EDD withholding money after claim marked as disqualified - can't reach anyone for help!

same thing happend to me last month!! they said i was disqualified but kept taking $$ from my account. turned out they had me mixed up with someone else with similar name. u need to talk to a tier 2 specialist.

How did you finally reach someone? I'm calling and calling with no luck. Did they fix it right away once you got through?

This sounds like you're dealing with an EDD overpayment recovery process that's still active even though your claim has been disqualified. When a claim gets disqualified, any benefits you already received may be considered overpayments that need to be repaid. However, the system should have sent you a separate Notice of Overpayment with appeal rights before they started collecting.\n\nYou need to speak with a Tier 2 specialist at EDD who can access both your claim records and the collection system. They're the only ones who can see what's happening and potentially issue a stop on the collections while your disqualification is addressed.\n\nI recommend:\n1. File a formal appeal of the disqualification immediately (you have 30 days from the notice date)\n2. Send a written request to stop collections pending your appeal\n3. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I didn't realize the disqualification and overpayment systems could be operating separately. I'll definitely file that appeal today. Do you know if there's a specific form for requesting they stop collections during the appeal, or should I just write a letter?

I went through something similar last year - they disqualified me but kept taking money for 2 months! It was a NIGHTMARE. The problem is the collection system and the claims system don't talk to each other properly. You NEED to get through to a Tier 2 specialist who can see both systems.\n\nI spent weeks trying to call the regular number with no luck. Eventually I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an EDD agent within 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. They basically call for you and then connect you when they get through. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nOnce I got through to someone, they were able to see both systems and put a hold on the collections until my appeal was processed. Might be worth trying if you're desperate like I was!

is this a scam or legit? seems sketchy that u have to pay someone to call edd for u lol

It worked for me when I was desperate after trying for weeks. They don't call \

Thank you for the suggestion! I'm definitely reaching that desperate point. Did you have to explain your situation from scratch to the EDD agent or were they able to pull up your information right away? I'm worried about getting someone who can't actually help with this specific problem.

This is a common issue with EDD's automated systems. The disqualification and collections departments are separate, and sometimes they don't communicate properly. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. When a claim is disqualified, EDD is supposed to send a Notice of Overpayment (DE 1444) before collection begins\n2. You have the right to appeal both the disqualification AND request a waiver of overpayment\n3. While your appeal is pending, you can request a hold on collections\n\nThe key is getting to a Tier 2 specialist who has access to both systems. Regular representatives often can only see one system or the other.\n\nBe sure to file your appeal on the DE 1000M form within 30 days of the disqualification notice. Include documentation of your work history to contest the disqualification.\n\nFor the automatic withdrawals, you may need to also contact your bank to stop them while you're resolving this with EDD.

This is extremely helpful information. I didn't receive a DE 1444 notice before they started taking money, which sounds like a procedural error on their part. I'll file that DE 1000M form today and gather all my employment records. Should I mention the missing overpayment notice in my appeal?

sounds like somethings wrong with ur bank not edd. check ur account settings maybe u set up auto payments. edd doesn't just take money from ur account lol

Actually, EDD does set up auto-withdrawals when they're collecting overpayments. If they determined benefits were paid incorrectly and the claimant authorized direct deposit/withdrawal when setting up their claim, the system can automatically withdraw repayments. It's a standard part of their collections process.

oh didn't know that my bad

It's definitely EDD, not my bank. The withdrawal description shows \

I went through EXACTLY this nightmare scenario in January!! It was the most frustrating experience of my life. The disqualification letter came, but they kept taking money for WEEKS. Here's what worked for me:\n\n1. I filed an appeal using the DE 1000M form (crucial - don't skip this!)\n2. I mailed a separate letter specifically about the continued withdrawals\n3. I FINALLY got through to a person by calling the appeals office directly (not the main EDD line)\n\nThe appeals office number was much less busy. They couldn't fix it directly but transferred me to someone who could. Once I got to the right person, they saw it was a system error where the collection flags weren't updated after the disqualification. They stopped the withdrawals that day and refunded me the incorrect withdrawals 2 weeks later.\n\nDON'T give up - this is a known system issue they can fix!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! This gives me hope. Do you happen to remember the appeals office number you called? I'll try anything at this point.

The appeals office number I called was 1-800-300-5616. You have to listen through all the options and then press 1 for questions about an appeal. I had to try a few times, but it was WAY less busy than the main line. Good luck!!

that's actually the regular edd number not the appeals office lol

Oh shoot you're right! It was actually 916-654-7799 for the appeals board. Sorry for the confusion!

OK so I used to work at EDD customer service (quit last year thank god) and can tell you EXACTLY what's happening.\n\nThe disqualification and the overpayment recovery systems are COMPLETELY SEPARATE in EDD's ancient computer setup. When a claim gets disqualified, it doesn't automatically stop collections that are already in process. It's ridiculous but that's how their 40-year-old computer system works.\n\nYou NEED to talk to someone who can access both systems and manually stop the collections while your disqualification is being appealed. Regular phone agents often can't do this - you need a Tier 2 specialist.\n\nAlso, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down dates, confirmation numbers, who you spoke with, etc. If you get this resolved and they owe you refunds for improper collections, having this documentation will speed things up dramatically.

Thank you so much for this insider perspective! It's so frustrating that their systems don't communicate with each other. I'll definitely start documenting everything carefully. Is there a specific phrase or terminology I should use when I finally reach someone to make sure I get to a Tier 2 specialist?

When you get through, say specifically: \

This is GOLD. Thank you! I'll use those exact words.