Has anyone tried the local Assembly member route? My cousin was stuck for over a month and then contacted her district's Assembly person and they helped push it through within a week. Might be worth trying if the phone hell continues?

Just wanted to update - I finally got through! The trick was calling the 833 number at exactly 8:01am and following the menu options that @profile1 suggested. Waited about 35 minutes but finally spoke to someone. Turns out I had an identity verification issue that wasn't showing on my online account. The rep helped clear it up and my pending payments should be processed in 24-48 hours. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions!

Regarding your appeal strategy: When the employer presents contradicting information, the burden shifts to them to prove their case. That's why documentation is so critical. One more tip - I recommend creating a one-page summary document with bullet points of key facts and dates to give to the judge at the beginning. Include: - Date of hire - Date of termination - Exact reason stated on termination letter (quote it) - Date you filed for unemployment - Date/details of initial disqualification - Summary of why the employer's changing story lacks credibility Make it professional and stick to facts only - judges appreciate organization and clarity.

One thing to watch out for - they might try to say you had "personal issues with management" but twist it to claim you essentially abandoned your job or became insubordinate. I've seen employers try this tactic to transform a layoff into misconduct or voluntary quit. If they start going this route, immediately clarify that you followed all company policies and procedures until your final day, and that any disagreements were professional in nature and did not affect your work performance. Then refer back to your termination letter that clearly states "restructuring" as the reason. The fact that they've already changed their story once makes this second version much less credible. The judge will see through it.

why do they make everything so complicated!!! the whole edd system feels like its designed to confuse people and then punish them for making mistakes!!!!!

Since your interview is coming up soon, here's what I'd recommend based on my experience as someone who's been through this process: 1. Prepare a clear timeline of when you worked vs. when you certified 2. Have a clear explanation of how the mistake happened 3. Be prepared to suggest a monthly payment amount that works for your budget 4. If you have records of trying to contact EDD to correct the mistake, bring those Overpayments happen frequently, especially in complicated appeal situations. As long as you're transparent about it being an honest mistake, the process should be straightforward. They'll send you paperwork after the interview with the official determination and repayment options.

Wait they don't use Bank of America anymore? I still have my old BofA EDD card from 2021, so I'll need a new one? Also does anyone know if the weekly benefit amount is the same calculation as before?

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I'm going to start gathering all my employment docs now just in case. Sounds like things are mostly the same but with a few important changes (new card provider, ID.me verification, etc). I'll definitely keep detailed work search records too - not worth risking an overpayment situation. Fingers crossed my contract gets extended and I won't need any of this, but better to be prepared!

does anyone know if its better to do a phone interview or an in-person one? my friend said in-person is better cuz they take u more serious

EDD primarily conducts phone interviews now, especially for initial eligibility determinations. The format of the interview doesn't affect how seriously they take your case - the evidence and facts are what matter most. They follow the same protocol and ask the same questions regardless of whether it's by phone or in-person.