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I certified for benefits 4 weeks straight and my payments are still showing as 'pending' in the system but nothing has hit my Money Network card. This is my first time on unemployment and I'm starting to get really worried. My rent is due next week and I was counting on these funds. The EDD website just shows the payments as pending with no explanation. Has anyone had their Money Network card actually get loaded recently? I'm wondering if there's a system-wide delay or if it's just my claim that's stuck in limbo. Any advice on how to get this resolved would be really appreciated!
I just had the strangest interview with EDD and I'm completely panicking. They sent me a notice for an eligibility interview about an employer I've NEVER worked for. So I thought, no big deal, just a mix-up. When the interviewer called, she started grilling me about a job from 3 YEARS ago that I quit during the height of COVID! I was totally unprepared for this bait-and-switch. I told the interviewer I needed more time since I wasn't notified about which employer they'd be asking about, but she refused to reschedule and only gave me 48 hours to provide documentation. This job they're suddenly investigating was during 2020 when I quit due to severe anxiety and stress during the pandemic. I was seeing a therapist at the time and everything. I'm almost certain this issue went through appeals already years ago, but now they're asking for medical documentation from 3 years back! I'm absolutely terrified they're trying to retroactively disqualify me and demand repayment of around $14,000 in benefits from that period. Has anyone dealt with EDD suddenly reopening old claims like this? What medical documentation would I even need after all this time? My doctor from back then moved practices!
Wait I'm confused... if you already went through appeals for this job but they're asking again, isn't that double jeopardy or something? Can they really make you prove the same thing twice?
Double jeopardy is a criminal law concept that doesn't apply to administrative determinations like unemployment. EDD can review cases if they have reason to believe there was an error or incomplete information in the original determination. That said, if the OP genuinely already appealed this specific separation and won, they should reference the previous case number and determination in their response.
UPDATE: I managed to get through to EDD this morning! The agent explained that they're doing a standard audit of claims from the pandemic period. Apparently, this employer I've never heard of got mixed up in my file somehow. She noted the error on my account and said I should still provide documentation about the job I actually quit in 2020, but she extended my deadline to 10 days instead of 48 hours. I'm still gathering my medical records, but I'm feeling much less panicked now. Thanks everyone for your advice!
That's excellent news! The 10-day extension gives you reasonable time to gather proper documentation. Make sure to get the agent's ID number or name for your records in case you need to reference this conversation later. I'd still recommend submitting a brief written statement through UI Online acknowledging the call and the extension, just to have a paper trail. Glad you got some clarity!
I'm really confused about the EDD payment system right now. My previous unemployment payments always went to my Bank of America EDD debit card. I certified on Sunday like usual, but it's been 3 days and nothing has shown up in my BofA account. I heard EDD switched to Money Network cards, but I haven't received any new card in the mail yet. Could my payment be stuck in limbo between the two systems? Has anyone else dealt with this transition? I'm getting worried because rent is due next week and I was counting on this payment.
my roomate didnt get nothin in the mail about the new card either and his payment was stuck for like 2 weeks... he finally called and they said they mailed it to his old address from like 2 years ago?? make sure u check what address they have on file!!
Update: I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and finally got through to EDD! The representative confirmed my payment is in the Money Network system, but my card was sent to my old address despite updating it in UI Online. They're expediting a new card to my current address that should arrive in 3-5 business days. The rep also told me that in the future, I can set up direct deposit through the Money Network portal once I have access, which will avoid all these card issues. Just wanted to share in case anyone else is having similar problems during this transition!
I'm seriously stressing out about my EDD appeal. I got disqualified for supposedly not reporting some income (which I absolutely DID report), so I filed an appeal about 5 weeks ago. I got that confirmation letter with the case number right away, but since then - NOTHING. No hearing date, no additional info, just complete silence. My rent is coming due again and I'm getting desperate. Is 5+ weeks normal for the appeal process? Who can I actually talk to for an update on my case status? I've called the regular EDD number like 20 times but either can't get through or the reps say they can't help with appeals. Do I call the appeals board directly? Any advice would be HUGELY appreciated!
btw when u finally get ur hearing date make sure u answer when they call!!! my cousin missed his call cuz he didn't recognize the number and they ruled against him automatically!!! they usually call from a sacramento area code (916
One more thing regarding the actual hearing - make sure you request a copy of your EDD file before the hearing. You have a right to see all the evidence they're using against you. You can do this by calling the Appeals Board and specifically requesting your case file. This way you'll know exactly what they're claiming about your unreported income and can prepare accordingly.
Has anyone visited an EDD job center in SoCal recently? I remember back in 2019 they had these America's Job Centers where actual humans would help with job searches and resume reviews. The Long Beach one was super helpful before it closed (I think?). Now that I'm job hunting again, I'm drowning in these automated application systems that seem to reject everything instantly. Can't afford those $45+ resume services when I'm barely making rent. Do these centers still exist somewhere in LA or Orange County? What days/hours do they offer resume help? Really need someone to look at my resume who isn't an AI bot throwing it in the trash.
Did anyone else notice that the resume services at these centers got way better since 2025 started? I went last year and it was basic help, but I went again in January and they had this whole AI-optimization thing going on now. The counselor actually showed me how the ATS systems work and what they scan for. Seems like EDD finally realized this was a major problem for job seekers.
Quick update since there's been some good discussion here - most AJCCs now offer: 1. Resume review and ATS optimization 2. Cover letter assistance 3. Mock interviews (sometimes virtual) 4. Workshops on LinkedIn profiles 5. Access to job fairs and hiring events Also, many centers have evening hours once or twice a week (typically until 7pm) to accommodate working job-seekers. Always check their websites or call for the most current schedules.
Ellie Perry
You know what's RIDICULOUS? EDD expects people to survive with NO INCOME for weeks or months while they figure out their broken system! How are we supposed to pay rent and buy food? Then they act like they're doing us a favor when they finally release OUR MONEY that we worked for and contributed to through our taxes! The whole system is designed to make claiming benefits as difficult as possible!!!
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Landon Morgan
I understand your frustration, but EDD is dealing with millions of claims and limited staff. While the system isn't perfect, most payment delays are caused by specific issues that need human review. EDD isn't intentionally withholding payments - they're trying to prevent fraud while processing legitimate claims. It's frustrating when you're waiting, but there's usually a specific reason that can be resolved.
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Daniel White
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD! For anyone facing similar issues, I used Claimyr after seeing it recommended here, and got connected in about 30 minutes. Turns out my account had a random quarterly review flag (even though I've only been on unemployment for 6 weeks). The representative removed the flag and said my pending payments should process within 48 hours. So relieved to finally have answers! Will update again when/if the money hits my card.
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Natalia Stone
That's great news! Yes, quarterly review flags can happen at somewhat random intervals and often don't require any action from you - just an EDD representative to review and remove the flag. The quarterly review process is meant to verify continued eligibility but sometimes gets applied too aggressively by their automated systems. Glad you got it resolved!
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