To clarify the legal aspects here: you need to appeal the determination notice within 30 days. Once appealed, you'll eventually have a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. For your specific situation, you need to focus on California UI Code 1253.3(b) which covers school employees. The key is proving you did NOT have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work in the same capacity. For your appeal and hearing preparation: 1. Gather any district communications showing uncertainty about reopening 2. Document any changes in your position, hours, or pay when schools eventually reopened 3. Get statements from supervisors if possible about the uncertainty during that period 4. Prepare a timeline showing how the COVID closure was different from normal breaks 5. Research any Department of Labor or EDD guidance specific to COVID school closures Finally, even if you lose the appeal, you can request a waiver of overpayment if repayment would cause financial hardship. You would need to complete DE 1446W form for that process.

As someone who went through a similar situation with EDD, I want to emphasize what others have said - file that appeal IMMEDIATELY! Don't wait even one more day. The 30-day clock is ticking from when that determination notice was mailed. I'm a substitute teacher and faced the same "reasonable assurance" issue during COVID. What saved me was keeping detailed records of every communication from my district during that chaotic period. Look for emails where they used words like "tentative," "uncertain," "pending," or "subject to change" - these show there was NO reasonable assurance. Also, when schools did eventually reopen, did you return to the exact same position with the same hours and pay? If anything changed (fewer hours, different role, etc.), that's more evidence you didn't have reasonable assurance of returning to your specific job. One tip - when you file your appeal, be very specific about dates and include copies of any documentation you have. The more concrete evidence you can provide, the better your chances. Good luck - you can beat this!

To actually answer your original question directly - no, there's no way to have them hold payments until a final eligibility determination. The system isn't designed that way. Your options are basically: 1. Continue certifying and receiving payments, but set aside the money until after your interview 2. Stop certifying entirely (not recommended as it could affect your claim) 3. Withdraw your claim completely (definitely not recommended unless you're certain you're ineligible) The first option is what most people do. Just be prepared for the possibility of repayment if found ineligible.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I went through this exact situation last year and ended up being found eligible after my interview, even though my employer contested it. The key thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of everything. I saved all my UI Online screenshots showing the payments and the "determination pending" messages, plus I documented every conversation I had with EDD representatives. Even though it's stressful waiting with that money sitting there, try to remember that EDD's system is actually designed to help claimants by providing benefits during the investigation period. Most people who get laid off (vs fired for cause) do end up being found eligible. Just make sure you have your story straight and all your documentation ready for when they call. The interview really isn't as bad as it seems!

Just checking in - have you been able to report this and start the process with EDD? Any updates?

So glad you were able to get through to someone at EDD! That's honestly the hardest part of this whole process. The 4-6 week timeline sounds about right from what I've seen. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your communications with EDD - dates, times, reference numbers, names of who you spoke with. This documentation will be crucial if there are any delays or issues with the corrected 1099-G. Also, don't forget to monitor your credit reports regularly over the next few months since identity thieves often try multiple types of fraud once they have someone's personal information. You're handling this exactly right by getting professional tax help and filing the extension. Best of luck with the resolution!

Just wanted to add that you should also keep detailed records of all your severance payments - dates, amounts, and any documentation from your employer. This will make the certification process much smoother and help if EDD ever needs to verify your reported income. I learned this the hard way when I couldn't find my pay stubs during a review and it delayed my claim for weeks. Good luck with everything!

I went through this exact same situation last year! Applied immediately after my layoff even though I had 6 weeks of severance coming. The key is being completely transparent when you certify - I reported every penny of severance pay and had zero issues. My benefits kicked in seamlessly once the severance ended. Don't stress about it, just be honest with the reporting. The EDD system is actually designed to handle this exact scenario. Your manager probably means well but isn't familiar with how unemployment actually works.

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what worked for me in case someone else has this problem in the future. I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended and got through to an actual SDI representative in about 20 minutes! The rep was able to verify my identity using my driver's license, social security number, and address history. She reset my account access and helped me start my disability claim right there on the phone. The weird thing is that my old unemployment account and this new disability claim are somehow separate in their system, even though they both use my SSN. The rep explained that while they're both under EDD, they use different systems. Anyway, my claim is now processing and I should receive my SDI debit card within 7-10 days according to the rep. Thanks to everyone who helped with suggestions!

Wow, this is such a relief to read! I've been dealing with a similar password reset nightmare for weeks now. The fact that UI and SDI use different systems is really good to know - I was getting so frustrated thinking it was all one big mess. @QuantumQuest thanks for sharing your success story and @Fatima Al-Hashemi thanks for explaining the system differences. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service since the regular phone lines have been impossible. It's crazy that we have to pay a third-party service just to access our own government benefits, but if it works, it's worth it. Also wanted to add for anyone else reading this - make sure you keep all your medical documentation organized from day one. I learned the hard way that EDD can request additional paperwork at any point in the process, so having everything ready speeds things up a lot.