Quick question - did your judge actually specify the refund amount in the decision? My judge just said I was eligible for benefits but didn't mention anything about a refund specifically. Still waiting to see what happens...

Just an update that might help others - I checked with a friend who works at EDD (not giving specific advice, just general info). She said that refunds after favorable appeal decisions are taking longer than usual right now because of a recent system update. The current processing time is closer to 20-25 business days rather than the usual 10-15. Also, for anyone in this situation, make sure your address is current in the UI Online system because sometimes they mail a check instead of using your card, especially if the original overpayment was collected more than 6 months ago.

I've been having similar issues with EDD phone lines lately! What's worked for me is calling from a landline instead of my cell phone - sometimes mobile carriers have routing issues that can redirect you to weird places. Also, if you're still having trouble, try calling the 1-866-333-4606 number first (the automated line) and then transfer to speak with a representative from there. The automated system sometimes has better connection stability. Hope this helps and you get through soon!

I work at a phone company and can explain what might be happening! Sometimes scammers buy phone numbers that are very similar to legitimate government numbers (like changing one digit) and set up auto-dialers to catch people who misdial. They also sometimes hack into phone routing systems to redirect calls. If you're absolutely sure you're dialing the right number, try these steps: 1) Clear your phone's call history and contacts to make sure you're not auto-dialing a saved wrong number, 2) Try calling from a completely different phone/carrier, 3) Write the number down fresh from the EDD website rather than using saved contacts. Also, EDD usually posts service alerts on their website if there are known phone issues, so check ca.gov/edd for any announcements. Stay safe out there!

In case it helps others in a similar situation, here's a quick summary of options when UI benefits are exhausted: 1. If your benefit year has ended, you can file a new UI claim if you've worked and earned wages during the previous benefit year 2. If your benefit year hasn't ended (like the original poster): - Apply for CalFresh: www.getcalfresh.org (food assistance) - Check housing assistance: www.housing.ca.gov - Visit your county's social services office for general assistance - Contact 211 (call, text, or visit 211.org) for referrals to local resources - Consider temporary work through staffing agencies while continuing your job search Remember that even when not receiving benefits, it's important to continue documenting your job search efforts for when you can reapply.

Hey Keisha, I went through something similar earlier this year - tech layoffs are absolutely brutal right now. One thing that helped me bridge the gap was looking into local workforce development programs. Many counties have programs specifically for displaced tech workers that include job placement assistance and sometimes even temporary financial support while you're in training/job search mode. Also, don't overlook temp-to-perm opportunities with staffing agencies like Robert Half or Aerotek - they're not ideal but can help keep some income flowing while you search for your next full-time role. I ended up taking a 3-month contract that turned into a permanent offer. The rental assistance programs mentioned above are real and can buy you time. In some counties, they'll pay up to 3-6 months of back rent directly to landlords. Worth checking out your county's COVID-19 rental relief programs - many are still active. Hang in there - 15 interviews means you're getting responses, which is actually pretty good in this market. Something will break through soon.

glad u got in! i had 2 write down ALL my payment amounts after that happened to me lol. never know when they'll ask for some random info from 3 years ago!

Pro tip for everyone dealing with EDD account recovery - screenshot or save PDFs of all your payment confirmations! I learned this the hard way after getting locked out twice. EDD sends those UI Online payment history emails, but they're easy to lose in your inbox. I now have a dedicated folder on my phone with screenshots of every deposit amount, just in case they ask for verification again. It's saved me so much stress when I had to log in recently. The system is clunky but at least we can be prepared for their weird security questions!

One more thing to note - when you certify for benefits every two weeks, make sure you answer all questions accurately. If there are any issues with your certification, your payment could be delayed regardless of which payment method you choose. The most common problem people have isn't with the payment method itself but with their payments being put on hold due to eligibility questions or certification errors.

Just to add some perspective from someone who recently went through this process - I filed my claim in December after being laid off from retail. Like others mentioned, no paper checks anymore, but the transition wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I initially got the Money Network card and used it for about a month before switching to direct deposit. The card worked fine for groceries and bills, and I could withdraw cash at my credit union's ATM without fees (they're part of the network). The online portal for switching to direct deposit was pretty straightforward once my claim was fully processed. Just make sure your bank account info is 100% correct when you enter it - a friend of mine had to wait an extra week because he transposed two numbers in his routing number. Good luck with your claim!