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EDD virtual orientation nightmare - missed call or completed requirement?
I'm totally confused about what just happened with my EDD virtual orientation appointment. Had it scheduled for 10:15 this morning, logged in on time, watched two required videos, but never received any phone call from an EDD rep that I was expecting. Now my UI Online account still shows 'Action Required: Virtual Orientation' status. Did I actually complete the requirement by just watching the videos? Or was I supposed to get a call too? There were no instructions about what to do after watching the videos. Anyone deal with this before? I'm worried my benefits will be delayed if the system doesn't recognize I attended.
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How long is an EDD phone appeal hearing with kids at home? Need tips ASAP!
My EDD appeal hearing is scheduled for Monday over the phone and I'm seriously freaking out! I'm a single mom with a 3-year-old and won't have childcare during the hearing time slot (they gave me 10:15am). Does anyone know roughly how long these phone hearings typically last? My daughter is in a phase where she screams for attention whenever I'm on important calls, and I'm terrified this will hurt my case. The disqualification was because my employer claimed I was fired for misconduct when I actually had to leave early several times due to childcare emergencies. Ironically, childcare might now ruin my appeal too! Any tips on handling the appeal process or keeping a toddler quiet during the call would be SO appreciated. This is my first time going through this and my anxiety is through the roof.
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UPDATE: I had my hearing yesterday and wanted to follow up! It lasted about 50 minutes. I used several of your suggestions: 1. I explained my childcare situation at the beginning 2. I brought new coloring books and quiet toys which worked for about 30 minutes 3. I used the library study room suggestion!! This was a LIFESAVER because when my daughter got fussy, I was able to step outside the room briefly where my friend could watch her in the main area while I finished testifying The judge was actually very understanding about my situation. My employer tried to argue that my childcare emergencies weren't valid reasons for leaving early, and the judge specifically asked them about their flexibility policies for parents, which made them look pretty bad! Now I just have to wait for the decision. Thank you all so much for your help - I felt so much more prepared!
This is great to hear! The fact that the judge questioned your employer about their flexibility policies for parents is actually a good sign. That suggests they're considering whether your employer made reasonable accommodations before terminating you. Typically you should receive a decision within 7-14 days. Fingers crossed for you!
So glad the library suggestion worked out! In my experience, when the judge asks pointed questions to the employer like that, it often means they're seeing holes in the employer's argument. Good luck with the decision!
EDD benefit transfer to bank account taking forever - should I be worried?
I certified for my EDD benefits on Sunday night and got the payment notification Monday morning showing 'paid' status in UI Online. I set up direct deposit to my Wells Fargo checking account three weeks ago (verified and everything), but it's now Thursday afternoon and still nothing in my account. The EDD website says 24-48 hours for transfers, but it's been over 72 hours now. My rent is due tomorrow, and I'm starting to panic. Is this normal delay or should I be concerned something went wrong? This is my first time using direct deposit instead of the Money Network card.
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Yes, subsequent transfers typically process faster. Once your bank has established a pattern with EDD deposits, they usually release the funds more quickly. After 2-3 payments, you should see a more consistent 2-3 day window from certification to deposit.
Thats not always true. I've had direct deposit for 6 months and STILL sometimes it takes 5+ days!!! Depends if mercury is in retrograde or if the EDD computers decide to actually work that day 🙄
Applied for Disaster Assistance Benefits after wildfire - no update showing in UI Online system
I applied for the disaster unemployment assistance benefits after losing my bartending job when the Sierra Ridge fire destroyed the resort where I worked. Submitted everything two days ago through UI Online, but when I log in, I only see my old COVID PUA claim information from 2020-2021. There's nothing showing about my disaster claim at all - no confirmation, no status update, nothing. Has anyone else applied for the wildfire disaster benefits and actually gotten approved yet? Or is there somewhere else I'm supposed to check for status updates? I'm getting worried because I've got bills due next week and literally have no income right now.
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Work search requirements for DUA are modified - you don't have to do the full work search activities initially if your unemployment is directly caused by the disaster. However, after 4 weeks, you will need to begin work search activities unless you have a definite return-to-work date with your previous employer. Make sure to document any communication with your former employer about rebuilding/reopening plans.
This is true - I got that info in my approval packet. They're not requiring work search for the first month for disaster victims. They know we're dealing with a lot of other immediate problems.
I'm so confused about all this. I applied for disaster benefits too but I'm not sure if I should be certifying for weeks now or waiting??? The EDD website is so confusing and I don't want to mess anything up. Will they backpay us for the weeks we're waiting for approval?
Yes, DUA benefits will be backdated to the date you became unemployed due to the disaster. Don't try to certify until you receive the paper notice with your DUA claim number. The system won't let you certify for DUA weeks until your claim is registered in the system. This is different from regular UI claims.
EDD appeal hearing this Monday - childcare issues & need quick tips
My EDD appeal hearing is scheduled for this Monday over the phone, and I'm seriously starting to panic. I got disqualified after my employer claimed I quit (I was actually laid off due to downsizing but my manager reported it differently). I have a 3-year-old daughter and my usual childcare fell through for that day. I'm worried she'll be screaming or interrupting during the call and it'll mess up my whole case. The hearing is scheduled for 10:30am and could last up to 2 hours according to the notice. Does anyone know if these hearings usually take the full time? And is it super formal or can I maybe have my daughter coloring nearby? Also, any advice for what to say/not say during an appeal hearing would be REALLY appreciated! This is my first time dealing with something like this and I'm so nervous I'll say something wrong and lose my benefits permanently.
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My appeal was an absolute disaster and I lost because I wasn't prepared enough. Don't make my mistake! Make sure you understand the exact reason they disqualified you and address that specifically.
This is an important point. Your Notice of Determination should state the specific section of the unemployment insurance code they used to disqualify you. For voluntary quit cases, it's usually Section 1256. Make sure you understand what you need to prove to overcome their determination. For voluntary quit disputes, the burden of proof actually shifts to the employer - they need to prove you voluntarily left without good cause. If they don't participate in the hearing, your chances of winning increase significantly (though you should still be fully prepared). Also, the judge should send you a packet before the hearing with any evidence that's been submitted. Review this carefully - it will show what your employer has said about your separation.
Update us after your hearing! I'm scheduled for mine in 3 weeks (different issue - they claim I didn't report some income but it was actually reported on the following certification). Would love to hear how yours goes.
Good luck with your hearing too! For income reporting issues, make sure you bring copies of all your certification confirmations if you have them. Those cases often come down to very specific documentation.
Connor O'Brien
Here's a definitive answer based on EDD's latest guidance (March 2025): The virtual orientation process varies by claim type and factors in your application responses: 1. Standard UI claims: Watch both videos = completion (status updates in 2-3 business days) 2. Claims with special circumstances (language needs, industry-specific requirements, etc.): Watch videos AND receive follow-up call The confusion stems from EDD using the same 'Virtual Orientation' portal for both processes. Your confirmation email should specify if you need a call, but many people miss this detail. Since your status is still 'Action Required' after completing the videos, I recommend: 1. Check your confirmation email for any mention of a follow-up call 2. Wait 3 full business days for system update 3. If still showing 'Action Required' after day 3, contact EDD One important note: You can still certify for benefits while waiting for the orientation status to update.
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Javier Morales
AuthorThis is so helpful! I just checked my email again and it doesn't explicitly mention a follow-up call, just says to complete the orientation at the scheduled time. I'll give it the 3 days and then reach out if needed. Thank you!
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Freya Andersen
when i did my orientation last year i had to do way more than just watch videos, had to fill out a whole worksheet and upload it, then had interview. sounds like they keep changing everything!!! typical edd chaos lol
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Hiroshi Nakamura
Yeah they completely revamped the system in December 2024. Now most people just watch the videos unless you have special circumstances. They realized the old system was causing too many delays in processing claims.
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