I had a similar issue with "outstanding payment" status. In my case, it turned out there was a verification hold on my account that wasn't clearly communicated. The payment was approved but stuck in processing. After finally getting through to a rep (took many attempts), they were able to release the hold and the payment came through within a few days. Definitely worth calling - sometimes these outstanding payments just need manual processing from their end. Don't give up on trying to reach them!

I've been dealing with this exact issue for months! "Outstanding payment" can be really confusing because it doesn't always mean what you'd think. In addition to what others have mentioned about verification holds, it could also mean: 1. There's a pending identity verification that you might not have received notice about 2. Your bank account info needs updating if you had direct deposit set up 3. There's a wage audit or employer dispute that's holding up payments Since you haven't been paid since March but show 11 weeks paid, definitely call EDD. When you do get through, ask them to check for any "stops" or "flags" on your account. Also ask specifically about ID verification requirements - sometimes they send these requests to your UI Online inbox and people miss them. The fact that you received an email about payment is actually encouraging - it suggests the system is trying to process something for you. Keep documentation of everything and don't give up calling!

has anyone else noticed that the hold music is like... weirdly catchy? or am i just losing it from being on hold so long 🤣

I just went through SDI recertification a few weeks ago and it was way less scary than I expected! Here's what worked for me: • Have your claim number ready (they'll ask for it right away) • Keep a notepad handy to write down confirmation numbers or next steps • If you're still treating with the same doctor, mention that - it streamlines things • They might ask about your work capacity, so think about how your condition affects daily activities The whole call took maybe 15 minutes once I got through. You've got this! 💪

This is such an important discussion! I'm really glad Jessica asked this question because I bet so many people are confused about this exact situation. What really stands out to me from reading everyone's experiences is how EDD's system is designed to catch discrepancies eventually - whether it's through tax filing cross-references or other verification methods. The penalties and overpayment issues people have described sound absolutely terrible to deal with. I think the key takeaway here is that "when in doubt, report it" is always the safer approach. The temporary loss of benefits for a week or two is nothing compared to potentially owing thousands in overpayments plus penalties later on. Thanks to everyone who shared their personal experiences - both the success stories and the cautionary tales. This kind of real-world advice is so much more helpful than trying to decipher EDD's confusing website! It's clear that transparency and accurate reporting is the only way to avoid major headaches down the road.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually in a very similar boat right now - I have some freelance writing work (1099) that I completed this week but won't see payment for until sometime next month. I was leaning toward not reporting it since I haven't been paid yet, but after reading all these experiences about overpayments and penalties, I'm definitely going to report it on my certification. The part about EDD cross-referencing with tax filings really hit home - of course they're going to catch unreported income eventually! It's scary how many people seem to get bad advice about 1099 work "not counting" when clearly it absolutely does count to EDD. @Jessica you made the right call for sure. Better to be cautious and lose some benefits now than deal with owing money back later. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - both good and bad. This is exactly the kind of real-world advice you can't get from EDD's confusing website!

I'm so sorry you're going through this absolute nightmare! Being hung up on twice after waiting over 3 hours total is beyond unacceptable, especially when you're facing eviction. The EDD system is completely broken and it's infuriating that they treat people this way when we're already struggling. Here's what I'd recommend based on what's worked for me and others: **CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLY MEMBER IMMEDIATELY** - This is hands down the most effective route. They have dedicated EDD liaisons who can bypass the phone system entirely. I've seen people get responses within 2-3 days after months of phone hell. **FILE THE OFFICIAL COMPLAINT** - Go to edd.ca.gov > Contact EDD > Submit Complaint. Include every detail: dates, times, wait durations, exactly what happened. Your documentation will be crucial. **PHONE HACKS IF NEEDED** - Try the employer questions line (1-800-300-5616) for shorter waits, or call right at 8:00 AM sharp when they open. **EMPHASIZE YOUR HARDSHIP** - Make sure to mention the potential eviction and utility shutoffs in all communications. EDD has expedited processes for financial emergencies. The legislative route through your assembly member is honestly your best shot at getting this resolved before your rent is due. It's ridiculous that we have to go through elected officials just to get basic customer service, but the system is so broken that it's often the only thing that actually works. Stay strong and don't let them wear you down - you deserve so much better than this treatment!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! What happened to you is completely unacceptable - being hung up on twice after waiting over 3 hours total, especially when facing eviction, is just cruel. Everyone's advice here about contacting your assembly member is spot on - that's consistently been the most effective route I've seen. They have direct lines to EDD's legislative unit that can bypass this broken phone system entirely. The fact that multiple people here got responses within 2-3 days gives me hope for your situation. A few additional thoughts: - When you contact your assembly member, lead with "facing eviction due to EDD claim issue" - that gets immediate attention - If you do have to call EDD again, try asking to speak to a supervisor immediately after they pick up, before explaining your situation - Consider reaching out to local news stations too - they love EDD horror stories and sometimes that media pressure gets faster results The whole system is designed to make us give up, but don't let them win. You're entitled to these benefits and decent customer service. Keep fighting and definitely update us - we're all rooting for you to get this resolved ASAP!

Adding to what others have shared - I'm currently going through my second unemployment claim (unfortunately got laid off again after finding work last year), and I wanted to mention something that might help with your budgeting concerns. Many banks and credit unions offer emergency hardship programs that can help with things like waiving overdraft fees or providing small emergency loans during unemployment. I called my credit union when I was between my layoff and first payment, and they were able to defer my car payment for a month which really helped with cash flow. Also, don't forget to apply for CalFresh (food stamps) if you haven't already - you can often get expedited processing when you're unemployed. The combination of these resources helped me get through that initial waiting period much more easily. The system definitely isn't designed to be user-friendly, but there are ways to make it work!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been helping people navigate EDD for years - you've gotten some great advice here! One thing I'd add is to screenshot or print out your certification confirmations each time you submit them, especially for that waiting period week. EDD's system can be glitchy and sometimes doesn't properly record that you certified, which can cause delays later. I've seen too many people have to fight to prove they submitted their certifications on time. Also, if you're worried about budgeting during this period, consider reaching out to 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local resources for emergency rent assistance, utility help, and food programs that you might qualify for while waiting for your first payment. The waiting period is definitely a hardship, but there are community resources designed to help people get through it!