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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!
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.
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! 😤
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! 🤞
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 really sorry you're going through this - the EDD system can be incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances. Based on what you've shared, here are a few things that might help: Your $2,300 from the February temp job could potentially qualify you for a new claim if it puts you over the minimum earnings threshold in your base period. The calculation is complex, but it's definitely worth having EDD review your case. A few immediate steps I'd suggest: 1. Apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and any local emergency assistance programs while you sort out the EDD situation 2. Contact your local Community Action Agency - they often have emergency rent assistance funds 3. If you have any medical documentation related to stress/anxiety from unemployment, consider looking into State Disability Insurance (SDI) as a temporary bridge For getting through to EDD, try calling right at 8:00 AM when the lines open - that's usually when you have the best chance of getting through. Have all your documentation ready including pay stubs from that temp job. Don't lose hope - I've seen people in similar situations get approved for new claims or find other assistance programs. The system is confusing but there are options out there. Keep advocating for yourself and don't be afraid to escalate if the first representative you speak with can't help.
This is really comprehensive advice, thank you! I'm going to start with CalFresh and calling 211 first thing tomorrow morning since those seem like they could provide the quickest relief. The Community Action Agency suggestion is new to me - I'll look up the one in my area. And you're absolutely right about calling EDD at 8 AM sharp - I've been trying random times throughout the day which obviously isn't working. I really appreciate you taking the time to lay out such a clear action plan when I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now.
I've been through this exact situation and wanted to share what worked for me. First, don't panic - there are still options even after exhaustion. Your February temp work might actually be more helpful than you think. When I was in a similar spot, I had earned about $2,800 from a short-term contract job after filing my original claim. EDD was able to establish a new claim based on those earnings, even though my benefit year hadn't ended yet. Here's what I learned: - The key is whether your temp earnings create a valid base period for a new claim - You need at least $1,300 in your highest earning quarter of the new base period - Your total base period earnings must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter Call EDD and specifically ask them to review your case for a "subsequent valid claim" based on your February employment. Don't let them brush you off - this is a legitimate option that many representatives aren't familiar with. Also, while you're waiting, definitely apply for CalFresh and check with your county's General Relief program. Some counties have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent for people between benefit periods. The Training Extension program mentioned by others is solid too if you're interested in career training. I wish I had known about that option when I was going through this. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but there are paths forward!
@a395bec4f6e2 This is such valuable information! I'm definitely going to use that exact terminology when I call. Quick question - when you got your subsequent valid claim approved, did it affect your original benefit year end date at all? Like, did you get a completely new benefit year or did it still end on the original date? Also wondering if the weekly benefit amount changed based on the new earnings calculation. I'm trying to understand what to expect if this actually works out for me.
@a395bec4f6e2 I had to provide my pay stubs from the temp job and they verified the employment through their usual process. The hardest part was getting a representative who actually understood what a subsequent valid claim was - I had to call three times before someone knew what I was talking about. To answer @8d84c90dd57a's question, yes you get a completely new benefit year starting from when you file the subsequent claim, and the weekly benefit amount is recalculated based on your new base period earnings. In my case it was actually slightly lower than my original claim because the temp work paid less than my previous job, but it was still worth it to have income again. Make sure to emphasize that the temp work was AFTER you filed your original claim - that's the key requirement they look for.
Caleb Stone
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
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Olivia Evans
•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.
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Noah Irving
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.
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Luca Romano
•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!
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