Thank you so much for this detailed response! This really helps. I think you're right that I probably didn't complete the direct deposit setup. I'll call EDD first thing tomorrow morning and see if I can either get confirmation or possibly switch to direct deposit if my payment hasn't processed yet.

Hey Peyton! I went through this exact same situation a few months ago and was pulling my hair out trying to figure it out. Here's what I learned: if you can't find the payment method info in UI Online (which seems to be the case for most people), the fastest way is definitely calling EDD. But here's a pro tip - try calling right when they open at 8 AM. I got through on my second try when I called at 8:02 AM on a Tuesday. Also, since you mentioned this is your first time filing, there's a good chance you're getting the Money Network card since that's the default. Most people I know who got direct deposit remember specifically entering their banking info because it was kind of a pain to dig up routing numbers and all that. Hope you get this sorted out quickly! The waiting game with EDD payments is stressful enough without not knowing where the money is going.

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and tried multiple approaches. First, I sent a fax with all my payment documentation yesterday. This morning, I used Claimyr to get through to EDD (it actually worked!), and I spoke with a representative in the Collections Department. She confirmed they received my payment, but it was sitting in an "unprocessed payments" queue because there was a one-digit error in my account number reference! She manually matched my payment to my account while I was on the phone and said I'll receive an updated statement within 5-7 business days showing a zero balance. She also put a hold on any collection activities in the meantime. Thank you all for your help! What a relief to finally get this resolved.

This whole thread is giving me anxiety because I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now! I paid my $3,200 overpayment 10 days ago and just got a collection notice yesterday. Reading everyone's experiences here is both terrifying and reassuring - terrifying because it seems like this happens constantly, but reassuring because people DO get it resolved eventually. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service and the fax approach. Has anyone had luck with emailing EDD directly, or is phone/fax really the only way? I've been documenting everything but I'm getting so stressed about potential wage garnishment. Also, for anyone else dealing with this - I found it helpful to set up account alerts with my bank so I have immediate notifications of any transactions. That way if EDD tries to take money again (which apparently happens sometimes), I'll know right away. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories and solutions. This community is literally saving my sanity right now!

anybody else notice how the edd website NEVER explains any of this stuff clearly?? feels intentional so people miss out on benefits tbh

This thread is incredibly helpful - I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Got laid off in early February but didn't file until mid-March because I honestly had no idea I needed to file immediately. My former company's HR department didn't mention anything about timing when they handed me my termination paperwork. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like I should definitely try to get my claim backdated. The fact that multiple people here have succeeded gives me hope. I'm going to try calling EDD first, and if that doesn't work out, I'll look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned. It's really frustrating that this isn't explained clearly anywhere. You'd think something this important would be front and center on the EDD website or mentioned during layoffs. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and advice - this community is way more helpful than any official EDD resources I've found!

Could you share what your disqualification reason was? The specific reason matters because it affects how the hearing is structured and who has the burden of proof. For misconduct cases, the employer has to prove you committed misconduct. For voluntary quit cases, you have to prove you had good cause to quit. This affects how aggressive you need to be in challenging their evidence.

I went through something very similar last year - employer submitted a bunch of witness statements at the last minute that were clearly coordinated. The good news is that during my phone hearing, the ALJ specifically asked me about each statement and gave me plenty of time to respond. What really helped my case was that I had prepared a simple chart beforehand listing each false claim and the specific evidence that contradicted it. For example, when they claimed I missed a meeting on X date, I could immediately reference the email showing I had requested time off that was approved by HR weeks earlier. The judge seemed to appreciate that I stayed factual and specific rather than just saying "that's not true." I also noticed that when the ALJ asked the employer's witnesses follow-up questions, several of them couldn't provide details beyond what was in their written statements, which made their testimony seem less credible. One thing that worked in my favor - I mentioned early in the hearing that all the negative statements were submitted simultaneously at the deadline, while my evidence had been submitted weeks prior. The judge made a note of that timing. You've got this! Having your documentation organized and staying calm will serve you well. The fact that you prepared so thoroughly ahead of time actually puts you at an advantage.

UPDATE: I finally got through!! Called at exactly 8:01 this morning and managed to speak with someone. The rep confirmed my account was restricted due to inactivity. She was able to reset it, and I can now access UI Online again. Regarding my eligibility as a substitute teacher - she said I CAN apply but will need to provide documentation that I don't have reasonable assurance of work in the fall. I'm getting a letter from my district HR department stating that substitute work is on-call with no guaranteed hours. Thanks everyone for your help! Will update again once I know if my claim is approved or not.

Glad you got through and got your account restored! That's the hardest part honestly. Just a heads up - when you get that letter from HR, make sure it specifically mentions that substitute positions are "on-call" or "as-needed" with no guarantee of hours or assignments for the upcoming school year. EDD looks for very specific language about the lack of reasonable assurance. Also, if you have any documentation showing your substitute work history (like how many days you actually worked last year vs. total school days), that can help demonstrate the uncertainty of the work. Good luck with your claim!