Wow, this thread is a treasure trove of information! I'm currently dealing with this exact same issue - got locked out after forgetting my password and completely blanking on those security questions. I've been stressing about it for days, but reading through everyone's experiences has been so reassuring. The tip about calling right at 8am seems to be the golden rule here, and I love all the practical advice about having documents ready, writing down a script, and even finding good cell service. It's amazing how this community has turned what seemed like an impossible bureaucratic nightmare into a step-by-step solution. Going to follow everyone's advice and call the 1-833-978-2511 number tomorrow morning with everything organized. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it really helps to know you're not alone in dealing with these EDD system issues!

I went through this exact same nightmare about 3 months ago! The security questions are absolutely the worst - I swear they're designed to be forgotten. After getting locked out for almost a month, I finally got through using the strategy everyone's mentioned here. Called the 1-833-978-2511 number right at 8am on a Tuesday and only waited about 15 minutes. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you have any old W-2s or 1099s from employers you listed on your original claim, have those ready too. The rep asked me about my previous year's earnings to verify my identity, which I wouldn't have remembered without the paperwork. Also, they were able to see my entire claim history once they verified who I was, so definitely don't create a new account like others have said - you'll just create more problems for yourself. The whole thing took about 40 minutes once I got through, but being able to access my account again was such a relief. They also helped me set up the ID.me verification as a backup, which is way easier than those impossible security questions. Don't give up - the system is broken but the people on the tech support line are actually really helpful once you reach them!

Fantastic outcome! This is exactly why it's so important to be proactive about reporting income discrepancies. Your experience will hopefully help other people in similar situations realize that EDD is generally understanding when you come forward voluntarily rather than waiting for them to discover it during their automated crosschecks. The fact that you avoided penalty weeks by reporting it yourself is a perfect example of how transparency pays off. Thanks for sharing the update!

So glad you got this resolved! Your experience is a great example of why it's always better to be upfront with EDD about these situations. I'm dealing with a similar issue right now - my former employer just sent me a bonus payment that was supposed to be paid out before my layoff but got delayed due to their payroll system upgrade. Reading your post gave me the confidence to reach out to them proactively rather than hoping it won't be noticed. Going to try Claimyr tomorrow morning to get through to a rep quickly. Thanks for sharing both your initial concern and the successful resolution - it really helps the rest of us navigate these tricky situations!

my sister works for edd (not saying which office) and she says identity theft cases are taking around 90 days right now bcuz theres so many of them

The UI Online portal is pretty much useless for tracking identity theft cases. I check mine religiously and it never shows any updates - it just keeps showing the fraudulent claim sitting there, which is super frustrating to see every time I log in. Phone calls are really the only way to get actual status updates, but even then you have to get the right department. Regular customer service reps can only see basic info, but the fraud investigators have access to the real case notes. When you call, specifically ask to be transferred to the "identity theft investigation unit" or "fraud department" - don't just accept talking to whoever picks up first. Document every call with date, time, rep name, and what they told you. It's a pain but it's the only way to stay on top of your case.

Good plan! Just wanted to add - when you call your employer, try to get their response in writing (email follow-up) if possible. If they officially terminate your employment, that documentation could be helpful for EDD records. Also, don't forget to report any status changes through your UI Online account right away. The sooner you start your job search intensively, the better - even if you do end up getting called back, having other options lined up gives you more security. Best of luck with everything!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - week 24 on my claim and getting really anxious about what happens next. My employer has been stringing me along with the "we'll bring you back soon" story for months too. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful, especially about the difference between furlough vs. layoff and how that affects future claims. I think I'm going to follow Zara's plan and get an official status update from my employer ASAP. Has anyone here actually successfully gotten through to EDD recently to discuss their options? The phone situation sounds like a nightmare but I feel like I need to at least try before my benefits run out.

Yes, EDD should automatically begin processing your payments within 7-10 business days after receiving the ALJ's decision. Since you mentioned you've been certifying all along, you should receive all back payments for the weeks you certified that fall within your benefit year. If you don't see any payment activity within two weeks, that's when I'd recommend contacting EDD for clarification. Make sure to keep certifying for benefits every two weeks while you wait. Congratulations on winning your appeal! Quitting due to a hostile work environment is one of the legitimate 'good causes' for leaving employment, but it often requires an appeal to prove. You did everything right.

Congratulations Maya! I went through a very similar situation last year - quit due to harassment from my supervisor at a restaurant, initially denied, then won on appeal. The "overturned" language definitely threw me off too at first! One thing I learned during my process: even though the chances of your employer appealing are very low (especially since they no-showed), keep all your documentation from the harassment incidents just in case. The ALJ likely found your testimony credible about the hostile work environment, which is why they ruled in your favor. Also, once your payments start flowing, you might want to consider filing a complaint with your state's labor department about the workplace harassment if you haven't already. What your manager did wasn't just grounds for unemployment benefits - it was likely illegal workplace conduct that other employees shouldn't have to endure. Hope this helps ease some of your stress! You've been through the hardest part already.