One more crucial step: Once you've reported the fraud, monitor your credit reports closely for at least a year. The person who stole your identity for EDD fraud may try to use your information for other types of fraud as well. You're entitled to free weekly credit reports through April 2025 at www.annualcreditreport.com from all three major credit bureaus. Set calendar reminders to check them regularly.

Update: I tried several of the suggestions here this morning. After trying to call EDD directly and getting nowhere, I used Claimyr and actually got through to a real person within 30 minutes! The agent transferred me to their fraud department where I reported everything. They're sending me the Form 2362E to complete, and I also filed the FTC report and froze my credit at all three bureaus. Still need to file the police report tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your help - I feel like I'm finally making progress!

I went through this exact same situation about two months ago! First certification on a new claim, and I was freaking out because it stayed pending for 4 days straight. Called EDD multiple times but couldn't get through. Finally it processed on the 5th day and I got both weeks at once. Now that I'm a few certifications in, my payments usually process within 24-48 hours. The waiting is brutal but it really does seem to be their new normal for first certifications. Hang in there - sounds like yours should process soon based on what others are saying about the estimated dates!

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Just certified for my second week on a new claim and it's been pending for 2 days. Reading through all these comments is actually really helpful - I had no idea EDD changed their processing so much since 2023. The estimated processing date feature is clutch though, mine shows it should be done by Thursday. It's definitely stressful when you're used to the old instant system, but sounds like this is just the new reality for first few certifications. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, makes me feel way less anxious about it!

This entire thread should be required reading for anyone starting an EDD claim! I just went through the approval process last month and wish I had found this information earlier. What really stands out to me is how the community here provided clearer, more actionable guidance than any official EDD resource I could find. The key takeaway seems to be: set up direct deposit IMMEDIATELY after approval (within 24-48 hours) and verify it shows as "verified" not "pending" in your UI Online account. The success stories from @Ava Garcia and @Diego Fisher prove the updated system actually works when you get the timing right. For anyone still reading this thread who's waiting for their claim approval - screenshot these timeline details because they're gold!

This thread has been such a game-changer for understanding the EDD payment process! As someone who's been lurking in this community for a while but never posted, I finally had to jump in and say thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences. I'm currently in week 3 of waiting for my claim approval, and reading through all the success stories here - especially from @Ava Garcia, @Diego Fisher, and seeing @Libby Hassan's optimistic setup - has given me so much hope. The timing breakdown everyone provided is incredibly valuable: get direct deposit set up within 24-48 hours of approval, make sure it shows "verified" status, and you have a great chance of getting that first payment deposited directly instead of waiting weeks for cards or checks. This is exactly the kind of practical, community-driven information that makes all the difference when you're stressed about paying bills. Definitely saving this thread as my action plan for when (hopefully!) my approval comes through!

I went through a similar situation last year with an "able and available" overpayment for caregiving. The good news is that temporary family caregiving can qualify for exceptions, especially if you properly disclosed it during certification. When you appeal, emphasize that you were transparent about your situation and had every intention of returning to work once your mom recovered. I also recommend calling your local Assembly member's office - they often have caseworkers who can help expedite EDD issues. Mine helped me get my appeal resolved in 6 weeks instead of months. Document everything and don't let them intimidate you into paying without fighting it first!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - I know exactly how overwhelming it feels! I had a similar overpayment notice for $4,200 last year and was terrified. The most important thing is DON'T PANIC and don't ignore it. Since you were caring for your mom and reported it during certification, you actually have a strong case for appeal. The "able and available" requirement has specific exceptions for temporary family caregiving situations. When I appealed mine, I gathered all my certification records showing I was honest about my situation, medical documentation for my family member, and a detailed timeline of events. I also filed for the overpayment waiver (DE 1446W form) at the same time, documenting my financial hardship. The whole process took about 3 months, but I ended up getting 80% of the overpayment waived. During the appeal process, they can't garnish your wages or take collection action, which gives you breathing room. Stay strong - you reported everything honestly and that matters a lot in these cases!

I'm new here but had to chime in because I went through something very similar! EDD sent me an overpayment notice 7 months after my benefits ended - turned out my employer had contested my claim months after I'd already been approved and receiving benefits. The whole process was incredibly stressful, especially since I'd already moved on and was working again. What really helped me was keeping detailed records of everything - every phone call, every piece of mail, every document I submitted. I also learned that EDD has specific timelines they have to follow for processing appeals, so don't let them drag their feet if you don't hear back within reasonable timeframes. Your roommate is lucky to have you helping her through this - having someone to organize paperwork and research the process makes a huge difference when you're already stressed about money.

I just wanted to add something that might be helpful for your roommate's situation. When EDD sends overpayment notices this late, it's often because they're conducting what's called a "cross-match" review where they compare employer records with benefit claims. Since her former employer is now claiming misconduct instead of layoff, this sounds like a classic case where the employer initially didn't contest the claim (maybe they were disorganized or understaffed) and then later decided to challenge it, possibly to reduce their unemployment insurance taxes. The good news is that if she has that layoff letter mentioning department restructuring, she's in a strong position. I'd also suggest she request her complete claim file from EDD - sometimes there are notes or communications in there that can help her case. You can request this by calling or writing to EDD, and it's free. Having the full picture of what was originally reported vs. what the employer is now claiming can really help strengthen her appeal.