Just wanted to add that if you do decide to appeal the overpayment, make sure you keep paying on the payment plan while the appeal is pending! I made the mistake of thinking I could stop payments during my appeal process and they immediately canceled my payment plan and started collection actions. The appeal and payment plan are completely separate processes. Also, if you win your appeal, they'll refund any payments you made, so you're not losing money by continuing to pay while appealing. Learned this the hard way after my payment plan got canceled and it took months to get reinstated!

This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I'm in almost the exact same boat - got an overpayment notice for $890 three weeks ago, set up a payment plan, and have been going crazy trying to figure out where to actually pay. Like everyone else, I kept looking in UI Online and couldn't find anything. It's absolutely mind-boggling that they make you set up the plan online but then you have to hunt around for completely different ways to actually make the payments! @Serene Snow that electronic payment system link is gold - I had no idea that existed. Going to try that first since it sounds way more reliable than mailing checks and hoping they don't get lost. @Lim Wong thanks for the heads up about keeping payments current even during appeals - that's definitely not intuitive but makes sense given how strict they are about everything. One question for the group: has anyone had issues with the electronic payment system taking longer than expected to process? My first payment is due next week and I'm paranoid about timing. Should I give it a few extra days or does it usually process pretty quickly?

Update: I certified this weekend and reported my earnings exactly as explained here. My payment was processed and I received $118! (Slightly different than the $120 calculation but close enough). Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on getting it sorted out! That $2 difference is totally normal - I've noticed EDD's system sometimes has slight variations in calculations, probably due to rounding or how they handle cents. The important thing is you got the partial benefits you were entitled to. For anyone else reading this thread, this is a perfect example of why it's so helpful to understand the formula beforehand. You knew what to expect and could verify the payment was correct. Keep documenting everything in case you need it later!

Just to clarify some information here: When you report a bonus, the EDD needs to determine: 1) If the bonus was allocated to the week you reported it (correct) or if it should have been allocated to when it was earned (which could affect prior weeks) 2) Whether the bonus affects your eligibility for that week based on your weekly benefit amount and the partial benefit formula The holiday might add a small delay, but as others have mentioned, the main issue is the manual review triggered by reporting additional income. Speaking with a representative is definitely your best option to expedite this. When you do reach someone, ask them specifically to review the bonus income you reported and request that they release the pending payments if everything is in order. Be polite but persistent.

UPDATE: I managed to get through to EDD this morning! The representative confirmed that reporting the bonus triggered an automatic review. She verified the information and released both weeks of payments! They should be on my card within 24-48 hours. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

@1e0e05271c72 Hey Ally! I just went through this process last month so it's still fresh in my mind. One thing that really helped me was setting aside a full afternoon to do the application - don't try to rush through it during a lunch break or something. The forms can be pretty detailed and you'll want to double-check everything. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, definitely have all those W-2s or pay stubs handy because they'll ask for specific dates and wages. The worst part is honestly just the waiting after you submit, but once you get through the initial application it gets easier. Feel free to ask if you get stuck on any specific part!

@1e0e05271c72 Hey Ally! Just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through this whole process. One thing I wish I'd known upfront is to apply as soon as possible after your last day of work - there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so the sooner you file the better. Also, keep a notebook or document where you track all the important dates and confirmation numbers - trust me, you'll need to reference them later! The process definitely feels overwhelming at first but everyone here has given you amazing advice. You're not alone in this and the community here is super supportive. Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to come back with questions as you go through it! 🤗

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I appreciate all the explanations. It makes sense now why the claim starts on April 14th - the 2 weeks of vacation pay essentially pushed the start date. Frustrating, but at least we understand the system now. We'll adjust our budget accordingly and look forward to the regular payments starting after the waiting week.

I'm new here but going through something similar right now. My company laid me off last week and I also got vacation payout, so this thread is really helpful! One question - does the vacation payout delay apply even if your employer pays it out as a lump sum rather than allocating it to specific weeks? My HR said they're just putting it all on my final paycheck without specifying dates. Will EDD still push back my claim start date?