Hi Katelyn! I had the same issue trying to get DE 2580GF. Since it's not available online, I called EDD's PFL line directly at 1-877-238-4373 and asked them to email it to me instead of mail - that worked much faster than waiting for postal mail. You can also try asking them to fax it if you have access to a fax machine. Sometimes persistence with different representatives helps too. Good luck!

I've been dealing with EDD for months and this is such a common issue! The DE 2580GF form seems to be one of those that they just don't have available online for some reason. In addition to calling the PFL line that Emma mentioned, you can also try going to your local EDD office in person if there's one nearby - sometimes they have physical copies available. Also, if you have a case worker or have spoken to someone before, try to get their direct extension so you don't have to go through the main phone tree every time. The key is really just being persistent and trying different channels until someone actually follows through. Hope you get it sorted out soon!

After reading through all the comments, I want to add one more important point: Even if your backdating request is denied, make sure you still appeal the decision if you believe you had good cause. The appeal process is separate from EDD and handled by administrative law judges who sometimes interpret the rules differently than EDD representatives. Also, regardless of the backdating situation, continue certifying every two weeks to serve those penalty weeks as quickly as possible. Each week you're eligible (even if in penalty status) gets you one week closer to receiving benefits.

I went through something similar last year. Had 10 penalty weeks from an overpayment and tried to backdate by 2 months. The key thing that helped my case was that I had been receiving conflicting information - I called EDD twice in February and got two different answers about whether I could file yet (one rep said wait until my employer submitted paperwork, another said file immediately). I kept notes of both calls with dates and reference numbers. They approved my backdating request, but like others mentioned, you MUST certify for all those backdated weeks and meet all eligibility requirements. I had to provide detailed job search records going back to when I was laid off. The penalty weeks did count during that backdated period, so I essentially served 8 out of 10 penalty weeks during the backdated time. Without documentation of conflicting/incorrect information from EDD or a medical issue, it's really tough to get approved. But definitely still try - worst case they say no and you're in the same situation. Good luck with your interview!

Just to add clarity: EDD eligibility interviews are typically scheduled for a two-hour window, but the actual interview usually takes about 15-30 minutes depending on your claim's complexity. If your interviewer is running behind, they're likely dealing with a backlog of cases from earlier in the day. If they don't call by close of business today (usually 5pm, sometimes 6pm during high-volume periods), be prepared to call first thing tomorrow (8am) to request information. Document your attempts to contact them as this can be helpful if your claim is delayed due to their scheduling error.

So glad you got your call and everything worked out! This is such a common experience - the waiting is absolutely the worst part. Your post is going to be really helpful for others going through the same thing. It's good to know that even when they're super late, they usually do still call the same day. Congrats on getting through the interview, and hopefully your claim gets processed quickly!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Got my disqualification notice two weeks ago for "voluntary quit" even though I was clearly laid off when my department got eliminated. Filed my appeal immediately but have been stressed about the hearing process. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really reassuring - it sounds like having solid documentation (which you definitely have) makes a huge difference. I have my layoff notice, final paycheck stub showing "reduction in force," and emails from HR about the department closure. One thing I'm curious about - did anyone here have their former employer actually show up to contest the appeal? My HR department seemed pretty disorganized when I left, so I'm wondering if they'll even bother participating in the hearing process. Thanks for posting this question, Amelia - you've gotten some really valuable responses that are helping me prepare for my own hearing!

Just wanted to add my experience from last year - I was terrified about the hearing too but it really wasn't bad at all! Mine was a phone hearing that lasted about 30 minutes. The judge was very patient and walked me through each question clearly. One thing that really helped my anxiety was calling the EDD Appeals office a few days before my hearing to confirm the phone number and process. They explained exactly how it would work - they call you at the scheduled time, put you in a "waiting room" on hold, then connect you to the judge when it's your turn. Since you have that termination letter showing budget cuts, you're in great shape. I had similar documentation and won my appeal easily. The judge seemed most interested in whether I had any advance warning about being laid off (I didn't) and whether I was given any option to stay (nope). Try not to stress too much about it - you've got solid evidence and these judges deal with wrongful disqualifications all the time. They know the difference between someone who was legitimately laid off versus someone trying to game the system.

I actually work at a local Social Security office and can confirm that this is totally routine! The key thing is consistency - always use whichever name is on your Social Security card for ANY government applications, including unemployment. We process name changes after marriage literally every single day. Your marriage certificate is golden proof, and EDD has to accept it by law. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - if you plan to update your driver's license soon, maybe wait until after your unemployment claim is processed to avoid any additional confusion. But honestly, you're in great shape with what you have! 👍

Just wanted to add my experience to help ease your worries! I went through this exact situation last year when I got married in the middle of being laid off. I was so stressed about the name mismatch, but it turned out to be way less complicated than I thought. Like others have said, definitely use your Social Security name when filing - that's what they match everything against. I brought my marriage certificate to the EDD office (this was pre-pandemic when you could still walk in) and they just made a copy for their records. The whole thing was resolved in about 10 days. The EDD staff told me they see this situation constantly, especially during wedding season! You're definitely not the first person to deal with this, so don't let the anxiety get to you. You have all the right documentation and you'll be fine! Congrats on the marriage btw! 🎊