California Unemployment
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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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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!
EDD determined $0 weekly benefit after brief employment - does recent work history affect eligibility?
I'm completely baffled by what just happened with my husband's unemployment claim. He received his EDD award letter today and it says his weekly benefit amount is $0! How is that even possible? He worked for about 6 weeks in November-December 2024 at a warehouse before they laid him off (said it was 'seasonal'). Before that job, he hadn't worked since 2019 because he was taking care of his elderly parent. Does EDD not count his recent employment because there's a big gap? The letter doesn't really explain why it's $0 - just shows all these quarters with no earnings except the recent one. Is there any point in appealing this or requesting reconsideration? I thought even minimum wage jobs qualified for something.
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This whole system is such a joke honestly. They make everything SO COMPLICATED on purpose so people give up. Like why can't they just use your most recent work history automatically?? Why make people jump through all these extra hoops?? Ridiculous!
I understand the frustration, but there's actually a reason for the base period structure. It allows EDD to verify wage information with employers through quarterly tax reports. The system wasn't designed to be difficult - it's trying to balance quick processing with accurate information. The Alternate Base Period was specifically added to help people in situations like this.
UPDATE: I managed to get through to EDD this morning! The representative was actually very helpful and explained everything about the Alternate Base Period. She took the request and said we should receive a new determination letter within 10 days. She also mentioned they might contact his former employer to verify the wages. Fingers crossed this works out! Thank you everyone for your help understanding this confusing system.
Great news! Glad you got through to someone helpful. In my experience, once you get the ABP request in, it usually works out fine as long as those wages can be verified. Keep us posted!
Nasira Ibanez
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.
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Simon White
AuthorThat'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?
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Nasira Ibanez
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.
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Hugo Kass
After reading all these comments, I think you'll be fine reopening your claim. The consensus seems to be that it won't affect your appeal. But EDD is so unpredictable these days, let us know how it goes! Good luck!
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