I'm new to this whole unemployment process and just stumbled across this thread while frantically googling about EDD wait times. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! I haven't even had my eligibility interview yet - just applied last week after getting fired from my retail job for "insubordination" (I questioned a manager's decision to make employees work through their lunch breaks during Black Friday). Now I'm seeing that even AFTER the interview there's still a 7-10 day wait for a decision? This whole system seems designed to make people give up. Alberto, your situation with the car breakdown sounds completely legitimate - I can't believe employers can fire people for circumstances totally beyond their control and then make us jump through all these hoops to get benefits we paid into. Really hoping you get approved quickly!

I've been following this thread since yesterday and wanted to share what just happened with my case - I had my eligibility interview on Monday for a similar attendance issue (missed 3 days over 4 months due to my daughter's medical appointments) and just got my determination letter today! So that's exactly 6 business days, which falls right in that 5-7 day range someone mentioned earlier. The good news is I was APPROVED! They determined that medical emergencies with dependents don't constitute misconduct. Alberto, your car situation sounds very similar - an unexpected emergency that was completely out of your control. I really think you'll get approved too. The key thing the interviewer told me was that they look for a pattern of behavior vs isolated incidents with legitimate reasons. Two days in what I assume was years of employment because your car broke down definitely doesn't sound like misconduct to me. Hang in there, you should hopefully hear something by early next week!

This whole thread is exactly what I needed to see! I just made the switch to the Money Network card last week and was starting to get anxious about when my first payment would show up. Reading everyone's experiences really helps manage expectations - sounds like 5-7 business days is pretty standard for that initial deposit. Really appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and tips. The automated phone system check is definitely something I'll try, and good to know about potential system delays they're having right now. Thanks for documenting this whole process!

This thread is super helpful! I'm about to make the switch from paper checks to the Money Network card myself and was wondering about the timing. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like that first deposit really does take 5-7 business days which is way longer than I expected. The fact that EDD doesn't clearly communicate this delay upfront is pretty frustrating - would definitely help reduce anxiety if they just told people to expect a week wait for the initial deposit. Thanks for sharing all the real-world experiences and tips, especially about checking the automated phone system. Bookmarking this thread for when I make my switch!

To answer your earlier question about the burden of proof: While the employer does have the burden of proving misconduct at the hearing, the initial determination is often made based primarily on the employer's statement during the claims process. That's why approximately 60% of misconduct disqualifications are overturned on appeal. Regarding contacting your former employer - I generally advise against it during the appeal process. Any conversations could potentially be used against you. Instead, focus on preparing your evidence and timeline for the hearing. Also, while waiting for your appeal, look into whether you qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh (food stamps) or emergency rental assistance through your county's social services department. These can help bridge the gap while your unemployment appeal is pending.

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2023! Got terminated for "performance issues" but had documentation showing my work met standards. The key things that helped me win my appeal: 1. Organize all your evidence chronologically - those supervisor approval emails are GOLD 2. Write a simple 1-page summary of events with dates for the judge 3. Don't just focus on proving you did good work - focus on proving you didn't willfully violate company policy or deliberately harm the employer's interests My hearing was scheduled about 6 weeks after filing the appeal. The judge was very professional and asked specific questions about the approval process, whether I knew the work was allegedly substandard, and if I had any training on the requirements. Having those emails showing supervisor approval before submission was exactly what won my case. One tip: when they schedule your hearing, you'll get a notice with instructions on how to request documents from your employer. Do this! Sometimes employers submit additional "evidence" at the last minute, and you have the right to see it beforehand. Stay strong - the system is designed to be discouraging, but you have solid evidence. Just make sure you keep certifying every two weeks even though you're getting $0 right now!

If you can't get to a Bank of America branch, you might try calling their customer service line and asking if they can verify your identity over the phone or through their mobile app. Some people have also had success using other forms of ID like a passport, utility bills, or social security card along with your driver's license. You could also check if there are any other banks or credit unions nearby that might be able to help with ID verification for your EDD card. Another option is to contact EDD directly to see if they have alternative verification methods available.

I had a similar issue and found a few workarounds that helped me. First, try calling Bank of America's customer service at 1-866-692-9374 and explain your situation - sometimes they can do identity verification over the phone if you have enough personal information available. Second, if you have a local credit union, many of them can help with basic banking services even if you're not a member. Third, some people have had success going to a notary public (often available at UPS stores or libraries) to get documents notarized as proof of identity, which Bank of America may accept. Lastly, if you're still stuck, contact EDD directly and ask if they can issue a paper check instead of using the debit card - it's slower but might be easier than dealing with ID verification issues. Hope this helps!

ok ya thats fair... i just meant dont put unnecessary restrictions that could hurt ur claim. like dont say u can only work 9-5 monday-friday if ur actually more flexible

Just wanted to add something I learned the hard way - when you're working reduced hours and applying for partial unemployment, make sure you understand the "earnings allowance" concept. EDD allows you to earn up to a certain amount each week before it affects your benefits (it's usually around $25-30). Anything you earn above that gets deducted from your weekly benefit payment dollar for dollar. So if your weekly benefit amount is $300 and you earn $150 that week, you'd get $150 from EDD ($300 minus the $150 you earned, but you keep the earnings allowance). It's actually explained pretty clearly once you get approved, but I wish I had understood this math before applying. Also, keep ALL your pay stubs - EDD sometimes asks for verification of earnings during audits, even months later.