California Unemployment

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EDD DOES THIS ON PURPOSE!!! They denied me THREE TIMES claiming they never received my documents even though I sent everything certified mail with signature confirmation! It's a tactic to discourage people from getting benefits they're entitled to. After my 3rd appeal I finally got approved but they made me wait FIVE MONTHS with no income. The system is designed to make you give up. DON'T GIVE UP!!

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I don't think they do it intentionally, but their mail processing system is definitely broken. With how many claims they handle, things get lost all the time. That's why uploading directly is the only way to be sure.

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Maybe not the individual workers but the SYSTEM is designed to be frustrating. Why else would they have 6 different mailing addresses and no clear instructions? They could easily fix this but they don't want to!

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UPDATE: I was able to upload all my documents through UI Online! Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Now the question is... how long should I expect to wait before hearing anything back? Should I still try calling them to confirm they received everything?

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Good job uploading the documents! Typically, you should allow 7-10 business days for EDD to process uploaded documents. If you don't see any updates in your UI Online account after that time, then yes, I would recommend calling to confirm receipt. When you call, specifically ask them to check if your documents are visible in their system and to note in your file that you're following up on previously submitted documents. Request a confirmation number for the call, which provides evidence of your due diligence if there are further issues. Also, keep checking your UI Online inbox daily, as they may send requests for additional information.

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Thank you! I'll wait the 10 business days and then follow up. Really appreciate everyone's help with this!

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wait i just thought of somthing... can u just refuse to work nights and make them fire u instead of quitting? tht would be easier 4 unemployment right??

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This is actually NOT good advice. If you refuse to work your assigned schedule, that's insubordination, which is misconduct. You can be denied benefits for misconduct. A good cause voluntary quit with proper documentation is a much better approach in this situation.

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oh ok my bad. just thought it might b easier

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Thank you all so much for the advice! I've documented everything and have a meeting with my manager tomorrow. I'll try to find a solution but will be prepared to file for benefits if needed. I'll definitely use the specific language suggested about "material change" and "good cause" when filing. I'm also going to check out that Claimyr service if I need to speak with an EDD rep. Will update once I know more!

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My sister had her employer in New York file an appeal when she was living in California, and what a nightmare that turned into! I still remember her calling me crying because they froze her benefits for almost two months while they sorted it out. She had to provide like a million documents proving she was actually working from California. Eventually she won the appeal because she was able to show her internet service bills, rent payments, and other evidence that she was physically working in California. The whole time she was so stressed about potentially having to pay back thousands of dollars.

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That's exactly what I'm afraid of! Did she end up getting backpay for the weeks they froze her benefits during the appeal process?

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Just to clarify for everyone in this thread: 1) Remote workers file for unemployment in the state where they physically perform their work (usually where they live) 2) Multi-state workers may have their wages combined through a process called a Combined Wage Claim 3) Employers have 30 days to appeal an EDD determination 4) If an appeal happens, you'll receive a notice for a telephone hearing with an Administrative Law Judge 5) Benefits typically continue during the appeal process but could be subject to repayment if the decision is reversed The system can be confusing, especially with remote work becoming more common, but these are the basic rules EDD follows for interstate employment situations.

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this is so helpful!! thx for explaining it so clearly. unemployment is so confusing lol

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did u report all ur work hours correctly when you certified? if u mess that up it can cause delays

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Yes, I was super careful about reporting the exact hours and earnings. I even double-checked against my paystub before submitting.

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Just following up - any update on your payment status? Has it changed from pending to paid yet?

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Good news! It just switched to paid this morning - so it took about 3 days total. The money isn't in my account yet but at least it's moving forward. Thanks everyone for the help and keeping me sane during the wait!

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UGHHH I finally got through to EDD yesterday after trying for WEEKS and they told me my federal claim needs ANOTHER review from some special department!!! This is absolute INSANITY. Meanwhile rent is due TOMORROW and I have no idea what to do. These county job applications are taking forever too - why do I need to upload my resume AND fill out all the same info in their system?? Makes no sense!!!

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I'm so sorry you're going through this! It's really stressful. Have you been able to request an extension from your landlord? Some of them are understanding about government job transitions.

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One thing that helped me with the transition was applying for county jobs while still going through the EDD process. If you're strategic about it, you can time things so you get a few weeks of unemployment benefits while going through interviews, then hopefully start your new job before benefits run out. Just make sure to stop certifying for EDD once you start working!

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