EDD disqualified ALL my pandemic payments from 2020-2021 due to medical issues - refusing to pay back!

This is unfortunately becoming common. EDD is doing massive retroactive reviews of pandemic claims. The key issue here is the 'able and available' requirement - even during the pandemic, you needed to be available for some type of work (even remote work). You should immediately file an appeal - you only have 30 days from the disqualification notice date. The form is DE 1000M. Make sure to include copies of: - Your doctor's documentation - Any communications showing you disclosed this information - Evidence you were seeking work you could do safely Also request a 'financial hardship waiver' if repayment would cause significant financial burden. The appeal hearing will be scheduled 2-3 months out, but the collection process is paused while appealing.

OMG this is TERRIFYING!!! I had a similar situation with health issues but haven't heard anything from EDD yet. Did they just call you out of the blue? No letter first??? I'm freaking out now thinking they might come after me too. How far back can they even go to demand repayment???

i got hit with this two months ago, they said i wasnt eligiable for PUA becuz i quit my job in feb 2020 (before lockdowns) even tho i told them that at the time and they approved me!! now they want $19,200 back. sent in my appeal but havent heard anything yet. this is such BS, they approved everyone no questions in 2020 and now want it all back when ppl have already used that money to SURVIVE a pandemic!!

You need to call EDD immediately to discuss your specific case details and appeal options. I went through a similar situation last year with a $15,600 overpayment claim. The problem is getting through to someone who can actually help. I spent 3 weeks trying to reach a Tier 2 specialist who could access my case notes and explain the disqualification details. Regular agents couldn't see the specifics. After 40+ attempts, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they have a system that connects you directly with EDD agents. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through to the right person, I was able to get detailed information that helped me prepare a much stronger appeal. In my case, they reduced the overpayment by 70% after I provided additional documentation.

@7 Yes, it worked for me when nothing else did. The key is that it gets you past that initial barrier where they disconnect you. You'll still wait on hold, but at least you're in the queue. Make sure when you do get through, you ask specifically for a Tier 2 specialist who can review disqualification decisions.

@5 Yes, if you have an active claim you should absolutely continue certifying while appealing. The appeal only addresses the disqualified weeks, not your current eligibility. Also, gather any emails or documentation from your initial application that shows you disclosed your medical situation. One more tip: contact your state assembly member's office. They have EDD liaisons who can sometimes get information or escalate cases when you can't get through directly. Just Google "[your county] state assembly member" to find yours.

This is exactly why I kept EVERY SINGLE PIECE of correspondence with EDD during the pandemic. I had a feeling they'd try something like this years later. I printed all my certifications, took screenshots of my work search activities, and saved all emails. You mentioned having a doctor's note - that's critical for your appeal. The judge will want to see that you were looking for work you could safely perform with your medical condition. Did your doctor specifically state you could work remotely? That distinction might be the difference in your case.

YES - definitely get an updated letter from your doctor that specifically mentions you were able to work in remote/non-public-facing roles during that time period. Make it crystal clear. The more specific, the better. Administrative law judges in EDD cases tend to be very literal in their interpretations. If your doctor can reference their notes from 2020-2021 to show this was their recommendation at that time (not just a current opinion), that would be ideal.

wait i'm confused... if you had medical issues that prevented you from working certain jobs, shouldn't you have been on disability (SDI) instead of regular unemployment? i thought UI was only if you could accept any suitable work...

Based on what you've shared, you have a strong case for appeal. Here's what you need to focus on: 1) The distinction between being completely unable to work (which would require disability) versus being able to work with reasonable accommodations (which can qualify for UI) 2) Evidence that you were actively seeking suitable work that accommodated your medical condition 3) Documentation showing you disclosed your situation from the beginning 70-80% of appeals that are well-prepared with documentation end up with at least partial reversals of overpayment determinations. The appeals board understands the unprecedented nature of the pandemic period. Also, if your appeal is unsuccessful, request a waiver of overpayment based on equity and good conscience. These are being granted quite frequently for pandemic-era claims when the claimant acted in good faith.