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Omg I'm so sorry about your brother. Please don't be hard on yourself about the timing - grief is a journey that doesn't follow deadlines. I lost my mom in 2021 and literally couldn't look at anything financial for almost a year. EDD mistakes were RAMPANT during 2020. Half my coworkers had issues with their 1099Gs. One thing that worked for me was sending a written request (certified mail) to both EDD and BOA demanding my records under the California Consumer Privacy Act. Companies have to respond to these requests. I specifically asked for "all payment records and transaction histories associated with my EDD claim and BOA debit card for tax year 2020." Both sent me complete records within 30 days.
Thank you so much for your kind words about my brother. It means a lot. Some days are still really hard. The California Consumer Privacy Act request is a brilliant idea! I didn't even think of that angle. I'm going to try the other suggestions first since they might be faster, but if those don't work out, I'll definitely try the CCPA approach. It's good to have multiple options. Thanks for understanding about the timeline too - it helps to know I'm not alone in struggling with administrative tasks during grief.
Bank of America is the absolute WORST for handling the EDD cards!!! when my claim ended they just shut down my account with NO WARNING and I couldn't see any of my old transactions. I had to call them like 7 times and finally got someone who told me I could request paper statements by mail but it would cost $5 per month I wanted. such a ripoff but I needed them for my taxes
Just an important clarification - Bank of America shouldn't be charging $5 per statement for EDD debit card accounts. Under their agreement with the State of California, they're required to provide at least one free statement copy per request for closed accounts. If they tried to charge you, you should dispute that and reference the California EDD Debit Card Account Agreement which specifies the free statement policy. Many customer service reps aren't properly trained on the EDD-specific policies.
wait isnt UI Online different from SDI online? my wife uses SDI online for disability but I thought unemployment was different??
Yes, they're different systems. UI Online is specifically for Unemployment Insurance claims, while SDI Online is for State Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave. They're both operated by EDD but they're separate programs with different applications and websites. The original poster is asking about unemployment (UI), not disability.
Just wanted to add something about the certification process - even if your dad starts with paper, once he creates a UI Online account, he can immediately switch to online certification. He doesn't need to continue with paper forms. The system links to his existing claim automatically using his SSN and EDD Customer Account Number during registration.
dont forget u gotta be looking for work too!!! they ask u every time u certify if u looked for jobs. u need at least 3 job contacts per week I think...or maybe its 5 now? anybody know??
The current work search requirement is to conduct a reasonable search for work each week. While EDD doesn't specify an exact number of job applications, they recommend keeping a detailed record of your job search activities. This includes applications submitted, networking events, job fairs attended, etc. You might be asked to provide this information if they conduct an eligibility determination interview.
Update: I just applied for unemployment following everyone's advice here! I listed May 15th as my last day worked, and I'll report my continuing payments during certification. I also emailed my boss asking for written confirmation of our payment arrangement through June. Thank you all so much for helping clear this up - I feel much more confident now about handling this correctly.
did u try going to the actual EDD office in person? sometimes thats the only way to get this stuff fixed when the online system doesnt work and u cant get thru on phone
I didn't even know that was an option! Is that something people can just do? Walk into an EDD office and get help with claims?
Most EDD offices don't handle UI claims in person anymore - they primarily deal with job search assistance now. For UI claims, you generally need to call. The exceptions are some of the America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) locations that have dedicated UI representatives, but these are limited and often require appointments.
UPDATE: I finally got through using the Technical Support number that was suggested! The tech support person transferred me to a claims specialist who knew exactly what to do. They confirmed I qualify for a subsequent claim based on my awards season work. The weekly benefit amount is lower ($247 vs my previous $450), but it's definitely better than nothing! They had to process it manually since the online system can't handle this situation. My new claim is being backdated to when my benefits exhausted, so I should get those weeks paid once everything processes. Thanks everyone for the help and specific advice - especially the technical support number and the exact terminology to use. That made all the difference!
GalaxyGazer
my cosin had a appeal and the EDD ladie lied about EVERYTHING!!! so be carful and make sure u record the call if u can!!!
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Nia Harris
•Important correction here - you CANNOT legally record the hearing without permission from the judge and all parties. The hearing is already being recorded officially. Attempting to make your own recording without permission could actually hurt your case. Instead, take detailed notes during the hearing.
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Yuki Kobayashi
When I had my phone hearing last year, I kept getting interrupted and couldn't finish explaining my situation. The EDD rep kept talking over me, and I got flustered. So here's my advice: 1. Practice explaining your case BRIEFLY - like a 2-minute summary 2. When the judge asks if you have questions for the EDD rep, ALWAYS ask something - this is your chance to point out contradictions 3. If you get cut off, politely say "Excuse me, I wasn't finished with my explanation" 4. DEFINITELY have your spouse help you 5. If you win, be prepared for EDD to still take 3-4 weeks to process your payments Oh and DO NOT hang up until the judge officially closes the hearing! Sometimes they pause to review documents, and it might seem like it's over, but it's not.
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Aisha Mahmood
•Did you win your case? I'm having my hearing next week and I'm so scared the EDD person will talk over me too. I get nervous and then my mind goes blank.
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