California Employment Development Department (EDD) Customer Service Issues

I submitted my UI claim online on 11/17/[redacted]. I then received paper documents in the mail to certify for weekly benefits, which I returned on time. However, when I checked online, it shows that I have been disqualified for Week 1 ending on 11/23/[redacted] and Week 2 ending on 11/30/[redacted]. I did not receive any explanation for the disqualification. I am unsure why my claim has not been approved for benefits yet.

Lately, my restaurant has significantly reduced my shifts from full-time to only one day per week, and last week, I was completely cut from the schedule. As a seasoned server, I recently learned about underemployment benefits and wonder if I qualify. After 40 years of paying into the system without using unemployment benefits before, it feels unjust not to receive support during these past challenging months.

I am in a situation where my doctor extended my benefits due to my knee surgery from Sept. 16 to Dec. 9. Despite following all medical advice, I faced some recovery setbacks. I was surprised when I didn't receive my last two weeks' payment as expected. Instead, I received a letter, a few days before the payment was due, requiring me to see an EDD doctor for an examination to continue receiving benefits. I decided not to schedule the appointment as I was planning to return to work after Dec. 9. To my dismay, EDD informed me that I would not be paid for the last two weeks since the appointment was mandatory, even though I was going to resume work. The ambiguous letter did not clarify this requirement, leaving me insufficient time to act. Despite trying to reach out to them, I was unable to resolve the issue timely and now face financial difficulties. The lack of clarity in the process has put me in a tough spot, and I am unsure about the next steps. Thank you for your attention.

I've made four calls to the EDD this morning. Every time I've been put on hold to speak with an adjuster, the call disconnects before I can sort out my problem. My most recent call, just five minutes ago, ended with a message saying they couldn't assist me due to the high volume of callers. I urgently need to pay the second half of my rent as I certified on Sunday and my benefits payment is crucial for this.

I have been trying to resolve an issue with my unemployment benefits for the past month or two. Initially, a Representative advised me to use the funds, but later, I received conflicting information, leading to confusion. Subsequently, I was informed not to utilize the money. However, when I followed the guidance provided, I was deemed to have been overpaid and now I am being asked to repay the amount. Upon reopening my case, I noticed that multiple checks have been allocated for repayment. This situation is unfair and I believe immediate action is necessary. It has been challenging to reach a live person through the phone line for assistance.

I have been receiving notifications to check my EDD account for messages, but I keep encountering an error message stating I am already logged in and to try again in 10 minutes. After waiting the suggested time, the same message reappears. When attempting to call, a notice informs me that the line is busy with too many callers already in queue and suggests trying again later. This frustrating cycle has persisted for the past two weeks. Currently recuperating from surgery, I am eager to access my messages from EDD. The lack of assistance is disheartening, especially since I am dealing with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), exacerbating my stress levels hindering my recovery process. I am hopeful for a resolution soon and appreciate any assistance. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I worked out of state and needed to fill out the interstate claims PDF and fax it to [redacted] on 12/19/[redacted]. I was told I would receive confirmation by mail within 10 business days. However, it is now 1/9/[redacted], and my case has not been entered into the system. After contacting various numbers, an agent on the [redacted] number transferred me multiple times just to get disconnected abruptly. Despite trying again the next day, I was unable to reach anyone due to a high call volume.

Hello, my name is Anita. I manage the Lucky 7 Supermarket in San Jose, CA. We recently received DE 1101CZ regarding our employee Lanh T Lam. She is currently working part-time at our store after being laid off by another company. We are concerned about unemployment insurance being deducted from our account for her. It seems illogical to pay unemployment benefits for an employee who is still actively working. Can you please provide clarification on this issue promptly? Thank you. Anita

I have been receiving Unemployment Insurance since my layoff on January 12, [redacted]. I reached out to the hotline, and an agent helped me reopen my claim. I am concerned that my benefits might end soon as I am unsure of the timeline. I have been trying to access my account to check my remaining balance, but due to high call volumes, I have been unable to get through or access the portal. Despite my efforts two weeks ago, I still could not see my information. During this crisis, I need assistance with my claim. My EDD Customer number is #[redacted], and I am Dennis Amancio with the last four digits of my SSN being [redacted]. If possible, please contact me at [redacted] or via email at [redacted]

I reached out to the EDD last week prior to the implementation of the CARES Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. I was informed that as an independent contractor in the entertainment industry, I would be included in a pool with other self-employed and contract workers for processing once the Act was passed. Despite making numerous calls every morning starting at 5 am, I face disconnection when trying to speak to a live representative right at 8 am. I've also tried to open a new claim and sent multiple emails through the online system to no avail. I understand the overwhelming situation the EDD is in, handling a surge in unemployment claims, but I desperately need assistance in receiving my benefits. I'm currently unemployed and like many others, have no income coming in. I work in the service sector of the entertainment industry in physical production, running my services through an S Corporation. Due to the abrupt shutdown in my industry, I listed the company that pays the S Corporation as my last employer instead of the S Corp. itself. Please, can you adjust my EDD Customer Account Number [redacted], linked to application number [redacted]0 filed on 3/16/[redacted] at 8:42 am, to reflect the correct employer and move the process forward?

I contacted the EDD last week before the CARES Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program were implemented. I was informed that as an independent contractor in the entertainment industry, my application would be processed once the Act was in effect. Despite calling as early as 5 a.m. every day, I am disconnected when the system opens at 8 a.m. I've been unable to open a new claim or receive a response to my email inquiries. I understand the challenges the EDD faces and seek assistance in obtaining my unemployment benefits. I am without income, like so many Californians, and urgently need financial support. I work in the service sector of the entertainment industry within physical production as an S Corporation contractor. Due to the abrupt industry shutdown, I mistakenly listed the entity paying the S Corporation as my last employer. I request help in correcting my claim with EDD Customer Account Number [redacted] linked to application number [redacted]0 filed on 3/16/[redacted] at 8:42 a.m.

I have yet to receive my EDD account number, and it has been over 10 days. When I managed to get in touch with a representative on the phone, the person didn't say anything and abruptly hung up after a few seconds of me repeatedly saying hello. I find this behavior extremely rude. I have also sent emails but have not received any responses regarding this issue.

Hello, I am a gig worker planning to apply for emergency unemployment benefits in California. However, I was advised to reach out to you since I have also worked in another state in the last 18 months. I relocated from California to Tennessee in January [redacted]. Even though I will not be filing in Tennessee due to my recent move, I was informed that I am unable to submit my claim online. I understand that you must be swamped with claims currently, but I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with a representative over the phone. Thank you. - Eddie

I am experiencing difficulty with the phone line, as I am unable to file Form DE [redacted] as required. The process needs to be completed over the phone with an agent at 1-[redacted]. However, whenever I call and get the message to hold for an agent, it either disconnects due to a system error or tells me there are too many callers ahead. This situation has been ongoing for over a week, with little success in reaching an agent within the limited hours of 8am to 12pm. It is imperative that this issue gets resolved promptly as we are unable to proceed with opening our claims without speaking to an agent. Please address this matter with your IT department to improve the phone system or consider extending the hours of availability for assistance.

Hello, I'm Jeremy McGuire. I applied for unemployment benefits because of COVID-19. I have been working in a restaurant for 15 years. I moved to California from Louisiana in December. I was denied benefits, and I'm unsure why. I have tried contacting various numbers without success. I believe there might have been an error in my paperwork and I urgently need assistance. Please reach out to me via email or phone at [redacted]. Thank you.

I signed up for UI benefits online and received an email notification about certifying online, but I have been unable to access the page as it keeps redirecting me to a new registration page whenever I log in. I attempted to register again, but I then received an email prompting me to check my UI mailbox, which I cannot access. The online and phone support provided by UI services has been unhelpful, leaving me frustrated with the inefficiency of the system.

I am checking on the status of my claim but am unable to log in online or contact an EDD representative. I submitted my claim via fax on March 24th and do not have details on my weekly benefit amount or when payment will be made. I also need to reset my online account as I cannot remember security questions from over a decade ago. I have been unsuccessful in reaching anyone at EDD for help with the online reset. Your assistance is appreciated. Thank you.

Issue: Unable to reply to EDD Correspondence ([redacted]) No reply email provided Communication from EDD: Disability Insurance Employment Development Department State Of California Dear David, In your claim, you mentioned receiving sick leave from your employer during your disability period. Have you received sick leave since 03-27-[redacted]? Please provide this information as your benefits are pending confirmation. Thank you, Employment Development Department (EDD) State Of California This email is automated. Kindly refrain from replying.

My unemployment claim was approved with retroactive pay starting from 3/15/20 due to my workplace closing because of COVID-19. Unfortunately, my first two weeks were disqualified because I didn't search for work, which is impossible under the stay-at-home order with all restaurants shut down. I've sent nine emails but have received no response, and calling hasn't been helpful as they never pick up. The EDD website clearly states they won't penalize individuals for not job hunting during the stay-at-home order given the circumstances. It's frustrating that I can't even certify for the past two weeks ending on 4/11/20 online as it should be available by now. This situation is causing me a lot of stress, and I'm unsure of what to do next.

Hello, I am in need of an EDD number to apply for unemployment due to Covid-19. Being a self-employed business owner, I understand that typically an EDD number is not required. However, during the pandemic, they are allowing business owners whose businesses have stopped to apply for unemployment benefits. When trying to file a claim online for California unemployment, I discovered that an EDD number is necessary. The website mentions that after applying, the EDD number will be sent by mail 10 days later, making it impossible to proceed without it. Unfortunately, the online application does not address this issue for self-employed individuals. The EDD phone line is supposed to have live assistance from 8 am to 12 noon, but I have found that there are no live representatives available, only a message redirecting to the website. I appreciate any guidance on navigating this process. Thank you for your assistance. E