California Unemployment
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EDD name mismatch after marriage - which name to use for unemployment claim?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle with my unemployment registration. I recently got married and my name on my Social Security card is different from my driver's license and passport. I'm worried this might cause issues with my claim. Has anyone dealt with this before? I have my marriage license as proof, but I'm not sure which name to use when registering. Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Can my husband qualify for partial unemployment after hours cut from full-time to only 2 days weekly?
My husband just got hit with a massive schedule reduction at his warehouse job. He was hired as full-time (40 hours) back in November, but yesterday his supervisor told him they're cutting him to just 2 days per week starting next pay period! We have a mortgage and two kids, and there's no way we can manage on what amounts to less than half his normal pay. Can he apply for partial unemployment to cover some of the missing income? Has anyone successfully gotten UI benefits after having hours severely reduced but not being completely laid off? The reduction wasn't his fault at all - they're claiming 'business slowdown' but didn't cut everyone's hours the same way.
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Just realized I didn't mention another important detail: When your husband applies, he'll need to provide 18 months of employment history, not just his current job. The EDD looks at your base period earnings (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters) to determine benefit amounts. If he's been at the same employer the whole time, that's easy, but if he's had multiple jobs, he'll need details for all of them.
Thanks for the additional info. He's been with the same company for almost 2 years, so that should make it simpler. Do you know how long it typically takes for a partial unemployment claim to be processed? We're trying to figure out budget planning for the next few weeks.
For straightforward partial claims like your husband's, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for initial processing. The first certification period after applying takes the longest, with payments usually arriving 3-5 days after certifying for subsequent periods. If his employer promptly verifies the hours reduction when EDD contacts them, it should go smoothly. Just be prepared that the first payment might take up to a month from initial application date.
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my retail hours got slashed from 32 to 12 per week. The partial UI definitely helped bridge the gap! A few tips from my experience: 1. Apply online as soon as possible - I made the mistake of waiting a week thinking my hours might get restored 2. Keep detailed records of your work schedule and paystubs for each week 3. When you certify, they'll ask if you're "ready, willing, and able to work full-time" - the answer should be yes even though you're still employed part-time 4. Don't forget about the work search requirement - I did online job applications and attended a virtual job fair to meet the weekly requirements The good news is that partial claims are usually processed faster than regular unemployment claims since you're still actively employed. Hang in there - it really does help financially while you're dealing with the reduced hours!
EDD Money Network card hacked after first payment - how to switch back to paper checks?
Just found out someone tried to hack into my Money Network card account! I only received my first payment on it last week and already there's been an unauthorized access attempt. Got a security alert email saying someone tried to set up online access using my info (thankfully it was blocked). I don't trust this card system anymore - too risky with all my benefits. Can anyone tell me how to switch BACK to paper checks through the EDD website/app? I remember seeing that option somewhere but can't find it now. The old check-in-mail system never gave me these problems. Trying to avoid calling EDD if possible since their lines are always jammed. Any help appreciated!
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u should freeze ur credit too just 2 be safe. those hackers prolly have ur ssn if they tried 2 get into the money network account
That's a really good point I hadn't thought of. Going to look into credit freezes right now!
Wow, this is exactly why I've been hesitant to switch to the Money Network card! I've been getting paper checks since I started my claim and even though they take longer, hearing all these hacking stories makes me want to stick with them. It's crazy that these scammers are specifically targeting EDD recipients - like we don't have enough stress already! Glad you were able to switch back online without having to deal with EDD's phone system. That would have been a nightmare on top of everything else. Definitely smart to report it to Money Network too even though you're switching away from the card.
EDD phone system is a nightmare - 3 weeks trying to reach a human agent
Been trying to connect with EDD for THREE WHOLE WEEKS about my pending claim and I'm ready to scream. Every single day I call the main number (sometimes 6-7 times) and it's the same torture - five minutes of automated messages and menu options just to hear "We're experiencing higher than normal call volume" and get disconnected. My rent is due in 4 days, and I haven't received ANY benefits since getting laid off from my restaurant management job last month. The online system shows my claim as "pending" with no explanation, and the stupid Contact Us form just sends automated replies that don't answer anything. How is anybody supposed to resolve issues if you can't actually talk to someone? I swear the people who designed this system should be the ones looking for jobs! Anyone found ANY working method to reach an actual human being at EDD? I'm desperate at this point.
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FINAL UPDATE: After days of trying everything suggested here, I FINALLY got through using the 833 number at 8:03am this morning! You were all right - I had an identity verification issue that needed manual clearing. The agent was actually super helpful once I got through and released all my payments at once. They should be in my account by Friday! For anyone else struggling: 1. Call the technical support number (833-978-2511) 2. Call at EXACTLY 8:01-8:05am 3. When prompted, say you're calling about a payment issue 4. Be persistent - took me 3 mornings of trying Thank you all for the advice and support. This system is truly broken, but at least I can pay my rent now!
congrats!! thats a huge relief im sure!
So glad you got through and got it resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for other people dealing with the same nightmare. I've been putting off calling EDD about my own pending issue for weeks because I dreaded the phone system, but seeing all these specific strategies gives me hope. Going to try the 8:01am trick with the 833 number tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually worked!
EDD Claim Opening: Can't Reach an Agent - Any Tips to Actually Speak with Someone?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to open a claim but I'm having trouble getting through to an agent. I've been trying to call for days but the lines are always busy. Does anyone have any tips on how to actually speak with someone? I really need to get this sorted out ASAP.
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Anybody else think its weird that we can order a pizza, book a flight, and do our taxes online but we cant get basic help from the government without jumping through 1000 hoops? 🤔
For real tho. It's like they're stuck in 1995 or something.
Probably cuz pizza places actually want our business lmao
I feel you on this struggle! After dealing with the same nightmare for weeks, here's what finally worked for me: I started calling the technical support line (1-800-300-5616) instead of the main number. They can sometimes transfer you directly to claims or at least give you better info on system status. Also, try calling on Wednesdays or Thursdays - seems like Mondays and Fridays are absolute chaos. Keep a log of when you call and what happens, it might help if you need to escalate later. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 💪
LongPeri
lol welcome to bureaucracy hell. grab a seat, you'll be here a while 😂🔥
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Kristin Frank
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: 1. Use whatever name is on your Social Security card - this is KEY because that's what they cross-reference with your employment records 2. When you file, there's usually a section where you can add notes or explain special circumstances - mention your recent marriage and name change there 3. Have your marriage certificate ready to upload or fax if they ask for it 4. If you get stuck in the system, try calling first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - better chance of getting through The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, but I got my benefits backdated to my original filing date. Don't stress too much - they see this situation all the time and have procedures for it. Congrats on getting married btw! 🎉
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