This is a really frustrating situation, and I'm sorry you're dealing with fraud on top of the already stressful unemployment process. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. **Report the fraud immediately** - Contact EDD's fraud hotline and file a report online through their fraud reporting system. You'll want to document that someone fraudulently claimed benefits in your name from 4/21 to 8/21. 2. **Get everything in writing** - When you have your interview, bring documentation proving you were employed during that period (pay stubs, W-2s, employment verification letters). This will help clear up the fraudulent claims. 3. **Contact your bank** - If your EDD debit card was compromised, report it to Bank of America immediately and request a new card. 4. **Keep detailed records** - Document every call, every conversation, and every piece of correspondence. Note names, dates, and reference numbers. 5. **Be persistent** - Unfortunately, resolving EDD issues often requires multiple calls and follow-ups. Don't give up on those 20+ weeks of legitimate benefits you're owed. The good news is that since you have employment records proving you were working when the fraudulent claims were made, you should be able to clear this up. It's just going to take patience and persistence with the system. Good luck!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare situation! Having both fraud and EDD delays is incredibly stressful. A few additional thoughts to add to the great advice already given: **For the fraud issue**: When you report it to EDD, ask specifically for a "fraud affidavit" form - this creates an official paper trail. Also request that they place a security freeze on your claim while the fraud is investigated. **For the interview**: Don't just bring pay stubs - if possible, get a letter on company letterhead from your HR department stating your exact employment dates from 4/21-8/21. This carries more weight than just pay stubs alone. **Phone strategy**: Keep calling! I know it's exhausting, but different reps will give you different answers. If someone seems unhelpful or rushes you off the phone, call back and try again. Document which numbers work best and what times you had success getting through. **Timeline expectations**: Unfortunately, fraud cases can take months to resolve, but don't let them drag it out indefinitely. After 30 days, start escalating to supervisors and consider contacting your local assembly member's office - they often have direct lines to EDD that can help move cases along. You're absolutely right that 20+ weeks is an insane amount of time to wait. Keep fighting for what you're owed - you have solid proof you were working legitimately. Hang in there!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Filed my appeal 6 weeks ago for a voluntary quit vs layoff dispute and have been so confused about why some weeks show "appeal" while my recent ones are "pending." Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea that pending weeks could potentially be processed separately from the appeal. I've been calling EDD for the past week trying to get through to someone who can explain what's happening with my account. What's really frustrating is that the EDD website doesn't explain any of this clearly. You just have to figure it out through trial and error or find communities like this where people share their actual experiences. @Maya Lewis I hope you were able to get through to someone! Your situation sounds identical to mine and several others here. For everyone still waiting - I'm going to keep trying the Claimyr suggestion that @Kaiya Rivera mentioned since regular calling hasn't worked for me yet. Will update if I learn anything new about how they handle pending weeks during appeals.

I'm new to this community but currently dealing with the exact same situation! Filed my appeal about 4 weeks ago for voluntary quit vs layoff and have been so confused about why some weeks show "appeal" while my most recent certifications are "pending." This thread has been incredibly eye-opening - I had no idea that pending weeks could potentially be processed separately from the appeal. Like everyone else here, the EDD website gives absolutely zero explanation about what these different statuses actually mean during an appeal process. Based on all the helpful advice shared here, I'm going to start calling EDD this week to specifically ask about my pending weeks. It's really encouraging to see that multiple people have successfully gotten their pending weeks paid while their appeal was still ongoing. @Maya Lewis really hoping you were able to get through to someone and got some clarity! Your situation sounds exactly like what I'm experiencing. Will definitely keep checking back to see if anyone gets updates from EDD about how this whole process actually works. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's such a relief to find people who understand how stressful and confusing this whole situation is!

Just a quick update since I see others have answered most of your questions - once you get your Money Network card, I recommend immediately setting up account alerts. There have been some fraud issues with these cards, so it's best to get text or email notifications for any transactions. Better safe than sorry!

I went through this exact same confusion when I first filed! It's totally normal and actually a good sign - when History shows "paid" it means EDD has processed and approved your payment. The Claims section just takes longer to update, usually 24-72 hours behind. Since this is your first payment, your Money Network card is definitely being mailed to you automatically. No action needed on your part! Just keep checking your mailbox over the next 7-10 business days. The card comes in a very plain white envelope that honestly looks like junk mail, so don't accidentally throw it away. Once it arrives, you'll call the number on it to activate and set up your PIN. Hang in there - the hardest part is over!

I've been dealing with EDD disability claims for years through my work in benefits administration, and I wanted to share a few additional strategies that might help: 1. **Try the callback feature**: When you call the main SDI line (1-800-480-3287), listen carefully to the automated menu. Sometimes there's an option to request a callback instead of waiting on hold. It's not always available, but when it is, it can save you hours of redialing. 2. **Check your claim status online first**: Before calling, log into your SDI Online account and screenshot your claim details. Having specific information ready (claim number, dates, exact status messages) helps reps resolve issues faster. 3. **Document everything**: Keep a log of when you call, what automated messages you get, and any reference numbers. If you eventually need to escalate to a supervisor or your state rep, this documentation is invaluable. 4. **Consider faxing documents**: If you suspect missing paperwork is the issue, faxing can sometimes be faster than mailing. The SDI fax number is usually listed in your claim paperwork. The afternoon timing suggestions here are spot-on - I've seen much better success rates between 2-4pm on weekdays. Good luck everyone, and don't give up! Your benefits are important and you deserve to get the help you need.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Filed my SDI claim 3 weeks ago after a car accident and it's been nothing but busy signals and "we can't take your call" messages. The stress of not knowing what's happening with my claim is almost worse than dealing with my injuries. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both helpful and infuriating - helpful because I now have specific times to try calling (definitely doing the Thursday 2-3pm window), but infuriating because it's clear this is a systemic problem affecting so many people who are already dealing with health issues and financial stress. @Victoria Charity thank you for the professional insights! I'm definitely going to try that callback feature if it's available. And @Chloe Robinson your update about the "stop payment alert" that they never told you about is exactly what I'm worried about - what if there's some random issue with my claim that I could easily fix if only I knew about it? This whole situation is making my recovery so much more stressful than it needs to be. We shouldn't have to become detective experts just to access benefits we've paid into. Hopefully some of these strategies work and I can get answers soon!

If you missed the EDD call, here's what worked for me: First, check your call log immediately and try calling that number back - sometimes you can get through to the same department or even the person who called you. If that doesn't work, you can also try the main EDD number (1-800-300-5616) right away since your case might still be flagged as active in their system. For future callbacks, I learned to set multiple alarms, keep my phone on maximum volume, and stay within earshot during the entire callback window they give you. Also, write down all your info beforehand (SSN, claim number, etc.) so you're not scrambling if you do get through. It's super stressful when you miss it, but don't panic - you can get another callback scheduled, it just takes persistence with their system.

If you missed your EDD callback, don't stress too much! Here's what you should do: 1) Check your call log immediately and try calling that exact number back - sometimes you can reach the same department or rep who called you. 2) If that doesn't work, call the main EDD line (1-800-300-5616) right away since your case might still be active. 3) If neither works, you'll need to request a new callback through their automated system. For next time, keep your phone on loud, stay nearby during your callback window, and have all your info ready (claim number, ID, etc.). I know it's frustrating, but many people successfully get through on their second or third attempt. You've got this!