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 laughed 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 chimed in to share tips and support. 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
I have a question that I hope someone knows the answer too. I’ve been unemployed for just about 6 months now.
I just got my EDD check for the full amount, right? But instead of having two weeks of those check mark things on the form to fill out and send back, it only has one week and the second week is blacked out with XXX’s. it says my claim has $450.00 left. Also, rather than mail it back two Sundays from today, I’m supposed to mail it back this coming Sunday, which is quick.
My guess is this: I will send it back Sunday, and next week, I’ll get a check for $450.00 in the mail, and that I will also get a brand new form just like the old one with a note at top giving me ‘you have been extended after 26 weeks, your remaining balance is now $4500.” And that it will start all over automatically. Is that what happens after your first 26 weeks, that it just renewed like that? Let me know, ok? And if that is in fact the deal, does that mean I will have to go a full week without getting paid?
Thanks!
@Dee. Thank you! Your tips really helped. Appreciate the help.
Thank you Will for answering my question!
I sent in the two week claim form that on the top said “to bring your claim to date” I am just nervous that it will only pay the $128 on my initial claim balance that “expired” on 01/31/10. I am not in my second extension so I hope that it pays my my normal 450 a week.
As I have rent coming up in a couple weeks I hope that it’s the normal amount. A little nervous.
I recieved all the information in the mail notifying me that my 2nd extension has been approved and started the first of this month. So a little confused on whether or not this next check I have coming is only going to pay me the remainder of the balance from my initial claim or my regular biweekly amount.
Thank you.
meant to say that I am just starting my second extension the first of this month.
Op2mztk, when you overnight the claim form it does not advance you any closer to getting the check earlier. in fact it normally slows it down because they have to look for your claim form instead of just running it through the machine that pays it automactically. they have 10 days to get the check out to you, so they just because you request it early does not mean you get it early. I spent alot of money doing the same thing until a supervisor told me i was just wasting money. if you have a hardship like utility shut off or eviction then you need to call and talk to a manager to have the claim form faxed to them so they can pay it the same day. sorry I no longer have the fax number given me.
I have only one question the place I work is a very Hostile work enviornment and I am so upset every day, They are constantly trying to fire people for sill mistakes and now they are Harrassing me, If I quit can I still collect benefits. Please answere my question in a timely manner as I fear I will be fired soon and I will not know what to do
Thanks
Valerie –
is this a part time job for you? I am going through a very similar thing. I once asked the edd if i could quit and find a part time job closer to home and they said even that could jeopordize my benefits even though my reason was the commute.
So…I am guessing that you might not want to quit. Let them let you go. I think (honestly) that if they fire you or lay you off will be a less negative impact on us then if we quit ourselves. Plus they have to be somewhat careful. Sounds like they are not being careful and that may possibly make it a little easier to fight them if they fight your unemplyment (what they might have to pay into it) if they let go of you.
Good luck and know that you are not alone.
oh and try your hardest if you can ( I know it’s not easy) to not give them any reason to use against you. So that if they do “fire’ you and claim it’s something you did, it’s a false claim against you – something they can’t prove.
Good luck!
I tried calling the Vietnemese and Spanish phone numbers. I can’t get through to a human.
I understand some spanish. But when I dialed zero or anything to try to connect through to a human on both of those phone numbers it didn’t work. They both just were recordings and eventually just hung up on me.
HELP. can someone tell me what i am suppose to dial when i get the recording on those numbers? The non english ones.
up never mind. just called the regular english number and hit that code they show at the top of the page after you hear “welcome” and got through after only ten minutes. The guy was very nice and answered all of my questions!
Valerie, as I am going through something pretty similar as you. I just called the edd. For me it is a part time job. I was told that if they let you go because of lack or work, you are good to go.
That if they are being hostile and are firing people and then lieing about what they did to fire them that we need to go to the labor department and launch a complaint about them.
I think I understood that the only time it will affect your unemployment beneifts is if you have to open a new claim and then they could deny paying into it. Then you would have to fight them.
But it seems like you can’t loose your benefits if they fire you immediatley. My only concern is that then you won’t be able to write “still working” on your form, and you would have to write “laid off” or something and that will signal something through the computer to where you would have to have a telephone interview with them delaying your checks.
Good luck with everything. You might even want to call and let them know what’s going on and ask about what to do, but I do not advise quitting! I think if you quit you could lose your benefits!
Will be thinking of you.
Valerie and Jessica,After having read you notes above I suggest you do not quit work unless you really have to. It doesn’t matter to the edd if you worked for the last employer two days two years or twenty years, the issue will always be the same if you quit; the burden rests with you to show good cause. It doesn’t matter if the work is parttime or full time, the reason why you leave the “last employer” will always determine your eligibility. You mentioned above about the new claim, that is only one aspect. Anytime whether you arec currently collecting, opening up a renewal claim or a new claim, the last place your work always determines if you get the benefits or not. Let them lay you off then you automatically qualify. If they fire you then the employer has to show good cause. I will try to find the section about quitting work for you.
Here is the link for anyone thinking of quitting work: http://www.edd.ca.gov/UIBDG/Voluntary_Quit_-_Table_of_Contents.htm Hope this helps to expain the process.
My first extention is about to run out. still can’t find a job
Will EDD automatically file the 2nd extention or will I have to start from scratch with the paperwork?
Thanks for the tip on entering extension 12117. I was able to get into the queue! Only had to wait another 5 minutes.
Jennifer,
I had the same thing happen to me. The XXXX’ed out form meant that my initial claim had come to an end. I received my check but then shortly after wards received a notice that an extension was being filed on my behalf automatically and was basically told on the form – don’t call us, we’ll call you.
I did receive a confirmation letter that I had received a 90 day extension and mailed separately was the claim form picking up right where I had left off.
I hope this helps!
For Jessica –
If you are seriously considering quitting due to hardship, I can tell you it is possible to quit your job and still collect unemployment HOWEVER let me just tell you that you are in for a fight.
My best friend has gone through this process and it is tough. In the end she won but you may have to appear in court more than once. She won because she documented mistreatment for months prior to leaving, she kept emails and records that showed she tried to work things through the proper channels (i.e. HR). She basically had to prove that she had no other choice but to quit.
Most companies don’t like being accused of having a hostile work environment, so it is a risk. I have had to go to court twice and documentation is everything. The courts understand that you are an average Joe and that you do not have access to lawyers like the companies I had to fight against. If you have thorough records and/or witness who will testify on your behalf even by means of a letter to the court confirming your claim, you could win.
Keep in mind that you may not receive any money from EDD until you win your case and then you would SLOWLY receive your back pay.
Hostile work environments are unacceptable and a lot of companies or managers are taking advantage of the down markets. You don’t have to accept abuse in any form. You can try contacting other agencies such as the Labor Board and see if you can get help through them.
If your not a gambler, your best bet might be to just find another job. If your desperate take anything that will get you out of your environment until you find something that is more promising.
Best of luck to you!!
To Valerie,
I have been an Operations Manager within National Companies and the laws in place WILL NOT allow you to claim “Unemployment” in the vent you simply “Quit” your job. Needless to say there aways for a company to fire you and then should you make a claim it is up to them to check a box if you left in good standing and can collects unemployment. I would write down any issues with supervisors…that may help in a appeal process and take a LONG time. So bottom line if you do not need the income and can risk not getting unemployment you could “Quit”. Best of luck !
I called edd like a mad man for 2 weeks and finally I got through on a Saturday, so my advice is to call on Saturdays. Not everyone is aware they are open a few hours on Saturdays so the lines aren’t consistently jammed, like they are during the week.
Good advice from above comments. If you quit the burden is with you to prove you have no choice but to leave the job. As someone pointed out you need a lot of documenation. If you are fired then the employer needs to document that you were fired for injuring their interests. did you know that if you had to quit you can find a temporary job or even a part time job then claim THAT job as the last most recent work when filing a claim. Even if you were working 10 years, it makes no difference, it it the LAST job that counts when deciding if you get unemployment. the law simply states when you file the claim (or reopen a claim) to list the last most recent (or current) employer. there is no issue if you are working part time or completed the temp job assignment, you qualify.
I received a claim form for the weeks ending 2/6 and 2/13 but was only paid for the first week and there was no continued claim form included with the check and no information on what to do next. My claim end date is 2/6 so I realize that is an issue but I am on the 20 week extension so I should be getting benefits into April as there is still over $4500 in my account. I have asked the EDD via email twice about the end date on my claim (took 11 days to get an answer) but the only information I got back was a statement that I am eligible for the first 20-week extension. I suspect my benefits will start back up at some point but it really would be great if there was some clear info on the EDD site.
The 2nd extention was filed automatically. I guess I won’t get evicted next month. where are the jobs? I’m barely breaking even after the bills are paid
Hello unemploymentality. Thanks for the tips. However, I am giving up. The EDD is obviously understaffed and overloaded with 13% unemployment in CA. This morning, I missed my interview call scheduled for 8-10 a.m., because I was in the bathroom when they called at 8:02 a.m. There is no way to call back. The last time I tried the 800 number for 5 days in a row, I never got through.
Anyway, I just wanted to vent a little. The impossibility of communicating with EDD is one of the greatest forms of frustration I’ve known. I’d rather even talk to an incompetent or rude person than no one at all. But what can you do?
sigh….
Hi , just called the Edd this am. All I needed was a replacement claim form sent to me because a family member accidently through mine away.
I called in and asked for the claim form. I told her the weeks that it covered and she began to argue the dates with me. I was tring to argue or dispute anything with her. I told her this and she escalated the conversation. I finally hung up, she can’t do anything to my unemployment can she? I obviously caught her in a foul mood and on the wrong day but I shouldn’t worry about it right?
This is Jessica, and I want to say THANK YOU to Angela and Ted W for your help!
Not to add confusion to the mix of “Jessica’s” on this board…. I have a question
I am on my first unemployment claim. It does not expire until September of this year, but I have less than $2,000 left in my fund. Is it standard for there to be an automatic extension after your first 6 months runs out in the parent claim?
Does anyone know what to do once you do get the Vietnemese phone number?
When I call it, I hear the pre-recorderd message in Vietnemese then it disconnects. I tried pressing zero or one or two but nothing gives. Anyone know?
I was laid off due in October 2008 and went on unemployment until I found a new job in February 2009. That job only lasted 3 months till I was laid off in May 2009. I’ve been on unemployment since then and it’s scheduled to end in April. Does anyone know if I can expect to get an extension in April? I’m terrified I might have to move back home with my parents as I can’t find a job. People ask me if I’m on a third extension and I don’t even know if I am or not as I’ve been unemployed 13 of the last 16 months. Can anyone advise me?
Valerie,
If I were in your shoes I would go on disability due to stress. In California there are job protections if you meet the requirements. Then make sure to get your ducks in order and take your case to the labor board regarding a hostile work environment. Most people in these kinds of work places experience a lot of anxiety and either eat more or less than normal. They have panic attacks and find it hard to get up to go to work as the thought makes them sick. This might give you a break at least to figure out what you want to do next. It is better to start on disability then switch to unemployment if needed. This way the disability is not taxable. If you start with Unemployment then switch to disability all of it is taxed. Good luck!
Hi everyone.
I received my claim form VERY late for the single week, ending 2/13– I just received it on Friday, and mailed it back ASAP. It is for the “phantom” week before one moves onto the 4th tier extension.
I am panicked because I know the claim form will NEVER get there by Sunday– which is the filing deadline for all extensions. I called EDD and got through 3 times yesterday– no one there knew ANYTHING about the issue. One girl said “well, if that is the filing deadline, that’s bad for everyone. But I haven’t heard about that.” Another incredibly rude man told me NOT to overnight the claim form and that it didn’t matter when they got it, as long as the claim is for the WEEKS before the 2/28 deadline (which mine is– but it still won’t help me get on that 4th tier).
Does anyone have any suggestions/input? I asked if I could fax the claim, so they could at least FILE me before Sunday. In short, I knew more about the extensions than the EDD employees. HELP!
Jessica- No they can’t do anything to your claim. Try to call back and send an email asking for the claim form.
Jess- Extensions are automatic if you earned enough money to qualify. You have to have earned 40x your weekly benefit amount or 1.5x your highest quarter in your base period. They sent you a print out of your base period wages when you first opened your claim. As of right now, no one is eligible for a new extension after 2/28/10, unless congress extends the deadline.
Pam- You need to file a new claim in order to continue to be paid.
Angelo- There is no claim access on Saturday; they can only file a new claim or send an email message on your behalf. You might as well send an email https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/eddcomm/asp/frmEDDCOMM.aspx?CategoryID=7
Elizabeth- Since claims are only good for a 12 month period, you must be on an extension. Go here https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/eddcomm/asp/frmEDDCOMM.aspx?CategoryID=7
and select the option “copy of claim print out” Request a print out of your claim history and all extensions.
Valerie- Getting fired does not ensure that you will receive unemployment. If the employer had a valid documented reason then you will not be eligible. If you claim disability due to work related stress, you will not be covered under unemployment or state disability. Your case would fall under workers comp and that pays next to nothing, not to mention probably 95% of stress related workers comp cases are rejected. The best thing to do is go get another job. Your ability to receive unemployment is based on your last job. If you can go get a temp job for even 1 day, you have a new last employer and your eligibility for unemployment will be based on why you are no longer working for that last employer.
Heather- EDD does not need to receive the claim form before 2/28. You were given the correct information. As long as the 4th extension is to begin on a week before 2/28 you are eligible. In your case the 4th extension will start on 2/14 even though it won’t be filed until March. You are still eligible.
Jessica- if you write anything other than still working, laid off, lack of work, (or something similar), it will automatically prompt an eligibility interview. At which point, if the interviewer determines that you were terminated for cause or quit without a good reason, you will stop receiving benefits.
This is for everyone on unemployment. I just found out about a rental assistance program HPRP by the gov. http://www.hudhre.info/hprp/ Find the one in your state, county or city. They have local offices.
Now what’s important from the social worker I spoke to if you have a 26 week extension or you just started it call them immediately they will pay a whole month rent and utilities if you get the 3 Day notice to pay or quit from being late. You can build your own strategy from this. Call them and they breakdown the program to you. I’ve been off for 1year and a half now and they would have helped me but my next extension is 6 weeks in Cali. They need at least 6 months (26 weeks) of assured income (i.e. EDD, UIA) I wish I knew about this last July as now I am facing eviction I would have been a month and a half up and that would have changed things dramatically in my life. So to anybody this can help take it!
For Jennifer yes that is the way it will happen I have had that before also. You will get the check and then it will be another 2 week form to fill out. Call HPRP Jennifer find your local office if you are about to get a 26 week extension.
Heather,
Your 4th extension can be filed at any time as long as the effective date is on or before 2/28. Since that sounds like your case, you don’t have anything to worry about.
I just used the Vietnamese line and got through in like 2 minutes. Rep seemed a little annoyed that I didn’t speak Vietnamese, but was able to address my issue quickly. This is the only way to go. I’ve tried to get through via the English line multiple times throughout the day without success. Why they have separate lines for different languages I have no idea. If one works in this country the assumption should be that you can at least speak English well enough to get through the EDD process. Maybe I am just too “old school”. My advise to anyone needing to get through to a real person at EDD is to use the Vietnamese line.
Hello I was wondering if anyone can shed some light in my defense. Here’s my story, one night I walked in on my patients trying to perform oral sex.. At the time I thought it was hilarious so I went to a restroom break and posted it to my facebook. I know I was wrong to do so but in my defense I didn’t list their names or diagnosis or my place of work only that it was funny bc they are in their 70′s and how funny they were trying to be sneaky and I put how they were in wheelchairs and toothless etc. It was just something to laugh about and was not intended to hurt anyones feelings. Next day the supervisor calls me in and interrogated me and busted out with a printout of my private conversations! Remember that my facebook is private so someone at work who ‘was’ on my friends list did this. I was in complete shock and couldn’t really defend myself. And they knew my Union Rep was outside the door they were sneaky. Finally they gave me a final check that was already made and forced me to sign my paper. I had no warnings and I was not in the middle of patient care during the posting. It was deleted the next day, and no one got hurt! I don’t think they understand how facebook works they gave me an unfair and extreme termination. Does anyone think I can pass my interview with EDD with my explantions?
I got through on the Vietnamese line today after 3 calls. The rep helped me with no issue. Answered all of my issues and worked with me immediately.
Serenity
Just state you were fired, I think the empoyer can only state misconduct, don’t YOU elaborate on any details. State terminate, when they ask what reason was given, if the employer gave you a reason, use the most generic term for the reason they gave.
In no way elaborate on details like you did on your post.
File online and simply state TERMINATED. If the employer contests, which I doubt, they fired you. So, due to no fault of your own now you are unemployed.
The employer may state that you used the internet against company policy, if that is true deny it. Drop the person who set you up off your facebook page and be CAREFUL, sadly Facebook can cause these kinds of personal violations when shared with Co Workers you think you can trust. Best of Luck
remember Generic, short to the point answers, if in California you could claim they gave no reason and fired you stating the “at will” clause in your employment agreement.
@ Mobilesystems-
thanks for your reply! I got my interview today with EDD and she told me right away that she read my printout. My work had sent it to them as evidence. So I went ahead and told my story to her trying to convince her that I didn’t “really” break confidentiality of the patient cause I didn’t give their names or diagnosis or anything else private out. She seemed to be on my employers side bc she said “well I guess someone from your work thought u were breaking confidentiality.” and then I told her that my facebook is private anywase and then I had to explain to her that it wasn’t open for public. ( she doesn’t even know how facebook works) cuz when I told her that I delelted it right away anywase and no one got hurt, she said ” no u didn’t, u can’t delete it!”.. I said, no mam please listen to me u can delete any postings u want and I did it. It’s not there anymore!”
I’m getting nervous now, I tryed to convince her that it was an unjust extreme termination, I hope she considers my story. She is now going to contact my employer again and I will wait for a notice in 10 days if I qualify. *crossing fingers*
I have a question, I have a friend who has been on EDD for about a year and has been looking nonstop for a job. A friend of hers found her a job in sales but with this economy that is not going to be possible. After about 2 weeks, she quit becuase she wasn’t making any money, as she made 0 sales. Now she is worried that this job may affect her benefits. If she gets paid, it will be a small amount as in $300. My questions are these: how will this affect her benefits, can she still collect EDD as she is technically still unemployed, and if she reports on her claim form that she earned $300, will they only pay her the difference? Can the EDD find out if she worked for two weeks? Can she say it was only a temp job? Please help as she is pretty desperate
Serenity. I noticed on your statement above you said you went to the restroom then posted an your Facebook. It would appear that you did this at work and using the employer computer. If this is so, then your posting is no longer private as you are using the employer’s equipment. This is the same as a person looking at porno at their computer at work. The employer has to provide the EDD with information on how your “misconduct” was a detrement to their interests. Since you used their equipment they have a case. If your employer cannot prove misconduct then you win but they can then appeal. You would be paid pending the appeal. If you are disqualifed you can also appeal, but would receive no benefits until the case is heard. If you get disqualifed then you have to earn 5 times your weekly award before you again qualify. Whoever wins can appeal and expect to wait 4-5 months. Looks like they are contacting the employer to verify your statements. Good Luck.
This site is great! Love reading all of the comments. Makes me feel “part of”, and not so alone in this.
Anyway, I filed for UI in July 2009, was denied. Filed appeal in August. FINALLY had my hearing February 2, 2010. WON. Received decision February 23rd. Called unemployment on February 25th. Using the information found here, got through on my second try. Now the guy on the other end sounded young enough to be my son, and just as knowledgable! He told me it takes approximately 10 days to “amend” my file with the decision, but he had to ask someone. This doesn’t help me, as I have so much faith in EDD!
Does anybody know how long it actually takes to receive a check after winning the appeal in CA? Anybody here been through it? Dates?
I have been googling for days and can’t find anybody who follows through with the answer. They ask the same question, then when they get their check they do not post it! Out of excitement and relief I’m sure. I don’t blame them! But some of us are left hanging.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for all of the time you put into gathering this information! I had also been in EDD hell, mainly because I was on the CA Workshare program and my employer gave me bad information. Let me explain in case you have other readers on Workshare. The way it works is your employer can reduce your days and then EDD pays unemployment benefits for the days you are off. Saves the employer money during slow times, and helps you keep your job.
Our company got to the point where they could not afford me at all. My HR dept. told me Workshare would cover 3 weeks 100% off and then it would switch to a regular Unemployment claim. Workshare checks took over 3 weeks to get to me after I sent in the claim forms, so I was behind but he time I realized I did not get the form.
After several days of Wrokshare not answering their phone (a 916 area code no.), they answered and then I was told that info was not correct, that I needed to file the EDD claim online to start it, but it was good I called since they needed to discontinue the Workshare acct. (Before I reached them, I visited your site and tried the email solution- they replied 4 days later but just with last check sent info, and did not answer my claim form request, like a “canned” answer)
I finally received my claim form today from my online filing on 2/27(1 week), and it is for the 2nd 2 weeks in Feb., when I am owed for the 1st 2 weeks of Feb. also. Aargh! Tried calling, too busy, hung up on me. So I visit your site again and see the Vietnamese no. Genious!! I called and was not prepared for the man that answered right away!! Since he was speaking Vietnamese I did not understand his question, so I aksed if it was the California EDD, and he said yes…score!! It was hard to understand his English, and he was somewhat rude at first, (not sure if it was because I was not Vietnamese and used his line, or just his demeaner), but after he said it was not handled correctly, he fixed it for me and once I shared my joy with his help he was very kind. Thank you soooo much!! He is sending me out the correct forms and I am good to go.
So the bottom line is- if you are on Workshare, and get laid off, go online and file with EDD right away listing that as your last work day, and call Workshare and have them discontinue that program. (You do not have to loose a week again like you did at the start) Best of luck and thank you again!!! ~Jana
So after waiting a little over four months, I finally received my appeal hearing date. the question I now have is if it was EDD that denied my claim due to misconduct, will my employer be at the hearing? I was told that my employer was not fighting my claim but honestly don’t trust anything EDD has told me. I was fired due to attendance but I had medical notes for most of my abscences. Has anyone else been terminated because of attendance? My old employer couldn’t believe that I wasn’t receiving benefits and I just wanted to yell at the guy because it made it sound like its not a big deal in which case I shouldn’t have been fired! I just want to be prepared for the hearing and saying I am nervous is an understatement! If anyone has any insight to the appeal process, please enlighten me
@Lisa – I am in the exact situation you are, had hearing 2/4, won. Then 2/23 i received the notice that i won my hearing. When i call the regular number they say that it should take 15 days blah blah. When i call and hit option 2 for check information it says no recent payments have been sent, so i know no checks are on the way. please let me know if you learn anything relevant – thank you
I just tried the Vietnamese number about 10 minutes ago and got through on my first try. Amazing! Thanks for the help!
I was nervous about my hearing as well. Before you see the judge you get to review your case file and see exactly what your file says. In the file they’ll have a transcript of your conversations with all the EDD rep’s you spoke to regarding your claim. Make sure you look that over cuz they will ask you if the information is correct and give you a chance to explain. The hearing is just you and an administrative judge who swears you in. The hearing is also recorded. Bring whatever back up you may have to help your case, like an exit form that gives another reason you were let go and not for misconduct. It doesn’t sound like your past employer is contesting your claim so I don’t think he’ll be there. But like you said you never know with EDD. I took all my letters from EDD just in case they had any wrong information. EDD recently hired a lot of new people and people do make mistakes. Good Luck
Lisa & Casey – Between the time I filed my claim and had my hearing (which was about 2 months) I was getting claim forms. If you’ve mailed the forms then you should get your checks within 15 days after you got the result of your hearing. I received all 6 of my checks going back to my original file date in one day. I usually call 2 times to speak to a different rep to make sure I was given the right information. A lot of times they seem to be talking out of there ass. But I have talked to at least 3 really nice/informative reps. Hope this helps.
Ann,
Thank you for the information! Casey and I both had our hearings and got our decisions almost at the same time. I will be interested to see if our results vary.
I’ve read alot of people here say they also eventually landed a good rep that was helpful and actually resolved their issues. I like your idea of calling twice to check on their accuracy. I will try that!
How long ago did you file and have your hearing, if you don’t mind me asking for dates? I am curious because it took 6 months for me from the time I filed my appeal to the date of my appeal hearing. Even the lady at the appeals office said that was rediculous. So I am wondering if it is the norm now.
Thanks again.
Lisa – I filed in 9/09, and had my hearing in 2/10. i will try calling that 408 number today that was posted and fill you in if i hear anything. good luck to us all, i cannot wait for that 6 months back pay.