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Just got laid off from my warehouse job right before Christmas (worst timing ever!) and I've been collecting unemployment since January. My claim balance is getting super low - only 2 more weeks of payments left according to my UI Online account. I've been applying everywhere but the job market is terrible right now in my area. Is there any way to extend my regular UI benefits once they run out? Do I need to file a new claim or is there some extension program I should apply for? My rent is due on the 1st and I'm seriously starting to panic about what happens when these benefits end. Help!!
Update: I managed to get through to EDD using that Claimyr service someone recommended above. The agent confirmed what everyone here said - there are no extensions right now. BUT she helped me with two important things: 1. She said I should apply for a new claim after my benefit year ends in December (even though I haven't worked much) because some of my older wages might qualify me for a small new claim 2. She helped me fix a pending payment I didn't even realize was stuck in the system from 3 weeks ago! Extra $450 I didn't know I was getting! Still stressing about the long term, but at least I have a better understanding of my options now. Thanks everyone for your help! Off to apply for CalFresh next.
Glad you got through to EDD and found that extra payment! That's a huge relief. Just wanted to add that when you do apply for CalFresh, make sure to mention that your unemployment is ending soon - they can process your application faster if you're facing an immediate loss of income. Also, if you haven't already, check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local resources like food banks and emergency rental assistance programs in your area. They might have programs specifically for people transitioning off unemployment benefits. Hang in there - the job market has been brutal but it's slowly improving in some sectors!
Hi everyone, I just landed a job after 4 months of unemployment and I'm starting next week (finally!). I'm wondering if EDD automatically contacts my new employer once I start working there? I reported on my certification that I found work but I'm a bit concerned about privacy. My new boss doesn't know I was on unemployment and I'd rather keep it that way. Will EDD send them some kind of verification form or call them to confirm I'm working there? Just trying to avoid any awkward conversations during my first few weeks. Thanks for any insights!
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'll make sure I report everything accurately on my final certification. I'm still a bit nervous after reading some of these experiences, but it sounds like direct contact with my new employer isn't standard procedure. I'll stop certifying once I start the new job and hopefully that'll be the end of it. Really appreciate all your insights!
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! EDD didn't contact my new employer at all - they only do that in specific audit situations or if there's a red flag in your claim. The key is being completely honest on your final certification about your start date and wages. Once you report that you're working full-time and stop certifying, EDD considers your claim closed and moves on. Your new employer gets the standard new hire paperwork (like the DE 34 form) that they have to file for ALL employees, but nothing specifically about unemployment benefits. Best of luck with the new job - you've got this!
Received a notice saying I need to call EDD within 10 days to schedule a phone interview but I've been trying for 3 days straight and can't get through. The notice doesn't give a direct number, just says to call the main line. I'm following the 1-wait-1-1-*** pattern but keep getting 'too busy' message. Anyone else dealt with this call in notice response requirement? I'm worried about missing the deadline.
The call in notice response system worked better pre-pandemic when you could visit offices in person. Now it's all phone-based and the infrastructure can't handle the volume.
Final update: Got my call in notice response completed using automated calling service. Took 28 minutes total vs the 6 days I spent trying manually. Should have done it from day 1.
I'm in the exact same situation right now - day 4 of trying to get through for my call in notice response with only 6 days left on the deadline. Reading all these experiences really shows how broken this system is. I think I need to bite the bullet and use Claimyr too. The manual calling approach seems like it could easily eat up my remaining time with no guarantee of success.
Just signed up for Claimyr after reading all these horror stories about manual calling. I'm on day 5 of my 10-day deadline and can't risk running out of time. The fact that so many people here have had success with it while spending weeks failing manually really says everything about how broken the regular system is. Will update once I get my callback!
I'm at my wit's end with Bank of America and my EDD debit card situation. In January 2021, I was supposed to receive several EDD Money Network cards, but they never arrived. Fast forward to March 2023 when I discovered unauthorized transactions on accounts I never even accessed! Turns out someone had stolen my identity and was using my EDD cards. I immediately filed fraud claims with BofA and they split it into 4 separate claims for different transaction periods. They approved and refunded ONE claim but denied the other THREE despite me sending police reports, identity theft affidavits, and FTC reports. That's over $4,800 they're refusing to return! Every time I call, they give different reasons for denial. First it was "transactions consistent with previous patterns" (impossible since I never used the cards), then "time limit exceeded" even though I filed as soon as I discovered the fraud. Has anyone successfully fought BofA on EDD card fraud claims? What government agency should I contact next? The EDD office says it's BofA's responsibility and BofA keeps shutting me down.
im confused why didnt u report the cards missing in 2021?? didnt u know u were getting edd payments then??
That's part of the complicated situation - I initially filed for benefits in late 2020, was approved, but then got a new job before payments were issued. I thought the claim was closed and never expected to receive cards. It wasn't until I was reviewing my tax documents in 2023 that I realized EDD had apparently issued payments I never received. When I contacted EDD about it, they confirmed payments were made to BofA cards I never got. It's a mess.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare - it's infuriating how BofA treats EDD cardholders. Your situation is particularly egregious since you never even received the cards to begin with. A few additional suggestions based on what others have shared: 1. When you file that CFPB complaint, specifically mention that you're disputing under Regulation E and that the "discovery rule" applies since you had no reasonable way to know about the fraud 2. Document the timeline clearly - emphasize that you got a job before payments were issued and had no expectation of receiving cards 3. Consider reaching out to your local news station's consumer protection segment - they love stories about big banks screwing over unemployment recipients 4. Keep copies of EVERYTHING - your job start date, EDD correspondence, police reports, etc. The fact that they approved one claim but denied three others with similar circumstances shows their process is arbitrary. That inconsistency alone should be grounds for appeal. Don't let them wear you down - you deserve that money back!
Tom Maxon
Hi everyone, just made a video about how to call the EDD and reach a live human agent: https://youtu.be/-R4SqP7_JUA
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Giovanni Rossi
For those still struggling with this, I want to add that when you call Bank of America EDD at 1-866-692-9374, make sure you have your Social Security number and the phone number associated with your EDD account ready. They'll ask for verification before processing the emergency transfer. Also, double-check that the Western Union location you're planning to visit is actually open and has enough cash on hand - I learned this the hard way when I drove to a location that had closed early. The $15 fee is automatically deducted from your transfer amount, so if you request $300, you'll actually receive $285. Hope this helps someone avoid the headaches I went through!
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