California Unemployment
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EDD claim backdating after March layoff - no paperwork received yet
I was part of a massive tech layoff (850+ people) in California back on March 24th and I still haven't started my unemployment claim. It's been over 2 weeks and I haven't received anything in the mail from EDD. I'm getting worried about bills piling up. Can I just go ahead and file online without waiting for paperwork? Also, since the layoff happened on March 24th, can I backdate my claim to that date even though I'm filing late? I've never had to use unemployment before and I'm totally lost on the process. Any help would be really appreciated.
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Will reopening my EDD claim affect pending appeal from November?
Confused about what to do with my EDD situation! I filed for unemployment back in November, got denied, and immediately filed an appeal. Still haven't heard anything about that appeal (4 months later!!). Meanwhile, I got a seasonal job that just ended yesterday - they laid me off. When I logged into UI Online to file again, there's an option to 'reopen' my claim instead of filing a new one. Will reopening this mess up my pending appeal? Really worried because I can't afford to wait another 4+ months if this somehow restarts my appeal process or cancels it out completely. Has anyone dealt with this situation before? The EDD website is so confusing and the guidance doesn't address situations like mine at all.
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Just to follow up - when you reopen your claim, be prepared to answer questions about why your seasonal job ended. Make sure you have documentation showing it was a layoff (like a termination letter or final paycheck stub with notes). EDD will verify with your seasonal employer that you were laid off and didn't quit or get fired for misconduct. This is separate from your appeal but equally important for qualifying for benefits going forward.
That's a great point! I do have my layoff notice from the seasonal job. Should I upload that to my UI Online account or just have it ready if they ask for it?
Have it ready but don't upload unless they specifically request it. Too many documents can sometimes slow down processing. If they need to verify your job separation reason, they'll contact you with instructions on how to provide documentation.
Can't log in to certify for benefits - EDD approval letter never arrived
So frustrated right now! I submitted my unemployment claim on August 29th and just got a notification that I can now certify for my weeks. Problem is, I never received the letter with my account number to actually log into UI Online. I've been calling EDD every day this week (literally 20+ times) and keep getting the 'too many callers' message or just disconnected. Has anyone had their approval letter not show up in the mail? I'm worried about missing payments since it says I need to certify within 14 days. What can I do if this letter never arrives? Is there another way to get my account number without having to speak to someone at EDD?
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UPDATE: My letter finally arrived today! It took exactly 12 days from when I got the notification that I could certify. For anyone else with this problem, I was able to create my full account and certify for both weeks. The system allowed me to certify even though it was technically past the 14-day window they mentioned. Thanks everyone for your help!
Great news! Glad it worked out. How long did they say it'll take for your payment to process now that you've certified?
The confirmation page said 24-48 hours for processing, then 1-2 days for the payment to be available on the EDD debit card (which I also need to wait to receive in the mail). So many steps!
EDD Money Network card arrived instead of paper check - can I still use this for my first payment?
I'm confused about my EDD payment method situation. When I filed my claim, I specifically requested paper checks for my unemployment benefits. Today I checked my mail and found they sent me a Money Network debit card instead! This is my first payment and I really need the money ASAP. Is it OK to just activate and use the card even though I asked for paper checks? Will there be any issues if I start using the card now? Has anyone else had this happen? I'm worried about potential delays if I try to get them to switch it back to paper checks at this point.
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wait does anyone know if u have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits? i just got my card 2 weeks ago and been spending it but now im worried
Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you certify. If you didn't select this option, you'll need to set aside money for taxes yourself, as you'll receive a 1099-G form next January that you'll need to report on your tax return.
UPDATE: I activated the card and was able to use it right away! Also discovered I could transfer the money directly to my checking account through the Money Network app. Thanks everyone for the advice - this worked out much better than paper checks would have!
Glad it worked out! The transfer feature is definitely one of the best parts about the card system.
EDD payment delay after UI-to-SDI transition - need contact for local rep
I'm having an issue with my benefits after transitioning from regular unemployment to disability. There seems to be some kind of overlap period that's causing problems with my payments. I called UI department last week and the representative told me everything was fixed in the system, but I still haven't received my payment that was supposed to hit my account two days ago. The payment status hasn't updated and I've gotten zero communication about what's happening. I'm in Lakeside (San Diego area) and wondering if anyone knows which local government office or representative I should contact to get this resolved? I've tried the regular EDD number but can't get through to an actual person. Is there a specific email address or extension for the San Diego region that might help? Bills are piling up and I'm getting really stressed.
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my cousin works for edd (not in san diego tho) and she says the best time to call is tuesday-thursday right when they open at 8am or between 4-5pm. apparently most ppl call mondays and during lunch hours so those are the worst times.
Thanks for the insider tip! I'll try calling first thing tomorrow morning.
UPDATE: Just wanted to share what finally worked for me. I called at 8:01am this morning and asked specifically for a "cross-program specialist" who deals with UI/SDI transitions. After a 20 minute wait, I got connected to someone who knew exactly what the problem was. Apparently there WAS an overlap because my UI claim ended on the same day my SDI began. The specialist submitted a DE 2580U form (thanks for that tip!) and manually adjusted the dates in the system. My payment should be released within 48 hours! Thanks everyone for the help!
Great to hear! The DE 2580U form is specifically designed for these transition cases. Glad you got connected with someone who knew the proper procedure.
Thanks for updating us! Always helpful to know what worked so others with similar issues can follow the same path. Hope your payment comes through quickly!
Freya Johansen
Whatever you do, DO NOT wait any longer to file!!! Each week you delay is potentially lost money. You're already about 2+ weeks behind. EDD allows backdating but there's a limit, and the longer you wait, the more explaining you'll need to do. The whole system is designed to make things difficult (IMO). Just start the claim online TODAY and worry about the backdating part later.
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Omar Fawzi
this is good advice but ur wrong about one thing. there's no "limit" on backdating like ur saying. i backdated my claim 6 months (had medical issues) and they approved it. just needs a valid reason.
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Javier Garcia
Update: I filed my claim online today. There was a section where I could explain the late filing, so I mentioned that I misunderstood the process and thought my employer would initiate something or that I'd receive paperwork first. The system accepted my claim with the March 24th date, but said my backdating request would be reviewed. I guess I'll wait and see what happens. Thank you everyone for your help!
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Emma Taylor
Great job filing! Now, be prepared for a few next steps: 1. You'll receive your Customer Account Number in about 7-10 days by mail 2. Once you have that, register for UI Online immediately 3. You may receive an interview notice if they have questions about your backdating 4. Start keeping records of your job search activities NOW - you'll need them for certification Also, set a reminder to certify for benefits every two weeks once your claim is processed. Missing certification deadlines can cause payment delays.
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