California Employment Development Department (EDD) Customer Service Issues

I recently had my phone stolen, which is linked to my UI Mobile account with the phone number [redacted] and email [redacted] I have already updated my new phone number with Bank of America and now need to update my information with UI Online to access my benefits and claims for back pay. My new phone number is [redacted] and my new email is [redacted] Please remove the old email and phone number and add these new ones to my account. I urgently need this issue resolved to prevent any further problems with unauthorized access to my account. Thank you for your assistance in advance.

I reside in California and have been out of work due to COVID-19 since mid-March [redacted]. Although I am currently furloughed, I am still employed full-time. My most recent job was working for the Census throughout August. Now that this position has ended, I am unsure if my recent temporary work will impact my eligibility for LWA (Pandemic UI relief benefits). When I certify for benefits with the EDD, they will inquire about my last employer, the reason for no longer working there, and whether it was related to COVID-19. I hope to receive clarification on whether my temporary Census employment affects my eligibility for Federal LWA benefits. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Brittney Munford. I applied for pandemic assistance back in April or March. I received an account number, a card, and information about the monthly amount I would be receiving. Since then, I have been unable to certify my account. I have tried to contact support but have not had any luck. Those I did speak with promised to call me back, but I never received any follow-up. I have not been able to reach a computer technician, my password has changed, and I am unsure what to do next. I need urgent assistance. Please reach out to me at [redacted] or [redacted] This is my second attempt to contact you after trying all the available numbers without success. Thank you.

I filed for unemployment benefits on 3/16/20. When completing the application, I indicated I lost my job due to a public health disaster, which in this case was COVID-19. I believe I qualify for the LWA $[redacted] payments, but I haven't received any yet. Today, I got my regular unemployment payment but still need the extra LWA money to make ends meet. I've tried calling [redacted], but it's been hard to understand the representatives because of heavy accents. I'm feeling frustrated and overwhelmed trying to get answers. Any assistance or clarity would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

My EDD debit card was locked at the end of July [redacted], leaving me unable to access it or my UI account. Despite changing passwords and security questions that were not mine, my phone was hacked, and $14,[redacted] of benefits were stolen. After speaking with EDD and BofA fraud departments and updating security information, I received a new card but faced issues activating it. Attempts to reach either agency by phone were hindered by constant hacking. Our new phones were also compromised. This has made it impossible to verify my identity or access my UI account. Our situation has become dire as our house was broken into twice, utilities remain unpaid, and savings depleted. Facing the risk of losing our home by missing tax payments, I urgently seek guidance on how to resolve this distressing situation. Dave E. Downs

My EDD Bank of America debit card was blocked shortly after I received it. I used it for small purchases under $2 a few times and made withdrawals of $[redacted] and $[redacted]. When I tried to withdraw $[redacted] from an ATM, the transaction was canceled. Even after attempting at a different bank's ATM, the result was the same. It worked at a car wash for $10.50. I've contacted BOFA multiple times, providing all the correct information. The fraud department mentioned I need to call EDD to unblock the card due to suspicious activity. I've been trying to reach EDD without success. Although there's no alert about my card being blocked, BOFA's automated system says it's closed. I need access to my funds as they are crucial for my family. I'm frustrated and willing to pay to resolve this issue.

I applied for unemployment but was deemed ineligible. Then, my acquaintance, the mail carrier, informed me she delivered EDD mail addressed to me at [redacted] Rainbow St, Lake Isabella, CA. Upon checking online, I found an existing claim in my name, and after canceling the card linked to it, I replaced it with a new one. I updated the address from Rainbow Street to my PO Box in Wofford Heights, CA, where I've lived for many years. I reported the fraud online and contacted the fraud department, filing a police report as requested. After providing the report number, my benefits were initially paid but are now frozen. I'm innocent and a victim of identity theft. I urgently need assistance as my car repairs rely on these funds to avoid losing it. Can someone please assist me promptly?

I have been attempting to reach unemployment since July. I have faced difficulties in speaking with someone over the phone, and the paperwork sent to me was delayed, preventing me from meeting deadlines to receive my unemployment benefits. My attempts to contact them via [redacted] have also been challenging. I am struggling to avoid homelessness, especially after facing COVID-19. Despite filing for regular unemployment since July, I have only received benefits once. Now, I am unable to reach anyone over the phone, and my landlord is eagerly awaiting payment. I have completed and submitted all required forms but face delays due to postal service times. My calls at 9:00 a.m. for the past three days have resulted in being hung up on, adding to my frustration. Previous attempts to contact them have also been unsuccessful, with the last representative only providing me with homeless shelter contact information. Thank you for your attempt to assist me.

When I initially applied for my EDD, I was asked to provide identity verification. Despite submitting the necessary form past the deadline, following the instructions, my ID verification was allegedly not received. As a result, my EDD claim was disqualified. I am seeking assistance in possibly reopening or updating my claim to access the funds owed. Additionally, I would like to include my current pregnancy status to my claim details.

My claim was processed inaccurately leading to a disqualification, causing a lack of payments for months. Attempting to resolve this, I've encountered difficulties reaching the correct department and have been redirected to an external call center. After spending an hour and a half on the phone, I experienced frustration when the representative focused on an irrelevant disqualification from [redacted] instead of addressing my current issue. Received an eviction notice on 9/30/[redacted], prompting me to seek assistance, but I have had trouble connecting with a specialist for two weeks now. The missing details on my previous claim need to be rectified to receive the remaining $[redacted] owed and have my claim extended accordingly.

I submitted a claim and was flagged for identity verification. I mailed the necessary documents over two weeks ago but have not received payment or any confirmation of receipt or processing. I am concerned about the security of my mailed documents and would prefer to verify my identity online through ID.me for a quicker process and confirmation. I have tried contacting the verification department, but the customer service line loops back to the same generic information without addressing my concerns. I am eager to know the status of my payments and ensure my documents were received either by mail or online.

I submitted a claim and was required to verify my identity. I sent the necessary documents by mail over two weeks ago. I have not received payment or any confirmation of their receipt and processing. I am concerned about the status of my sensitive documents. The department now uses an online verification system via ID.me. I am eager to submit my documentation online to speed up the verification process and receive my payment. I have spoken to a representative who directed me to contact the verification department. Unfortunately, the customer service line only leads back to the same general customer service and does not offer any additional assistance. I am eager to know the status of my payment, confirm if my documents were received, and if not, utilize the new online verification process through ID.me.

I urgently need the stop payments removed from my account. I was asked for identity verification on 9/10, submitted my documents online on 9/11, was informed on 10/9 that they were not accepted. I then faxed my documents again on 10/13, they were approved and verified on 10/15. I was told on 10/18 that my card was unblocked on 10/16, but my funds have not been released due to 4 stop payments on my account. I have been struggling to reach Integrity and Account for hours since yesterday and early this morning. My current situation is dire; I am homeless, my phone is disconnected, my vehicle registration and insurance expired, and I am separated from my children. I have been tirelessly calling from borrowed phones, accruing debt to feed my children. The unresolved issue is preventing me from accessing unemployment benefits when I desperately need them. My life is in disarray, and I implore for prompt resolution to this matter. I am currently on hold with the main EDD line seeking assistance.

Around 3 to 4 months ago, I became a victim of fraud. A woman named Pam Wriggleman stole my important documents and wallet, using them to make fraudulent purchases totaling over $6,[redacted] online. Despite reporting the crime when I discovered it, she had already used my card to buy plane tickets to Pittsburgh. The bank assured me they would refund the money, and they did. Now, about 2 1/2 months later, I received a letter from the EDD claiming I owe them the same amount Pam spent, freezing my account. I am struggling to resolve this over the phone and need your help desperately. My financial stability is at risk, and I urge you to reinstate my unemployment benefits and release my funds. Your immediate assistance is crucial in preventing further financial hardship. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, W. Dunbarr

I am reaching out regarding my claim with claim number [redacted]. Recently, I encountered challenges in California that have impacted my ability to pursue my dream of establishing myself as a Computer System Technician and business owner specializing in combating Cybercrimes. Since moving to Sacramento in August [redacted] to escape a difficult situation, I have struggled to maintain my business operations, especially due to the limitations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite my efforts, I faced issues related to multiple claimants at my address when applying for assistance with the EDD. Furthermore, I discovered unsettling truths about my roommate’s involvement in identity theft crimes, which led to me being evicted and experiencing difficulties proving my identity to EDD due to withheld mail. As I await verification and navigate homelessness, I am urgently seeking assistance to expedite the process and secure my future, including pursuing a cybersecurity degree. Any guidance or support provided in this challenging time would be greatly appreciated.

I provided all my crucial financial information to a young man to help me with my claim but later found out he did not include it in the form. Despite contacting them multiple times, I have yet to receive the money owed to me from February 2nd under the PUA Insurance due to the pandemic. I am a 66-year-old homeless woman relying on selling cookies to supplement my monthly $1,[redacted] SS retirement benefits. With the stay-at-home order, my income has been drastically affected. I urgently need this money to survive but haven't been successful in resolving this issue with the agency. Any guidance on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. Janet M James

I was in the hospital when I received the ID verification request from EDD. Despite my efforts to comply, I faced challenges as I didn't have all the required ID documents with me. I've diligently communicated with EDD representatives and will be sending the necessary information via certified mail tomorrow. I've also tried using the new ID.me tool on the EDD website to expedite the process. If there are additional steps I can take to speed up the reinstatement of my benefits, please advise. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Jonna W. SS# [redacted]

I am inquiring about the status of my claim with EDD. I was awarded $10,[redacted] but only accessed $4,[redacted]. I am uncertain about the whereabouts of the remaining funds and why I am unable to certify online as advertised by EDD. Although the system prompts me to certify for specific weeks like 7/12, [redacted], and [redacted], I have been unable to do so. Interestingly, my claim history indicates that I have already completed the certification for those weeks, which I have not done. I received a PUA award letter stating I was granted $6,[redacted] along with the additional $[redacted]. Subsequently, I received another notification detailing my weekly benefit amount as $[redacted] plus the extra $[redacted]. There seems to be a discrepancy in my claim history showing activity on 4/12/20, a date where I did not engage with EDD. I suspect unauthorized access to my account resulting in the disappearance of $6,[redacted] from my account in addition to the $6,[redacted] PUA award. Despite contacting the bank, my funds are missing. I urgently seek assistance with resolving these issues.

I have been informed that I will receive back pay, but the process to obtain it has been challenging. I visited the EDD website and found confirmation that I am entitled to it. Below is the excerpt from the site: If you completed serving a false statement penalty disqualification on your regular UI claim between February 2, [redacted], and May 13, [redacted], you may be eligible to receive retroactive benefits under the PUA program. You can receive PUA benefits dating back to the weeks after February 2, [redacted], during your regular UI penalty weeks if you were unemployed, partially unemployed, unable to work, or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 during that period. The additional $[redacted] weekly payment from the CARES Act is included for weeks starting on or after March 29, [redacted], provided you are eligible for the retroactive PUA benefits. If you have an outstanding overpayment on a previous Disaster Unemployment Assistance claim, 50 percent of your PUA retroactive payment will be used to repay the overpayment. The EDD will send you a PUA Retroactive Payment Option and Self-Certification form with instructions on how to receive retroactive PUA payments for the weeks you served your UI penalty from February 2 to May 13. Any full weeks of penalty service will still count on your UI claim. To receive the retroactive PUA payment, you must submit the PUA form to the EDD, confirming your unemployment was due to a COVID-19 reason. Aside from this payment, you will continue to receive benefits on your regular UI claim. If your unemployment during the penalty weeks was not due to a COVID-19 related reason specified under the federal PUA program, you will not be eligible for retroactive PUA payments.

I need to update the address for delivery of my EDD card. I have been attempting to contact the number [redacted], but have only reached a recorded message without the option to speak to a representative. Bank of America EDD sent me an email stating a replacement card is being sent to the wrong address, emphasizing the necessity to amend the address in your system. Kindly provide me with a contact number through email where I can converse with a live representative.