Tips and Tricks: Getting Through to California’s EDD, Sanity in Tact
Back in January, I posted Thanks to the EDD, I’m Slowly Losing My Mind.
It chronicled my infuriating experience with California’s unemployment office. I shared my frustration at not being sent my first unemployment check, two months after filing my claim. I highlighted my disbelief at being told to call a 1-800 number, then spending weeks dialing it… in vain.
And I soon came to realize I wasn’t alone.
Comment after comment, readers shared their own stories. They gave tips and tricks for getting past the automated phone system. They LOL-ed at the preposterousness of the situation (and probably cried quietly to themselves). Six months later, the comments section of that post is still alive and kicking.
So if you find yourself jobless, checkless and at the wrong end of an EDD phone call, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what we’ve learned from our community since the story went live:
- Keep your resume with CalJobs up to date.
- You did know you needed to post your resume on CalJobs, right?
- Make sure you fill out both columns on the right hand side of the form (some people, I’m told, overlook one of the columns; alright fine, it was me, but the lady on the phone assured me it happens a lot)
- Make photocopies of your claim form, in case you make a mistake on one or in case they stop sending them to you.
- Make sure the check boxes are dark. Form is read by computers.
- There is no unemployment office in California, at least no office that allows you to speak to an adviser face-to-face. All contact is by phone, mail and email. But mostly it’s by Scantron sheets from the late 70s.
- If you’re unlucky enough to have to call them (lost form, problem on form, etc), dial 12117 as soon as you hear “welcome”. Our readers swear by it.
- Still can’t get through? Try the Vietnamese line: 1-800-547-2058. It’s got less traffic than the other lines and the person who picks up will be bilingual, and will have to speak to you in English. I know at least two people who this worked for.
- Calling 223 times in one day is not unusual, and no guarantee you will get through.
- Still can’t get through by phone? Go here, and send them a message. You’ll receive a reference number by email. Keep it!
- They don’t have downloadable bi-weekly claim forms online. That would be too efficient. But you can request to have a new one sent to you. Go here. Click on “select category” >Unemployment Insurance Benefits>Select Topic>Claim Form-Need Replacement Form.
- Stay on top of them like “you’re managing a bunch of kindergartners”
Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to our forum, sharing tips and generally supporting one another. And if you have any other suggestions or stories, please continue to share them!
Sometimes it’s just a relief to know that other people are going through the same maddening experience. And that if you are losing your mind (as I was), it really is thanks to the EDD.
P.S. For musings not related to unemployment, check out my new blog, Lipstick & Lemonade
more:May I send my inquiry regarding my 1099G by FAX?
Yes, you may inquire about your Form 1099G by faxing your request to fax number (916) 464-2575. However, due to confidentiality, the information cannot be faxed back to you. It will only be returned to you by U.S. mail. A copy of your Form 1099G will be mailed to you within five business days.
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Are Federal stimulus payments reported on the Form 1099G?
Yes, Federal stimulus payments (also known as “$25 stimulus payments”) are included in the total taxable unemployment compensation benefit amount reported in Table A, Box #1 on the Form 1099G.
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I heard the first $2,400 in unemployment benefits is not taxable by the Federal Government. Is this correct?
Effective for the 2009 tax year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) states that the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits an individual receives in 2009 will not be taxed by the Federal Government. This provision applies only to unemployment benefits received in 2009. Additional information is available at: http://www.irs.gov to assist you in completing your federal tax return. Please note that the 2009 Form 1099G will report the total unemployment benefits you were paid in 2009, including the first $2,400.
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How do I report this unemployment information on my income taxes?
Refer to the instructions on Federal Form 1040. In addition, IRS Publication 525 provides instruction on how to report the repayments of unemployment compensation benefit overpayments. For questions about potential tax liability or how to report tax information, please contact an IRS representative at 1-800-829-1040.
Holy crap. I dialed the hot line 127 times before I googled tips on getting through the hot line. I dialed the 12117 and I got through the first time. I got light headed and my knees kinda buckled in shock. Funemployment!
12117 worked for me! Thanks to all!
CA Unemployment First Extension question
I just received my final unemployment check on February 3, 2009 on my initial (first) unemployment claim. With my check this week came this notice on the top:
“You have received all benefits payable on your claim. You may qualify for extended benefits. If you qualify, the claim will be automatically filed. No action is needed on your part. You will be notified by mail of your eligibility.”
I first filed in July 2009 and it says that my claim doesn’t expire until July 3, 2010.
Does anyone know what this means. I have heard from a friend of mine that also just finished with her initial claim, that within a few days I should receive my new claim form and then it’s just business as usual. For some reason this seems WAY to easy. Does anyone have any insight on how to find out IF I’m eligible and how to make sure that my extension claim has, in fact, been filed
Louis Sherman:
and all
I have not received my last check from the 3rd extension, (1st Fed Ed) yet) as of 2/4/2010, Automated System claims to have been paid on 2/2/2010, and I received a letter about the 1 week extension today 2/3/2010 earlier only. Had to notify my landlord I will be late on the rent, got a call from the recruiter this morning about the job I was hoping to get. The manager i mentioned hired someone else and they quit!
After being contacted for this same project since i became unemployed, interviewed and denied, at least 4 times, they are trying to do the same thing again. And, requested a face to face again, of course I agreed, I will have to drive over 100 miles round trip. I stressed again that I am willing, capable and ready to start work immediately.
I am really scared now, since the last check was 1 week, and listed on the system on as paid 2/2/2010 and I only received a letter on 2/3/2010. It is now 2/4/2010 as you all know.
anyway, i have been praying to my higher power, loving my closest and thanks to you all, I see we are trying to help each other.
i am so glad Louis you found a positive ending.
:}
I am an idiot, I went to visit my parents in Oklahoma for Christmas and to look for work out there, ( I live in California), Anyway, my unemployment form showed up on the 24th of December at my mail box, this was the day after I had left for Oklahoma. I did not make it back home until Jan 12 and I sent the form off as soon as I got home. I was gone about two and a half weeks. Now, because I sent the form off so late, they have sent me to a phone interview in adjudication. I am affraid I will lose whats left of my benefit, I know I screwed up but now I just want to know what I should say to the person on the other end of the line. Can any one help?
royzane
Tell them the form did not get to your mailbox until the day you sent it. And, tell them you tried to contact them at the (800) # over and over and COULD NOT GET THROUGH. Don’t tell them you left the state, they will think this is a vacation.
I once tried to be very honest, and missed mailing my claim form same as you. I traveled to Hawaii with my Mother and was working with her on a Real Estate Project. And, I was seeking work in CA online. We were only gone 3 days, Friday thru Sunday, because I was honest to them. They fined me, stopped my unemployment and claimed I was overpaid. This was back in the early 80s, the first recession.
Just my advice, since I was REALLY Naive, COVER yourself, use caution when explaining, don’t put things in writing.
Well I went through loops today getting to talk to someone in the upper echelons of command with EDD, after I had called the governor’s office 3 times. I haven’t received a check since Jan 7th, I got a claim form, filled it out, got it sent back to me because I didn’t sign it (I did!) and then got 2 claim forms at once because they had to back date. Where am I now?
Its the 4th…check was processed and mailed (or whatever) on the 3rd, but right now on the 4th we have NO food, NO diapers, and my wife and I haven’t eaten in 2 days so that our son will have food. All I got from EDD, everyone there I talked to, was leave a message and a rep will get back to you in 3 to 5 days (really….how long can a 19 month old go without food?). Finally I got someone to flat out tell me I just have to wait until the checks get here because if he processed to cancel them it would take 10 days then another 10 days for a claim to get to me again, then another week or so before I got the check…meaning that after we die the checks would arrive in time for our funeral. So I said screw it, dont cancel the checks, but explain to me what to do. The guy I spoke to said, borrow from someone….everyone I know is unemployed…..no one can loan out.
EDD is so inefficient its not even funny anymore. This recession isn’t new news, why have they not gotten to direct deposit yet? Oh yea, cause of bureaucracy….all that BS. I just hope we can last until those checks get here, I am already so hungry, tired, and drained that I can’t even hold my son.
Redrocks00, claims are open for 52 weeks, but the maximum number of collectible weeks are 26 (6 months). when you run out of the money, then you become eligible for the extensions. someone has to reveiw the claim to make sure no flags will prevent future payments, there are no issues, and determine which extension you qualify for. once that is done (good luck) then you receive new claim forms in the mail for the first extension. somewhere on the EDD web page it explains all the extensions and the dates available. like everyone else now it is wait and see.
Dan above, sorry to hear your story, it breaks my heart. if I were you I would find the nearest food bank. you might also qualify for food stamps. get that kid fed whatever you need to do. the united way may help also.
Dan, There was a post earlier that you can go to the One Stops (job search) Locations. Once you register to use the computers etc. Ask to speak to someone in support services. They sometimes have gift cards for local grocery stores as well as gas cards etc. Can’t hurt to try. Good luck. Hope this helps.
I am heading there for the same reason. No money since January 9. Thank goodness I was frugal from Dec and was able to pay the rent this month. But out of food now.
Thanks so much for this site. I was a month behind on my claim due to (I’m guessing) the usual disgraceful work at post office, the EDD never got my claim form. I call the two phone numbers posted on this site, a 310 and 213 area code and managed to get thru although it was no small task. Thank you very much. Your site was very helpful and my claim is back on track…
For all those who are about to give up, keep at it and try all the suggestions from this site. Good luck,
Marc
I wanted to thank everyone for their postings, and offer another telephone number to call. I too had mailed in a claim form and never received a check. I too called and called the main 800-300-5616 for EDD for weeks and could never get through to anyone. I even sent several emails and never got a response. I called (619) 525-4995 listed above, AND got a live person, however, she said my claim was being handled by a different office and she gave me another number (408) 436-5603. A lady answered the phone, no recording, no need to press 1 for English and resolved my issue in less than 5 minutes. Apparently my claim was flagged so they were sitting on my check pending a telephone interview that I was never advised of. She cleared the flag and released my check, which I received yesterday. I shared the number with a friend and they had the same result. I’m in Northern California, so hopefully this number can help other people too. Good luck and don’t give up!!
I lost my claim form…I’m so upset. I should have made copies like someone suggested above…I could kick myself. Any idea how long it takes to get a new one? I emailed them from this site’s link (thank you) and got a ref #.
Help?
Michelle
EDD is a game, and those who play need to know the rules. That is a job in and of itself. I was laid off 8-2007 and received UI benefits, the maximum. I was grateful for that. I sought work as the forms require. I found temp work. That was my mistake. My colleagues who stay under the radar and travel to Hawaii, drive to San Diego to get Botox shots, play tennis in the mornings would never consider looking for work are still collecting $1,900 a month over two years later. I, on the other hand, receive $60.00 per week because I did some temp work. My advise to all of you collecting UI, is to not even consider work. Between Social Security and UI, my former co-workers are making out just fine. Honestly, I am jealous and feeling very stupid. Know the rules.
Hi there everyone,
I feel you. I am waiting for check it has been 9 days (so I have one more day). My rent is due and my bills I can not pay anything. I am looking for work and awaiting a possible position as a sou chef (cross my fingers that I will get it).
Because this whole deal with EDD is BS. I came her as an immigrant and am here with a green card supporting myself for the last 5 years until now.
I feel like I am back in Suriname (which is a very poor country), where I have to get creative to eat or make a living (can’t even afford groceries this month).
Even though I have paid into this unemployment insurance I feel like I am begging them to give them the money that I paid into while my bills are piling up.
Hopefully everything will get resolve soon. While I was browsing on the net I found this website and a recent article of EDD : http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/2010/02/governor-arnold.html
Thank you for this site and I hope everyone the best, and that we will get through this.
Thank you to Laura D for the EDD fax info. I haven’t received the “detailed account” or instructions on how to appeal and get a new 1099, but when I do I will fax it in. I don’t know why it should be taking longer than 5 days to get a form from Sacramento to anywhere else in California…but I suspect human error has something to do with it. All my computer generated stuff seems to arrive within just a few days, but when someone at the EDD actually has to stuff an envelope themselves it seems to take weeks…
Hey folks! This lil info corner has helped me a TON. I called the California 619# and they gave a different number to call that is not yet listed here. A gal answered and I am currently “on hold”
213-744-2137
http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2523023.html talk talk talk and still no action. everyone is trying to save their own butt.
ONE-STOP can also find organizations that can help you, it’s not just for resume or using the computer. Here’s what I found out about there. A program called “The Treasure Box” that gives $100 worth of food for $30. http://www.thetreasurebox.org/
Also Found this out from One Stop, an organizations that can help pay for utility bill 1 time a year. Locate your locale “Community Action Partnership”. That’s just a couple of things that I’ve heard of. There’s also local church’s that help with utility bills as well. I’m sure each county/city will have their own community program.
These were all new to me, since I’ve always worked and wouldn’t have known about these programs until now, why would I. I’m sure there’s a lot of you out there like me that’s in the dark about a lot of programs that’s there to help us all out. Besides MediCal and Food Stamps, which I tried to apply for but was denied cuz I made too much on UI (Is that even possible)?
Hopefully you can find a program that can help with your utility bills and put food on the table.
I recently won an appeal and have been waiting almost 2 weeks for the retroactive checks that I am entitled. HOORAY! Thanks to you, I called the direct line to the San Jose office 408-436-5603 and spoke INSTANTLY to the claims dept. They were able to look up my file and will be processing my retroactive checks today! UNBELIEVABLE! The timing was urgent as these checks will now exhaust my benefits and I should then get an extension. If I did not receive them by Feb. 20, I would have missed the deadline for the extension. The scary thing is there was no apparent directive to issue the checks and they never would have, had I not called. So the lesson is, if there is an important deadline, don’t wait. Be diligent about getting through to someone who can help. Don’t assume that they are working on it.
Update: and a Question:
Hello all, so glad to see people are getting things straightened out.
I received a letter from EDD dated 2/4/2010 stating
NOTICE OF THIRD FEDERAL EXTENSION FILED
Stated I qualify for the 3rd Fed extension approved by our Dear President
What I wonder is?
I have had
UI Benefits – 26 weeks
1st extension
2nd extension
Federal extension approved last summer
I thought I was on the 4th extension, and I am only getting 6 weeks paid. I read on the EDD site that there is an additional 20 weeks available to claimants that meet certain criteria. Such as the long term unemployed, and if you have starting receiving the THIRD extension before 2/28/2010.
Can anyone shed some clarity on this for me? I am not sure if I can feel relieved on begin to panick
Thanks in advance for any info.
oh, and guess what happened last week? State of California Franchise Tax board levied my bank account, thank G I didn’t pay my rent check on time.
As if I am able to repay 6yr old tax debt that is 90% fines now. I was able to reverse it, and the Tax payer advocate released the Legal Order and the funds she levied.
I can’t believe the state would do this to an individual that has been unemployed for close to 2 years.
Peace be with you all!
To michelle farrell:
You can get a replacement form in 2 ways (that i know of):
1. Go to https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/eddcomm/asp/frmEDDCOMM.aspx
“ask EDD by email” -> choose “UI bebefits” & “Claim Form – need replacement form”
You will get a ref number for your request. I got a polite email reply after 9 days & a new form in the mail.
2. Go ahead, call them. In my experience it’s faster. I gathered that if you have a landlord / eviction situation, they’ll cut you the check instead of doing the usual steps. But that’s just something I heard.
Better yet, do both 1 & 2, I did.
I was told that (1) there is a 10 day grace period for turning in claim form late, & (2) u cannot turn in a reproduced (copy old form & white-out the dates on top) claim form b/c a correct claim form has corresponding barcodes on it.
Good Luck, hope this helps you & others. Hang in there, i know how it feels.
To mobilsystems, et al: New Federal Unemployment Insurance Extensions
(Updated December 22, 2009)en Español
New action taken by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Obama on Saturday, December 19, 2009 will now enable more long-term unemployed workers to qualify for federal extension benefits. As part of the national Defense Appropriations bill, Congress has pushed back the filing deadline for unemployment extension claims from December 27 to February 21, 2010. This affects several aspects of the federal extension program and the impacts on claimants all depends on when someone started their regular UI claim and when they are set to exhaust their current benefits.
For those who run out of all of their regular UI benefits, up to 26 weeks, on or before February 20, 2010, and remain unemployed and otherwise eligible, this new federal action will make you potentially eligible for the first extension or tier of unemployment benefits that provides up to 20 weeks of additional benefits. Eligibility for any further extension benefits beyond that will all depend on whether or not Congress decides to further push back the new extension deadlines.
For those who run out of their first extension or tier of unemployment benefits, up to 20 additional weeks, on or before February 27, 2010, the new federal action will make you potentially eligible for the second tier of extension benefits. That second tier now provides up to an additional 14 weeks of benefits once someone fully exhausts the first tier extension. If someone remains unemployed and otherwise eligible, they will receive a notice and claim form from EDD upon the end of their first tier of extension and will be seamlessly moved into the second tier once EDD receives the claim form verifying eligibility.
For those who run out of their second extension or tier of unemployment benefits, up to 14 additional weeks, on or before February 27, 2010, the new federal action will make you potentially eligible for the third tier of extension benefits approved in early November. That third tier provides up to an additional 13 weeks of benefits once someone fully exhausts their second tier extension. The first two-week claim form under this new third tier of extension benefits were sent out by EDD on Monday, December 14, 2009. The first two-week checks for third tier benefits were sent in the mail on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. If you believe you are already eligible for this third tier of extension and have not received your first two-week check by December 23, 2010, please use the online AskEDD method to send an e-mail inquiry to EDD.
For those who run out of their new third extension of unemployment benefits, up to 13 additional weeks, on or before February 27, 2010, the new federal action will make a new fourth tier of extension benefits, also approved by the federal government in early November, available to eligible claimants. The fourth tier provides up to an additional six weeks of benefits once someone fully exhausts their third tier extension. In order to meet the newly revised filing deadline for the fourth tier, a claimant’s eligibility for the third tier would have to have started on or before November 15, 2009. Only then, for a vast majority of this group of long-term unemployed clients, would there be enough time to start a third tier extension and use all 13 weeks of additional benefits available before February 27, 2010, which is the deadline for starting a fourth tier of extension benefits.
The new legislation enacted by the federal government does create the potential for a total of up to 99 weeks of unemployment benefits available to qualified unemployed workers. Contributing to that total is up to 20 additional weeks of benefits from a separate FED-ED extension program available to eligible claimants who run out of all other available extension benefits. However, only those who have been unemployed for a longer period of time, about a year-and-a-half or more will be eligible for the up to 99 weeks of benefits. Those more recently employed, who started a typical 26-week regular claim after August 16, 2009, will not be eligible for any extension benefits unless Congress takes further action again to extend the new filing deadlines.
Hi, thank you for the article. I was unemployed back in August. I had the second level appeal hearing a few days ago and the ALJ ruled in my favour. Now I have 7 months worth of benefits that need to be given to me. I havent recieved any check in the mail so far. Should I wait it out? Should I call edd? I mean what is it that I need to do to get my unemplyment check?
Sam….I had a similar situation. On Jan. 28, Appeals Judge also ruled in my favor. My benefits were ruled retroactive all the way back to April ‘09. I waited for 2 weeks for my checks and did not receive them. On Feb. 10 I called in directly to the San Jose EDD office 408-436-5603. They were able to bring up my file and see my appeals decision but there was no directive to process my retroactive checks. I was then transferred to the “supervisor” who immediately processed them. I checked the hotline yesterday (Saturday) and the checks have been processed and are on their way. I suggest that you call them now to find out what the normal timeframe is…”10 days” seems to be a standard answer for many EDD issues. Perhaps they can get the process started sooner if you talk to them. Don’t assume that they are working on it, because I’m not sure if I would’ve have gotten mine had I not called. Good luck!
I was laid off 10/2007 from a fulltime job. I took a part-time job in May 2009 to help pay for medical insurance for my husband and me and reported my earnings to EDD appropriately (Q2 2009 I earned $1000, Q3, I earned $1356 but my company paid me $800 in Q2 and $1500 in Q3). I started my 3rd federal extension in Nov. 2009. All was fine until January 2010. I received the “continuing claim form” for my extension (dated with the claim expiration date of 10/2008) for the weeks of 1/9/2010 and 1/16/2010. By 1/23 – no check, just a notice stating that I had excessive earnings for 1/9 and 1/16. I sent an “Ask EDD” query to explain what happened. Waited and waited – no reply. Finally on 2/4, received a “new claim filed notice” with a “new claim award”. My new UI benefit is now $60. EDD filed this “new claim” yet their notice says that “I filed a new claim”. I am at my wits end. I am still working part-time and if I accept the 2 shifts (9 hrs) of work each week with my parttime employer, I will always have “excessive earnings” ($150/week). I am very afraid that my parttime employer will contest this “new claim” as I am still working for them. When I did get thru to EDD, one clerk told me to just “quit my parttime job” and appeal the “new claim”. I told him I didn’t think I could just “quit the parttime job” – I would see that as an EDD eligibilty issue. He was of no help – could not explain any options. A few days later, I spoke to another EDD clerk. She told me to do nothing until the end of February. I’m not comfortable with that as I think my best option would be to “cancel” the claim this week before my employer has time to file an appeal. That way, I can always file a new claim on my terms and do not have any “marks in my EDD record” for a disqualification. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Denicedcat, you had a claim which continued on extensions because you had no income to start a new claim. When you had a quarter of earnings in excess of $1300 you became eligible for a new award. Unfortunately, the award was at the bottom of the scale instead of at the top (%450). Your claim as well as everyone else’s has flags which stop payment each quarter. The EDD is required to file you a new claim if you qualify. You have no choice.. Well, you do: cancel the claim and not get any unemployment. You will not be allowed to go back on the extension (after all you have a new claim); file an appeal (what would you appeal as the law requires you to file the new claim if you qualify); draw the benefits (as long as you do not earn more than the weekly award($60). You can cancel the claim and wait for the next quarter to see if you have greater earnings in that quarter to establish a new claim. You have only a limited time after the claim is filed to cancel it (20 days?). Also, the fact that you filed a claim does not mean that your employer will challenge it. You have the right to file and draw any benefits due you (unfortunately the award is low and your earnings high(!) so your employer has to do nothing because you already exceed the weekly award. The only time the employer does not have to pay the UI tax is when you quit or get fired. When you work that is good for you and your family, however, it counts against you when the award for UI is to be determined (and you do not earn at least $7000 in a quarter (I think that is the amount needed for a full award of $450. We welcome you to the club of the working underemployed.
OK – I think I get it Spencer
But maybe you can answer this for me – what happens if my parttime employer offers me 2 shifts a week (total of $150) exceeding my UI and I say I can only work one? Last year I was able to ask the employer for time off when needed without any problems? There are just times when I have an appointment that I cannot change on a day she may want me to work. Any problems with UI and EDD in such cases? I have been a fulltime employee for over 20 years and guess that I don’t fully understand the do’s and don’ts of parttime.
Hi, I recently got the dreaded letter that I no longer qualify for
benefits after a year of receiving them. But I thought that I would
get that federal 20 week extension. I live in California and my last
check was mailed to me on Jan. 12. Am I qualified for the extension?
If so, do I need to apply for it?
Best,
Josh
I’ve just been through a really confusing process that I thought I’d share with you all. I was laid off in April of last year and around July I told a 100% commission job with the hopes that I would be a natural. Unfortunately after 3 weeks I hadn’t sold a thing so I quit. As you can imagine edd has issues with my voluntarily quitting. I was naive to think that an attempt to get a job would be appreciated by edd. I went through the telephone interview in August and explained that I couldn’t live off the wage I was getting(nothing). The ruling was that I had to pay a penalty of a few weeks but I got to stay on unemployment. Phew, made it past that or so I thought. Then this January I had an extension coming up and I got a letter saying that I needed to reapply for benefits, huh? Couldn’t i just file an extension? Apparently not. I called edd and was told with some people some of the time, that reapplying for unemployment and getting denied was the way I could get my extension. Its amazing how convoluted and inefficient their system is. Ok, I did that and yes my new claim got denied. Today I got a new claim form, so apparently they approve the extension, but I also got a letter for a scheduled interviewed about the commission job I quit. Its identical to the letter I got in August. Like I said, inefficient.
Btw, I get thru 90% of the time by using the above system calling 1-800-300-5616, waiting for the prompt to say welcome ( hang up if it says “thank you for calling”) and dialing 12117
A curious problem that perhaps others have experienced. i finished my third extension on February 6, and am eligible for a 4th tier of additional 6 weeks. I was notified by EDD that I was qualified and that they would file an automoatic extension. I was duly paid my last check on the 3rd extension. It was for one week, with the last week blocked out on my claim form. All well and good; but a few days later I received a new claim form, which I assume is the beginning of my 4th extension. But the claim form once again and had the 2nd week blocked out. They said they wanted it by February 23rd, but the only valid week not blocked out was through February 13th. I send the form in today. It’s a strange way to start a 4th extension, with a week blocked out on the claim form. Any one else experience this?
OK – I think I get it Spencer. Can you or someone else out there explain the rules of parttime and UI/EDD? Here’s my situation – I work parttime – usually 4.5 hrs on Fridays and 4.5 hrs. on Saturdays. An EDD clerk told me that I should use “Parttime – on call” on my claim forms instead of “Still working – parttime”, that way my claim forms “should” keep coming. I do not know my work schedule until Tuesday of the week. If I ask ahead of time not to be scheduled on a Friday, my boss is nice and does n0t schedule me for that particular day. Is that situation considered “refusing” work or can I fill the claim form for only Saturday? This week, I am just working Friday as I was not scheduled Saturday (per the client). See, I really am a novice with this parttime work – I’ve worked fulltime for 35 years. Any do’s and don’ts would be very helpful. Thank you for your support.
hi, i am about to start my second extension. I have a balance of $128 remaining from the end of my initial claim. My initial claim ended Jan 31, 2010. But they sent me a claim form for the first two weeks of Feb and at the top where it usually shows your balance it just said “to bring your claim to date” what I am worried about is that it will only pay me $128 and not my normal amount is for two weeks. Seperate of mailing me that claim form, they also sent me a form saying that I was approved for a 2nd extension the rate etc.
Have any of you had a similar experience and if so what happened? Did they just pay you the remainder of your balance for the transition and then pick up on normal payments later?
I am worried they will only pay me the left over balance from my initial claim and not the normal amount even though my 2nd extension is said to be all in order.
Just worried as I have rent coming up and want to be prepared. Due to other delays with them in the past and how SLOW it is to catch up I have had to reach into my savings too many times to where I am uncomforatably low!
to denicedcat
I also work part time. it’s a little hit or miss usually the same day of the week if they have me on the schedule. But I have been told to say “still working” I too have asked for certain days off and they too would simply not put me on that particular day. What I would do is just not mention it on the form and just write down what day I worked for that week if any. If you did not work during the week just either put the last day of that week in the cell (if it can’t be blank can not remember) and write 0 for the hours and then still working or what ever they told you to say all the way to the right. That way you are still completing it.
Good luck. It’s hard because it feels like they doc those of us that have part time work.
I think the key is “still working” or “on call”. Shows you are still trying and available.
Hey people who work part-time…when you fill out the form just put what it asks. So you enter the amount of gross wages for each week; you enter the total hours worked each week (Sunday through Saturday, inclusive); and enter the employer. You should enter “still working” because it does not matter to the EDD as long you do not put quit or fired, they just deduct the wages from your UI. The other question on the form asks if you refused work. When you refuse work it means the employer asked you to work and you actually refused. When you want a day off here and there it is up to you and your employer, in essense you are figuring out your part time work schedule so it is not “refusing” work. If you work 1099, independent contractor or work 100% commission and considered an employee, then you will have a telephone interview so the EDD can ok the work. If you are not an employee then for employer you enter “self employed” instead of employer on the claim form. If you exceed the weekly award two or more weeks in a row your claim has to be reopened. So if you do not get a claim form you have to call or go on line to refile (reopen) the claim, its the same application. Just like some of you above those part time wages start counting against you each quarter. When you have enough wages and need to file a new claim, you will file a reduced weekly award, sometimes like the person about who onl got $60 instead of $450. From an unemployed veteran of the system.
Jessica, I think somewhere in the extensions they give you one extra week after the first extension ends before the sencond extension begins. once you get through that you should then get a form for two weeks each time.
Josh, when your first claim ends because the time frame expired you need to file a new claim to see if you qualify for a new claim. If you run out of money but the claim hasn’t ended then you go on the extension until the time frame of the claim expires, then you need to go file a new claim. If you file the second claim and it is not valid (no work or not enough wages) you stay on the extensions. The problem is that time it takes the EDD to file all these claims, so you may expect to have to wait.
Trudy, thanks for the info. I am just surprised that I’m the only person of all the people I know who got laid off when I did that didn’t get some sort of extension. After a year on unemployment, I got that letter in the mail that said that my money is exhausted and that if I can prove that I earned such and such in 2009 (which I didn’t), then I can stay on unemployment. Since I made very little (I was laid off on Jan. 16 2009), I thought that I would just move onto a federal extension. But that didn’t happen. However, the EDD continued mailing me at least two new claim forms even though when i returned them they never sent me checks. Now it’s nothing.
Holycrap that 12117 thing is amazing!
to Jessica – thanks for the parttime tips. I am still thinking the best thing is for me to just cancel this claim and avoid the hassles. I am just mad at myself for taking this parttime job and losing my fulltime benefits. How EDD expects the average person to understand all the nuances of the UI code is beyond me especially when you cannot (or at least I haven’t been able to) find a current copy of the UI Code. Again, many, many thanks.
Redrocks00, I have had the same exact thing occur to me.
I was shocked and confused to receive the notice yesterday “You have received all benefits payable on your claim” when my claim doesn’t “expire” until 7/17/10. Every comment I’ve read here and elsewhere has indicated their checks have run out in concurrence with their expiration date — not prior to. Does anyone know what gives here? (i.e., what determines the claim expiration date, and what point does it serve?)
I have never had to file for unemployment before and had no idea that one can only receive funds for 26 weeks, regardless of what I thought my expiration date indicated. I also never imagined in my wildest dreams that I wouldn’t have been able to find work yet, but that is beside the point.
I have read elsewhere that if we have not received paperwork to continue claims (first extension) within 10 days, that it is time to fight the system again with more forms and calls. But since my expiration date is still another 5 months away, can anyone advise what forms to proactively download and mail, if I can’t get through via phone? Also, I can’t get the 12117 magic number to work, if I have to go that route. Are you entering immediately after being connected, when dialing this number: 1-800-300-5616 ??
Also… to repeat Redrocksoo’s questions: how do I confirm if I’m eligible for the first extension, and how to make sure that my extension claim has in fact been filed (since it says my claim will “automatically be filed,” requiring “no action” on my part)? I have grown not to trust anything that is supposed to be done automatically on the part of the CA EDD.
I have a question hopefully someone can answer.
The post office lost my check for the 1/17-1/30 period and it’s been hell trying to get it from EDD. It was cut on 2/4 & I reported it missing on Friday, 2/12. I got ahold of EDD and spoke to someone who I thought was taking care of the situation. Instead of automatically reissuing the check they are sending me out a form that I will need to sign and send back & then they will re-cut the check. The man I spoke to was typing in the dates for the check and also putting in the amount. I also asked him to send a new claim form to replace the one that would have been on that check. That I received in the mail yesterday. It’s now Wednesday 2/17 & I have yet to receive the form for the missing check. My question is, IS there such a form?! From what I have read it seems you just report it to them over the phone and they can reissue the check right away?
WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE SO HARD?!?!
about the lost check, happened to me one time. what edd does is mail you a form to confirm that the check is lost or stolen. the law requires that you verify with your signature so a duplicate check can be issued. so you report the check lost (you have to wait 10 days to report it), then they get the form, authorize a duplicate check and mail you the new check, allow another 10 days. they sometimes forget to mail you the claim form to bring your claim up to date. not sure why they can’t issue you the check and the claim forms at the same time, sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. you can email them under the heading Checks, Lost or Stolen. hope this helps, Jessica.
Caroline, the maximum number of eligible weeks on a claim is 26 wks. so that means you have 6 mos. before the actual claim ends. when you use up the 26 wks you then qualify for the first extension. it takes a while for the edd to set this up, but when they do you receive a notice and the claim forms, usually retroactively. after the claim expires (52 weeks) they check to see if you had any work or not to see if you qualify for a new claim (like denicedcat above). if you had no work then you remain on the extensions, if you worked you gotta go on the new cliam and the extension ends. you just have to wait, call or email them. good luck.
I was able to use the 619 area code number with success and too was given the 408-436-5603 number as well. This website is AMAZING – thanks so much for getting me off the 800 #!!!
I spoke to a rep. at the 619 area code office (LA?) and asked her what would happen if I moved out of state. She said that my benefits may be diminished during the transit time to the new location but that I was still eligible and would be able to collect once a new residence was established.
Does this sound right? Collecting CA unemployment while living in another state???? Has anyone else ever had a similar experience with moving? Random thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jorge, when you leave the state the claim follows you to the new location. what usually happens is that the edd schedules you to a telephone interview to see how long it took you to move. if it took you 4 or more hours in one day, they disqualify you for the whole week. otherwise, if less than 4 hours you still qualify for the week in which you moved.if you get an appointment notice call them and tell them the length of time it took to move so that the issue can be clarified immediately or a note placed on your claim record. I know there is one extension (fed-ed?) that if you move out of state you may only qualify for two weeks unless the state you move to also has an extension going. I made the mistake of changing addresses and was not available for the interview and I was disqualifed one week.
Jorge -
I live in Florida and collect CA UI. I was receiving it there, but when I ran out of money, I had to move back to my mother’s house in Florida. Whether or not you can qualify for federal extensions at your new address will depend on the state that you move to. There are some states that did not qualify for federal extensions because they didn’t have high enough unemployment rates, or because the state legislature didn’t want to vote it in.
They will dock you for travel time if you tell them it took you time during the workweek to move. I told them that I flew here on a redeye Sat night arriving Sun am and never missed the opportunity for work had I been offered it.
When you make the change of address on the back of your claim form it will kick out a letter requiring a phone interview. I found that by calling my change of address in and answering questions at that time, I did not have to go through an phone interview.
Has anyone ever overnighted their claim form, had it signed for, and then it never shows up in the system?
I have the persons name that signed for it, but the reps on the phone cannot speak about the mail department in the NorCal Authoriztion Center. It looks like I’m screwed by having to wait another week to get a new claim form and then another week for them to receive it and cut a check. And…I’m out $17.50 because I really needed to get the check earlier!!!
Anyone ever hear of a way to contact the people that receive the mail deliveries?