California Unemployment
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Missed EDD phone interview due to disconnected service - what are our options?
My fiancé has an eligibility phone interview scheduled with EDD next week, but our phone service is getting shut off tomorrow due to financial issues. We're currently behind on bills while waiting for his unemployment to process. Is there a way to notify EDD about this situation? Can he call them before our phones get disconnected to reschedule or provide an alternative contact method? Has anyone dealt with something similar? Really worried this will mess up his entire claim if he misses the interview!
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One important thing to note - if he's able to contact EDD before the interview, make sure they document this contact in his case notes. Ask them specifically to add a note about the phone service issue and any alternative arrangements. This creates a paper trail protecting his claim if there are any issues later. If he does end up missing the interview despite your best efforts, he should file an appeal immediately citing these circumstances.
I work at a community center and we get people in this situation all the time. Here are a few more resources that might help: most Starbucks and McDonald's locations have free WiFi if you need to use the UI Online messaging system from your phone. Also, many churches and community centers will let you use their phones for important calls like this - just explain your situation. If you're in a big city, some unemployment offices have walk-in hours where you can speak to someone in person about rescheduling. Don't give up - there are always options even when it feels hopeless!
EDD website crashes during certification - can't complete claim filing
So frustrating! I've been trying to file my unemployment claim since Tuesday and the EDD website keeps crashing when I get to the second page of the application. It loads fine at first, I enter all my personal info on page 1, click 'Next' and BOOM - error message or blank screen. I've tried using Chrome, Firefox, and even Edge. Also switched from my home wifi to phone hotspot thinking it was my internet, but same problem! Anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestions on how to get through the application process? I'm starting to panic because I need to get this claim filed before rent is due next week.
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Have you checked if your browser is up to date? Sometimes outdated browsers don't work properly with government sites. Also make sure you're not using any auto-fill features as those can cause conflicts with the EDD site's security features. I've been on unemployment twice in the past three years and both times had technical issues that were resolved by updating my browser and disabling browser extensions. Also worth noting - if you can't get it working online, you can request a paper application by mail, though obviously that will take longer to process.
paper applications take FOREVER now don't do that unless ur super desperate. my neighbor did that in feb and didn't get their claim approved until mid april. website is still faster even with all the problems
UPDATE: You all are amazing! I tried a combination of suggestions - disabled my VPN, cleared all cookies, turned off browser extensions, and waited until 1am to try again. It finally worked! Got all the way through the application process and received my confirmation number. Now fingers crossed the claim gets processed quickly. Thanks to everyone for the help!
So glad you got it working! This is such a helpful thread - I'm bookmarking it for future reference. The VPN tip especially is gold, I never would have thought of that. Hopefully your claim processes smoothly from here!
EDD debit card showing 'Cash Benefits' option - can I withdraw cash for groceries?
I just got my EDD benefits loaded onto my Money Network debit card and noticed there are two options when I use it - 'Food' and 'Cash Benefits'. I've only been using the Food option at grocery stores, but I'm wondering if I can actually withdraw cash instead? Like if my grocery bill is $75, can I just withdraw that amount in cash using the Cash Benefits option? I've never tried it and don't want to mess anything up or have my card declined at checkout. Has anyone used this feature? Not sure if this is how unemployment benefits are supposed to work or if there's some crossover with other benefit programs I'm not aware of. Thanks for any help!
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Since this question has been answered, I want to add some general info that might help others: 1. EDD Money Network card: This is a regular Visa debit card for unemployment benefits. No purchase restrictions, can be used anywhere Visa is accepted or at ATMs. 2. EBT/CalFresh card: This has the Food/Cash benefit options. Food benefits can ONLY be used for eligible food items. The Cash option is ONLY available if you're enrolled in cash assistance programs like CalWORKs. 3. The two systems are completely separate. Your unemployment benefits never appear on your EBT card, and your food benefits never appear on your EDD card. Hope this helps others who might be navigating multiple benefit programs!
This is such a common mix-up! I work with folks applying for benefits and see this confusion all the time. You're definitely looking at your EBT/CalFresh card, not your EDD unemployment card. Just to add to what others have said - if you do have both cards, here are some quick ways to tell them apart: - EDD Money Network card: Usually says "Money Network" and has unemployment benefit funds, works like any debit card - EBT card: Says "Golden State Advantage" or similar, has the food/cash benefit options you described The EDD card has no spending restrictions - you can buy groceries, gas, pay bills, whatever you need. The EBT card is specifically for food purchases (and cash benefits only if you qualify for programs like CalWORKs). Glad you got it sorted out! It's totally normal to be confused when you're dealing with multiple benefit programs.
EDD payment stuck on pending after midnight certification - job search workshop impact?
I certified for my benefits literally the moment the system opened at midnight on Sunday, but my payment is still showing as 'pending' now 2 days later. Usually it switches to paid within hours when I certify that early. Has anyone else experienced delays this week? I'm worried because I have an upcoming mandatory EDD job search workshop scheduled for next Friday. Could this be affecting my pending status? I always thought these workshops only become an issue if you miss them, not before you even attend. Getting pretty anxious since rent is due next week and I was counting on this payment.
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This happens to me EVERY TIME I certify at midnight! The system gets overloaded with everyone certifying at the same time. I started waiting until Sunday afternoon to certify and haven't had a pending issue since. Weird but it works for me!
UPDATE: My payment just switched from pending to paid this morning! Looks like it was just a processing delay like some of you mentioned. Thanks for all the advice and reassurance. I'll still attend my job search workshop next week of course.
lucky!! still waiting on mine 😭
So glad yours came through! I'm dealing with the same thing right now - been pending since Sunday. This thread is giving me hope that it's just the quarterly processing delays everyone's talking about. Going to wait it out a few more days before calling EDD.
Tom Maxon
To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
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Javier Cruz
When writing your appeal, be clear and specific about why the notice is inaccurate. Include: 1. State clearly that you disagree with the determination 2. Explain the specific facts that make the notice incorrect (dates, amounts, circumstances) 3. Attach any supporting documentation (pay stubs, work records, correspondence) 4. Request a if you want to present your case in person 5. Submit within the deadline (usually 30 days from the notice date) Keep it factual and professional. Focus on the facts that prove the determination is wrong rather than emotional appeals. The key is providing evidence that contradicts their findings. Good luck with your appeal!
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