UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning after using the Claimyr service someone recommended. The EDD rep was actually super helpful once I reached them! They've put a special flag on my account to revert to paper checks immediately AND they're sending an emergency payment for the disputed amount that should arrive in 5 days. I still have to deal with Money Network for the fraud investigation, but at least I won't be waiting weeks for rent money. Also filed all the complaints recommended and my assemblyperson's office called me back - they're sending an official inquiry to EDD's executive office about my case. Thanks everyone for all the advice - this community has been way more helpful than any official channels!

So glad to hear you got some resolution! This is exactly why I always tell people not to give up - EDD can actually be helpful when you finally reach the right person. The emergency payment option is something a lot of people don't know about. For anyone else reading this dealing with similar issues, Zainab's experience shows that persistence pays off. The combination of using multiple channels (Claimyr for EDD contact, assemblyperson involvement, CFPB complaints, and specific terminology with Money Network) is really the way to go. Keep us updated on how the final resolution goes with Money Network. Your case could help others who are going through this nightmare. Really hoping EDD finally switches to a more secure payment vendor - this has gone on way too long.

DONT FORGET TO APPEAL IF YOU GET DENIED! A lot of people give up after the first rejection, but many cases get approved on appeal. Keep fighting!

Thanks for starting this thread, Liam! I went through the SDI application process about 6 months ago and it was definitely overwhelming at first. One thing I'd add to the great advice already shared - make sure you're applying for the right program. SDI (State Disability Insurance) is different from SSDI (Social Security Disability). SDI is for short-term disabilities and you need to have paid into the system through payroll deductions. The good news is SDI applications are usually processed faster than federal disability claims. Also, don't be discouraged if you need to provide additional documentation - it's totally normal for them to request more info. You've got this! 💪

I've been dealing with the same frustration for weeks now. What helped me was keeping a log of when I called and the results - turns out Tuesday and Wednesday between 2-4pm had the highest success rate for me. Also discovered that if you get the "all representatives are busy" message, hanging up and calling back immediately sometimes works better than waiting for the system to disconnect you. The lunch break blackout from 12-1:30pm is real and absolutely not mentioned anywhere official, which is maddening. Save yourself the headache and avoid calling on Mondays entirely - it's like the whole state decides to call EDD on Monday morning.

After reading through everyone's experiences here, I'm convinced the official hours are basically meaningless. I've been calling for 3 days straight during "business hours" and got nothing but busy signals. The lunch break blackout that nobody mentions officially is particularly infuriating - like why wouldn't they stagger breaks so the phones stay staffed? At this point I'm seriously considering just paying for one of those callback services everyone keeps mentioning. My time is worth more than spending entire days hitting redial. Has anyone here actually gotten through on their first try during the posted hours, or is that just a myth?

wait so if ur appealing do u still have to make payments during the appeal process?? that seems really unfair

I just went through this exact same situation 6 months ago and won my appeal! Here's my timeline to give you hope: I filed my appeal in 2 days (well before the deadline), got my hearing scheduled about 8 weeks later, and received the favorable decision 2 weeks after that. During the waiting period, I submitted a written request for a "stay of collection" along with my appeal form, and they did pause any collection activities until the decision was made. This was crucial because like you, I didn't have thousands of dollars sitting around to pay back while fighting it. Since you have a legitimate layoff letter stating lack of work, your case sounds very winnable. That's exactly the kind of documentation that overturns these determinations. Make sure you also include any emails or other communications from your employer about the layoff if you have them. One tip that really helped me: when you write your appeal explanation, reference specific UI Code sections. For layoffs due to lack of work, cite UI Code Section 1256 which covers good cause attributable to the employer. It shows you understand the legal basis for your eligibility. You've got this! Don't let them intimidate you - they make mistakes all the time and the appeals process is there for exactly this reason.

After reading through this thread, I think you're on the right track with your preparation. One final suggestion: try to speak with an EDD representative before your hearing to confirm exactly which certification periods are in dispute. This will help you narrow your focus when presenting evidence. It sounds like your situation involves confusion about when earnings should be reported (when earned vs. when paid), which is a common issue. Be prepared to explain your understanding of the reporting requirements at the time you filed those certifications. Judges often consider whether you made a good faith effort to report correctly.

I went through a very similar situation about 6 months ago with a $5,800 overpayment due to reporting confusion. Here's what I wish I had known: bring a simple timeline document that shows the dates you worked, dates you got paid, and dates you certified. This visual really helped the judge understand my situation. Also, if your employer has any documentation about their payroll delays or pay schedule changes, try to get a letter from HR - that was huge for my case. The whole process took about 45 minutes and the judge was actually pretty understanding. They ruled in my favor for 2 out of 3 disputed weeks. The key was showing I made good faith efforts to report accurately based on my understanding at the time. You've got this - preparation is half the battle!