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!

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!