EDD paper application processing time - what happens after they receive it?
I just submitted a paper application for unemployment last week (my internet was down for days and I didn't want to delay filing). Does anyone know approximately how long it takes for EDD to process paper applications? I'm used to doing everything online and feeling a bit anxious about this. Also, what should I expect as the next step after they've received it? Will they send me something in the mail, or should I be checking my UI Online account? I'm trying to be proactive so I don't miss anything important that might delay my claim. Any advice from people who've done paper applications recently would be super helpful!
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Chloe Harris
paper apps take FOREVER!!! i did one in march and it took like 5 weeks just to show up in the system. wish i had just waited till i could get to the library to do it online lol
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Omar Mahmoud
•5 weeks?! Seriously? That's way longer than I expected. Did you try calling them to see if they could speed things up at all?
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Diego Vargas
Paper applications typically take 3-4 weeks for processing, compared to 1-2 weeks for online applications. After they receive it, EDD will mail you several things: 1) Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed with your weekly benefit amount, 2) EDD Customer Account Number so you can register for UI Online, and 3) Continued Claim forms (DE 4581) until you're set up online. I recommend creating a UI Online account with your SSN even before you get the customer account number. Sometimes the claim shows up there before you receive anything in the mail. You'll also need to start certifying for benefits as soon as possible after your claim is processed, even if it's still just a paper application.
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Omar Mahmoud
•Thank you so much for the detailed info! I'll try setting up a UI Online account today. Just to clarify, when you say 'certifying for benefits,' does that mean filling out the bi-weekly questionnaire about job searches? I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly.
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Diego Vargas
•Exactly right. Certifying means completing those bi-weekly forms about your work search activities, any income earned, and availability to work. You'll need to do this every two weeks, either through UI Online once your account is set up, by phone using EDD Tele-Cert, or by mailing back the paper forms they send you. Don't skip certifications even if your claim is still processing, as you won't get paid for weeks you don't certify for.
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NeonNinja
I filed a paper application last October and it took about 6 weeks to process. The most frustrating part was not knowing if they even received it. I suggest calling EDD after 2 weeks to confirm they got your application and check its status. One thing that really helped me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD representative. Regular calling was impossible - always busy signals or disconnects. With Claimyr, I actually got through to a real person who confirmed they had my application and gave me a timeframe. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once your claim is processed, you'll get several letters in the mail with your claim info and instructions for certifying.
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Omar Mahmoud
•Thanks for the suggestion! I've been trying to call them but keep getting the 'too many callers' message. I'll check out that Claimyr service - at this point, I just want to confirm they actually received my application.
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Anastasia Popov
has anyone else noticed how the paper applications seem to get "lost" more than online ones?? my friend and I both applied last year, he did paper and had to reapply twice because they claimed they never got the first one. I did mine online and had zero issues. seems suspicious to me...
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Sean Murphy
•This is absolutely true! Paper applications get "misplaced" all the time in their system! I worked for the state (not EDD but another agency) and it's because they're understaffed for the manual data entry. Paper apps have to be physically processed and entered into the same system as online applications, but they have way fewer people doing this job than before. ALWAYS make copies of EVERYTHING you send to EDD - learned this the hard way when they claimed they never received my identity documents.
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Zara Khan
I'm just finishing up my claim that started with a paper application back in January. Here's what happened with mine: Week 1: Mailed application Week 3: Got a letter confirming receipt Week 5: Received EDD Customer Account Number Week 5: Created UI Online account Week 6: Got first certification forms in mail AND saw them in UI Online Week 8: First payment (they backdated to my original filing date) The KEY THING is making sure your address is correct and checking your mail EVERY DAY. They send important time-sensitive documents and if you miss the deadlines you're screwed. Also check your UI Online inbox daily once you have access. Good luck! The waiting is the hardest part!
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Omar Mahmoud
•This timeline is incredibly helpful, thank you! At least now I have some idea what to expect. It's good to know they backdated to your original filing date - that was one of my concerns.
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Luca Ferrari
wait u can still do paper applications? i thought everything had to be online now lol
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Diego Vargas
•Yes, paper applications are still available! While EDD encourages online filing for faster processing, they recognize not everyone has reliable internet access. You can request a paper application by calling EDD or picking one up at an America's Job Center of California (AJCC) location. Just know it will take significantly longer to process than an online application.
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Sean Murphy
PRO TIP: Start calling EDD NOW! Don't wait weeks to discover they never received your application or there's a problem with it. The paper applications go through several hands before being entered into the system, and things go wrong ALL THE TIME. I submitted a paper app last year, and when I finally got through to EDD after 4 weeks of waiting, they had no record of it! Had to start all over again. CALL THEM REPEATEDLY until you confirm they have it. Yes, it's nearly impossible to get through, but keep trying different times of day. Early morning (8:01 am) and right after lunch (1:00-1:30pm) seemed to work best for me. Once you confirm they have it, ask for the estimated processing time. If they say it's in process but not complete, ask what specific stage it's at and if there are any issues. DON'T JUST WAIT AND HOPE!!
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Omar Mahmoud
•That's really concerning! I've been trying to call but getting nowhere. What number did you call that actually worked? I've been using the main 800 number on the website.
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NeonNinja
If you're struggling to reach EDD by phone (like most people), try Claimyr. It really works - I was skeptical at first but it got me through to a rep in about 20 minutes after struggling for days on my own. The rep was able to look up my paper application status and tell me exactly what was happening with it. Totally worth it for the peace of mind. Also, don't forget to start your work search activities NOW and document everything, even before your claim is processed. I made the mistake of waiting until my claim was approved to start looking seriously, and it came back to bite me during an eligibility interview.
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Omar Mahmoud
•Thank you! I've already started applying for jobs and keeping track of everything in a spreadsheet. Is there a specific format EDD wants for documenting job search activities? I want to make sure I'm doing it right from the beginning.
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Diego Vargas
•For documenting work search activities, record the date of contact, company name, position, method of contact (online, in-person, etc.), contact person's name if applicable, and the result. While EDD doesn't require a specific format, having these details ready will make certification easier. You need at least 3 work search activities per week. Keep these records for at least 3 years as EDD can audit your work search efforts even after your claim ends.
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Ella Russell
I submitted a paper application about 3 weeks ago and just wanted to share what I've learned so far. First, I sent it certified mail so I'd have proof of delivery - highly recommend this! EDD received it on day 3, but when I called using the tips here (thanks everyone!), they said it takes another 2-3 weeks just to get it into their computer system. The rep also told me something important: even though my claim isn't processed yet, I should start certifying as soon as I get my customer account number. Apparently you can lose weeks of benefits if you don't certify immediately, even if the claim is still pending. She said to watch for the EDD mail every single day because those certification deadlines are strict. One more thing - if you have direct deposit info from a previous claim, make sure to update it when you set up UI Online. Mine was still linked to an old closed account and that would have delayed my first payment by weeks.
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