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

Hi Tina! Based on what you've described, that February payment does sound like it could be a conditional payment. EDD started issuing these in July 2021 for people who had been waiting on pending certifications for more than two weeks. Since you had to wait 7 months for your phone interview, you definitely qualify for this program. You should have received (or will receive) a DE 5400 notice in the mail explaining that this was a conditional payment while they review your eligibility. After your interview in January, they'll make a final determination - if everything checks out, you'll keep the payment. If not, you might need to pay it back unless you qualify for an overpayment waiver. The good news is that getting any payment usually means they're processing your case. Have you heard anything back since your January interview about the final decision on your eligibility?

Has he tried certifying for benefits yet? Just wondering if the system is already showing the wrong name when he logs in. Sometimes seeing the error on screen makes it more urgent to fix!

Don't beat yourself up too much about this - mistakes happen! I work in HR and I've seen this type of error before. The good news is that name corrections are actually pretty routine for EDD, they deal with this stuff all the time. Here's what I'd suggest: have your boyfriend try calling right when they open at 8 AM. The wait times are usually shorter first thing in the morning. He could also try calling from his car before work starts if he gets to the job site early. Also, make sure he has his Social Security card, driver's license, and the confirmation number from when you filed the claim. The rep will need to verify his identity before making any changes. Once it's corrected, they'll usually send an updated confirmation letter within a few days. The most important thing is getting this fixed before he starts certifying for benefits. You caught it early which is actually great timing!

One more thing to add - if 8 weeks pass and you still haven't received your refund, you can also try contacting your state assembly member's office. They have liaisons who work directly with EDD and can often get answers when regular channels fail. Just Google "[your city] state assembly member" to find your representative.

I went through something similar last year with a $900 overpayment where they intercepted both my refunds totaling $1,150. The good news is that yes, you should definitely get that $268 back! In my case, it took about 7 weeks to receive the refund check, and like others mentioned, it came from the State Controller's Office with minimal explanation. One tip I'd add - keep screenshots of your UI Online account showing that credit balance, just in case you need proof later. Also, if you need to call them about it, the best time I found to get through was Tuesday or Wednesday mornings right when they open at 8 AM. The Collections Division folks were actually pretty helpful once I got connected. The waiting is frustrating, but the system does eventually work for refunds when they clearly owe you money. Just be patient and keep monitoring your account!

Update: I called my doctor and they're filling out the SDI form today. I also started my UI application for the reduced hours period before I got sick. Thanks everyone for the help! I'll update again once I know if everything got approved.

Great to hear you're making progress with both applications! Just a heads up - when you transition back from SDI to UI after you recover, you might need to reopen your UI claim rather than filing a brand new one. The system should recognize your existing claim and just reactivate it. Also, keep all your medical documentation from your doctor handy in case EDD requests additional verification for your SDI claim. The transition between programs can sometimes trigger additional reviews, but as long as your dates and documentation are clear, you should be fine. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Just wanted to follow up - if you do manage to get through to EDD, make sure to specifically ask about conditional payments. In some cases, they can release payments while waiting for the interview if your hardship qualifies. Not guaranteed, but worth asking about. Also, document every call attempt you make. If your benefits are eventually approved, you may be eligible for back pay for all weeks you were qualified but not paid due to their processing delays.

Any luck getting through to EDD? One thing to keep in mind - when they do call for your interview, they'll likely ask detailed questions about your separation. Be honest but concise. If it truly was a workforce reduction, they'll want to know why you specifically were selected, whether there was a seniority system, if others were also laid off (even if in different departments), etc. Having clear, factual answers ready will help your case.