I went through the exact same thing last year! They flagged me for "unreported income" even though I had reported everything correctly. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. File the appeal immediately - you usually have 30 days from when they sent the notice. Even if you missed that deadline, still try to appeal and explain why it was late. 2. Gather ALL your documentation - pay stubs, bank statements, anything showing what income you actually had during those months they're questioning. 3. If you can't get through by phone, try the "Contact Us" feature in your UI Online account and submit a detailed message explaining your situation. 4. The assembly member route really does work - I contacted mine and got a response within a week, then my payments resumed within two weeks after that. The continuing certification while not paying is actually normal during disputes - they want to keep your claim active while it's being resolved. Don't stop certifying! Once they clear the issue, you should get backpay for all those weeks. Stay strong, this will get resolved!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now - EDD stopped my payments claiming I didn't report income, but I know I reported everything correctly. It's incredibly stressful when you're depending on these benefits to survive. From what I've learned lurking in this community, here are a few additional things that might help: 1. **Document everything** - screenshot your UI Online account showing your certification history and any messages from EDD 2. **Request your payment history** - this can help prove what you actually reported vs what they think you reported 3. **Look for the "determination" letter** - they should have sent you something explaining exactly what income they think you failed to report and from which period The assemblymember suggestion is solid - I'm planning to contact mine this week. Also, some people have had luck sending a message through the "Contact Us" in UI Online specifically asking for a "redetermination" of their case. Stay strong @Roxanne Skochko - you're not alone in this fight! The system is broken but there are ways to get through it. Keep all your records and don't let them intimidate you into giving up what you're rightfully owed.

Update for everyone following this thread: I just checked with EDD through my UI Online account, and holiday payment processing for Easter 2025 is following the normal schedule. If your certification is processed without issues: - Money Network card payments typically post Monday evening - Direct deposit payments typically post Tuesday morning to Wednesday (depending on your bank) If your payment shows "pending" for more than 72 hours after certification, that could indicate an eligibility issue that needs attention.

Glad to hear your payment status updated! For future reference, I've noticed that when you switch from Money Network to direct deposit, the first few payments can be unpredictable timing-wise while your bank gets used to the EDD deposits. After that initial adjustment period, it usually settles into a consistent pattern. I switched about 6 months ago and now my deposits hit like clockwork every Tuesday around 6 AM. The peace of mind is worth the slightly longer wait compared to Money Network!

I had the exact same thing happen to me last week! Got through after 3+ hours of waiting, heard someone pick up but then just silence. So maddening. I ended up trying the early morning strategy that others mentioned - called right at 8 AM sharp and got through on my second attempt. Also, make sure your phone volume is all the way up and you're not on speaker when they answer. Sometimes the connection is just really quiet at first. Don't give up, you'll get there! 💪

Another thing that might help - if you do get through but can't hear anything, try staying on the line for at least 2-3 minutes before hanging up. Sometimes there's a delay or they're transferring you to another department. I've had calls where it was completely silent for like 90 seconds and then suddenly someone came on the line. Also, if you have a landline available, try using that instead of a cell phone - the connection tends to be more stable. The system is definitely overwhelmed right now but don't lose hope!

I've started calling from work during my lunch break but can only try for 30 minutes. Never enough time to actually get through. Might need to take a personal day just for EDD calls.

Bottom line: if you're going to call manually, block out an entire day, have your phone charger ready, and prepare to be frustrated. Or save yourself the headache and pay someone else to deal with it.

One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you keep track of your benefit year end date! I made the mistake of assuming I had more time left on my claim than I actually did. When my seasonal job ended, I found out my benefit year had expired just two weeks earlier, so I had to file a completely new claim instead of reopening. The new claim used different base period wages and my weekly benefit amount was lower. Really wish I had paid closer attention to that original filing date. Good luck with your contract job - hopefully it leads to something permanent!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this exact situation twice! The first time I was nervous about reporting my return to work, but it's actually pretty straightforward. When you do your final certification before starting the job, there's a specific question asking if you've returned to work - just answer honestly with your start date. One tip that saved me headaches: screenshot or print your claim summary page before you stop certifying. It shows your remaining balance, benefit year dates, and weekly amount. That way when you're ready to reopen, you have all the key info handy and can verify everything matches up correctly. Also, don't stress too much about the "reopen claim" process - it's literally just clicking a button in your UI Online account and answering a few questions about your work period. The system is designed for exactly this scenario since temporary/seasonal work is so common. You've got this!