Wait I'm confused about something... when you say you kept applying for jobs while at the marketing place, were you still collecting unemployment during those 3 months you were working? Because if you were working full-time AND collecting UI that would explain the overpayment.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - got an overpayment notice last month with what felt like an impossible deadline. The stress is real, but it sounds like you've done everything right by responding through multiple channels! One thing that really helped me was calling the EDD overpayment unit directly (not the main UI number) at (916) 464-3502. They have slightly different hours and sometimes you can actually get through. When I finally reached someone, they were able to confirm they received my response and walked me through the payment plan options over the phone. Also, since you mentioned commission payments - that's super common for overpayments! The EDD system gets confused when earnings don't align perfectly with the weeks you report them. When you get your payment history, look for any weeks where your reported earnings don't match what your employer reported to them. You might have a strong case for an appeal if it was just a timing/reporting issue rather than actual fraud. Hang in there - this community has been a lifesaver for navigating EDD chaos!

To directly answer your question: No, being able to certify is NOT confirmation that your claim is approved. Here's what typically happens with a regular UI claim: 1. You file your initial claim 2. EDD reviews your eligibility (work history, reason for separation, identity, etc.) 3. You receive an award letter stating whether you're approved and your weekly benefit amount 4. You begin certifying for benefits 5. Payments are issued if your certifications are approved However, EDD sometimes allows certification before final approval, especially during high-volume periods. This can be confusing because it makes people think everything is proceeding normally. I definitely recommend contacting EDD to check your claim status if you haven't received any notification about your claim being approved.

Any update? I'm going through something similar and wondering if you got it resolved.

not to be off topic but where r u going to get ur phone fixed? my cousin fixes screens for cheap if ur in sacramento area

Great to hear you got it sorted out! For future reference, you can also contact EDD to temporarily disable 2FA if you lose your phone - they can switch it back to email verification or remove it entirely until you get a new device. Might save you some stress next time something like this happens. Hope you get your new phone soon!

Quick question - does anyone know if you can backdate a claim? I lost my job a few weeks ago but I've been putting off filing because I thought I'd find something new quickly.

Hey Isabella! I just went through this process a few months ago, so it's still fresh in my mind. One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits kick in, so the sooner you file, the sooner that clock starts ticking. Also, when they ask for your work history, be as detailed as possible with dates and wages. It'll help speed up the process and avoid any delays later. You got this! 💪

Here's a comprehensive guide to certifying for benefits that might help: • Always certify on time, even if you have issues. You can always correct later. • Report ALL income, including cash jobs or gig work. • Be honest about your work search efforts. It's better to report less than lie. • If you're not sure about a question, call EDD or check their FAQ before answering. • Save a copy of your certification (screenshot or print) for your records. • If you make a mistake, contact EDD immediately to correct it. • Remember, you must be able and available for work to receive benefits. • If your claim is pending for more than 2 weeks, try to contact EDD. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions.

@Reina Salazar I've been through this exact same frustration! One thing that really helped me was creating a simple checklist before I start certifying each time. I write down: 1. All work I did (even if unpaid yet) with gross amounts 2. Any job applications or interviews from the past 2 weeks 3. Double-check I'm marking "yes" for able/available to work Also, if the website is being glitchy, try clearing your browser cache or switching to incognito mode. Sometimes that fixes the submission issues. The mobile app can be hit or miss, but it's worth trying as a backup. Don't stress too much - we've all made mistakes with these forms. The important thing is being honest and reaching out (like you're doing now) when you're unsure. You've got this! 💪