I'm going through something very similar right now! Got hit with a $6,200 PUA overpayment notice in December and they already intercepted my federal refund last week - no warning at all. What's really frustrating is that I provided all the documentation they asked for back in 2022, but apparently it "wasn't sufficient" according to their review. One thing I learned the hard way - if you're expecting a state refund, act FAST. Federal refunds have more protections and longer notice periods, but California can grab your state refund much quicker. I wish I had known about the appeal process sooner. For anyone else reading this - don't wait like I did. Even if you think your case was legitimate, file that appeal immediately when you get the notice. The burden of proof is unfortunately on us to show we were eligible, even years later with documentation that might be hard to find now. Hang in there OP - sounds like you're taking the right steps with the appeal!

I'm dealing with this exact nightmare right now too! Just got my overpayment notice two weeks ago for $4,800 from PUA in 2021. What really gets me is that I was a gig worker whose income completely dried up during COVID - I thought I was doing everything right when I applied. Now they're saying I didn't provide enough documentation to prove my work was affected by the pandemic. I immediately filed my appeal and requested the collection hold, but I'm still terrified they'll grab my tax refund before the appeal gets processed. Has anyone had success with the hardship waiver (DE 1446W)? I'm a single parent and there's no way I can pay back nearly $5K without it completely destroying my finances. The whole situation feels so unfair - they approved these claims initially, many of us relied on that money to survive during the worst of the pandemic, and now years later they're coming after us with aggressive collection tactics. I know mistakes happen, but the way they're handling this is causing so much stress and financial hardship for people who were already struggling. Stay strong everyone - it sounds like appeals are working for some people, especially for non-fraud cases!

Pro tip: if you cant find your EDDCAN, check your spam folder for emails from EDD. Sometimes their emails end up there and you might find your number in one of those messages.

Just went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what worked for me: I couldn't find my EDDCAN anywhere, so I had to call the 1-800-300-5616 number. After trying for days, I finally got through by calling right at 8:00 AM sharp. The rep was actually really helpful - they updated my address over the phone AND gave me my EDDCAN for future reference. The whole call took about 15 minutes once I got connected. Make sure you have your SSN, old address, new address, and any unemployment claim numbers ready. Also, don't worry about your benefits being interrupted - mine continued without any issues once the address was updated. Good luck, and don't give up! It's frustrating but definitely doable.

am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we gotta jump thru all these hoops just to get what we're owed? 🤡 system's broken af

Same thing happened to me last month! I never got the call either. Here's what worked for me: I called the main EDD number (1-800-300-5616) first thing Monday morning at exactly 8am and kept hitting redial. It took about 45 minutes but I finally got through. When I explained I never received my scheduled interview call, they were actually pretty understanding and rescheduled me for the next week. Make sure to ask for a confirmation number when they reschedule! Also double-check that your phone number is correct in your account - mine had an old number somehow. Don't panic, you won't lose your benefits as long as you can show you tried to participate. Good luck! 🤞

tell ur son to keep filing evry 2 weeks no matter what!!! u dont wanna miss weeks

I went through something very similar with my nephew last year! The determination took about 6 weeks total, and EDD kept paying him the whole time. What really helped was when we finally got through to a rep (took many attempts) who explained that as long as he submitted the required documentation and continues certifying accurately, the payments usually indicate they're leaning toward approval. The key thing is making sure he doesn't miss any certification periods and answers all questions honestly. Also, if they do schedule an interview, treat it very seriously - be prepared with all the facts about why he left his job and any documentation that supports his story. Most of these cases do work out fine, especially when someone is being proactive like your son has been!

Update us on how it goes! The whole EDD process can be confusing but I've seen multiple cases where people got benefits after leaving a stable job for a better opportunity that didn't work out. The system is designed to protect workers in exactly this type of situation. Just make sure you certify on time every two weeks once you open your claim!

I went through something very similar a few months ago! Got let go from a new job after just 2 weeks because of "performance concerns" but I had left my previous job of 5 years for what I thought was a better opportunity. The good news is that California's base period system worked in my favor - EDD calculated my benefits based on earnings from up to 18 months prior, so my long-term previous job was included. The key thing that helped me was being completely transparent about both job separations during my eligibility interview. I explained that I left my stable job for career advancement (higher salary, better benefits) and that the new employer let me go during what was essentially an extended probationary period. EDD approved my claim because leaving for a substantially better job is considered "good cause" and being terminated for not being a good fit isn't considered misconduct on your part. Don't wait to apply - even if there are questions about your eligibility, it's better to get the process started. The worst thing that can happen is they deny your claim, but based on what you've described, I think you have a strong case.