Another important thing to know - make sure you verify your identity correctly during the application process. If there are any ID verification issues with ID.me, your payments might get held up even if your claim is approved, and that will delay your card being sent. The Money Network card will only be mailed once your first payment is actually issued (not just approved).

One thing I'd add is to keep checking your UI Online account regularly during this process. The system will show when your first payment is "issued" vs when it's actually "paid." The Money Network card gets mailed when it shows "issued" but you can't use it until the payment actually processes, which can be another day or two. Also, download the Money Network app once you get your card - it's much easier to check your balance and transaction history than calling the automated phone line.

so did u get this sorted out? i'm curious cuz I have same issue now

Congrats on getting it resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people to be persistent with calling EDD. I went through something similar last year and it took me literally 47 phone calls over 2 weeks to get through, but once I did, the rep fixed my issue in 5 minutes. The system is so broken that claims just sit there indefinitely unless you force them to look at it. For anyone else reading this - save that ID verification number (866-401-2849) and keep calling until you get through. Also try calling right when they open at 8am or after lunch at 1pm for better chances. Don't give up!

Hi Jujubeans! Congratulations on receiving your appeal decision letter! Without seeing the specific language in your letter, it's hard to say definitively, but if you received a favorable decision from the judge, it should mean you won your appeal. Look for key phrases like "decision is reversed," "claimant is eligible," or "benefits are granted." If the judge ruled in your favor, EDD should process the back payments automatically, though it can take several weeks. I'd recommend checking your EDD online account regularly and maybe trying to call during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) to get through to someone who can confirm the status. You can also try contacting your local assembly member's office - they often have dedicated EDD liaisons who can help cut through the phone maze. Hang in there, and I hope this is the good news you've been waiting for!

UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning! The representative confirmed it WAS a system issue. Apparently when my disqualification was overturned, it wasn't fully processed in all their systems. The person who reviewed my case made the change in their case management system, but it didn't properly sync with the payment system. The rep had to manually override the disqualification codes in the payment system and said my payments should process within 48-72 hours. She also said this happens fairly often with manually overturned determinations - the different EDD computer systems don't communicate well with each other. For anyone dealing with something similar, make sure you specifically ask if all systems show the same status for your claim!

Wow, what a rollercoaster! I'm so glad you got it resolved. This is exactly why I always screenshot everything with EDD - their systems are so unreliable. Your experience is going to help so many people who run into this same issue. I've been dealing with EDD for years (unfortunately) and the number of times I've seen people panic over system glitches like this is crazy. The fact that you got a service request number is huge - that paper trail will protect you if anything goes wrong again. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!

One thing nobody has mentioned - check if your former employer is even going to contest the appeal. Sometimes they don't bother showing up to the hearing, which makes it MUCH easier to win your case. You could potentially call your former HR department (not your boss) and ask if they plan to participate in the appeal hearing. If they don't, self-representation becomes much more viable.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - got disqualified after my eligibility interview and facing a $3,200 overpayment. Reading through everyone's responses here has been really helpful! I'm leaning toward trying to represent myself first since my case seems straightforward (employer cut my hours from 35 to 12 per week), but I'm definitely going to get a free consultation with an attorney just to be safe. One question for those who've been through this - how long did you have to prepare between filing your appeal and the actual hearing? I want to make sure I have enough time to gather all my documentation and organize everything properly. Also, did anyone record their conversations with their boss? I have a few voice recordings on my phone from when we discussed the schedule changes but I'm not sure if those are even admissible. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's scary going through this alone but this community really helps!