Just wanted to add my voice to everyone encouraging you to apply! I'm a newer member here but went through unemployment after being terminated for "performance issues" that were really just retaliation for filing a workers' comp claim. The advice about documenting everything is spot on. I kept a detailed timeline of events and it made all the difference during my phone interview. Since you mentioned having witnesses to the harassment incident, try to get their contact info if possible - EDD sometimes reaches out to witnesses during their investigation. One thing I wish someone had told me: don't panic if your online account shows confusing status updates or if the process takes longer than expected. The EDD system can be glitchy and timelines vary a lot. Just keep certifying every two weeks and stay on top of any correspondence they send you. Your situation sounds much stronger than mine was, and I still got approved after the contest. Standing up against workplace harassment is definitely not misconduct - it's basic human decency. You did the right thing and you deserve these benefits while you find new employment. Good luck with your application!

Just chiming in as someone who works in HR - what you experienced sounds like textbook retaliation, not legitimate insubordination. Most companies know that terminating someone for intervening in harassment situations opens them up to serious legal liability, but some still try it hoping the employee won't fight back. A few things to keep in mind for your application: - California Labor Code Section 1102.5 specifically protects employees who report violations of law (harassment based on accent/national origin is illegal) - Your lack of any prior disciplinary actions actually strengthens your case significantly - The timing (terminated the day after intervening) makes the retaliation pretty obvious When you describe the incident in your application, emphasize that you witnessed discriminatory harassment and took appropriate action to address it. Don't downplay what you did - you protected a vulnerable coworker from illegal treatment. Your manager's threat about not qualifying for benefits is just an intimidation tactic. Apply immediately and don't let them scare you out of benefits you've rightfully earned. The worst case scenario is you get initially denied and have to appeal, but even then you have a strong case. You've got this!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just got approved for benefits this week and have been searching everywhere in UI Online for the direct deposit setup. It's so frustrating that they don't make this more obvious or let you set it up right when your claim gets approved. Based on what everyone is saying here, it sounds like I'll need to wait until after I certify for my first week before the option even appears. Has anyone had success calling EDD directly to get this set up early, or do we really have to wait for that first payment cycle? I'm hoping to avoid the Money Network card entirely if possible.

I had this exact same frustration when I first got approved! The direct deposit option is essentially locked until you complete your first certification cycle. Here's what worked for me: 1) Make sure your ID.me verification is 100% complete (you can check this in your account profile), 2) Certify for your first week this Sunday, 3) Wait 3-5 business days for EDD to process that payment, 4) Log back into UI Online and look for "Payment Method" or "Payment Preferences" - it should finally appear after your first payment processes. I know it's backwards that you can't set it up beforehand, but that's just how their system works. The good news is once you get it configured, direct deposit is much faster than waiting for the card! Pro tip: have your bank routing/account numbers and a voided check ready because they'll need to verify your account with micro deposits before fully activating it.

That's awesome news! So glad you got approved and will start receiving payments. The wage verification interview is usually much more straightforward - they just need to confirm your earnings history matches what your employer reported. Since you already passed the separation issue interview, this second one shouldn't put your benefits at risk. Thanks for updating us - it's really helpful to see how these situations play out!

I'm so glad to hear you got approved and will start receiving payments! That must be such a huge relief, especially with rent worries. Your experience really highlights how EDD's system can schedule multiple interviews for completely different issues - it's confusing but apparently normal. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone here. Stories like yours help the rest of us understand that getting a second interview notice doesn't necessarily mean something went wrong with the first one. Hope your wage verification interview goes smoothly too!

I went through this nightmare too! Here's what finally worked for me: I called the Bank of America EDD line (1-866-692-9374) early in the morning around 8am - way less busy than calling EDD directly. They were able to tell me my card was actually delivered but to the wrong mailbox in my apartment complex. The postal worker had been putting it in a different unit! BoA expedited a replacement card for free and I got it in 3 business days. Also, once you do get your card, definitely set up direct deposit ASAP so you never have to deal with this mail situation again. Good luck! 🤞

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - it's been 3 weeks since my card was supposedly "issued" and nothing in my mailbox. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like calling Bank of America directly at 1-866-692-9374 in the early morning might be the way to go instead of trying to reach EDD. Has anyone had success getting BoA to expedite a replacement card if the original got lost in the mail? Also wondering if there's a way to track the card delivery through USPS once BoA confirms they sent it out. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with unemployment 😩

Just for everyone's reference - if you need your 1099-G from previous years (not just 2024), you can get those online too. They keep them available for at least 5 years. Same location that @profile3 mentioned - at the bottom of the UI Online homepage under Tax Information. If you filed taxes without reporting unemployment in past years, you should file an amended return!

For anyone still having trouble finding their 2024 1099-G, I just want to add that if you received benefits from multiple states or had any overpayments that were later recouped, your form might look different than expected. Also, if you moved during the year and changed your address with EDD, double-check that your mailing address is current in case you need them to mail a paper copy. I learned this the hard way when mine got sent to my old apartment! The online version should still be available regardless of address changes though.