EDD sending collection notices during appeal of mysterious overpayment - moved out of state

This happens more often than you'd think, unfortunately. EDD is extremely backlogged with appeals - they're showing as receiving appeals from 4-5 months ago right now. You absolutely need to call them to 1) confirm they received your appeal and 2) request a formal stay on collections while your appeal is pending. The collections department and appeals department don't communicate well, so one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. Make sure to document everything - dates of calls, who you spoke with, confirmation numbers, etc. Also, request that they send you the specific reason for the overpayment determination - by law, they have to tell you why.

I went through this exact situation last year and it was a nightmare. My overpayment was because they retroactively determined I wasn't eligible for some weeks I claimed in 2021, even though they approved everything at the time! You definitely need to keep responding to the collection notices while your appeal is processing - they run on separate tracks. Send a letter specifically responding to the collection notice stating you've filed an appeal (include the date you sent it) and request collections be paused pending the outcome. Send it certified mail so you have proof. Also check if there's any info on your UI Online account about the reason for the overpayment - sometimes it shows up there even if they didn't send a letter.

omg this hapened to me too!!! Got hit with $3200 overpaymnt outta nowhere, no explanatin why, super confusing. been trying to call for WEEKS cant get through AT ALL. edd is such a mess right now, i think they just making up numbers tbh

Are you sure the notices are legitimate? There's been a huge increase in EDD scams targeting former claimants. Check that the letters have the official EDD letterhead and verify any contact information against the official EDD website. Real EDD collection notices would reference a specific overpayment section code (like 1375A or 1375B) and include information about why the overpayment occurred. If the letters look suspicious, report it to EDD's fraud department immediately.

I had success using Claimyr to get through to an EDD rep when dealing with my overpayment mess. The service basically keeps calling EDD for you until it gets through, then connects you. I was skeptical but after trying to call for 3 weeks with no luck, I used them and got through to a specialist in about 30 minutes. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The rep I reached was able to tell me exactly why I had an overpayment (in my case, they needed additional proof of income I never knew about) and put a hold on collections while I gathered documents.

THE EDD IS A COMPLETE JOKE!!! They do this ALL THE TIME - demand money back years later with zero explanation!!! I got hit with a $6,700 "overpayment" from 2020 claims and they couldn't even tell me why for MONTHS. Meanwhile they kept sending threatening collection letters every 2 weeks. KEEP APPEALING AND CALLING. Their internal systems are BROKEN - the appeals dept doesn't talk to collections. I had to get my state representative involved before they would stop the collection notices. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE HATE DEALING WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES!!!

Have you tried checking your spouse's inbox in UI Online? Sometimes they send electronic notifications explaining overpayments but don't mail paper copies. Also, since you moved out of state, make sure EDD has your current mailing address - they might have sent important documents to your old California address.

The best advice I can give is to request an "Overpayment Itemization Statement" from EDD. This is a document they're required to provide that breaks down exactly which weeks were overpaid and why. You can request it by calling or in writing. If you can't get through by phone, send the request via certified mail to: EDD Overpayment Center, PO Box 826218, Sacramento, CA 94230. Include your claim ID, name, and contact information. Also, since you've moved out of state, there might be interstate claim issues involved that are complicating things.

After using Claimyr to reach a rep about my overpayment issue, I learned that cross-state overpayment situations are actually handled by a special interstate claims unit. The regular EDD reps often can't even see the full details. Ask specifically to speak with someone from the interstate claims department once you get through. They can tell you if the move to Oregon is complicating your case.