Have you checked if your browser is up to date? Sometimes outdated browsers don't work properly with government sites. Also make sure you're not using any auto-fill features as those can cause conflicts with the EDD site's security features. I've been on unemployment twice in the past three years and both times had technical issues that were resolved by updating my browser and disabling browser extensions. Also worth noting - if you can't get it working online, you can request a paper application by mail, though obviously that will take longer to process.

UPDATE: You all are amazing! I tried a combination of suggestions - disabled my VPN, cleared all cookies, turned off browser extensions, and waited until 1am to try again. It finally worked! Got all the way through the application process and received my confirmation number. Now fingers crossed the claim gets processed quickly. Thanks to everyone for the help!

Since this question has been answered, I want to add some general info that might help others: 1. EDD Money Network card: This is a regular Visa debit card for unemployment benefits. No purchase restrictions, can be used anywhere Visa is accepted or at ATMs. 2. EBT/CalFresh card: This has the Food/Cash benefit options. Food benefits can ONLY be used for eligible food items. The Cash option is ONLY available if you're enrolled in cash assistance programs like CalWORKs. 3. The two systems are completely separate. Your unemployment benefits never appear on your EBT card, and your food benefits never appear on your EDD card. Hope this helps others who might be navigating multiple benefit programs!

This is such a common mix-up! I work with folks applying for benefits and see this confusion all the time. You're definitely looking at your EBT/CalFresh card, not your EDD unemployment card. Just to add to what others have said - if you do have both cards, here are some quick ways to tell them apart: - EDD Money Network card: Usually says "Money Network" and has unemployment benefit funds, works like any debit card - EBT card: Says "Golden State Advantage" or similar, has the food/cash benefit options you described The EDD card has no spending restrictions - you can buy groceries, gas, pay bills, whatever you need. The EBT card is specifically for food purchases (and cash benefits only if you qualify for programs like CalWORKs). Glad you got it sorted out! It's totally normal to be confused when you're dealing with multiple benefit programs.

This happens to me EVERY TIME I certify at midnight! The system gets overloaded with everyone certifying at the same time. I started waiting until Sunday afternoon to certify and haven't had a pending issue since. Weird but it works for me!

UPDATE: My payment just switched from pending to paid this morning! Looks like it was just a processing delay like some of you mentioned. Thanks for all the advice and reassurance. I'll still attend my job search workshop next week of course.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! EDD hit me with penalty weeks from way back in 2020 that they're just now telling me about. What I learned is that you absolutely should appeal this - don't just accept the penalty weeks. The key things that helped me prepare: 1. Get bank statements from 2020 showing your actual deposits from work 2. Contact your old employer if possible to get records of your actual hours/wages 3. Document any address changes you had during 2020 (mail forwarding issues were HUGE during the pandemic) 4. Request all records from EDD about what they think you misreported The appeal form is DE 1000M and you can request a phone hearing. I found the Administrative Law Judge was actually pretty reasonable and understood that 2020 was chaotic for everyone. Don't give up - these penalty determinations often get overturned when you can show the reporting was accurate or that you never received proper notice. The whole process is stressful but definitely worth fighting, especially since 5 penalty weeks means 5 weeks without any income!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the stress of needing money for rent while EDD holds up your payments is awful. One thing that might help while you're going through the appeal process is to see if your local community has any emergency rental assistance programs. Many cities and counties still have funds available from pandemic relief programs that can help with rent while you're waiting for EDD to sort this out. Also, some food banks and community organizations offer utility assistance too. It won't solve the EDD problem, but it might help bridge the gap during these 5+ weeks you're looking at. The appeal is definitely the right move - don't let them get away with springing penalty weeks on you years after the fact without a fight!

I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved! This is exactly why I always recommend people get a detailed breakdown of what they owe before making any payments to EDD. The way they structure their notices can be really confusing - they'll show one total amount but not break down what portion is the original overpayment versus penalties and interest. For anyone else dealing with this, always ask specifically: "Does this amount include all penalties and interest that may apply?" when you're setting up payment. It can save you from exactly this kind of surprise later on.

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now where I got a notice about additional amounts owed after I thought I had paid everything off. Reading through everyone's experiences, it's clear that EDD's system has some serious communication issues between departments. The advice about requesting a Statement of Account and asking specifically about penalties and interest is gold. It's frustrating that they don't make these breakdowns clearer upfront - it would save everyone so much time and stress. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions!