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Wow, this is exactly why I've been hesitant to switch to the Money Network card! I've been getting paper checks since I started my claim and even though they take longer, hearing all these hacking stories makes me want to stick with them. It's crazy that these scammers are specifically targeting EDD recipients - like we don't have enough stress already! Glad you were able to switch back online without having to deal with EDD's phone system. That would have been a nightmare on top of everything else. Definitely smart to report it to Money Network too even though you're switching away from the card.
You're absolutely right to stick with paper checks! I wish I had done more research before switching to the card. The convenience just isn't worth the security risk. Between this attempted hack and reading about @Keith Davidson losing $850, I m'never trusting these cards again. The extra few days wait for a check is nothing compared to potentially losing your entire benefit payment to some scammer.
This is such a scary situation but I'm glad you caught it early! I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and stories like this make me so nervous about the Money Network card. I actually had mine compromised too back in December - someone made a $200 purchase at some store in Florida (I live in Sacramento!). The fraud department did reverse it but it took almost 2 weeks and during that time my card was frozen so I couldn't access any of my benefits. Had to borrow money from family just to buy groceries. Ever since then I've been paranoid about checking my account daily. I'm seriously considering switching to paper checks after reading this thread. Sure they're slower but at least nobody can drain your account while you're sleeping! Thanks for sharing your experience and the step-by-step instructions everyone provided.
Oh my god, that's exactly what I was worried about! Having your card frozen for 2 weeks while they investigate sounds like absolute hell - especially when you're already struggling financially. That's such a long time to go without access to your benefits. I can't believe these scammers are making purchases in completely different states and it still takes that long to resolve. You're definitely right about switching to paper checks - I'd rather wait a few extra days than deal with that kind of stress and uncertainty. Thanks for sharing your experience, it really reinforces that I made the right choice switching back!
So glad you got through and got it resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for other people dealing with the same nightmare. I've been putting off calling EDD about my own pending issue for weeks because I dreaded the phone system, but seeing all these specific strategies gives me hope. Going to try the 8:01am trick with the 833 number tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually worked!
You got this! The 8:01am trick really does work - just make sure you have your claim info ready to go because once you get through, they move pretty fast. Also don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries. I had to attempt it three mornings straight before connecting, but it was so worth it when I finally talked to someone. Good luck tomorrow morning!
This whole thread is a goldmine of actual working solutions! I've been lurking here for weeks reading about everyone's EDD struggles, and seeing Andre's success story plus all the specific tactics that actually worked gives me so much hope. I'm dealing with a similar pending claim situation (6 weeks now, ugh) and have been too intimidated to even try calling after hearing horror stories about the phone system. But reading through all these comments, especially the former EDD employee's insider tips and the exact timing strategies, I'm finally ready to tackle this tomorrow morning. Going to set my alarm for 7:55am and try the 833 number with the "payment issue" routing. Wish me luck! And thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that actually helps people navigate this broken system.
Anybody else think its weird that we can order a pizza, book a flight, and do our taxes online but we cant get basic help from the government without jumping through 1000 hoops? 🤔
I feel you on this struggle! After dealing with the same nightmare for weeks, here's what finally worked for me: I started calling the technical support line (1-800-300-5616) instead of the main number. They can sometimes transfer you directly to claims or at least give you better info on system status. Also, try calling on Wednesdays or Thursdays - seems like Mondays and Fridays are absolute chaos. Keep a log of when you call and what happens, it might help if you need to escalate later. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 💪
This is super helpful, thanks! I never thought about trying the technical support line. Definitely going to give that a shot tomorrow. The idea about keeping a log is smart too - I've been so frustrated I haven't been tracking anything. Really appreciate you sharing what worked for you! 🙏
Wait, there's a technical support line?! 🤯 I've been banging my head against the wall with the main number for weeks. You just saved me so much hassle - definitely calling that number first thing tomorrow morning. The Wednesday/Thursday tip is genius too, makes total sense that beginning/end of week would be swamped. Thanks for sharing the actual helpful advice instead of just complaining!
Update: I was able to use Claimyr this morning and got through to EDD in about 15 minutes! The rep was actually really helpful and rescheduled my interview for next week when I'm off work. She also said I should absolutely respond to the overpayment notice separately by the deadline. For the hostile workplace documentation, I'm gathering all my emails to management and texts from coworkers who witnessed the incidents. Thanks everyone for your help - I was really panicking about this!
Great update! So glad you got through and rescheduled - missing that interview would have been a nightmare. Just a heads up for your hostile workplace interview: they'll likely ask very specific questions about what steps you took to address the issues before quitting, so make sure you have those emails to district management ready. Also, if you have any documentation of how the hostile environment affected your work performance or mental health, that can help strengthen your case. Good luck with the new job and the interview!
That's such a relief that you got it rescheduled! I'm new to this whole process but have been following your situation since I might be facing something similar with my own workplace issues. Quick question - when you talked to the EDD rep through Claimyr, did they mention anything about how detailed your documentation needs to be for the hostile workplace claim? I'm trying to figure out if screenshots of text messages and witness statements would be enough, or if I need more formal documentation.
Kristin Frank
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: 1. Use whatever name is on your Social Security card - this is KEY because that's what they cross-reference with your employment records 2. When you file, there's usually a section where you can add notes or explain special circumstances - mention your recent marriage and name change there 3. Have your marriage certificate ready to upload or fax if they ask for it 4. If you get stuck in the system, try calling first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - better chance of getting through The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, but I got my benefits backdated to my original filing date. Don't stress too much - they see this situation all the time and have procedures for it. Congrats on getting married btw! 🎉
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Adaline Wong
•Thank you so much for the detailed breakdown! 🙏 The tip about calling at 8:01 AM is gold - I never would have thought of that timing. Quick question: when you mentioned uploading the marriage certificate, did you have to get it certified/notarized first, or was a regular copy okay?
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QuantumQuester
•@Kristin Frank Just a regular copy worked for me! I was worried about the same thing, but they didn t'need it notarized. I just scanned my marriage certificate and uploaded it through their document portal. The key is making sure it s'clear and readable - I learned that lesson the hard way when they rejected my first blurry photo 😅 Save yourself the extra trip to the notary!
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Oliver Alexander
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just got married last month and I'm about to file for unemployment. This thread is so helpful - I was totally confused about which name to use. Sounds like the consensus is to go with whatever's on your Social Security card. Quick question for anyone who's been through this - how long did it take to get your Social Security card updated with your new name? I'm wondering if I should wait for that to come in first or just file now with my maiden name that's currently on the card. My employer has been paying into the system under my maiden name anyway, so maybe that makes more sense? Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone - makes me feel way less alone in dealing with this bureaucratic maze! 😊
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