California Unemployment

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EDD rep entered wrong claim date - need help with backpay decision timeline before eviction

I'm in a really tough spot and need advice from anyone who's been through this. An EDD rep processed my unemployment claim last month but entered the wrong start date - she put April 2025 instead of March 2025. Because of this error, I had to go through a special eligibility interview for what they're now considering "backpay" even though it was THEIR mistake not mine! The interview was completed 8 days ago, but I still don't see any updates on UI Online. I'm now a month behind on my $2,100 rent and my landlord is threatening eviction. I've explained the situation, but he's not being understanding at all. Does anyone know how long EDD typically takes to make these backpay decisions after the interview? Are there ways to expedite it given my housing situation? I've tried calling multiple times but can't get through to anyone who can help.

just a thought but do u have any emergency rental assistance options in ur area? might help buy time while EDD figures their mess out

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That's a good idea - I hadn't thought about rental assistance. I'll look into what's available in my county. Anything to buy some time would be helpful right now.

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hey did u ever hear back? im in a similar situation now

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Update for anyone in the same situation: I finally got through to EDD yesterday using the State Assembly member contact method someone suggested! They're expediting my case due to the eviction risk, and the rep said I should see a decision by Friday. Also, my landlord agreed to wait until then after I showed him the email from the Assembly office. Will update again when I know more!

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How to view my EDD benefit calculation - can't figure out why my WBA is so low

I started receiving unemployment benefits last month, but my weekly benefit amount is way lower than I expected (only $285). I know I made at least $42k last year at my sales job before being laid off, so this doesn't seem right. Is there a way to see exactly how EDD calculated my benefit amount? I checked my UI Online account but can't find any detailed breakdown or calculation. I tried calling but kept getting the 'too many callers' message. I'm wondering if they might have missed some of my income or used the wrong quarter for calculation. Anyone know how to view this information or request an explanation?

Make sure you have COPIES of all your paystubs before sending anything to EDD!! I sent all my original documents for a similiar situation and they LOST THEM!!! Had to go back to my employer to get everything reprinted. Such a pain!!

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That's a great tip, thank you! I'll definitely only send copies and keep the originals safe.

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Update from my earlier comment: I forgot to mention that if your benefit amount does get recalculated and increased, make sure to check if you're also eligible for Fed-Ed benefits depending on when your claim started. This can extend your benefit period if you meet the earnings threshold, which you likely will if your WBA increases significantly.

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fed-ed ended years ago tho?? pretty sure that was just a covid thing

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Never received Money Network card after new EDD claim - certified but no payments!

I'm so frustrated right now! I was on unemployment back in 2022, but my benefits ended and I went back to work. Fast forward to now - I lost my retail management position last month and filed a new claim with EDD. I've already certified for two weeks and both show as 'paid' in my UI Online account, but I haven't received any actual money. I never got a new Money Network card for this claim! I tried calling Money Network's customer service line, but they said they don't have any record of a card being issued to me for my current claim. The rep basically said I need to contact EDD directly, but we all know how THAT goes with the constant busy signals. Does EDD automatically issue a new card for new claims? Or was I supposed to request one somewhere? Did anyone else have this problem when filing a new claim after being off unemployment for a while? I really need this money for rent next week!

my cousin works at edd and she says theyre super backed up right now cuz of layoffs in the tech industry. lots of people filing new claims so everything is slower than normal

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They're ALWAYS "backed up" with SOMETHING. First it was the pandemic, then it was fraud prevention, now it's tech layoffs. Just excuses to avoid doing their JOBS!!!

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Update on your options: After you manage to speak with an EDD representative, they can: 1. Confirm if your card has been issued and provide a tracking number 2. Expedite a replacement card (5-7 business days instead of 10-14) 3. In extreme hardship cases, they can sometimes arrange an emergency payment at a physical office Regarding the direct deposit option another user mentioned - this is still being rolled out gradually to all claimants, so you may not have access yet. It typically becomes available after your first payment cycle is complete. I'd focus on getting through to EDD first thing tomorrow morning. The first hour they're open is usually the best time to call.

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Thank you! I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned because I've wasted so many hours already trying to call. I'll ask about expediting the card since my rent is due next week. Really appreciate all the help from everyone!

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EDD Money Network card delivery after approval & how to extend claim expiring in June?

Hi everyone, I'm in a bit of a confusing situation with my EDD claim. I got approved recently (after waiting FOREVER), but I still have my old Bank of America EDD debit card from my previous claim in 2022. I know EDD switched to Money Network cards, but I haven't received anything new in the mail. Does anyone know if they automatically send the new Money Network card once you're approved? Or do I need to request it somehow? Also, my reopened claim is set to expire in late June 2025 (only about 8 weeks away). How do I get it extended? Do I need to file a brand new claim or is there some kind of extension process? I'm really worried about having a gap in payments. Thanks for any help you can provide!

To answer your follow-up question: No, you cannot extend a claim that's reaching its benefit year end date, even if there's a balance remaining. The balance unfortunately doesn't carry over. It's best to file online when prompted. You'll see a notice in UI Online when your benefit year is ending. Filing online is generally faster than calling, and you can do it 24/7. However, if you have special circumstances or wages that might not be in their system, calling might be necessary. One important note: You must have earned enough wages in your new base period to qualify for a new claim. If you haven't worked since your last claim began, you might not qualify for a new regular UI claim.

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That's really helpful, thank you. I did work for about 4 months between claims, so hopefully that's enough to qualify. I'll file online as soon as I see the prompt in the system. Really appreciate the clear explanation!

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for your mailbox question, the card just comes in regular mail. doesn't look like anything special just a plain envelope. my friend didnt even realize what it was and almost threw it away lol. so keep an eye out!

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Employer appealing my harassment-based EDD approval - might have to repay benefits?

I'm freaking out right now. I quit my job back in February due to ongoing workplace harassment and a pretty toxic environment. When I had my eligibility interview with EDD, I sent them everything I could think of as evidence - screenshots of inappropriate texts from my supervisor, emails to HR that went nowhere, and documentation of the discrimination I experienced. EDD approved my claim and I've been receiving benefits for about 6 weeks now. But yesterday I got this scary "Notice of Appeal and Transmittal of Appealed Determination" saying my former employer is appealing my unemployment approval! The notice says if they win, not only will my benefits stop, but I'll have to pay back EVERYTHING I've received so far (about $3,800). I'm already living paycheck to paycheck and using this money for rent and groceries. Has anyone gone through this appeal process before? What should I expect at the hearing? Do I need a lawyer? I thought once EDD approved me I was in the clear, but now I'm panicking about having to defend myself again AND potentially owing thousands I don't have. Any advice would be so appreciated.

Another practical tip: during the hearing, answer only what's asked and don't volunteer additional information that might complicate your case. The ALJ will ask specific questions to determine if you had "good cause" to quit. If you find yourself getting emotional (which is completely understandable), pause, take a breath, and refocus on the facts. Stick to your timeline and documentation rather than expressing how unfair the situation feels. The majority of these cases hinge on whether you took reasonable steps to resolve the situation before quitting. Make sure you highlight all attempts to address the issues through proper channels (HR, management, etc.) before you felt forced to resign.

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Amina Sy

Author

This is really helpful advice. I do tend to ramble when I'm nervous, so I'll practice giving concise, factual answers. I did try to resolve things through proper channels multiple times before quitting, so I'll make sure to emphasize that.

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One last important thing - check your mail and EDD account DAILY while waiting for your hearing notice. They sometimes give only 10 days' notice for hearings, and if you miss it, the judge will likely rule against you by default. Make sure EDD has your current phone number and address. If you need to request a postponement for any reason, do it immediately in writing. They rarely grant postponements requested less than 3 days before the hearing. Also, you have the right to request all evidence your employer has submitted for the hearing. Do this ASAP so you know exactly what you're responding to.

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Amina Sy

Author

I didn't realize they might only give 10 days' notice! I'll definitely keep a close eye on my mail and my EDD online account. And I'll request their evidence right away - I want to know what they're claiming.

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