California Employment Development Department (EDD) Customer Service Issues

I was receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance smoothly until October last year, when my payments suddenly stopped. After contacting customer support, I was advised to continue certifying weekly and to watch for updates. Despite certifying regularly, I experienced a prolonged period without payment. When my card was lost or stolen, I reported it and a replacement was issued. However, as my wife's P.O. Box address needed to be changed, I faced further delays due to account blocks. I updated my address and tried to unblock my account, but was instructed to call again. This ordeal has left me without benefits for a year, causing me to lose housing, vehicles, and storage units.

I filed for pandemic unemployment benefits over a month ago and requested backdating to March [redacted]. I recently received a blank Netspend card at my old address in Freedom, California. Despite having a Bank of America EDD card that expired, I was issued a new one with the same account number. Unfortunately, I discovered someone else is using my EDD email address and has a Bank of America EDD card with the last four account digits as [redacted] and expiration date of 12/24. I've been facing difficulties getting Bank of America to investigate this matter promptly, despite reporting it to their fraud department. My username is now [redacted] and my Bank of America EDD card number is 4[redacted] 1[redacted] with a balance of 38 cents, valid through 9/24 with a security code of [redacted]. I've spent over 40 hours trying to resolve this issue and have reported it to federal and EDD fraud departments. It's frustrating that such a simple investigation has turned into a time-consuming ordeal.

I have contacted EDD over 20 times since March when I applied for PUA benefits. I received two weeks of paper certifications for March two months ago, which I promptly returned. However, I have not received any payment from them. Additionally, I have not received the benefits for the weeks between April and September when the program ended. For months, my profile had my birthdate listed as 1/1/[redacted], and it took them five months to correct it. Even now, my online account shows a zero balance and zero payments. Despite emailing local assembly persons Joe Fuentes, Kelly Serato, and Melissa Melendez, I have not received any response. I did receive an award letter for Pandemic Unemployment, but my requests for backdating to 12/06/[redacted] have been ignored. The two weeks I certified by paper have not been processed for payment. The delays have caused severe financial hardship, forcing my family to move in with another relative. The lack of response from EDD and officials is disheartening. I am seeking assistance in resolving this matter and receiving the benefits owed to me. Thank you for any help you can provide. - M.H. [redacted]

I applied for pandemic unemployment assistance in [redacted] and recently had issues with my benefits being declared invalid in December. Despite my efforts to appeal and resolve the situation by contacting the EDD, I have not been able to speak with a representative since my original application. I received a message indicating an issue with my ID and was directed to verify it through "IDme," which I have done. However, I am unsure of the next steps. Should I try to reopen my claim, appeal the decision, or reapply altogether? My circumstances remain the same, and I am still unemployed due to the pandemic. Any guidance on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.

There is unauthorized access to my EDD benefits as someone has tampered with my account information, changed my email, PIN, and mailing address. A person has stolen $[redacted] from my EDD bank card and despite reporting it and receiving a new card, they managed to take another $[redacted]. I contacted Bank of America, but the person intercepted the new card being sent to an address in Alabama while I am in California. I have been unable to reach EDD by phone to address this issue. I have detailed information on the perpetrator, including multiple phone numbers, addresses, and email accounts. I am locked out of my own account, and this individual is always one step ahead. I have tried to contact the EDD Fraud Division with no success. I urgently need help before I lose all my benefits.

On September 11, [redacted], my cousin passed away, and on September 13, [redacted], I filed a claim. I received payments from October to February, but then stopped until April. When I tried to log in, I couldn't access my account. After some email issues, I finally got through to customer service but faced language barriers and rude service. I also received a puzzling letter about the federal extension. When I tried to verify in September, my account was locked again. The application process seems tricky with predetermined answers. I am struggling financially and hope for a resolution soon as my bills are overdue.

Hello,  I am writing to seek clarity on why my eligibility is in a pending status. I initially filed my claim on 10/31/21. A DE1101 Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed was mailed to me on 11/5/21, stating no further action was needed from me. I need to continue certifying for benefits as my eligibility is being determined. I received an update on 11/14/21 stating that my certification for 10/31/[redacted]-11/13/[redacted] was received. I confirmed my contact information on the UI Online homepage. I also received a notification of UI Account Preferences Change on 09/18/[redacted]. I understand that a phone interview is the final step before accessing the certified payment funds. I am available for the interview and eager to receive the funds. I am hoping to have my phone interview scheduled soon to plan my finances accordingly. Thank you, D.H.

My California EDD account was recently compromised, and funds were withdrawn from my Bank of America debit card. As a result, my EDD account and former email are no longer accessible. Despite multiple attempts over the past few months, I have been unable to reach EDD through their customer service channels. Fortunately, I have now managed to access this portal. I urgently need to submit a new application for unemployment benefits. Additionally, I have updated my contact information with a new phone number and email address. I am eagerly awaiting your response so I can proceed with reapplying for benefits and hopefully receive them for the period after September 4th, [redacted]. Thank you, B. H.

Since my phone interview in early February, I have not received any USPS mail, not even a denial letter. I am unable to log in to my online account, and my appeal forms have gone unanswered. Despite my efforts to reach out via phone and other means, I have had no success. I have COPD and lung damage, which makes it challenging for me to work. I was previously working part-time at IHSS, but had to resign due to my client's refusal to adhere to CDC guidelines. When I reapplied in February [redacted], I was informed of a denial but never received the official notification. My attempts to follow up have been unsuccessful, with repeated calls resulting in being unable to get through due to high call volumes.

Hello, I'm Lynn Marie Sawyer, and I have a couple of questions. Should I reopen a claim to collect the remaining amount? If I can't collect it, can I open a new claim because I'm still struggling with employment and working sporadically as an independent contractor? Any advice would be welcomed. My doctor can provide information about my health issues as well. Thanks!

Hello everyone, Recently, I had a reopened claim that required a phone interview. Despite multiple attempts, I was able to conduct the interview eventually. During the interview with Calfresh, I was informed that EDD had placed a 20-hour hold on making a decision. They mentioned a decision would be made within 11 days. It has been 14 days now, and the status of my claim remains pending. The delay in receiving my benefits has caused significant financial strain and emotional distress. I am seeking assistance, and I am hoping gethuman can provide some guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you.

I began receiving benefits in November [redacted]. In December [redacted], I found out I was pregnant, but I did not report it because I was still seeking work. Since I had worked while pregnant before, I did not realize pregnancy was considered a disability for benefits. After my benefits were unexpectedly stopped, I contacted someone who informed me I needed to wait for a call. Later, I received a letter about an overpayment or repaying benefits, even though everything seemed fine on my end. My claim became chaotic, and despite numerous attempts, I am unable to reach anyone for assistance. I am confused about the situation and have not received any follow-up emails either.

I was informed on my profile that a phone interview is required to verify my eligibility. Unfortunately, when I called EDD earlier, I experienced issues during the call. After being put on hold, the representative disconnected the call. Furthermore, I am considering relocating to Nebraska for an unpaid apprenticeship right after the holidays for a 3-month period and I'm unsure how this move will impact my unemployment benefits. Interestingly, my status changed from pending to disqualified without any explanation following the phone call.

Name: Elhoussine Moutawakkil Address: [redacted] Pajaro Ln Apt: [redacted] Freedom, California [redacted] I lost my job at Little Tampico Restaurant located at [redacted] Main Street, Soquel, CA [redacted]. I started on May 30, [redacted], and ended on November 15, [redacted]. My wages ranged from $11.50 to $14.00 an hour, working 5 hours a week, totaling $[redacted].00 a month. I suffered injuries from hot oil in my eyes and the strain of various tasks on my left hand and knee, seeking treatment at the Emergency Room multiple times. I am 71 years old, on SSA benefits amounting to $1,[redacted].00 monthly, while my wife is not employed. I would like to inquire about my eligibility for future employment. Thank you, Elhoussine Moutawakkil

I have a claim from this year that still has money owed to me. I was informed to wait until December 11, [redacted], to receive the remaining amount. I have only worked about 17 hours since September 14, [redacted]. I am struggling to pay my bills due to circumstances that led to my unemployment. I would appreciate it if you could assist me with this matter. Thank you.

I submitted my claim forms via mail on 12/03/[redacted], but I am unable to view it online as the system indicates that the response is still pending. I have been on leave since 10/28/[redacted] under my doctor's care, who completed the necessary paperwork. Despite tracking the letter to Sacramento, the EDD claims they have not received it. I'm feeling extremely frustrated as I am struggling to reach a live representative for assistance. Please contact me at [redacted]. My name is Kevin M. This situation is urgent as my bills are overdue, I am unable to work, and I have no income, which is especially difficult during the holiday season.

Hello, I am Bobrah Strauther. I received a letter from EDD that was sent to my previous address at [redacted] 6th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA [redacted]. I recently moved, and my new address is [redacted] Barry Avenue, Apt #2, Los Angeles, CA [redacted]. I updated my address 6 months ago, and I'm not sure why the letter was still sent to the old one. Could you please resend it to my current address? Thank you.

I recently received an email requesting proof of my self-employment or employment between 1/1/[redacted] and 3/21/[redacted]. I submitted a [redacted] form for [redacted], but I have received a letter saying it was not enough. I am having trouble reaching someone over the phone to discuss this. Could you please clarify what additional information you require from me? Thank you.

I received stimulus checks in [redacted]. I started working in [redacted] and did not apply for any more. I keep getting notices to check my account, but I can't access it to see if I received payments after [redacted]. I want to ensure I did not receive any extra payments and return them if there are any.

I recently received an email from EDD requesting additional documentation for my Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claim. Despite my benefits ending, I must provide proof of self-employment or employment between 01/01/[redacted] and 03/15/[redacted]. Due to technical issues preventing me from accessing EDD's UI Online, I cannot upload the documents online. I have previously mailed the required documentation twice in early [redacted] to the Sacramento address. Please advise me on how I can resend the documents to ensure they have the necessary information for my PUA claim. Thank you, Carmen P.