account as soon as they hit the card. The Money Network cards are notorious for these kinds of issues, especially with out-of-state moves or travel. If you've moved out of California permanently and don't plan to claim additional benefits, it's especially important to move those funds to your personal bank account where EDD can't restrict access. Just a tip for anyone reading this in the future!
did anyone mentoin you can also try the "contact us" form on the edd website?? sometimes they actually respond to those and can help with account stuff without calling
UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what worked for me in case someone else has this problem in the future. I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended and got through to an actual SDI representative in about 20 minutes! The rep was able to verify my identity using my driver's license, social security number, and address history. She reset my account access and helped me start my disability claim right there on the phone. The weird thing is that my old unemployment account and this new disability claim are somehow separate in their system, even though they both use my SSN. The rep explained that while they're both under EDD, they use different systems. Anyway, my claim is now processing and I should receive my SDI debit card within 7-10 days according to the rep. Thanks to everyone who helped with suggestions!
Glad to hear you got it resolved! And yes, this is correct - although both UI and SDI are administered by EDD, they use different systems and funding sources (UI is funded by employers while SDI comes from employee contributions). That's why the SDI representatives can often help when the regular UI representatives can't. Best of luck with your disability claim!
Has anyone else notice that the EDD website seems to work better late at night? I couldn't complete my application during daytime hours for like 3 days straight, then randomly tried at 11:30pm and it went through smoothly! Maybe fewer people using it then?
UPDATE: Firefox worked!!! I was able to complete my application just now. The page looked slightly different than on Chrome/Safari and didn't freeze up at the employment history section. Thank you all for the suggestions! For anyone else having similar issues, definitely try a different browser before giving up.
Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning after using Claimyr (thanks for that recommendation). Turns out they're doing a random audit of claims from Q2 2023 and need to verify some information about my job search activities from back then. The agent was actually really helpful and rescheduled my interview for 5:30pm next Thursday when I'm off work. She said to have my work search records ready but that it's mostly a formality. Such a relief!
That's excellent news! Make sure to gather any documentation you have of your work search activities from that period. Even if you don't have everything, be prepared to explain your job search methods in detail. Glad you got it rescheduled to a time that works with your current employment.
I'm digging through my emails now. I think I used to email myself notes about applications, and I still have confirmation emails from some job sites. Hoping that's enough! I definitely don't have everything though.
If you don't have all your records, just be honest about it during the interview. Explain the methods you used to search for work, any networking you did, applications you remember submitting, and interviews you attended. Being forthright about what you did, even without complete documentation, is usually sufficient for these routine audits. The interviewer understands that people don't keep perfect records, especially from two years ago.
Just wanted to follow up on a point someone else made - setting up even a minimal payment plan (like $25/month) is often all it takes to remove an overpayment hold. EDD is more concerned with addressing the overpayment than collecting it all at once. Regarding the interview from Dec 30th, if it's been more than 10 business days since the interview, you should definitely call to check the status. Sometimes interview determinations get stuck in the system and a simple call can move things along. Also, when you do reach EDD, ask specifically if there are any "stop payments" on the account. This is the technical term for holds that prevent payment release. Knowing the exact type of stop payment can help you resolve it faster.
Update?? Were you able to get through to EDD and get this resolved? I'm invested in your situation now because it's so similar to what I went through!
Finally got through this morning! You were all right - we needed to set up a payment plan for the overpayment. We arranged to pay $50/month, and the rep said our new payments should be released within 48 hours, minus the 25% they'll take for the overpayment. Such a relief! The agent also said the interview determination was completed but hadn't been processed in the system yet. Thanks everyone for your help!
Katherine Harris
i think everyones making this way more complicated than it needs 2 be lol
0 coins
Joshua Wood
•Unfortunately, unemployment rules ARE complicated, especially for entertainment industry workers with multiple income sources and interstate claims. Getting it wrong can lead to serious financial consequences, including having to repay benefits plus penalties. It's better to understand the process correctly from the start.
0 coins
Ryan Young
Thank you all so much for the helpful advice! To summarize what I'm understanding: 1. List my production company as my last employer BUT also disclose DoorDash work 2. Be clear that I'm living in Nevada but filing based on California work history 3. Make sure to report DoorDash earnings during weekly certifications 4. Document my job search efforts in the entertainment industry I'll be filing tomorrow and will make sure to be completely transparent about everything. Hoping it all goes smoothly!
0 coins