Based on everything shared here, I'd suggest this approach: 1. Send a formal email to HR explaining: - The safety concerns with specific examples - The significant increase in commute time - Request for transfer to another location that doesn't create these hardships - Document that this change significantly alters your original employment agreement 2. If they refuse reasonable accommodation, resign in writing stating: - You're leaving due to "substantial and materially adverse changes to working conditions" - Reference your previous attempts to resolve the issue - Be specific about the safety and commute hardships 3. When filing with EDD, check "Yes" that you voluntarily quit but indicate it was with good cause Based on similar cases, you have maybe a 60/40 chance of approval, but your odds improve significantly with proper documentation and phrasing.

I went through something very similar last year when my company tried to transfer me from Irvine to Santa Ana - same county but the commute would have gone from 20 minutes to over an hour in traffic, plus the new location had significantly higher crime rates. Here's what worked for me: 1. I documented EVERYTHING - took screenshots of Google Maps showing traffic patterns at different times, printed crime statistics from both areas, and saved news articles about incidents near the new location. 2. I sent a detailed email to HR outlining the hardships (increased commute, safety concerns, impact on work-life balance) and requested alternatives like working at a different company location or modified hours. 3. When they denied my request, I resigned citing "constructive discharge due to substantial adverse changes in working conditions." EDD approved my claim on the first try! The key was showing that I made good faith efforts to work with my employer and that the changes created genuine hardship. The fact that you've been there 3 years with a perfect record actually helps your case - shows you're not just trying to get out of work. Make sure to use the exact phrase "substantial adverse change in working conditions" when you file. That's the magic language EDD looks for. Also start your job search immediately because you'll need to show you're actively looking for work.

For those following this thread with similar concerns, there are actually three possible outcomes of an overpayment appeal: 1. Full reversal - The overpayment determination is completely eliminated 2. Partial reversal - The overpayment amount is reduced 3. Affirmation - The original overpayment determination stands In addition, if you do receive an unfavorable decision, remember that EDD is required to offer reasonable payment plans for overpayment recovery. They can't demand the entire amount immediately if you can demonstrate financial hardship. Standard payment plans can be as low as $25 per month depending on your situation.

I'm going through a similar situation right now - had my overpayment appeal hearing 3 weeks ago and the waiting is absolutely killing me! They're claiming I owe $4,200 for unreported earnings from 2023. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful because I had no idea about the timeline or what to expect. The judge at my hearing was pretty neutral and didn't give any hints about which way it might go. I brought all my documentation including screenshots of the EDD website being down when I was trying to report, but you never know if it's enough. Thanks for posting this question - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this stress and uncertainty!

That sounds like a good plan. One more tip: if you do end up visiting an office in person, bring EVERYTHING with you - your ID, Social Security card, the employer form, any EDD paperwork you've received, and even screenshots of your online account showing the pending status. Better to have too much documentation than not enough. Good luck!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! My claim has been pending for 3 weeks because they can't reach my former employer. The frustrating part is that I have all the documentation they need - pay stubs, my final paycheck showing the end date, and even a letter from HR confirming my employment dates. But EDD seems stuck on trying to contact the employer directly instead of just accepting the documents I already have. From reading everyone's responses here, it sounds like the interview you had might actually move things forward even though it felt useless. I'm going to try the Claimyr service that @Nick mentioned - I've been trying to call EDD for days with no luck. Has anyone else here had success getting their employer verification issues resolved without EDD actually reaching the employer? I'm wondering if having solid documentation is enough or if they really need that employer contact.

btw make sure u activate ur money network card!!! my friend didnt realize she had to activate it and thought the payments werent coming thru but they were just sitting on the card lol. also u can set up direct deposit if u want on the edd website its way easier than using the card imo

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble understanding your payment schedule, you can also check the "Certification History" section in your UI Online account. It shows all your past and upcoming certification periods with dates, so you can see exactly when you need to certify next and what weeks each payment covers. Also, pro tip: set up text or email notifications in your UI Online account settings. EDD will send you reminders when it's time to certify, which helps avoid missing deadlines. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to certify one time and had to wait an extra week for my payment! The whole system is definitely confusing at first, but once you get into the rhythm it becomes much more manageable. Good luck with everything!

One thing to keep in mind - while you're waiting for your appeal hearing, you should still continue to certify for benefits every two weeks. If you win your appeal, EDD will process backpay for all the weeks you properly certified, even though they're showing as disqualified right now. If you don't certify during this waiting period, you might not get paid for those weeks even if you win your appeal. Also, when you do get your hearing notice, it will typically come 10-14 days before the actual hearing date. The notice will include instructions for submitting evidence and how to prepare. Make sure to submit any documents at least 5 business days before your hearing date.

Just checking in - any updates? Have you received your hearing notice yet? The timing sounds about right that you might get something in the next week or two based on when you filed.