UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning! Called right at 8:00am and had to wait on hold for over an hour, but eventually spoke with a rep who identified the problem. Just like many of you said, my old pandemic claim was stuck in some kind of 'inactive' status rather than properly expired. The representative had to transfer me to a tier 2 specialist (another 20 minute wait), but they were able to reset something in their system. I was then able to file my new claim while on the phone with them. They said I should be able to certify for my first two weeks in about 10 days. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

So glad you were able to get this sorted out! Your experience perfectly illustrates why this system is so frustrating - it's a simple backend flag that takes 5 minutes to fix but requires jumping through so many hoops to reach someone who can actually do it. Thanks for posting the update, it gives hope to others dealing with the same loop issue. Hopefully EDD will eventually fix their website to handle these expired claim transitions better so people don't have to spend hours on hold for what should be a simple online process.

This is such a relief to hear! I went through something similar a few months ago and it was absolutely terrifying being locked out of my benefits. The three-way call approach is genius - I wish I had known about that trick when I was dealing with my situation. For anyone else reading this who might face a similar issue, I'd also recommend taking screenshots of your account settings regularly (like your registered email, phone number, etc.) so you have proof of what your legitimate account info should be. It helped me when I had to verify my identity later. Lucas, make sure to monitor your account closely for the next few weeks even after you get the new card, just to be safe!

Wow, what a nightmare situation! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I went through something similar last year and it's absolutely maddening how they bounce you back and forth between departments. One thing that really helped me was documenting EVERYTHING - every call, every representative's name, reference numbers, what they told you, etc. Keep a written log with dates and times. This becomes crucial when you're dealing with multiple agencies that don't seem to communicate with each other. Also, when you call Money Network, don't just ask for fraud department - specifically tell them "my account was compromised due to unauthorized email change and I need to speak with someone who can issue a replacement card." Being very specific about what you need seems to get you routed to the right person faster. The direct deposit suggestion others mentioned is GOLD - definitely set that up once this is resolved. I switched to direct deposit after my card issues and haven't had a problem since. The Money Network card system seems to be a magnet for these kinds of problems. Hang in there, it will get resolved but I know how stressful it is when rent is due!

I'm dealing with this exact nightmare right now too! Just got my overpayment notice two weeks ago for $4,800 from PUA in 2021. What really gets me is that I was a gig worker whose income completely dried up during COVID - I thought I was doing everything right when I applied. Now they're saying I didn't provide enough documentation to prove my work was affected by the pandemic. I immediately filed my appeal and requested the collection hold, but I'm still terrified they'll grab my tax refund before the appeal gets processed. Has anyone had success with the hardship waiver (DE 1446W)? I'm a single parent and there's no way I can pay back nearly $5K without it completely destroying my finances. The whole situation feels so unfair - they approved these claims initially, many of us relied on that money to survive during the worst of the pandemic, and now years later they're coming after us with aggressive collection tactics. I know mistakes happen, but the way they're handling this is causing so much stress and financial hardship for people who were already struggling. Stay strong everyone - it sounds like appeals are working for some people, especially for non-fraud cases!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Got hit with a $5,400 PUA overpayment notice just last week and I'm absolutely panicking about my tax refund. Like you, I've been trying to call EDD nonstop with no luck getting through. What's really frustrating is that I was a freelance photographer and my business completely dried up during COVID - I had contracts cancelled left and right. I provided what documentation I had when I originally applied, but now apparently it's not enough years later. Reading through these comments has been both terrifying and helpful. I'm definitely going to file my appeal today and request that collection hold. The fact that they can grab state refunds so quickly without much warning is really scary since I'm counting on that money for my rent next month. Has anyone had success getting through to EDD early in the morning? I've been trying afternoons but maybe I need to call right when they open. This whole situation is causing me so much anxiety - it feels like they're punishing us for trying to survive during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. Thanks for posting this OP, at least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this mess!

Pro tip: if you cant find your EDDCAN, check your spam folder for emails from EDD. Sometimes their emails end up there and you might find your number in one of those messages.

Just went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what worked for me: I couldn't find my EDDCAN anywhere, so I had to call the 1-800-300-5616 number. After trying for days, I finally got through by calling right at 8:00 AM sharp. The rep was actually really helpful - they updated my address over the phone AND gave me my EDDCAN for future reference. The whole call took about 15 minutes once I got connected. Make sure you have your SSN, old address, new address, and any unemployment claim numbers ready. Also, don't worry about your benefits being interrupted - mine continued without any issues once the address was updated. Good luck, and don't give up! It's frustrating but definitely doable.