Accidentally claimed no work on EDD certification when I actually worked - how to fix before payment?
I'm freaking out because I just realized I made a major mistake on my weekly certification. When I first filed my claim, I listed my last day of work as May 5th, 2025, but I actually worked May 6-9th too and got paid for those days. I didn't realize my benefit period would start immediately, so when I certified for that week, I incorrectly reported that I didn't work at all! My claim status is still showing as 'pending for review' and I haven't received any payments yet, which is probably good? But I need to fix this ASAP before they process it and then accuse me of fraud. I've been calling the EDD non-stop for 3 days but keep getting the 'maximum callers reached' message. What's the right way to correct this mistake? Is there a form I should submit? Can I fix it online somehow? I don't want this to turn into an overpayment or worse - being accused of intentionally lying. HELP!!
18 comments
Anderson Prospero
Don't panic, this is actually a common mistake and fixable! Since your claim is still pending and you haven't been paid, you've caught it at the perfect time. You should: 1. Document everything - write down the exact dates you worked and how much you earned 2. Keep trying to reach EDD by phone to report the mistake (early morning calls tend to work better) 3. Send a message through your UI Online account using the Contact EDD feature - specifically mention 'Certification Correction' in your message 4. If you have access to your employer, ask them to verify your work dates with EDD if contacted EDD would much rather you fix this now than later. The system flags inconsistencies, which is probably why you're 'pending for review' - they may have already spotted the discrepancy with your employer's reporting.
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Ahooker-Equator
•Thank you so much for this advice! I'll try all of these. I didn't realize I could send a message through UI Online - I'll do that right away. Do you think they'll disqualify me completely for the mistake? I'm really worried about getting in trouble.
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Tyrone Hill
same thing happend to me last year lol. they might make u do a phone interview to explain the misteak. no biggie as long as u didnt spend the $$ yet
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Ahooker-Equator
•I haven't received any payments at all yet, so that's good I guess? How long did you have to wait for the phone interview? I'm so nervous about this whole situation.
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Toot-n-Mighty
Try Claimyr to get through to EDD faster. I was in a similar situation (messed up my work hours on certification) and couldn't get through for a week straight. Used Claimyr.com and got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes who helped fix my certification mistake before it processed. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep told me making corrections early is always better than waiting. They can note your account showing you self-reported the error.
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Lena Kowalski
•does this thing actually work? i've been calling EDD for 2 weeks with no luck
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Toot-n-Mighty
•Yes, it worked for me. I was skeptical too, but after wasting hours redailing EDD, it was worth it to get through quickly and fix my issue.
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DeShawn Washington
THE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO TRAP PEOPLE INTO THESE MISTAKES!!! Their forms are INTENTIONALLY confusing and the dates never make sense. I had almost the EXACT same issue last year where I worked Monday and Tuesday but my benefit week started Sunday and I got hit with an "overpayment notice" and a penalty week!! Even though I called them MULTIPLE TIMES trying to fix it!!! Their whole system is set up to catch people in technicalities so they can deny benefits. The appeal process is a NIGHTMARE too. Good luck!!
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Mei-Ling Chen
•Agreed! I think they make the system confusing on purpose. My neighbor works for EDD (not telling which office lol) and even she says their training materials acknowledge that people get confused about benefit week start dates ALL THE TIME. But instead of fixing it, they just keep the same confusing system.
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Sofía Rodríguez
You're actually in a good position since you've caught this before payment and your claim is already under review. What likely happened is that your employer reported your earnings for that week and the system flagged the discrepancy automatically. Here's what you need to know: 1. This is considered a "false statement" but since you're self-reporting before payment, it's unlikely to result in penalties 2. You may be scheduled for an eligibility interview to explain the situation 3. Document everything - when you realized the error, attempts to contact EDD, etc. 4. Be completely honest about the mistake in all communications If you can't reach someone by phone, try going to an EDD office in person with your documentation. They can put notes on your account and possibly expedite the review.
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Ahooker-Equator
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! That makes me feel a bit better. I'll document everything and try to visit an office if I can't get through on the phone. Do you know if there's a specific form for correcting certification errors? I couldn't find one on the website.
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Sofía Rodríguez
•There isn't a specific form for certification corrections. You'll need to speak with an EDD representative either by phone, in-person, or through your UI Online messaging system. Make sure to be specific about which certification period needs correction and the exact dates/earnings that need to be updated.
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Tyrone Hill
wait how did u even file in the first place if u were still working? i thought u had to be fully unemployed to get benefits?
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Sofía Rodríguez
•You can actually receive partial unemployment benefits if your hours were reduced or if you're working part-time. The key is reporting all work and earnings accurately when certifying. EDD then calculates if you're eligible for partial benefits based on how much you earned that week.
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Anderson Prospero
Just wanted to add - when you do connect with EDD, ask them to document in your file that you self-reported this error before any payment was issued. That documentation could be important if there's any question later about whether this was an honest mistake (which it clearly was). And don't worry too much about the penalty weeks or fraud accusations that some people are mentioning. Those typically happen when someone collects benefits they weren't entitled to and doesn't report it until EDD catches them. You're being proactive which makes a huge difference in how they handle it.
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Ahooker-Equator
•That's a great tip about asking them to document that I self-reported! I'll definitely do that. I've been so worried about getting in trouble, but it sounds like being honest and fixing it quickly is the right approach.
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Mei-Ling Chen
My sister works for a temp agency n has to deal with this stuff ALL THE TIME. She says just call call call till you get through... mornings best time. Theyll probly just make u do a phone interview. NBD just tell truth.
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Lena Kowalski
•yeah mornings definitely better! i always call right when they open at 8am sharp!
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