This is why we need blockchain technology for government benefits. It would be so much more secure.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EDD card fraud is unfortunately really common. In addition to what others have said, make sure you also: - Change your PIN immediately if you haven't already - Check if there are any other unauthorized transactions you might have missed - Ask EDD about getting a replacement card sent to a secure address - Consider setting up account alerts if that's an option The key is to document EVERYTHING - dates, times, reference numbers from calls, names of representatives you speak with. This paper trail will be crucial if you need to escalate. Don't let them brush you off if they don't refund the full amount the first time. You have rights as a victim of fraud! Stay strong and keep pushing. It's frustrating but you will get through this. 💪

Just went through this exact situation last fall! Started a new job in September but didn't get my first paycheck until October 15th due to their weird pay schedule. I was terrified I'd lose all my benefits immediately. What saved me was understanding that EDD actually has a provision for this gap period. As long as you report your work hours accurately when certifying (even though you haven't been paid yet), they'll calculate partial benefits based on your projected weekly earnings. For my situation, I was earning about $600/week but my EDD benefit was $450/week. So during those gap weeks, I reported working 40 hours at my hourly rate, EDD reduced my benefits by 75% of that $600 (which is $450), and since that reduction equaled my full benefit amount, I got $0 from EDD those weeks. BUT - and this is important - some people in similar situations still get partial payments if their weekly earnings are less than their benefit amount. The key is being honest about your work schedule from day one. Don't wait until you get paid to report it! Hang in there - that first paycheck will feel amazing when it finally comes!

I'm in almost the exact same boat! Just started a new position this week but won't see my first check until late April. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful - I had no idea about the 75% reduction rule or that I could still get partial benefits during the gap. One question though - when you're calculating your weekly earnings to report, do you use gross pay or net pay? My offer letter shows my salary as $52k annually, so that would be about $1000/week gross, but after taxes it'll be way less. I want to make sure I'm reporting the right amount when I certify next week. Also really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here. It's stressful enough starting a new job without worrying about how you're going to pay rent! Good luck with everything Jake - sounds like you'll be just fine following the advice here.

I went through something very similar last year - got fired for "insubordination" after pushing back on unsafe working conditions. Filed for unemployment anyway and initially got denied, but I appealed and won. The whole process took about 3 months but I got full backpay. A few things that helped my case: - I documented everything I could remember about the incident immediately after filing - I gathered evidence of my good work history (performance reviews, commendations, etc.) - During the appeal hearing, I stayed calm and factual while my employer got defensive and emotional The fact that you have 3 years of clean history is huge. Most ALJs (Administrative Law Judges) understand that good employees don't just suddenly become problem workers overnight. File your claim ASAP - even if you get initially denied, you can't win an appeal you never start. And definitely keep looking for work in the meantime since you have to show you're actively seeking employment anyway. Good luck! The system isn't perfect but it's not rigged against workers like some people claim.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Got fired two weeks ago for what my manager called "attitude problems" after I questioned a new policy that seemed to violate labor laws. No prior disciplinary actions in 4 years of employment. I filed my claim last Monday and I'm still waiting to hear back. The anxiety is killing me because everyone keeps saying different things about whether misconduct cases have any chance. Reading through these comments is actually giving me some hope - especially seeing that @Salim Nasir won his appeal for "insubordination." @Connor O'Brien - definitely document everything you remember about that customer interaction ASAP. I wish I had done that right away instead of waiting a week. Also, if you have any positive performance reviews or employee recognition, gather those too. From what I'm reading here, having proof of your good work history seems really important. Has anyone here had experience with what happens if you find a new job while your appeal is still pending? Do you still get the backpay if you win?

am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we gotta jump thru all these hoops just to get what we're owed? 🤡 system's broken af

Same thing happened to me last month! I never got the call either. Here's what worked for me: I called the main EDD number (1-800-300-5616) first thing Monday morning at exactly 8am and kept hitting redial. It took about 45 minutes but I finally got through. When I explained I never received my scheduled interview call, they were actually pretty understanding and rescheduled me for the next week. Make sure to ask for a confirmation number when they reschedule! Also double-check that your phone number is correct in your account - mine had an old number somehow. Don't panic, you won't lose your benefits as long as you can show you tried to participate. Good luck! 🤞

tell ur son to keep filing evry 2 weeks no matter what!!! u dont wanna miss weeks

I went through something very similar with my nephew last year! The determination took about 6 weeks total, and EDD kept paying him the whole time. What really helped was when we finally got through to a rep (took many attempts) who explained that as long as he submitted the required documentation and continues certifying accurately, the payments usually indicate they're leaning toward approval. The key thing is making sure he doesn't miss any certification periods and answers all questions honestly. Also, if they do schedule an interview, treat it very seriously - be prepared with all the facts about why he left his job and any documentation that supports his story. Most of these cases do work out fine, especially when someone is being proactive like your son has been!