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EDD work search requirement form delay - no payments for 7 weeks
I'm at my wit's end trying to figure out what's happening with my EDD claim. About 7 weeks ago, I got this letter asking me to complete a work search verification form (DE 4365REA). I filled it out detailing all the jobs I've applied for and mailed it back priority the very next day. It's been almost 5 weeks now since I returned it, and still NOTHING has changed with my claim. My payments are stuck in pending, and I haven't received any benefits since early January. I've called the EDD hotline literally 30+ times using different tricks I've read online (calling right at 8:01 am, using the Spanish line then asking for English, etc.) but either get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message or get disconnected after waiting for an hour. Has anyone else dealt with this work search verification form? How long did it take for your payments to resume after sending it back? I've got bills piling up and my landlord is getting impatient.
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Fee-free ATMs for EDD Money Network cards in North Highlands area?
Just got my first EDD payment loaded onto my Money Network card and I need to withdraw some cash ASAP for rent. I live in North Highlands and don't want to waste money on ATM fees. Anyone know which ATMs around here don't charge fees with the EDD card? Also, is there a daily withdrawal limit I should know about? Don't want to drive to multiple ATMs if I can only take out a certain amount in one day. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Update: Thanks everyone for the help! I ended up going to the Bank of America on Watt Ave and was able to withdraw $600 with no fees. Turns out that specific ATM has a $600 limit per transaction, but that was enough for what I needed today. I also downloaded the Money Network app which is actually pretty helpful for finding ATMs and checking my balance. Going to look into direct deposit for next time!
Glad it worked out! The Money Network app is definitely handy. For direct deposit, you'll need to log into your UI Online account and select the direct deposit option under payment preferences. Just make sure your bank account info is entered correctly because fixing errors can take a while.
i think u can also get cashback at grocery stores when u buy something with the edd card and they dont charge fees for that. i always just buy a candy bar at safeway and get $100 cashback
That's a good tip! There's a Safeway not far from me. Do you know if there's a limit on how much cash back you can get that way?
i think safeway lets u get up to $200 per transaction but might depend on the store. walmart lets u get more i think
EDD eligibility with short employment history - minimum work quarters needed?
I started a job at a tech startup in San Francisco about 10 weeks ago, but just found out we're shutting down due to funding issues. The whole team is being laid off next Friday. I've never filed for unemployment before and I'm panicking a bit because I heard you need to work for a certain period of time to qualify. Does anyone know the minimum time you need to be employed before you can get EDD benefits in California? I moved here from Nevada 3 months ago if that matters. Really appreciate any help because I have rent and car payments coming up.
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@OP When you file, make sure you mention your Nevada employment upfront. If you don't, and they later discover it, they might flag your claim for potential fraud which creates a whole new headache. Better to disclose everything from the start. Also, after you file, you'll need to certify every two weeks - don't miss these certifications or your payments will be delayed.
I'll definitely mention my Nevada work history right away. I had no idea about the certification requirement - is that something I do online?
EDD Money Network Card problems - should I switch to paper checks?
I'm so fed up with this Money Network card!! It's been nothing but headaches since I got it. The ATM fees are ridiculous, their customer service is basically nonexistent, and the app crashes constantly. Last week I tried to pay my rent and the transaction got declined even though I had plenty of money on there! My landlord was NOT happy. I've heard some people still get paper checks instead - is that even an option anymore? Has anyone successfully switched from the card back to checks? What's the process like? I really need to make this change before my next payment posts.
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my brothers girlfrend tried to switch to checks but the edd website kept giving her errors so she had to call and the lady on the phone said theyre phasing out paper checks and pushing everyone to direct deposit by end of 2025 anyway
That's correct. EDD is gradually shifting everyone to either direct deposit or the Money Network card. Paper checks will eventually be eliminated to reduce costs and delivery issues. Direct deposit is definitely the most reliable option going forward.
Update: I was able to switch to direct deposit! The option was right there in UI Online under Payment Preferences. Thanks everyone for your help! I had NO idea direct deposit was an option - the EDD never mentioned this when I filed my claim. Hopefully this will solve all my payment headaches.
Great to hear! Just remember it might take 1-2 payment cycles before the change takes effect. Your next payment might still go to the Money Network card, so don't panic if that happens.
Can I qualify for EDD after being let go as part-time orthodontic assistant?
I've been working as a certified orthodontic assistant since October, but only 3 days per month (so very part-time). Yesterday I received a letter from the office manager basically saying I was fired because they don't have enough patients, and because my pay rate is higher than other employees (since I'm the only certified assistant). I'm pretty shocked and wasn't expecting this at all. Does anyone know if I can qualify for unemployment benefits with such limited hours? Would it even be worth applying? I've never filed for unemployment before and have no idea how the whole process works for someone in my situation. Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Has anyone else noticed that EDD seems to be processing claims faster lately? When I applied last year it took forever, but my friend just applied last month and got approved in like 10 days. Maybe things are improving?
Let's stay on topic here. The OP is asking about qualifying with limited hours, not processing times. But to quickly answer: no, processing times vary widely depending on whether there are any issues with your claim that require manual review. Clean claims can be processed quickly; complicated ones still take weeks or months.
Thank you all SO much for the helpful information! I feel much better about applying now. I'm going to gather all my employment info and submit my application today. Fingers crossed that it goes through without any issues. I'll update once I hear something back from EDD.
Good luck! Remember that even if you get a lower weekly benefit amount due to your part-time hours, it's still worth applying. And don't get discouraged if you're required to do a phone interview - that's standard procedure in many cases, especially with unique work situations like yours.
Connor O'Brien
i had this happen to me last yr and found out they sent the form to my old address even tho i updated my address in the system!! might wanna check if they have your current mailing address. also fyi they will eventually disqualify u if they think u didnt respond to the form so def try to talk to someone!!
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NeonNova
AuthorThanks for the warning. I did receive the original form and sent it back, so at least I know they had my correct address. But I'm definitely worried about being disqualified if they somehow didn't receive what I sent back.
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Sofia Hernandez
Quick update based on recent information: EDD has acknowledged a backlog specifically with DE 4365REA forms. According to their March 2025 stakeholder meeting, they're currently prioritizing forms that are more than 6 weeks in processing. Since you're approaching that timeframe, you might see movement soon without any intervention. However, speaking with a representative is still your best option to potentially expedite the process.
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NeonNova
AuthorThat's really helpful information! Where did you learn about the March stakeholder meeting? I'd love to get more updates like this directly. I'll give it one more week before trying more drastic measures.
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Sofia Hernandez
EDD posts summaries of their stakeholder meetings on the EDD website under News Releases & Announcements. They usually update this section monthly. It's worth checking periodically for official updates rather than relying solely on what people share in forums (though real experiences are valuable too!).
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