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So glad you got through and got it resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for other people dealing with the same nightmare. I've been putting off calling EDD about my own pending issue for weeks because I dreaded the phone system, but seeing all these specific strategies gives me hope. Going to try the 8:01am trick with the 833 number tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually worked!
You got this! The 8:01am trick really does work - just make sure you have your claim info ready to go because once you get through, they move pretty fast. Also don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries. I had to attempt it three mornings straight before connecting, but it was so worth it when I finally talked to someone. Good luck tomorrow morning!
This whole thread is a goldmine of actual working solutions! I've been lurking here for weeks reading about everyone's EDD struggles, and seeing Andre's success story plus all the specific tactics that actually worked gives me so much hope. I'm dealing with a similar pending claim situation (6 weeks now, ugh) and have been too intimidated to even try calling after hearing horror stories about the phone system. But reading through all these comments, especially the former EDD employee's insider tips and the exact timing strategies, I'm finally ready to tackle this tomorrow morning. Going to set my alarm for 7:55am and try the 833 number with the "payment issue" routing. Wish me luck! And thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that actually helps people navigate this broken system.
Anybody else think its weird that we can order a pizza, book a flight, and do our taxes online but we cant get basic help from the government without jumping through 1000 hoops? 🤔
I feel you on this struggle! After dealing with the same nightmare for weeks, here's what finally worked for me: I started calling the technical support line (1-800-300-5616) instead of the main number. They can sometimes transfer you directly to claims or at least give you better info on system status. Also, try calling on Wednesdays or Thursdays - seems like Mondays and Fridays are absolute chaos. Keep a log of when you call and what happens, it might help if you need to escalate later. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 💪
This is super helpful, thanks! I never thought about trying the technical support line. Definitely going to give that a shot tomorrow. The idea about keeping a log is smart too - I've been so frustrated I haven't been tracking anything. Really appreciate you sharing what worked for you! 🙏
Wait, there's a technical support line?! 🤯 I've been banging my head against the wall with the main number for weeks. You just saved me so much hassle - definitely calling that number first thing tomorrow morning. The Wednesday/Thursday tip is genius too, makes total sense that beginning/end of week would be swamped. Thanks for sharing the actual helpful advice instead of just complaining!
Not sure if this helps, but I had a similar issue with my SDI claim. I ended up having to fax (yes, fax in 2023 🙄) a signed letter explaining my situation along with copies of my ID. Took forever, but they eventually sorted it out.
I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: I had to submit a paper form (DE 8714) that you can download from the EDD website. You fill it out with your SSN, old email, new email, and include a copy of your ID. Then mail it to their Sacramento office. It took about 2-3 weeks to process, but they eventually updated my email and sent me a confirmation letter. Way slower than online, but it's the official way to change your email when you can't access the old one. Hope this helps!
@e062c331c939 You can actually request expedited delivery for the Money Network card if you really need it faster! There's usually a fee (around $15-20) but it can arrive in 2-3 business days instead of a week. Just call the number on the EDD website once your payment shows as paid. Also, some people set up direct deposit to avoid the card altogether for future payments.
Ava Thompson
Wow, this is exactly why I've been hesitant to switch to the Money Network card! I've been getting paper checks since I started my claim and even though they take longer, hearing all these hacking stories makes me want to stick with them. It's crazy that these scammers are specifically targeting EDD recipients - like we don't have enough stress already! Glad you were able to switch back online without having to deal with EDD's phone system. That would have been a nightmare on top of everything else. Definitely smart to report it to Money Network too even though you're switching away from the card.
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Ravi Sharma
•You're absolutely right to stick with paper checks! I wish I had done more research before switching to the card. The convenience just isn't worth the security risk. Between this attempted hack and reading about @Keith Davidson losing $850, I m'never trusting these cards again. The extra few days wait for a check is nothing compared to potentially losing your entire benefit payment to some scammer.
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Kiara Greene
This is such a scary situation but I'm glad you caught it early! I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and stories like this make me so nervous about the Money Network card. I actually had mine compromised too back in December - someone made a $200 purchase at some store in Florida (I live in Sacramento!). The fraud department did reverse it but it took almost 2 weeks and during that time my card was frozen so I couldn't access any of my benefits. Had to borrow money from family just to buy groceries. Ever since then I've been paranoid about checking my account daily. I'm seriously considering switching to paper checks after reading this thread. Sure they're slower but at least nobody can drain your account while you're sleeping! Thanks for sharing your experience and the step-by-step instructions everyone provided.
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Sophie Footman
•Oh my god, that's exactly what I was worried about! Having your card frozen for 2 weeks while they investigate sounds like absolute hell - especially when you're already struggling financially. That's such a long time to go without access to your benefits. I can't believe these scammers are making purchases in completely different states and it still takes that long to resolve. You're definitely right about switching to paper checks - I'd rather wait a few extra days than deal with that kind of stress and uncertainty. Thanks for sharing your experience, it really reinforces that I made the right choice switching back!
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