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I had this exact same issue last year! The trick that finally worked for me was using the EDD website during off-peak hours - try logging in really early in the morning (like 5-6 AM) or late at night (after 10 PM). The system seems to work better when there's less traffic. Also, make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might interfere with the site. I had to disable my ad blocker and password manager to get it to work properly. If you're still stuck after a few more days, another option is to contact your local assembly member's office - they often have staff who can help navigate EDD issues and sometimes get faster responses than calling directly.
I'm dealing with something similar right now! Got my customer account number three days ago and it's still not working. Reading through these responses, it sounds like the processing delay is real even though the letter doesn't mention it anywhere. That's so misleading! I'm going to try Oliver's suggestion about using the site during off-peak hours while I wait for the processing period to finish. Has anyone had success with contacting their assembly member's office? That sounds like it might be worth trying if the phone lines stay jammed. This whole system really needs to be redesigned - it's causing so much unnecessary stress when people are already dealing with job loss.
I actually contacted my assembly member's office when I had a similar EDD issue about 6 months ago, and it was surprisingly helpful! They have caseworkers who deal with EDD problems regularly and know exactly who to contact. It took about a week, but they were able to get my account issue resolved when I couldn't get through on the phone lines at all. You just need to call their local office and explain that you're having trouble with EDD - they're used to these requests. Worth trying if the off-peak hours trick doesn't work for you!
Final update: Got my issue resolved after 2.5 hour call. Worth it but I'm never doing this manual calling process again. Next time I'm using an automated service for sure.
For anyone new to this thread: EDD hours are 8am-5pm M-F, they don't answer 12-1:30pm for lunch, expect 20-100+ redial attempts just to get on hold, and 30-50% of calls drop even when you do get through. Plan accordingly.
This is incredibly helpful - thank you for the comprehensive summary! I'm new to this nightmare and was about to start calling randomly. Now I know to block out an entire day and prepare mentally for the marathon ahead.
Welcome to the club nobody wants to be in! @Natasha Petrova One thing I d'add - make sure you have a backup plan. I spent 2 weeks doing the manual calling grind before I discovered services like Claimyr. Sometimes paying $20 to save your sanity is the smartest move you can make.
I had my appeal hearing postponed TWICE after waiting 3 months for the initial date. The whole process took almost 6 months from start to finish. But I did eventually win and got all my backpay. Stay patient and persistent!
I'm in a similar situation - submitted my appeal in late January and still waiting! It's so frustrating not knowing when this will be resolved. One thing that's helped me mentally is setting up a simple tracking system. I created a calendar reminder to check the status every Friday, and I'm documenting everything in a notebook - when I submitted, any correspondence, etc. It makes me feel like I'm doing something productive while waiting. Also, I've been using this time to strengthen my case by organizing all my job search records and writing practice responses to potential hearing questions. The waiting is awful, but at least we can use this time to prepare thoroughly. Hang in there - sounds like most people eventually get their hearings scheduled even if it takes longer than expected!
That's a really smart approach! I should definitely start doing something similar to stay organized and feel more in control of the situation. The tracking system idea is brilliant - I've just been anxiously checking the status randomly which probably isn't helping my stress levels. Thanks for sharing your strategy, it's nice to know someone else is going through the exact same timeline. We'll both get through this eventually!
I'm in a similar situation right now - my payment just switched to "Paid" status three days ago and I'm anxiously waiting for the card too! Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful. It sounds like 7-10 business days is pretty standard, which puts me right around the same timeline as you Diego. I'm also planning to call Money Network tomorrow morning early like Zainab suggested. Has anyone had luck with asking EDD directly if they can note your account for urgent delivery? I'm wondering if that actually speeds things up or if it's just something they say to get you off the phone. Either way, it's good to know we're not alone in this waiting game!
I'm in the exact same boat as you! My payment just switched to "Paid" yesterday and I'm already stress-checking the mailbox twice a day 😅 From what I've read in this thread, it seems like noting your account for urgent delivery might help, but it's hard to tell if it actually speeds things up or just makes us feel like we're doing something. I'm definitely going to try calling Money Network early tomorrow too - seems like that 8 AM timing tip could make all the difference in actually getting through to someone. At least we know the money is coming, even if the waiting is brutal!
I went through this exact same stress last year! My card took 9 business days to arrive in Pomona, so being in San Bernardino you should expect similar timing. One thing that really helped me was setting up a Money Network account online as soon as my payment hit "Paid" status - you can actually check if your funds are available even before the physical card arrives (just use your SSN and the info from your EDD account). This won't speed up delivery but at least you'll know your money is safely loaded and waiting for you. Also, don't be afraid to explain the situation to your landlord - most understand unemployment payment delays and may work with you on timing. The waiting is absolutely the worst part, but you're almost there! Once you get it, definitely set up direct deposit immediately so you never have to go through this card waiting anxiety again.
Thanks for the detailed info! I'm actually curious about setting up the Money Network account before getting the card - I saw earlier in the thread that Zara mentioned she couldn't create an account without info from the physical card. Did they change their system since then? I'd love to be able to check that my funds are there while waiting for the card to arrive. Also definitely planning to set up direct deposit ASAP once I get access!
Yuki Tanaka
I'm dealing with something similar right now! Filed my claim three weeks ago and my weekly benefit is only $240, which seems really low based on my previous job's salary. After reading through all these comments, I'm pretty sure it's the base period issue everyone's talking about. I had a period of unemployment about 8 months ago where I was doing some freelance work that paid much less than my regular job. It's so confusing that they don't use your most recent earnings - seems like that would give a much more accurate picture of what you actually need to cover your expenses. I've been putting off calling because I know how impossible it is to get through, but seeing that Owen finally connected gives me some motivation to try the 8am trick. Really wish EDD would just send a clear breakdown with the award letter explaining exactly how they calculated everything instead of making us all play detective!
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Fiona Sand
•I'm in the exact same situation! Just filed my claim last week and got my award letter yesterday - only $195/week which is nowhere near what I need to cover my basic expenses. I had no idea about the base period calculation until reading through this thread. I was making decent money at my last job but had a few months of part-time retail work about a year ago that must be dragging down my benefit amount. It's so frustrating that they use this outdated system instead of just looking at your most recent salary. I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling trick tomorrow - fingers crossed I can get through like Owen did. Thanks for sharing your experience, it's helpful to know I'm not the only one confused by all this!
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Malik Jackson
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim two weeks ago and my weekly benefit is only $305, which is way less than I expected based on my salary from my previous tech job. Reading through all these comments about the base period calculation really opened my eyes - I had no idea they don't use your most recent quarters. I switched from a lower-paying job to a much higher-paying one about 10 months ago, so they're probably using my old wages in the calculation. It's so counterintuitive that they wouldn't use your most recent earnings to determine what you need to live on! I've been dreading calling because everyone talks about how impossible it is to get through, but seeing Owen's success with the 8am trick gives me hope. Going to set my alarm and try first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I understand why my amount is so low, even if I don't like it!
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