Just wanted to add my experience to help ease your mind - I had a UI overpayment of around $8,000 that was paid off through wage garnishment in 2023, and when I filed for SDI in late 2024 for a back injury, there were no issues at all. My benefits started on time and at the full amount. The key thing that helped me was keeping all my documentation showing the overpayment was satisfied. EDD sent me a letter confirming my debt was paid in full, which I saved along with my wage stubs showing the garnishments. When I applied for SDI online, there was actually a section where you can upload documents, so I included that satisfaction letter just to be safe. Like others mentioned, the programs are separate but it's always better to be proactive. Since you paid through tax intercepts, you should have received some kind of notice from EDD or be able to see it on your UI Online account. Definitely get that documentation ready before you file!

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Had a UI overpayment that got paid off through tax intercepts last year, and now I need to file for SDI due to a chronic health condition. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful - it sounds like most people eventually got their SDI benefits without major issues, even if there were some initial delays or system glitches. The advice about being proactive and having documentation ready makes a lot of sense. I'm planning to gather all my paperwork showing the overpayment was satisfied before I file, and maybe try calling the SDI line first to give them a heads up like Arjun suggested. It's reassuring to know that even when there were problems, people were able to get them resolved. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - it's making me feel less anxious about moving forward with my claim!

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 so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! Identity verification issues seem to be a common problem with EDD. Since you mentioned they confirmed your 2021 identity but still need to verify 2020, have you tried asking them specifically what documents they need for the 2020 verification? Sometimes they require different documentation for different years. You might also want to keep detailed records of every call you make - date, time, representative name, and what they tell you. This can help if you need to escalate or if different reps give you conflicting information. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add another perspective based on my recent experience. I successfully transitioned from a data analytics bootcamp to a specialized machine learning program last fall, and EDD approved it after about 2 weeks. A few things that I think helped my case: 1. I started the application process 3 weeks BEFORE my first program ended - don't wait until the last minute 2. I included a skills gap analysis showing exactly what the job market required vs. what my first program covered 3. Got recommendation letters from both my bootcamp instructor AND a local employer who interviewed me but said I needed more specialized skills The most important thing I learned: EDD wants to see that you're not just extending benefits, but genuinely need the additional training to become employable. In my case, I had several interviews where employers specifically said they liked my foundation but needed someone with ML experience. One warning though - they're definitely scrutinizing these requests more in 2025. My caseworker mentioned they've had too many people trying to chain trainings together indefinitely. But if you have a legitimate skill gap like it sounds you do, you should be fine. Keep us posted on how it goes! Your coding + specialized front-end combo sounds very marketable.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Finished a web development bootcamp and got approved for a React/Node.js specialization program. The whole process was pretty stressful but it worked out. Here's what I learned that might help you: **Documentation is EVERYTHING** - I created a folder with screenshots of job postings that specifically mentioned needing both general coding AND front-end framework skills. I also saved rejection emails from companies that said I was "close but needed more specialized experience." **Timing matters** - Submit your DE 8736 form at least 2 weeks before your current program ends if possible. Mine took 12 days to get approved, and I was sweating it because I only gave myself 10 days buffer. **The phone interview** - They called me to discuss my application (which I wasn't expecting). The EDD rep asked really specific questions about why I couldn't find work with my current skills and how the new program would change that. Having concrete examples ready made a huge difference. **Gap period survival** - I had a 1-week gap between programs where I had to go back to regular job search requirements. It wasn't fun but manageable if you stay organized. Now I'm working as a front-end developer making 40% more than the general web dev positions I was applying for before. The specialized training was 100% worth the hassle. You've got this! Your situation sounds very similar to mine and front-end specialization is definitely in demand right now.

Just wanted to add that if anyone else is dealing with this same issue, there's also a "Chat with ID.me" option hidden in their help center that sometimes connects you faster than calling. Look for it under "Account Recovery" in their support section. I tried it when I couldn't get through on the phone and got connected to someone within 20 minutes. They were able to initiate the email change process right there in the chat, though they still had to verify my identity over the phone afterward. Worth trying if you're hitting busy signals on the main support line!

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation right now where my old email got hacked and I had to abandon it completely. Been putting off dealing with ID.me because I was dreading the process, but seeing all these success stories gives me the motivation to tackle it. Going to try the chat option first thing tomorrow morning, then call if that doesn't work out. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to access our own unemployment benefits, but at least there are workarounds. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when navigating these government system nightmares!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry this happened to you! I went through something similar last year when $3,100 disappeared from my Money Network card. The whole experience was a nightmare, but I did eventually get my money back after 11 weeks of fighting. A few things that helped me beyond what others have mentioned: 1. Take screenshots of EVERYTHING - your account balance before/after, transaction history, any error messages. Save them in multiple places. 2. When you call Money Network, ask for the fraud department specifically, not general customer service. They have slightly more authority to escalate cases. 3. Keep a detailed log of every phone call - date, time, rep name, what they said, case numbers. This saved me when they claimed I never called. 4. If you have any text messages or emails from Money Network about the unauthorized transactions, save those too. The police report suggestion is crucial - some people skip this step but it really helps legitimize your case. Most departments let you file online for financial fraud now. Hang in there! I know it feels hopeless right now, but most people do get their money back eventually. The system is just designed to make you give up. Don't let them win!

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare! $4,200 is a huge amount to lose, especially when you're already dealing with unemployment stress. I haven't been hacked myself, but I've been following this issue closely because I'm terrified it'll happen to me. From what I've seen in other posts here, you're definitely not alone - Money Network security breaches seem to be happening way too frequently lately. A couple additional suggestions that might help: - Try calling Money Network early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) - I've heard wait times are shorter then - If you have any friends or family who work in banking/finance, ask them to review your dispute paperwork before submitting it - Consider reaching out to local news stations - they sometimes do consumer protection stories that can pressure companies to resolve cases faster The fact that their customer service hung up on you after 45 minutes is absolutely unacceptable. That alone shows they're not taking this seriously enough. Stay strong and keep fighting! From everything I've read here, persistence really does pay off, even though it shouldn't take months to get YOUR own money back. This whole system is broken but don't give up!