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I've been through this exact same situation! The key is to keep trying different approaches. If you can't remember your last payment amount, try going to your local EDD office in person - sometimes they can verify your identity in other ways. Also, check if you have any old paperwork, bank statements, or emails that might have payment info. Even if it takes a while, don't give up. The system is frustrating but you'll eventually get through. Wishing you luck! 🤞
Based on everything shared here, here's a quick summary of next steps: 1. Apply with California EDD as soon as possible 2. Select "Laid Off/No Work Available" with an explanation about the remote work elimination 3. Be prepared for a 4-6 week wait for the eligibility interview 4. Gather documentation of the job change and reasons why relocation isn't possible 5. Expect some delays due to the interstate claim process This is definitely a situation where speaking with an EDD representative will be necessary. If you have trouble getting through on the phone lines (which is very common), consider using a service to help connect with a representative to address any questions about the multi-state claim.
Just wanted to add another perspective - I'm a former EDD claims examiner and can confirm that everyone here is giving you solid advice. The key thing is that your husband didn't voluntarily quit in the traditional sense - the employer fundamentally changed the job requirements by eliminating remote work. This is what we call "constructive dismissal" and it's generally considered good cause for leaving. When he files, make sure he emphasizes that continuing employment was contingent on relocating to Minnesota, which wasn't feasible. The fact that he paid taxes in both states is actually helpful documentation that shows he was legitimately working from California. Keep copies of any emails or notices from the employer about the remote work policy change - that documentation will be crucial during the eligibility interview. Also, don't be discouraged if the initial determination is unfavorable. These multi-state cases with job requirement changes often require the human review that happens during the eligibility interview to get properly resolved.
Wow, having insight from a former EDD claims examiner is incredibly reassuring! The term "constructive dismissal" is really helpful - I didn't know there was an official name for this situation. We'll definitely keep all the emails from his employer about the remote work policy change. It's good to know that even if the initial determination isn't favorable, we shouldn't give up and should push through to the eligibility interview. Thank you for taking the time to share your professional perspective!
To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
I'm in a similar situation waiting for my identity verification to be processed. From what I've read in other posts here, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how backed up they are. Some people have had success calling after 24-48 hours since the documents should show up in their system by then, and a Tier 2 rep might be able to expedite the process. I'd recommend checking your UI Online account regularly for any status updates and be patient - I know it's frustrating when you need the funds! Keep us posted on how it goes.
I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. My employer also lied and said I quit when I was clearly laid off due to "company restructuring." The most important thing right now is to start certifying for benefits IMMEDIATELY - even though you're disqualified, you need to keep certifying every two weeks or you'll lose out on backpay when you win your appeal. Here's what worked for me: I called the EDD Appeals Board directly at 1-800-300-5616 (not the regular EDD number) and was able to get through after about 45 minutes on hold. They confirmed my appeal was in the system and gave me a case number. If you can't get through by phone, definitely visit your local EDD office in person with all your documentation. Also, don't panic about the 8 weeks - mine took almost 12 weeks but I did eventually get my hearing and won. The text messages from your boss are excellent evidence. Make sure you have multiple copies printed out and organized chronologically. The judge will want to see exactly what was said and when. Hang in there - employers lie to EDD all the time to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes, but when you have clear documentation like you do, the appeals judges usually rule in favor of the employee.
This is really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same situation! I'm definitely going to call that Appeals Board number you mentioned - I didn't even know there was a separate number for appeals. Did you have to provide any additional documentation during your hearing beyond the initial text messages, or were those sufficient to prove your case? I'm trying to make sure I have everything I might need ready to go.
I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! My employer told EDD I resigned when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. It's been 6 weeks since I filed my appeal and I'm getting really worried about the silence. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying - it sounds like this happens way more often than it should. I had no idea I was supposed to keep certifying during the appeal process, so thank you everyone for mentioning that repeatedly. I'm going to start doing that immediately. One question for those who have been through this - when you finally got your hearing, did your employer actually show up to defend their false claim? I'm wondering if some employers just lie initially hoping you won't appeal, but then don't bother showing up to the hearing when they know they'll lose. Also, has anyone had success getting legal help for these cases? I'm wondering if having an attorney would speed things up or make the outcome more certain, especially since my financial situation is getting desperate.
Aisha Abdullah
I swear EDD is like playing the lottery. You might get lucky and get through, or you might waste your whole day listening to hold music. Anyone else feel like they're gonna go crazy if they hear that 'your call is important to us' message one more time?
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Ethan Wilson
•OMG YES. I hear that message in my nightmares now 😱
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James Maki
I've been in this exact situation before! Here's what worked for me: First, don't panic - they understand people miss interviews. Try calling the dedicated interview line (1-800-300-5616) rather than the main number. If you can't get through, log into your EDD account and look for a "Request Interview" or "Reschedule Interview" option. Also, try calling at different times - I had luck around 2-3 PM when call volume was lower. Keep a log of when you called and any confirmation numbers. Worst case, you can contact your state assembly member's office for help. You've got this! 💪
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CosmicCrusader
•This is super helpful! I didn't even know there was a dedicated interview line. Going to try that number first thing tomorrow. Thanks for giving me some hope that this can actually get resolved! 🙏
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