This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm actually dealing with a very similar situation right now - lost my job at a tech startup three weeks ago and keep hitting the same wall when trying to file online. The EDD system keeps referencing my old claim from early 2022 and won't let me proceed with a new application, even though I've been employed continuously since August 2022. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like I'm probably dealing with the same "benefit year conflict" issue that seems to be plaguing so many people. My old claim did have some complications at the end - I think there was a question about my final certification that I never fully resolved because I got hired before it mattered. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy tomorrow and use the specific language people have shared here about asking the rep to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's such a relief to know this is a known issue with a relatively straightforward fix once you reach the right person. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that makes all the difference when dealing with government bureaucracy!

This entire thread has been so eye-opening! I'm currently going through the exact same nightmare - got laid off from my marketing job two weeks ago and EDD's system keeps blocking me from filing because of some lingering issue from my 2021 pandemic claim. I've been employed steadily since early 2022 and have way more than enough wages to qualify, but their online portal just keeps giving me cryptic error messages about my "previous benefit year." What's really reassuring is seeing how many people have dealt with this same issue and that there's actually a clear path to resolution. I had no idea this was such a widespread problem with their system! I'm definitely going to try the 8:01 AM calling strategy tomorrow morning and come prepared with all the specific language everyone has shared - especially asking them to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's incredibly frustrating that EDD's system is this broken, but at least now I know I'm not alone and that there's hope for getting this resolved quickly once I reach an actual human being. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and specific tips - this community support is invaluable when dealing with government bureaucracy!

To summarize what others have said: 1. Since you worked in California for the past 12 months, you'll file your claim with California EDD 2. Answer "yes" to the question about working in another state during the past 18 months 3. California will determine if they need to include your Texas wages in what's called a "combined wage claim" 4. If your CA wages alone qualify you for a claim, they might just process it as a CA-only claim 5. If they need your Texas wages, they'll request that information from Texas (this can delay processing by 2-3 weeks) You only need to file one claim, and that's with California. The system is designed to handle multi-state work histories. Just make sure you report all employment accurately.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - worked in California for 15 months after moving from Oregon. The process was actually pretty straightforward once I understood what to expect. I answered "yes" to the multi-state question, and EDD automatically processed it as a combined wage claim. It took about 3 weeks longer than a regular claim, but I didn't have to do anything extra on my end. They pulled my Oregon wages and included them in my benefit calculation, which actually bumped up my weekly amount by about $40. The key thing is being honest about your work history - the interstate system works pretty well when you provide accurate information upfront.

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar ID verification issue right now and was about to mail my documents like the rep told me to. Thank you everyone for mentioning ID.me - I had no idea that was even an option! It's ridiculous that EDD reps aren't consistently telling people about the faster online verification method. Going to check my UI Online account right now to look for that ID.me link. Hopefully I can get this sorted out quickly like you did Maxwell!

Just went through this exact same frustrating experience last month! The first EDD rep I spoke with also only mentioned mailing documents and made it sound like that was my only option. I was so stressed about sending my original ID through the mail. Thankfully I found out about ID.me through this community - completed the verification in about 20 minutes and my claim was approved within 48 hours. It's honestly inexcusable that some reps aren't informing people about the faster digital option. For anyone still dealing with this - definitely try the ID.me route first before resorting to mailing anything. And if you need to call EDD again, don't be afraid to ask specifically about digital verification options if they only mention mail-in documents.

One more important tip: When you mail your appeals, send them by certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you proof of when you submitted each appeal, which is crucial if there's ever a question about whether you met the deadlines. Keep copies of everything you send as well as your certified mail receipts. Also, after submitting your appeals, watch your mail carefully for hearing notices. Sometimes these can be scheduled with relatively short notice, and missing a hearing typically results in losing your appeal by default.

I went through this exact same nightmare situation! Got 5 different determination letters over 2 weeks with overlapping but slightly different accusations. Here's what I learned the hard way: 1. Appeal EVERY SINGLE LETTER separately - don't assume the redetermination replaces anything unless it explicitly states that in writing 2. Use certified mail for each appeal and keep tracking numbers 3. Write specific responses addressing the exact allegations in each letter (don't just copy/paste the same response) 4. Include all determination letter numbers and dates in your appeals even if they seem related The EDD's computer system is ancient and treats each determination as a separate case. I made the mistake of only appealing 3 out of 5 letters thinking some were duplicates, and those 2 became final determinations that I'm still fighting today. Also pro tip - if you can't get through to EDD by phone (and you probably can't), document EVERYTHING you tried to do to contact them. Print screenshots of busy signals, keep call logs, etc. This can help in your appeal if they claim you didn't try to resolve issues before the deadline. Don't let the multiple forms intimidate you - it's better to be over-thorough than to miss something and regret it later!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! My check is 10 days late and I've been checking my mailbox obsessively every day. It's so stressful when you're counting on that money for rent and groceries. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been really helpful though - at least I know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess. The fact that so many people are having the same issue with their UI Online showing 'paid' but no check in the mail makes me feel like mine isn't lost, just stuck somewhere in this broken system. I'm definitely switching to direct deposit the second this check finally shows up. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories - it really helps to know we're all in this together!

I'm in the exact same boat - my check is 8 days late and I've been losing sleep over it! Reading through all these comments has been such a huge relief though. I had no idea about the vendor change or the USPS staffing issues, so knowing this is a widespread problem and not just my payment getting lost makes me feel so much better. My UI Online shows 'paid' too, so sounds like we're all dealing with the same system delays. I'm definitely going to wait it out a bit longer and then switch to direct deposit immediately. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know we're not dealing with this stress alone!