EDD fraud case from past affecting my upcoming SDI and PFL benefits for pregnancy?
I'm in a really tough situation and desperately need advice. Back in 2023, EDD flagged my unemployment claim as fraudulent (which it WASN'T!) and I never received any benefits for almost 9 months while I was laid off. Now they've been sending me overpayment notices saying I owe like $8,700 that I never even received! I've been trying to figure out how to appeal but the process is so confusing. Here's my urgent concern - I'm pregnant and due on July 30, 2025. I need to apply for State Disability Insurance (SDI) soon and then Paid Family Leave (PFL) after the baby comes. Will this unresolved fraud case from my unemployment claim prevent me from getting my pregnancy disability and PFL benefits? I REALLY need those benefits since we've been saving assuming I'd have some income during maternity leave. Has anyone dealt with something similar? Will EDD reject my disability claim because of this old UI issue?
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Isabella Santos
They are different systems within EDD! Your UI issues shouldn't directly impact your SDI and PFL claims since they're handled by separate divisions and funded by different sources. UI comes from employer taxes while SDI/PFL comes from the deductions from your paychecks. I would definitely still file for your disability and PFL as planned. However, I strongly recommend you resolve the fraud case ASAP. You should request an appeal hearing for the overpayment notices - there should be instructions on the notices themselves. If they truly sent you overpayment notices for money you never received, that's a classic case of identity theft that needs to be documented.
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Malik Davis
•Thank you so much for explaining this! That's such a relief to hear they're different systems. I was panicking thinking they would deny my maternity benefits because of this mess. I'll definitely file my appeal for the UI fraud case right away.
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Ravi Gupta
omg this happened to my sister!!! she had fraud on her account and then got pregnant few months later. EDD made her life HELL trying to get her disability. they kept saying she needed to verify identity again and again. took her like 6 extra weeks to get paid and she almost got evicted!!!!
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Malik Davis
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! Was she eventually able to get her disability payments? Did she have to do anything special to make it happen?
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Ravi Gupta
•yeah she got paid eventually but had to keep calling like every single day. so stressful when ur pregnant! but she did get everything including backpay
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GalacticGuru
I work with UI and SDI claims professionally. While they are technically separate systems, there can absolutely be crossover issues when there's a fraud flag on your account. The key is to be proactive: 1. File a formal appeal for the UI overpayment using form DE 1000M. Include all evidence showing you never received those funds. 2. When you file your SDI claim, include a detailed explanation letter addressing the fraud situation. 3. Contact your state representative's office - they have EDD liaisons who can help navigate complex cases. 4. Document EVERYTHING. Keep records of all communications, confirmation numbers, and names of representatives you speak with. The good news is you still have time before your due date to address this.
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Malik Davis
•This is incredibly helpful information, thank you! I didn't know about contacting my state representative - I'll definitely do that. Do you think I should try to call EDD directly about this situation or just focus on the written appeal?
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GalacticGuru
•Absolutely call them - you need this documented in their system. But getting through to EDD is notoriously difficult. I've had clients use Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help connect with EDD representatives without spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Explain to the representative that you have a fraud case AND upcoming SDI needs, and request they note your account with this information. Having this conversation documented in their system will help streamline your SDI claim later.
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Freya Pedersen
THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!!! This is how they save money - they flag legitimate claims as "fraud" then make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone to fix it!!! I was falsely accused of fraud in 2024 and it took me 7 MONTHS and a lawyer to clear it up. By then I lost my apartment and had to move in with my parents at 42!!! EDD is DESIGNED to frustrate people into giving up on benefits they DESERVE!!!!
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Omar Fawaz
•i get ur upset but this isnt helping OP... she needs real advice not a rant about edd
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Freya Pedersen
•It IS real advice! She needs to know what she's up against and that she might need legal help! I wish someone had told ME how bad it was going to be instead of saying "oh just appeal" like it's easy!!!!
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Chloe Anderson
Yes, the UI fraud flag can affect SDI. I had something similar (not fraud but an overpayment issue) and when I filed for SDI after surgery they put my disability claim on hold for "identity verification" which took almost 3 weeks to resolve. Not trying to scare you but just be prepared for possible delays and start your claim as early as possible.
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Malik Davis
•Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you do anything specific to get through the identity verification faster? I'm going to try to start my disability claim as early as they'll let me.
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Diego Vargas
You need to address this overpayment situation immediately, regardless of your pregnancy timeline. Here's exactly what to do: 1. Request an Appeal Hearing by submitting form DE 1000M. You must do this within 30 days of receiving each overpayment notice. If it's been longer, submit anyway and explain why you're filing late. 2. Submit an Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) and include it with your appeal. 3. File a police report for identity theft - this creates an official record. 4. Write a detailed statement explaining you never received these benefits. 5. For your upcoming SDI claim - yes, you can still file! But be prepared for potential verification delays. Start your claim as early as allowed (usually 9 weeks before due date) to give time for any issues to be resolved. These are separate funding sources but your identity verification might be flagged across EDD systems.
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Malik Davis
•Thank you for the detailed steps! Do I need to file a separate form DE 1000M for each overpayment notice, or can I submit one appeal for all of them? I have about 5 different notices now.
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Diego Vargas
•Ideally, file one DE 1000M for each notice number, but attach the same documentation to each. Make sure to reference all the case/notice numbers in each appeal so they understand these are related. I've seen EDD consolidate multiple appeals into one hearing when they're clearly about the same issue.
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Omar Fawaz
when I had my baby last year I got SDI and PFL no problem even tho I had an old UI issue. different departments dont talk to eachother much lol
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Isabella Santos
Just to follow up on my earlier comment - make sure you're clear with EDD that this appears to be identity theft since you never received these benefits. This is actually quite common. Someone likely filed using your information, which is why it's showing as an overpayment rather than just a denied claim. Regarding your pregnancy benefits: have you already spoken with your doctor about completing the medical portion of your SDI claim? You'll want to ensure they're prepared to submit their portion timely once you file your claim portion.
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Malik Davis
•Yes, I've already talked to my OB about the disability paperwork. They said they'd complete it when I'm about 36 weeks, which should be early June. I'm going to bring the forms to my next appointment to make sure they have everything ready. And thank you for the identity theft insight - that makes so much sense now why they're saying I owe money for benefits I never got! I'll definitely make that clear in my appeal.
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Diego Vargas
One more thing - when you file your SDI claim, I highly recommend doing it online through SDI Online rather than paper forms. The online system is much faster and gives you a confirmation number immediately. Also, call your doctor's office a week after you submit your portion to confirm they've completed theirs. A surprising number of claims get delayed because the medical provider portion is missing or incomplete.
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