I'm dealing with a similar login issue right now! One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is checking if your account got temporarily locked due to too many failed login attempts. This happened to me last week - I kept trying different password combinations and apparently triggered their security system. I had to wait 24 hours before I could even attempt to log in again. If you've been trying repeatedly, it might be worth taking a break for a day and then trying again with the early morning approach others have suggested. Also, if you have any old confirmation emails or documents from when you first applied, those might show exactly how your information was formatted in their system. Hang in there - this community has already given you some amazing resources and phone numbers to try!

I had this exact same issue a few months ago and it was absolutely maddening! After trying everything - clearing cache, different browsers, checking my info a million times - it turned out that EDD had somehow corrupted my account during a system update. What finally worked was creating a completely new account with the same SSN and personal info. I know it sounds scary to start over, but their system recognized that I already had an existing claim and just linked it to the new login credentials. The whole process took about 30 minutes and I was able to certify immediately after. Before you try this though, definitely call that Identity Verification line (1-866-362-8854) first to make sure your account isn't just temporarily locked. But if all else fails, the new account route might be your best bet. Don't give up - there's always a solution even when EDD makes it feel impossible! 🙏

I had this exact same panic attack during my first certification! The wording is so confusing. Just to add to what others have said - if you ever DO have supplemental unemployment benefits (like from a union or employer fund), they'll usually give you specific paperwork that clearly states it's "SUB pay" or "supplemental unemployment benefits." You'd definitely know if you had it because it would be a separate payment from a different source than EDD. Since you only got the one regular UI payment from EDD, you're definitely good to answer NO. The system really should explain these terms better instead of making us all stress out about it!

I'm going through my first certification too and this thread has been SO helpful! I was literally about to call in sick to work tomorrow just so I could spend the whole day trying to call EDD about this same question. The way everyone explained that "supplemental unemployment benefits" means extra money from employers/unions and NOT the regular EDD payments makes perfect sense now. It's crazy how one confusing question can make you feel like you're going to accidentally mess up your whole claim! Thank you all for being so patient with us newbies - this community is a lifesaver when the actual EDD system is so hard to navigate.

I just went through this same situation a few weeks ago! The whole payment method thing is so confusing when you're new to unemployment. Since your payment is already processing, it will definitely go to the Money Network card first - there's no way to redirect a payment that's already been issued. The good news is that once you get the card (usually takes about a week), you can transfer the money to your bank account pretty easily through their app. I did the instant transfer for the small fee since I needed my rent money right away, and it was totally worth it. One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure you have a backup plan for rent if the card doesn't arrive by when you need it. Maybe talk to your landlord about a few days extension or see if a family member can help temporarily? The card delivery timing can be unpredictable, especially with mail delays. Also, keep checking your UI Online account - sometimes the system will show when the card has been mailed, which gives you a better idea of when to expect it. Good luck, and don't stress too much - you'll get your money, it's just a matter of waiting for that card to arrive!

Hey there! I'm actually in almost the exact same situation right now - just got my first unemployment approval yesterday and was completely lost about the payment method thing. Reading through all these comments has been super helpful! I'm planning to set up direct deposit for future payments like you did, but it sounds like I should also prepare for that first payment to come via the Money Network card. The 7-14 day wait time is nerve-wracking when bills are due, but at least now I know what to expect. One question for everyone - has anyone had success calling EDD directly to ask about expediting the card delivery, or is that pretty much impossible to get through? I'm wondering if it's worth trying the phone lines or if services like Claimyr are really the only way to actually talk to someone these days. Thanks for posting this question Sienna, and thanks to everyone who shared their experiences! It's such a relief to know this confusion is normal and not just me being clueless about the system.

UPDATE: I certified on March 2nd as scheduled, and you all were right! They took $600 to clear my overpayment balance and released the remaining $300 to my EDD debit card. It took about 2 days for the payment to process. Thanks everyone for your help explaining how this works!

That's awesome news! Thanks for coming back to update us - it really helps other people who might be in the same situation. It's such a relief when EDD actually processes things the way they're supposed to. Now you can focus on your job search without worrying about penalty weeks hanging over your head. Hope things keep improving for you!

I just wanted to add another perspective from someone who's been through this process recently. I missed my EDD appeal hearing about 3 months ago due to never receiving the notice, and like everyone here, I was absolutely panicking about the overpayment ($11,200 in my case). What really helped me was calling the Appeals office multiple times to make sure they had all my current contact information on file - phone, email, AND mailing address. Turns out they had my old email from 2 years ago! I also asked them to send any future correspondence via email AND regular mail to be extra sure. When I filed my Request to Reopen, I included a sworn declaration (you can find templates online) stating under penalty of perjury that I never received the hearing notice. This seemed to carry more weight than just a regular letter. The judge approved my request in about 12 days, which was faster than the 20 days they quoted me. My new hearing is actually scheduled for next week, so I can't report on the final outcome yet, but the process of getting the reopening approved went much smoother than I expected. Don't lose hope - the system may be frustrating but there are definitely ways to work through it when you're persistent and thorough with documentation. Hang in there everyone! We've got this! 💪

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare situation! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago and the stress was absolutely overwhelming. Like you, I never received the actual hearing notice - just the acknowledgment letter saying they got my appeal. Here's what worked for me: I immediately filed a Request to Reopen (you have 20 days from the decision date) and included a very detailed explanation about never receiving the notice. I also gathered any evidence I could - USPS tracking info, screenshots of my UI Online account showing my correct address, even a statement from my mail carrier about delivery issues in my area during that time period. The most important thing is acting fast and being thorough with your documentation. The judges do understand that EDD has serious mail delivery problems - I've read that they see these missed notice cases constantly. My Request to Reopen was approved in about 15 days, and my new hearing was scheduled 5 weeks later. I know $9,500 feels insurmountable right now, but don't give up! You're taking all the right steps by filing that request immediately. The fact that you were legitimately laid off and collected benefits according to the rules at the time should work in your favor. Keep us posted on how it goes - we're all rooting for you!