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i wish they explained this stuff clearly on there notices!!! my cousin got his wages garnished 50% cuz he thought filing an appeal stopped everything automatically but it didn't and now hes behind on his car payments
You're absolutely right. The notices should clearly explain that filing appeals or waivers doesn't automatically stop collection actions. Many people learn this the hard way, and 50% wage garnishment is devastating for most households. Always request a formal stay of collection in writing while simultaneously setting up at least a minimal payment plan.
I went through this exact situation last year and learned some hard lessons. Here's what I wish I had known: the 30-day response deadline on your notice means you need to take ACTION, not just submit paperwork. Even though you're filing a DE-100, you should also call EDD immediately to request a temporary collection hold while your hardship waiver is being reviewed. I made the mistake of thinking the DE-100 submission would automatically pause everything, but they continued sending threatening letters and almost started garnishment. Also, keep detailed records of every interaction - dates, times, representative names, confirmation numbers. The system is frustrating but there are people there who will help if you're persistent and follow the right steps. Don't let the fear paralyze you into doing nothing - that's when the penalties really add up.
This is exactly what I needed to hear from someone who's been through it! I was definitely making the mistake of thinking the DE-100 would pause everything automatically. Your point about the 30-day deadline meaning taking ACTION vs just submitting paperwork really clarifies things for me. I'm going to call first thing tomorrow and explicitly request that temporary collection hold while documenting everything like you suggested. Thank you for sharing your experience - it's helping me avoid the same costly mistakes!
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!
So glad to see a positive outcome! I'm actually scheduled for one of these interviews next week and was starting to panic after reading some horror stories online. Your experience gives me hope that it really is just a routine check. Did they ask to see any documentation during the zoom call or was it mostly just verbal questions about your job search?
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!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! You're so right about the timeline being unreasonable - only 9 days including weekends when I didn't even receive it until day 6 is just setting people up to fail. I'm definitely filing the appeal online today and will try calling at 8:02 AM sharp tomorrow with all my documentation ready. It's really encouraging to know that these timing issues get overturned frequently on appeal. Thank you for breaking it down so clearly - I feel much more confident about fighting this now! 💪
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!
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.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It's honestly such a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare. The panic when you first see that overpayment notice is unreal - my heart literally dropped when I opened it. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service to get through to EDD since calling them normally seems impossible. Did they give you any timeline when you requested the collections pause, or did they just say they'd note it? I'm worried they'll start taking money from my current benefits before I even get a chance to submit all my paperwork. Thanks again for the encouragement - it really helps to know others have gotten through this process successfully!
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!
Nia Jackson
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.
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Natasha Volkova
•Thanks for sharing your experience! 6 AM sounds like torture but if it works, it works 😅 I've been trying at random times throughout the day with no luck. Did you notice any particular pattern with which browser worked best, or was it just about avoiding the peak hours?
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Jay Lincoln
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! 😤
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Benjamin Kim
•I totally feel your frustration! I've been in that same loop for about 2 weeks now and it's driving me absolutely crazy. The "unemployment purgatory" description is so accurate - it's like the system knows what you need to do but actively prevents you from doing it. Have you tried the early morning approach that @Nia Jackson mentioned? I m'thinking of setting my alarm for 5:30 AM tomorrow to try at 6 AM sharp. At this point I m'willing to sacrifice sleep if it means breaking through this ridiculous loop! Let me know if you find anything that works - we re'all in this together! 🤞
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