EDD called late about $32 unreported wages from 2021 - No collection but disqualifying?

the EDD is doing massive backlog clearing since 2023. lots of people r getting random contacts about old claims from years ago. I got something similar but about $140 from a gig I forgot to report. they told me I was technicaly disqualified but they werent going to collect. It's basically a technicality that they have to note on your record but your not in trouble or anything lol

What they're telling you is that they found an eligibility issue with your past claim (the unreported wages), which would normally make you ineligible for benefits received during that period. However, due to the age of the claim being over a year old, they're not pursuing collection of any overpayment. This is part of EDD's massive backlog clearing initiative where they're adjudicating (making official determinations) on claims dating back to the beginning of the pandemic. Even though they've determined there was a technical issue with your claim, they're essentially closing it without further action required from you. You should still call them back to confirm this information and get it in writing if possible. Having documentation that no collection will be pursued is important for your records.

OMG the EDD is such a mess!! They're calling about $32 from THREE YEARS AGO?? This is exactly why I tell everyone to document EVERYTHING with unemployment. Save every check stub, every email, every piece of paper. The system is designed to trip you up!!

i got something like this too they called about some job from 2022 that i forgot to report a final check for when i was laid off. they said i was supposed to report it and technically shouldnt have gotten benefits for that week but they arent making me pay back because its old. i think its like they have to mark it in there system but there not going to do anything. dont stress about it

What's happening is that the EDD is working through a backlog of claim reviews dating back to the pandemic. They've determined there was a technical issue with your claim (the unreported wages of $32.75), which would normally make you disqualified for benefits during that period. However, because the benefit year is over 12 months old, they are exercising their administrative discretion not to pursue collection of any overpayment. Technically, this is what's called a "non-fraud overpayment" - you didn't intentionally misreport, but there was still an error. The good news is this should be the end of it - you won't need to repay anything, and it shouldn't affect future claims. I would recommend calling them back to verify this information and get it in writing if possible. If you're having trouble reaching EDD (like most people), try Claimyr.com - I used their service to get through to an EDD rep in under 15 minutes after struggling for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Having documentation that no collection will be pursued can give you peace of mind.

My neighbor had the exact same thing happen! But hers was for like $54 from some random day she worked in 2020. They told her it was "disqualifying" but then didnt make her pay anything back. I think EDD just has to go through all these old claims because of some audit thing.

I think what's happening is the EDD is required to make formal determinations on all claims, even old ones, but they have discretion on whether to collect overpayments. The "potentially disqualifying" language means that technically you weren't eligible for benefits during the period with unreported wages (even if it was just $32.75), but the good news is they're choosing not to pursue collection because it's so old. This is actually a practical approach on their part - the administrative cost of pursuing collection on small amounts from years ago would far exceed the recovery amount. I'd suggest you call them back just to confirm this understanding and request a written statement for your records, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

When my sister got laid off last year, she had to deal with EDD questioning something from a job she had TWO YEARS before. The whole system is designed to confuse people and make them give up on getting benefits they deserve!!! They wait years to bring up issues hoping people don't have documentation anymore!!

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The rep confirmed what many of you said - they found this tiny discrepancy from 2021, have to mark it as a technical disqualification for that period, but they're not pursuing any collection or penalties. She said I don't need to do anything else, and it won't affect any future claims. She's sending me an official notice in the mail to confirm. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help in deciphering that confusing voicemail!