California Unemployment
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First EDD Appeal Hearing scheduled - what should I expect?
I just got my notice for my first ever EDD appeal hearing scheduled for March 16th. I'm freaking out because I've never done this before and don't know what to expect. I was disqualified because they said I voluntarily quit, but I was actually laid off due to "restructuring" (which was just their way of getting rid of people without calling it a layoff). Has anyone been through an appeal hearing before? Is it super formal? Should I bring a lawyer? Will the judge be understanding or totally by-the-book? I'm worried I'll say something wrong and mess up my chances. Any advice from someone who's been through this would really help calm my nerves. Also wondering how long after the hearing I'll get a decision? Thanks everyone!!
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No Money Network debit card yet - will I get paid next week?
I'm freaking out because EDD sent this email about switching to Money Network debit cards, but mine hasn't arrived yet! My next certification is due Sunday and I'm supposed to get paid next week. I've called Money Network customer service like 15 times and just get stuck in this automated loop. Then I tried calling EDD directly and couldn't get through after trying ALL DAY yesterday. Has anyone successfully contacted either Money Network or EDD about this? Will my payment just be delayed or completely lost if I don't have the card by next week? I still have bills due and my landlord isn't exactly understanding when it comes to late rent. 😰
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i switched to direct deposit as soon as they announced the money network change. best decision ever. takes like 2 days after certification to hit my bank account. no more card drama
I'm seriously kicking myself for not doing this sooner. Just changed mine to direct deposit too after seeing these comments. Never dealing with these stupid cards again!
Just checking back - were you able to get through using any of the suggestions here? The Money Network transition has been a nightmare for so many people, but eventually things do get resolved.
Yes! Thanks to everyone here. I followed the advice about calling Money Network using option 4 early in the morning and FINALLY got through to a person. They confirmed my card was mailed last week and gave me a tracking number. Also went ahead and set up direct deposit for future payments. Such a relief!
Money Network card locked after winning EDD appeal - how to reactivate?
Won my EDD appeal last week but my Money Network card is still locked/deactivated! I got disqualified back in January for 'allegedly' not reporting some income (which I totally did report - had all the documentation). Filed an appeal right away, had my hearing in March, and FINALLY got the decision letter last week saying I won the appeal. The judge agreed the EDD made a mistake. Problem is, my Money Network card was deactivated when the disqualification happened, and now I can't access the $4,800 that should be available. Money Network says they can't help me because it's an 'EDD issue.' I've been calling EDD every day this week - either can't get through or get disconnected after waiting forever. Has anyone dealt with this before? Is there a specific department I need to ask for when I call? Or a special form I need to submit? I'm going crazy here - I need this money for rent next month and my landlord isn't exactly the patient type. Any help would be SUPER appreciated!!
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UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning! Used some of the specific terms you all suggested (asked for Appeals Follow-Up Unit and mentioned the payment status code). The rep knew exactly what I was talking about and said she would submit the electronic authorization to Money Network today. She said it typically takes 24-48 hours for the card to be reactivated after they send it. Will update again once I can access my funds. Thank you all SO MUCH for the help!
Great news! That sounds exactly right. The 24-48 hour timeframe is accurate in my experience too. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly!
So glad you got through! This gives me hope. I'm still trying to reach someone.
FINAL UPDATE: Card is working!!! Just checked and all my funds are available now. For anyone dealing with this same issue in the future, the key is definitely asking for the Appeals Follow-Up Unit and specifically mentioning they need to send the electronic authorization to Money Network. Took exactly 36 hours after my call for everything to be fixed. Thanks again everyone for your help!
Excellent! So happy it worked out for you. Thanks for updating us - it's helpful for others to see the full resolution process.
congrats! now guard that money with your life lol. and switch to direct deposit asap
EDD payment stuck on pending for 6 days - normal certification delay or problem?
I certified for my UI benefits last Sunday morning (Feb 9) and it's now Friday (Feb 14) and my payment status is still showing 'pending' in UI Online. This is my 3rd certification period and the previous two went to 'paid' status within 48 hours. I've double-checked all my answers and don't think I made any mistakes during certification. My work search activities are all documented correctly. I'm getting really nervous because I've got rent coming up and was counting on this payment. My account doesn't show any alerts or messages requiring action. Is this delay normal? How long should I wait before trying to contact EDD? Has anyone else experienced longer delays in February 2025?
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UPDATE: My payment just switched from pending to paid this morning!! No explanation, no contact from EDD, it just randomly cleared after 9 days. The system is BROKEN!
Can I get EDD benefits after quitting due to employer forcing me to work with COVID?
Really frustrated and need advice ASAP! My supervisor is demanding I come into work even though I tested positive for COVID 3 days ago. I sent him photos of my positive test and doctor's note recommending isolation, but he keeps saying they're 'short-staffed' and that I 'look fine' on our video calls. I've been at this warehouse job for almost 2 years with perfect attendance until now. To make it worse, my 8-month-old daughter also tested positive yesterday and needs constant care (single dad here). I've reached my breaking point and am planning to resign tomorrow. Would I qualify for unemployment benefits in this situation? Has anyone successfully claimed EDD after leaving a job due to COVID safety concerns? Really worried about paying bills next month.
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hey just wondering how old is ur baby again? cause if they're under 18 months u might also qualify for paid family leave to care for them!! u can actually get that at the same time as unemployment i think??? or wait maybe its one or the other im not sure actually lol
Important clarification: You cannot collect Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family Leave simultaneously. They are separate programs with different eligibility requirements. PFL might be appropriate for caring for the sick child, but would not address the employment separation issue. If approved for UI based on good cause for quitting, that would typically be the better option financially.
My sister works for EDD and says they're getting super strict about COVID claims now that most restrictions are lifted. Make sure you have a recent test date (not from months ago) and medical documentation backing up your need to isolate. The childcare aspect actually strengthens your case a lot.
That's good to know - my test and my daughter's test are both from this week, and I have the doctor's note recommending isolation. Hoping that's enough documentation.
Jeremiah Brown
just wondering has anyone ever had their employer not show up to the hearing??? what happens then?
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Admin_Masters
If the employer doesn't appear, the hearing still proceeds with just the claimant (you) and the judge. This often works in the claimant's favor, as the judge only hears your side. However, the judge will still examine any written evidence the employer submitted previously. In voluntary quit cases, the employer has the burden of proof, so their absence can significantly strengthen your position.
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Anthony Young
Quick update on my previous comment - I forgot to mention that you should practice your testimony beforehand. The worst thing is to sound uncertain or keep changing your story. If you don't remember something, it's better to say "I don't recall" than to guess. Also, since your case involves the distinction between quitting and being laid off due to "restructuring," focus on showing that: 1. You would have continued working if given the choice 2. The decision to end employment came from the employer 3. You had no reasonable alternatives offered The hearing notice should indicate what specific section of the unemployment code is at issue (likely Section 1256). Look up that specific section online to understand exactly what the judge is evaluating.
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Daniel Washington
AuthorThank you for the additional tips! Yes, my notice mentions Section 1256. I'll definitely look that up and prepare accordingly. I'm feeling much more confident now thanks to everyone's advice.
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