I went through a very similar situation last year and want to share what worked for me. I was disqualified for work search issues and got hit with a $3,600 overpayment notice. Here's what I learned: 1. File BOTH appeals immediately - they're separate processes even though they're related 2. For the work search appeal, focus on proving you were actively looking but didn't understand the specific documentation requirements 3. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit and send via certified mail 4. If you can't afford repayment, definitely request the hardship waiver on the overpayment appeal The key thing that helped my case was showing a pattern of consistent job searching (even with incomplete documentation) rather than periods of no activity. I also emphasized that I received the benefits in good faith and spent them on necessities like rent and food. My hearing was scheduled about 6 weeks after I filed the appeal, and I won both the disqualification reversal and overpayment waiver. The judge seemed to understand that the work search documentation rules can be confusing for people who are genuinely trying to comply. Don't give up - you have legitimate grounds for appeal here!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I got disqualified for work search documentation issues 2 months ago and just received my overpayment notice for $5,200. Reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope that this isn't hopeless. A few questions based on what I'm seeing: 1. Is there any advantage to filing the appeals at the same time vs. separately? 2. For those who won their appeals - about how long did the whole process take from filing to final decision? 3. Should I continue certifying for benefits while my appeals are pending, or does that hurt my case? I've been unemployed for 8 months now and genuinely was looking for work the whole time, just didn't realize how specific their documentation requirements were. The thought of owing them over $5K when I'm barely keeping up with basic expenses is terrifying. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it's nice to know I'm not alone in this mess!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

Hi Arnel! I went through a similar situation with PFL documentation issues. Since you now have the birth certificate they originally requested, I'd recommend trying to resubmit it directly through your EDD account online first before going the appeal route. Sometimes they'll accept updated documentation without needing a formal appeal. If that doesn't work, definitely call them - appeals can take 2-3 months while a simple document resubmission might resolve it much faster. The key is getting through to someone who can manually review your case. Good luck!

To summarize what we've discussed for your situation: 1. You need at least $1,300 in your highest quarter OR $900 in your highest quarter plus 1.25x that amount total 2. Your base period would be January 2024-December 2024 if filing now 3. Since you were on unemployment during part of that period, you might need to use the Alternate Base Period 4. The ABP would include your recent $4,800 in earnings 5. You should apply and let EDD determine if you qualify 6. Consider using a calling service if you need to speak with an EDD representative for clarification Finally, once you apply, make sure to certify for benefits every two weeks even while your claim is pending determination.

Just wanted to add - if you do get approved for a new claim, there's a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits, even if you're eligible. This is different from continuing an existing claim. Also, make sure to keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one, as EDD may audit your work search requirements at any time. I learned this the hard way when they asked for 6 months of job search documentation retroactively. Good luck with your application!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who's been through this exact nightmare multiple times! The EDD documentation system is absolutely broken - I've never understood why they don't just automatically include your name on payment history pages. It's such a basic requirement for any official document. I love seeing how this community rallied around @StormChaser with actual solutions! The screenshot method is pure genius for urgent deadlines, and having those detailed instructions for requesting official income verification is going to help so many people. I've shared this thread with friends who are also dealing with benefit renewals. It's incredible how we have to become amateur bureaucracy experts just to access our own information, but threads like this prove we're stronger when we help each other navigate these impossible systems. Bookmarking this for sure!

This thread is such a lifesaver! I'm currently going through the exact same situation for my CalWORKs recertification and was pulling my hair out trying to figure out why my name wasn't showing up anywhere on the EDD payment history. The screenshot method is brilliant - I never would have thought to combine the profile page with the payment history page. It's absolutely ridiculous that in 2025 we still have to jump through these hoops for basic documentation. @StormChaser thanks so much for sharing your experience and coming back with the update! Knowing that SNAP caseworkers are understanding about these EDD issues gives me hope for my own situation. I'm going to try calling my CalWORKs worker tomorrow with the same approach. This community is amazing - actual practical solutions that work in the real world!

I'm so sorry your cousin is going through this nightmare. I dealt with penalty weeks myself in 2023 and it was absolutely devastating financially. The misinformation from EDD reps is unfortunately very common - they seem to either not understand the penalty week system or just tell people what they think they want to hear. From my experience, here's what helped me survive the penalty weeks: 1. Apply for every assistance program possible - not just CalFresh but also utility assistance (LIHEAP), rental assistance through your county, and food banks 2. Look into gig work like DoorDash, Uber, or TaskRabbit for immediate income while still job searching 3. Contact local churches and community organizations - many have emergency funds for people in crisis 4. Check if her county has a 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) for comprehensive resource information The penalty weeks are brutal but they do end eventually. I had to serve 8 weeks and it nearly broke me financially, but I got through it. Make sure she keeps detailed records of everything and continues certifying religiously. Once those penalty weeks are done, her payments should start automatically. Stay strong and don't let EDD's incompetence destroy your hope. There are resources out there to help bridge the gap.

I'm so sorry your cousin is dealing with this - the misinformation from EDD reps about penalty weeks is unfortunately very common and causes so much unnecessary stress and financial planning issues. From everything I've seen and experienced, penalty weeks must be served in FULL - there's no cap or shortcut like that rep told her. If she had 9 remaining weeks, she'll likely need to serve all 9, not just 2 more. Here's what I'd suggest for immediate next steps: 1. Log into UI Online and check her Claim History to see exactly how many penalty weeks have been served vs. remaining 2. Send a message through UI Online asking for written confirmation of her exact penalty week count and expected benefit start date 3. Keep certifying every two weeks during penalty weeks (this is crucial!) 4. Look into emergency assistance - many counties have rental/utility help, food banks, and emergency cash assistance programs Also, while she's serving penalty weeks, she can still do gig work (DoorDash, Instacart, etc.) to get some immediate income without affecting her unemployment claim. Just make sure to report any earnings when certifying. The system is brutal but the penalty weeks do eventually end. Document everything going forward and don't trust verbal information from reps - get it in writing through UI Online messages. Hang in there!