Just wanted to update everyone - I successfully got switched to paper checks! I followed @Sophia Nguyen's advice exactly: downloaded the DE 5113 form, filled it out completely, and both mailed AND faxed it to EDD. I also wrote "PAPER CHECK REQUEST" in big letters at the top like @Andre Laurent suggested. Called 3 business days later and got through to a rep who confirmed they received both copies and processed my request immediately. My first paper check arrived exactly 8 days after certification - right in the middle of the 7-10 day window they quoted. For anyone else considering this route: yes, it takes longer than the card, but the peace of mind is totally worth it. No frozen accounts, no activation issues, no transfer fees - just a reliable check in my mailbox that I can deposit at my own bank. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and practical tips. This community is incredibly helpful! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Just filed my claim last week and was shocked that there's no obvious way to select paper checks in the UI Online portal. After reading through all these responses, I'm convinced that submitting the DE 5113 form is the way to go. One question for those who've successfully made the switch: how long after submitting the form did it take before EDD confirmed the change was processed? I'm worried about timing this right so my first payment doesn't get stuck in limbo between the card system and paper check system. Also, has anyone had success requesting paper checks if you already have an old Money Network card from a previous claim? I'm wondering if having that card on file makes the process more complicated. Thanks for all the detailed advice in this thread - you've all saved me hours of frustration trying to figure this out on my own!

Just wanted to add my experience to help ease your mind. I missed an eligibility interview back in February because I was in the hospital (didn't even know about it until after). I called EDD as soon as I found out, explained the situation, and they rescheduled me without any penalties. The key was contacting them right away and having a legitimate reason. Working to pay back an overpayment is definitely a legitimate reason! Document all your call attempts and keep trying to reach them before the interview date. Best of luck!

I've been in a similar situation and here's what worked for me: Try calling EDD at exactly 8:01 AM (not 8:00) - sometimes there's a tiny window where the system isn't completely overloaded yet. Also, if you have a smartphone, try using the "redial" feature repeatedly while doing other things. I got through after about 200 redials one morning. Another tip - if you can't reschedule and absolutely have to take the call during work, prepare a one-page summary of your overpayment situation beforehand. Having all your dates, amounts, and explanations ready can cut the interview time down to under 10 minutes. I know it's stressful, but don't panic - EDD deals with scheduling conflicts all the time and most reps are understanding if you're proactive about communicating.

FINAL UPDATE: All my pending payments were released yesterday! The EDD specialist I spoke with must have expedited my case. Received all 3 weeks of back payments via direct deposit. Such a relief. For anyone else facing this issue - don't wait around hoping it resolves itself. Getting through to an actual human at EDD is absolutely necessary with the "more info needed" status.

Wow, thank you so much for sharing this entire journey from start to resolution! As someone who's currently dealing with a similar "more info needed" status (going on week 2 now), your experience gives me hope that there IS a solution. The fact that your employer contested the claim without EDD properly notifying you is infuriating but unfortunately not surprising based on what I've been reading here. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service you mentioned - at this point the phone system seems completely impossible to navigate on your own. Quick question - when you spoke with the EDD rep, did they mention anything about whether this kind of employer contest is common? I'm wondering if my former company might have done something similar since my situation sounds almost identical to yours. Thanks again for taking the time to update everyone. Posts like this are exactly what people in our situation need to see!

Update: Got my decision in the mail today! That's 13 days after the hearing. The judge ruled in my favor and found that I had correctly reported all my income! They're cancelling the overpayment and will refund the money they've been deducting from my payments. So relieved this nightmare is over. Thanks everyone for your help and support!

Congratulations Nia! That's such fantastic news! 🎉 It's so encouraging to see someone win their appeal, especially when they clearly had their documentation together like you did. Your timeline of 13 days is really helpful for others going through this process too. Definitely keep multiple copies of that decision letter - scan it and save digital copies just in case. Hope the refund process goes smoothly and you can finally breathe easy knowing this is behind you!

When I broke my ankle last year I found that my city has a temporary disability assistance program thru the social services dept. It wasn't much $ but helped with rent for 2 months while I healed. Maybe check if your area has something similar? Just google "[your county] emergency assistance program" or call 211.

I'm sorry to hear about your accident and the difficult situation you're in. Since you've already confirmed you don't qualify for UI or SDI, here are a few additional resources that might help bridge the gap while you recover: 1. Check if either of your delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.) have any emergency assistance programs for drivers - some companies started offering these during COVID 2. Look into your county's General Relief/General Assistance program - it's designed for people who don't qualify for other benefits 3. Contact The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or other local faith-based organizations - they often have emergency rent assistance funds 4. If you have a credit union account, many offer emergency hardship loans with low interest rates Also, once you're healed, consider enrolling in DIEC (Disability Insurance Elective Coverage) for future protection - it's only about 1% of your income but could save you in situations like this. Hope your wrist heals quickly!