Hey, just following up - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious which method ended up working for you.

So glad to hear you got it resolved! This thread is super helpful for anyone else dealing with this issue. I'm bookmarking it because I feel like EDD account problems are so common and their error messages are never clear about what's actually wrong. The fact that your account was locked but the system was still pretending to send reset emails is typical EDD - they make everything so confusing. Thanks for sharing the solution that worked!

UPDATE: I finally got through! I took the advice about trying late at night (went online at 11:30pm) and turned off all my browser extensions. The site was actually much faster and I was able to complete my entire application! Now it says my claim is processing and I should receive something in the mail within 10 days. Thanks everyone for your help - this community is amazing!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Been trying for 4 days straight and keep getting error messages or the site just freezes during the income verification section. It's so frustrating when you desperately need benefits and the system designed to help you is completely broken. Reading through all these responses gives me some hope though - I'm definitely going to try the late night approach and disable all my browser extensions. Has anyone had success with the mobile app version, or is the regular mobile site through a browser better? Also really considering the in-person office visit if I can't get through online by this weekend.

Another RIDICULOUS thing they do is verify with your employer, who has a FINANCIAL INCENTIVE to deny your claim! If your employer says anything that doesn't perfectly match your statement, EDD will side with them. Make sure every date and dollar amount you provide EXACTLY matches your documentation!

I went through something similar last year and it turned out EDD needed to verify my wages through their system called the "Base Period Employer Account Cross-match" or something like that. Basically, your employer reports wages quarterly to the state, and if there's ANY discrepancy between what you claim and what they have on file, they flag it for manual review. In my case, my employer had reported my wages under a slightly different name (they had my middle initial wrong) so the system couldn't match them automatically. Try asking EDD specifically if your wages are showing up in their system and if there are any matching issues with your employer's quarterly reports.

I went through a similar company closure situation about 18 months ago and wanted to share a few things that really helped me navigate the process. First, definitely file your claim immediately after your last day - don't wait! The severance won't disqualify you, but you'll need to report it when you certify every two weeks. One thing that caught me off guard was that EDD sometimes requires additional documentation for company closures, especially if it's a larger business. They may ask for a copy of your WARN notice (if your company was required to provide one) or other layoff documentation. Having all your paperwork organized from day one will save you headaches later. Also, since you mentioned stress about income gaps - consider that even if your severance reduces your weekly benefits to $0 for those 8 weeks, you're still building time in the system. Once your severance ends, you'll immediately start receiving your full weekly benefit amount without having to wait for processing delays. The part-time work question is tricky - you can work and still collect partial benefits, but make sure you understand the earnings limits and reporting requirements. Every dollar counts during a transition like this, so it's worth exploring if you find the right opportunity. Hang in there - company closures are tough, but at least you have some advance notice and severance to help with the transition!

I went through this exact situation when my tech company shut down our entire Sacramento office in 2023. Here's what I wish I had known from day one: File your claim the day after your last worked day - period. Don't overthink it or wait for severance to end. I made that mistake and lost 3 weeks of potential benefits just from processing delays. Your severance will likely be reported as "wages" when you certify, which means EDD will reduce your weekly benefit dollar-for-dollar during those 8 weeks. So if your weekly benefit would be $300 but you're getting $400/week in severance, you'll get $0 from EDD that week. But here's the key - you're still certifying and keeping your claim active. Get everything from HR in writing: how the severance is classified (wages vs. dismissal pay), exact payment dates, and your official separation letter. EDD may audit later and you'll want documentation. The good news about company closures is that EDD often processes these claims faster since they're expecting multiple claims from the same employer. Plus, you'll have no issues proving you were laid off vs. quitting. Start your job search activities immediately even during severance weeks - you still need to meet work search requirements to maintain eligibility. Document everything in a spreadsheet or the CalJOBS system. You've got advance notice and severance - that's actually a pretty good position compared to sudden layoffs. The system will work in your favor once you get it started!

I'm going through something similar right now - had my hearing 3 weeks ago and the waiting is absolutely brutal! From what I've gathered reading through all these responses, it sounds like 4-6 weeks is pretty typical for the decision letter. What really struck me is how many people mentioned that even after winning, you have to stay on top of EDD to actually implement the changes. I'm already preparing myself for that battle. The fraud designation is what really gets me too - like you, I reported everything accurately and they're acting like I'm some kind of criminal. Hang in there, and definitely save all those phone numbers and tips people shared here. Sounds like we're going to need them!

I'm in the exact same boat right now! Had my hearing on September 28th for a $4,200 overpayment that I absolutely do not owe - I was meticulous about reporting my part-time earnings every week. It's been almost 4 weeks now and I'm going crazy checking the mail every day. The judge seemed to understand that EDD made an error in their calculations, but you never know for sure until that letter arrives. Reading everyone's experiences here is both comforting and terrifying - sounds like even winning is just the beginning of the battle! I've already bookmarked all the phone numbers and tips people shared because I have a feeling I'm going to need them. The stress of this whole process is unreal. Hoping we both get good news soon and that EDD actually follows through on implementing whatever the judges decide!