I've been dealing with this exact same loop for about 3 weeks now! It's absolutely maddening. What worked for me was trying at around 6 AM when the system isn't as overloaded. I also had to disable all my browser extensions and use incognito mode. Even then, it took me about 5 attempts over different days to finally break through the loop. The system is definitely glitchy, but don't give up! Also, if you have an old laptop or different device, try that too - sometimes it's browser-specific issues causing the problem.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Been stuck in this loop for over a week. It's like the website is designed by someone who's never actually had to use it. I've tried different browsers, clearing cache, even tried my neighbor's computer - nothing works. The most frustrating part is that you can see the system recognizes you need to file a new claim, but then it just... doesn't let you? It's like being stuck in unemployment purgatory. Really hoping someone here has found a solution that actually works because I'm running out of patience and options! 😤

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got my overpayment notice about 3 weeks ago for 9 weeks from 2023. Like you, it was completely unintentional - I think there was confusion about when my part-time job ended versus when I was still certifying. The panic is SO real when you see that big number they want back! I just submitted my DE 1446HW hardship form last week after reading through all the advice here. A few things I learned that might help: 1. Call EDD ASAP to request they pause collections - I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked to get through quickly 2. The hardship form is intimidating but just be thorough and honest about your finances 3. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit 4. Don't be afraid to call back if you don't hear anything after a few weeks The waiting is nerve-wracking but from what I'm seeing here, there's definitely hope for getting at least a partial waiver. Hang in there - you're not alone in this mess! EDD's system is confusing and it's not your fault you got caught up in it.

I've been through this exact situation twice unfortunately - once in 2021 and again in 2023. The good news is that based on your description (no fraud language, unintentional overlap), you have a really good chance of getting some relief through the hardship process. A few things that helped me: - Document EVERYTHING about your current financial situation - income, all expenses, debts, medical costs, etc. - When filling out the DE 1446HW, err on the side of providing too much information rather than too little - If you have any documentation from that time period (pay stubs, work schedules, emails), include copies to show the confusion wasn't intentional - Request a payment plan as backup even while pursuing the hardship waiver The first time I got a full waiver, the second time I got approved for a payment plan of $50/month which was manageable. Don't lose hope - EDD knows their system is confusing and they do work with people who made honest mistakes. The key is being proactive and thorough with your application. You've got this!

Update: Had my interview yesterday and it went exactly as you all described! The interviewer was actually pretty nice. She just verified my work search activities (asked for details on 3 recent applications) and confirmed my previous employment ended due to downsizing. Took about 20 minutes total. My certification got processed normally afterward. Thanks everyone for calming my nerves about this!

Glad you came back to update us! This is super helpful for future folks who might be in the same situation. It's crazy how much anxiety these routine interviews can cause when you don't know what to expect. Your experience sounds pretty typical - most of these interviews really are just checking boxes to make sure everything's legit. Thanks for sharing your outcome, it'll definitely help other community members who find this thread later!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - EDD's timing requirements are absolutely ridiculous when they don't account for normal mail processing delays. You definitely have grounds for a successful appeal since you can prove you sent everything promptly via certified mail. Here's what I'd do in your exact situation: 1. File that appeal online through UI Online TODAY - don't wait another day since the 30-day deadline is strict 2. Try calling EDD at exactly 8:02 AM tomorrow (right when they open) - sometimes an agent can reverse these decisions immediately if they see your docs arrived 3. When you call, have your certified mail receipt and tracking number ready to give them 4. Keep certifying every two weeks while your appeal is pending! The fact that you only missed their deadline by ONE DAY due to mail processing, and you have certified mail proof showing you sent it with 2 days to spare, makes this a very winnable appeal. EDD giving you only 9 days to respond (including weekends) when they mailed it on 3/22 but you didn't receive until 3/28 is completely unreasonable. Stay strong - you did everything right and have the documentation to prove it. This kind of timing issue gets overturned all the time on appeal!

I've been through almost the exact same situation and won my appeal! EDD's timing requirements are completely unreasonable - they expect you to respond within days but take weeks or months to process anything on their end. Here's what saved me: I had all my certified mail documentation organized (receipt showing send date, tracking showing delivery date) and I emphasized in my appeal that I made a "good faith effort" to comply within their unrealistic timeframe. The Administrative Law Judge agreed that one day late due to normal mail processing was not grounds for disqualification when I had proof of timely mailing. A few critical things to remember: - File your appeal online through UI Online immediately (you have 30 days from 4/1/25) - Keep certifying every two weeks during the appeal process - Try calling EDD at 8:02 AM sharp - sometimes they can reverse it without going through the full appeal - In your appeal letter, be factual and include your certified mail receipt number and tracking info You absolutely did nothing wrong here. Sending certified mail on 3/29 for a 3/31 deadline was completely reasonable - the postal service delay was beyond your control. Stay strong and fight this!

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.