I'm in the same boat with DSS. Been trying to update my address for weeks and can't get anyone on the phone. It's ridiculous how underfunded and understaffed these agencies are. We need to put pressure on our representatives to fix this mess!

I went through this exact same situation last month! For DSS, try their online portal first if you haven't already - sometimes you can get things done there without having to call. For EDD, definitely try the early morning calling strategy that others mentioned, but also check if there's a "contact us" form on their website. I submitted one of those and actually got a callback within a week. Also, make sure you're checking your EDD account online regularly - sometimes the status changes but they don't always send notifications. Hang in there, I know how stressful this is! 💪

Great to see this got resolved! Just wanted to add for anyone else dealing with this - if you're switching to direct deposit in the future, you can actually keep both payment methods active temporarily. Just don't close your Money Network card right away when you switch. Let a few direct deposit payments come through successfully first, then call Money Network to close the card account once you're sure everything is working. This way you avoid the access issues and can transfer any remaining balance smoothly. I learned this the hard way after switching last year!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same situation about 3 months ago. The frustrating part is that EDD doesn't give you any warning about this when you make the switch! I had about $650 stuck on my Money Network card and panicked thinking I'd lost it forever. Like others mentioned, calling 1-888-233-5916 is definitely the way to go - they were actually pretty helpful once I got through. The whole verification process took maybe 10 minutes and I was back in my account. Pro tip: if you're planning to make this switch in the future, definitely spend down your card balance first or transfer it out through the app. Would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress!

Thanks everyone for the responses! I'm going to give the paper checks a chance for a few more weeks. If I keep having issues with the timing, I'll probably switch to direct deposit. Sounds like that's the most reliable option overall, I was just paranoid about giving EDD my bank info. Good to know I can always change it later if needed.

I've been getting paper checks since December and honestly it's been a mixed bag. Most weeks they arrive within 6-8 days of the "paid" status, but I've had two checks that took nearly 3 weeks with no explanation. The unpredictability is the worst part - you can't plan around it. On the flip side, I've never had the horror stories like people with the Money Network card where their funds just vanish. At least with checks, once you have it in hand, you know the money is yours. Just make sure to keep track of which payments you've received because EDD's records aren't always accurate about what's been delivered vs what's been issued.

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

This is a really frustrating situation, and I'm sorry you're dealing with fraud on top of the already stressful unemployment process. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. **Report the fraud immediately** - Contact EDD's fraud hotline and file a report online through their fraud reporting system. You'll want to document that someone fraudulently claimed benefits in your name from 4/21 to 8/21. 2. **Get everything in writing** - When you have your interview, bring documentation proving you were employed during that period (pay stubs, W-2s, employment verification letters). This will help clear up the fraudulent claims. 3. **Contact your bank** - If your EDD debit card was compromised, report it to Bank of America immediately and request a new card. 4. **Keep detailed records** - Document every call, every conversation, and every piece of correspondence. Note names, dates, and reference numbers. 5. **Be persistent** - Unfortunately, resolving EDD issues often requires multiple calls and follow-ups. Don't give up on those 20+ weeks of legitimate benefits you're owed. The good news is that since you have employment records proving you were working when the fraudulent claims were made, you should be able to clear this up. It's just going to take patience and persistence with the system. Good luck!

I had a similar experience last week except my employer DID show up and brought their HR person and a lawyer! Talk about intimidating. Still waiting on my decision though. Congrats on your win!

Congratulations on your win! Your experience gives me hope - I'm in a very similar situation where my employer is claiming misconduct for something that happened months before they let me go during "restructuring." It's so frustrating when companies try to game the system like this. Quick question - did you submit any evidence ahead of time or just bring it up during the hearing? I have some emails and my last performance review that I think would help my case, but I wasn't sure about the timing of when to present them. My hearing is next week and I'm definitely nervous about it! Also really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here. It's reassuring to know that the judges do seem to see through these bogus misconduct claims when employers can't back them up properly.