I'm going through something similar right now! One thing I learned is to document EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, reference numbers, etc. I started keeping a spreadsheet because the reps sometimes give conflicting info. Also, if they determine you do owe money, don't ignore it even if you can't pay right away. They can garnish wages and tax refunds, so it's better to work out a payment plan. The whole process is super stressful but you'll get through it! 🤗

I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The most important thing is to stay organized and persistent. When you call SDI, have your case number, Social Security number, and the overpayment notice in front of you. If you can't get through on the phone (which is super common), try sending a written appeal or inquiry by mail - sometimes that gets better results. Also, don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if the first person you talk to isn't helpful. The whole process is frustrating but definitely manageable if you stay on top of it. You've got this! 💪

Guys, don't forget to check if you qualify for any of the extended benefit programs. With all the COVID stuff, there might be additional help available.

Hey Emily! Just wanted to add that when you do file your new claim, make sure you don't have any gaps in your certification weeks from your old claim. If you missed any weeks, you might need to address that first before filing the new one. Also, keep in mind that there's usually a one-week waiting period for new claims, so plan accordingly. The whole process can take a few weeks to get your first payment, so don't panic if it's not immediate. Good luck with everything!

Just wanted to add one more important thing about California unemployment benefits - if you have any severance pay or vacation payout when you're let go, this can delay when your benefits start. EDD considers this "wages in lieu of notice" and you have to wait until that period would have ended before benefits kick in. So if you get 2 weeks severance, your unemployment won't start until after those 2 weeks are up. This caught me off guard when I filed my claim last year. Something to keep in mind when you're doing your financial planning!

As someone who's been through the EDD process twice (once in tech, once in retail management), I wanted to share a few practical tips that might help you prepare: 1. **Apply immediately** when you're terminated - there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so don't delay filing even if you think you might find work quickly. 2. **Keep your final paystub and separation notice** - EDD will ask for this information and having it ready speeds up the process. 3. **Set up direct deposit** when you file - getting a debit card in the mail takes longer and the cards sometimes get lost or delayed. 4. **File early in the week** (Monday/Tuesday) if possible - if there are any issues with your claim, you'll have more time to resolve them before the weekend. Your income definitely qualifies you for the maximum $450/week. The waiting period after severance that Keisha mentioned is real - I had to wait 3 weeks after my severance period ended before my first payment. Plan accordingly! The whole process took about 3 weeks total for me the first time (no issues), but 6 weeks the second time due to employer contest. Good luck with everything - hopefully your performance improves and this becomes a non-issue!

I feel for you on this - penalty weeks are brutal financially but everyone here is right that the money is gone forever. One thing I learned during my penalty period last year is to keep detailed records of everything during this time. Save all your certification confirmations and any correspondence from EDD. Sometimes there can be processing delays when your benefits resume, and having documentation helps if you need to contact them. Also, consider looking into local community resources like 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with emergency assistance programs for utilities, food, etc. The penalty system is harsh but you're handling it the right way by staying on top of certifications. Just a few more weeks and you'll be back to receiving benefits!

I went through penalty weeks myself about 8 months ago and can confirm what everyone is saying - no backpay for those weeks, unfortunately. The money is just gone as part of the penalty. What I found helpful was setting up a strict budget for those penalty weeks and reaching out to my bank about temporary overdraft forgiveness since I knew exactly when my benefits would resume. Also, don't forget that food banks don't usually require proof of income - just that you're in need. Many churches and community centers have pantries open to anyone struggling. The penalty weeks feel endless when you're in them, but you'll get through this. Make sure to keep certifying on schedule and your payments should automatically resume once you complete all 7 weeks.

Congratulations Diego! This is such a relief to read - I've been following your thread because I'm in a similar situation (had my interview 8 days ago and still waiting). Your update gives me so much hope that things will work out. It's really reassuring to see that the delay didn't mean anything bad, just that EDD moves at their own pace. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone - I know how stressful this waiting period is and your follow-up is incredibly helpful for others going through the same thing. Hope your payments hit your card soon!

This thread has been so helpful to follow! I'm currently on day 11 after my EDD interview and was getting really anxious, but reading through everyone's experiences - especially Diego's successful outcome - has given me so much peace of mind. It's clear that EDD's processing times are all over the place right now, but the consensus seems to be that delays are normal and don't indicate a negative decision. For anyone else in this waiting period: definitely keep certifying weekly (as multiple people mentioned), check your spam folder regularly, and try to be patient even though it's incredibly stressful when money is tight. The advice about calling right at 8 AM if you need to reach them is also really valuable. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and experiences - this community support makes such a difference during these nerve-wracking waits!