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Glad you were able to resolve this! For future reference (and for others reading this thread): 1. Always check payment preferences immediately after reopening a claim 2. Update your address with both EDD AND Money Network separately 3. If your card expires, Money Network typically sends a replacement 30-45 days before expiration 4. You can request expedited shipping of a replacement card for a fee 5. Even with an expired card, the money in your account is still accessible once you get a valid card Most importantly, any time you have a gap in your claim and then return to UI, double-check all your settings as if you're starting fresh.
Just wanted to add my experience - I had this exact same issue last year! My Money Network card expired in December 2023 and I didn't realize it until my January payment went missing. Turns out they automatically sent a replacement card to my address on file, but I had moved and forgot to update it with Money Network (even though I updated it with EDD). The key thing I learned is that EDD and Money Network have separate address systems - you have to update both! Also, if you're waiting for a replacement card, you can actually transfer funds from your Money Network account to your bank account through their website or app once you get access again. Just thought this might help someone else avoid the stress I went through!
This is super helpful info! I didn't know about the separate address systems - that explains so much confusion. Quick question: when you say you can transfer funds through their website/app, do you mean even with an expired physical card? I'm waiting for my replacement but would love to get access to my money sooner if possible. Did you need any special info to log into the Money Network account online?
I went through something similar last year - got hit with a $5,400 overpayment notice that made me physically sick to my stomach. Like others have said, appeal IMMEDIATELY and don't panic. In my case, it turned out EDD had a glitch in their system that was double-counting some of my reported wages. Here's what saved me: I kept a simple Excel spreadsheet throughout my entire claim period tracking what I earned each week vs what I reported when certifying. When I appealed, I submitted this spreadsheet along with all my pay stubs and certification screenshots. The appeals judge could clearly see I had been reporting accurately. Also, definitely try to get through to an actual EDD rep before your appeal hearing if possible. Sometimes they can spot obvious errors in their system that caused the overpayment. Don't make any payments until you exhaust the appeal process - once you start paying, it's much harder to get that money back even if you win your appeal later. You've got this! The system is broken but the appeal process does work when you have good documentation.
This is so reassuring to hear! I'm kicking myself for not keeping a spreadsheet like you did, but I do have most of my pay stubs and screenshots saved. The idea that it could be a system glitch gives me some hope - I was so careful about reporting everything correctly because I was terrified of exactly this situation happening. Did your appeal hearing happen over the phone or was it in person? And how long did it take from filing the appeal to getting a decision?
My hearing was over the phone, which was actually less intimidating than I expected. From filing the appeal to getting the final decision took about 8 weeks total. The hearing itself was only about 20 minutes - the judge asked me to walk through my documentation and explain my reporting process. Having those pay stubs and screenshots will definitely help your case! Even without a spreadsheet, if you can show consistency between what you earned and what you reported, you should be in good shape. The fact that you were being careful about reporting shows you were acting in good faith, which matters a lot in these hearings.
I know this is terrifying right now, but you're not alone in this! I went through a similar overpayment scare about 6 months ago - $4,100 that they claimed I owed. The good news is that many of these notices turn out to be mistakes or system errors that can be resolved through the appeal process. Here's my advice based on what worked for me: 1. File your appeal TODAY if you haven't already - don't wait even one more day 2. Gather EVERYTHING - pay stubs, certification screenshots, bank statements showing your actual income 3. Create a simple week-by-week comparison showing what you earned vs what you reported 4. Don't make any payments while your appeal is pending - you're not required to The hardest part for me was actually getting through to speak with someone at EDD to understand what triggered the overpayment notice. Once I finally connected with a rep, they were able to explain that my employer had submitted a wage correction that made it look like I under-reported income, when actually I had reported everything correctly based on my pay periods. Stay strong and document everything. The appeal process exists because these errors happen frequently, and you have rights as a claimant. Keep us posted on how it goes - we're all rooting for you!
I feel your pain! I went through something similar last year and finally got through using a combination of strategies. Here's what worked for me: 1) Download an auto-redial app on your phone so you don't have to manually keep calling, 2) Try calling the disability line at (800) 480-3287 and ask to be transferred to regular UI - sometimes they can help or the transfer gets you past the initial queue, 3) If you're really desperate, try calling your state senator's office too (not just assembly member) - they often have different EDD contacts. The mass layoff explanation makes total sense for why you're stuck. Don't give up - you WILL get through eventually!
Thank you so much for all these suggestions! I hadn't heard of using an auto-redial app - that's genius and would save me from having to sit there hitting redial all morning. I'm going to try the disability line transfer trick tomorrow along with calling my state senator's office if that doesn't work. It's reassuring to hear that others have eventually gotten through, even if it takes weeks. Really appreciate you taking the time to share what worked for you!
Just wanted to add that the auto-redial app suggestion is brilliant! I used one called "Auto Redial" from the app store when I was dealing with EDD issues last year. Set it to redial every 30 seconds and let it run while I did other things. Saved my sanity from having to manually call hundreds of times. Also, Hassan is right about the state senator route - sometimes they have different connections than assembly members. Good luck Joshua, really hope one of these methods gets you through soon!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim in early February after getting laid off and it's been stuck on "pending" ever since. I've probably called 50+ times and either get the busy signal or sit on hold forever just to get disconnected. It's so frustrating because I can see my claim was approved but no payments are being released. I tried the online "Ask EDD" thing but just got a generic response telling me to wait. Has anyone had luck with faxing documentation directly to EDD? I'm wondering if there's some paperwork issue holding up my claim that I don't even know about. This whole system feels broken - how are people supposed to pay bills while waiting months for benefits they're entitled to?
I'm in literally the exact same boat as you! Filed in late February after a mass layoff and have been stuck on pending ever since. The fax route is worth trying - I've heard some people had success faxing their ID verification documents directly to EDD at (916) 319-4434, especially if there might be an identity verification hold on your account. You can also try faxing a letter explaining your situation to your local EDD office. The Sacramento office fax is (916) 464-7000. It's a long shot but at least it's another way to get documentation into their system while we're all trying to get through on the phones. This whole situation is absolutely ridiculous - we shouldn't have to jump through this many hoops just to access benefits we've paid into!
This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm currently dealing with a potential settlement from a workplace injury (not workers comp since it was a third-party liability issue) and was really worried about how it might affect my UI benefits. Reading through everyone's experiences and seeing the official confirmation from EDD really helps clarify things. It sounds like the key is whether any portion of the settlement is specifically designated as compensation for lost wages versus medical expenses, pain and suffering, or property damage. I'll definitely review my settlement documents carefully when they arrive and consider using that Claimyr service if I need to speak with an EDD rep directly. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences here - this kind of peer support is invaluable when dealing with these confusing situations!
This is exactly the kind of situation where having clear guidance makes all the difference! Workplace injury settlements involving third-party liability can be especially tricky since they're not traditional workers comp. You're smart to wait and carefully review the settlement breakdown when it comes. From what I've learned reading this thread, the critical thing is looking for any language about "lost wages," "income replacement," or "loss of earnings" - those would be the red flags for reportable income. Everything else (medical bills, pain/suffering, etc.) should be in the clear. The Claimyr service that several people mentioned seems like a solid backup plan if you need official confirmation. It's amazing how much anxiety these situations can cause when you're already dealing with unemployment stress!
I'm new to the community but this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently on UI and just received a small settlement from a minor car accident - nothing major, just some bumps and bruises plus car repairs. Reading through everyone's experiences here, especially Yuki's follow-up with the official EDD response, really clarifies things. It seems like the bottom line is that settlements are only reportable if they specifically include compensation for lost wages. Everything else (medical, property damage, pain/suffering) doesn't count as income for UI purposes. This kind of peer knowledge sharing is so valuable - the EDD website and phone system can be so confusing to navigate on your own. Thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences and made this such a comprehensive resource!
QuantumQueen
Ugh, I feel your pain. I'm in the same boat. Been trying to verify for weeks now. This whole system is a joke 🤡
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QuantumQueen
•Thanks, you too! We'll get through this... eventually 😅
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Aisha Rahman
•It's tough, but I've heard once you get through the wait, things do start to progress more quickly.
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Lena Schultz
I went through this exact same frustration last month! What finally worked for me was submitting a combination of my driver's license, a recent bank statement (less than 30 days old), and my Social Security card all at once. Make sure everything is crystal clear - I had to rescan my documents because the first photos were too blurry. Also, double check that your name appears EXACTLY the same on all documents. Mine got rejected initially because my middle initial was missing on one document. The whole process is super annoying but don't give up! Once you get the right combo of docs, it should go through pretty quickly.
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