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One more thing - when you do get approved and have to certify for all those back weeks, make sure you report any income accurately if you had any sick pay or PTO payout after your layoff. EDD will cross-check with your employer and it can cause major headaches if the numbers don't match up.
If they deny your backdate request (which happens ALOT) immediately appeal it!! You only have 30 days to appeal a denial. And make sure to keep certifying for current weeks while waiting for backdating decision. They won't tell you this but you can lose current benefits if you miss certifications while dealing with backdating issues.
why is edd so confusng with there rules????? i swear they try 2 make it hard on purpose so people mess up and they can deny benefits smh
One other important detail - when he certifies, make sure he answers "Yes" to the question "Did you work or earn money, WHETHER YOU WERE PAID OR NOT?" for the week containing that Friday meeting. Then he'll enter Friday's date, the number of hours (4), and the gross amount he'll be paid. The system will prompt him through all the necessary information.
Another tip: when you do get through to someone, get their ID number or name and take detailed notes about what they tell you. I've had situations where one rep tells me something completely different from another, and having documentation of previous conversations helps tremendously, especially if you need to file an appeal later.
Update for anyone wondering - I FINALLY got through this morning! Used the 8:01am trick and called on the Spanish line (pressed 2, then asked for English when someone answered). Only waited about 20 minutes. Turns out my former employer contested my claim saying I quit (I didn't - was definitely laid off with 30 other people). Now I have to wait for an eligibility interview in two weeks, but at least I know what's happening now. The rep also expedited my interview since I explained my financial situation. Thanks everyone for your help!
Excellent news! Make sure you gather any documentation that proves you were laid off (termination letter, emails, text messages with supervisors, etc.). Having these ready for your eligibility interview will speed things up significantly. Also, continue certifying every two weeks while waiting for the interview.
Here's a definitive answer based on EDD's latest guidance (March 2025): The virtual orientation process varies by claim type and factors in your application responses: 1. Standard UI claims: Watch both videos = completion (status updates in 2-3 business days) 2. Claims with special circumstances (language needs, industry-specific requirements, etc.): Watch videos AND receive follow-up call The confusion stems from EDD using the same 'Virtual Orientation' portal for both processes. Your confirmation email should specify if you need a call, but many people miss this detail. Since your status is still 'Action Required' after completing the videos, I recommend: 1. Check your confirmation email for any mention of a follow-up call 2. Wait 3 full business days for system update 3. If still showing 'Action Required' after day 3, contact EDD One important note: You can still certify for benefits while waiting for the orientation status to update.
when i did my orientation last year i had to do way more than just watch videos, had to fill out a whole worksheet and upload it, then had interview. sounds like they keep changing everything!!! typical edd chaos lol
Emma Garcia
ive heard about this before but thought it was just rumors. do u have to provide them with personal info? like how do they kno your not just making up a problem
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Andre Laurent
•Yes, they need your personal info to help - name, address, claim number, last 4 of SSN, and details about your specific issue. They can't just call EDD without identifying whose claim they're asking about. But they're official government staff who handle sensitive info all the time. They also had me sign a privacy release form before they could contact EDD on my behalf.
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Aiden Rodríguez
This is excellent advice! I'm a former EDD employee, and I can confirm that congressional inquiries receive priority handling through special units at EDD. When a representative's office contacts EDD, it typically gets routed to the Legislative Liaison Unit rather than regular claims processing. Just remember that they can't change EDD's determination on eligibility - they can only help push through claims that are stuck in processing limbo or escalate issues that aren't getting proper attention through normal channels. Make sure to prepare all your documentation before contacting them: claim number, dates of contact with EDD, any relevant paperwork, and a clear explanation of the issue.
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Jacob Smithson
•So they can't actually override a disqualification? I was hoping they might be able to help with my appeal that's been pending for 10 weeks with no hearing date.
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