California Employment Development Department (EDD) Customer Service Issues

I've been waiting for my claim to be processed for 10 weeks now, and it's still showing as pending. I made sure my certifications were correct and submitted them, but there hasn't been any progress since then. I've attempted to call numerous times throughout the day, but the system is always too overloaded and I just end up getting disconnected. This is incredibly frustrating, especially after reading an article where an unemployment company employee revealed that the system intentionally directs all calls to a busy message regardless of actual call volume, ultimately hanging up on everyone! It feels like such a betrayal to give false hope to millions of people during such a challenging time in our lives.

I recently received an email from EDD stating that I have 3 Notices of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed. The email mentioned that since I am subscribed to respond through SIDES E-Response, I would be submitting information online. However, I never signed up for SIDES E-Response and when I attempted to log in, it stated that I am not registered. I kindly request that paper forms be sent to me so that I can properly respond to these claims. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Mark Clementi 50 Old Courthouse Square, Suite [redacted] Santa Rosa, CA [redacted]

Please help me! I have been waking up early every morning, trying to be one of the first to call but have had no luck. I attempted at 11 a.m, watched YouTube videos, and checked forums with no success. If someone could call me to assist, it would be greatly appreciated. I have not received any funds, and despite providing all the necessary information, my payments are still pending. I keep receiving certification emails, but no money is coming through. I even contacted my local councilman for help, but after several months, I am still stuck. My email is [redacted], and my phone number is [redacted].

Hello, I am Diana E. Tyler. I am having trouble receiving my EDD debit card after changing my address. Despite contacting Bank of America and EDD customer service, my issue remains unresolved. I reached out through UI online as well, but haven't received a response after 7 days. I request prompt assistance in getting my EDD debit card from Bank of America. I prefer it to be sent via UPS for security. Thank you.

I've been attempting to pass ID.me verification. Despite submitting my driver's license multiple times, my military ID was not accepted as an additional primary ID. I've chosen to stick with my driver's license as the primary form of identification and submitted two additional documents as required. However, my property tax document was rejected, claiming it was not an accepted form, even though EDD's website indicates it is acceptable. While my driver's license was initially rejected, it was eventually approved a few days later after rescanning and uploading it. The process has been quite frustrating, especially since the document options provided don't align with EDD's information. I tried reaching out to EDD's customer service before, but they couldn't assist. I'm eager to speak with someone who handles or works with ID.me directly. My driver's license is valid, and I believe EDD should consider those who rely on digital documents. Thank you for your help.

I submitted a claim back in July and was informed that I would receive a certain amount of money. Unfortunately, I was disqualified for answering a question incorrectly. I filed an appeal, but was then required to provide proof of earning at least $19,[redacted] the previous year, which I couldn't provide. Consequently, I missed the court date and was disqualified again. I never received any payments. The misunderstanding arose from a question about being out of work due to COVID-19, which I misinterpreted. I am seeking assistance to either file a new claim or reopen the existing one as I cannot proceed without human help.

I recently received a message requesting me to verify my identity using Verify Me through my EDD online account mailbox. Unfortunately, I couldn't do so promptly as my wallet, including my ID, birth certificate, and social security card, was stolen. It took several weeks to obtain the necessary documents, and I missed the deadline. I find it unfair that others have not been asked for the extensive documentation I have. I've gathered all required documents now, and I'd appreciate if there's an alternative method to verify my ID, like over the phone, fax, or email, so I can resume receiving my benefits promptly.

My experience with the EDD has been extremely disappointing. Although I qualify for $[redacted]/week in benefits, I have only been receiving $[redacted]/week without any explanation. I've made over 50 phone calls to the EDD, but the issue remains unresolved. Every time I call, I'm assured that it will be taken care of, but it's been over a month with no progress. The ongoing reduction from $[redacted] to $[redacted] per week is causing a significant financial strain. I've been informed that an investigation is underway and I should receive the back pay owed to me promptly. However, contacting the fraud department has been fruitless as my calls are either unanswered or disconnected after lengthy holds. I urgently need assistance as I have been relying on these benefits since August. The lack of clear communication and delayed resolution is unacceptable. I request immediate help to resolve this pressing matter.

My Bank of America account with EDD was fraudulently compromised on February 22, [redacted]. It's been challenging to get my stolen funds replaced. I've been caught in a cycle of relaying requests between various disorganized branches. I simply want my BofA account to return to an open status and have the freeze removed, with the $1,[redacted].00 stolen funds reimbursed, covered by the FDIC. My identification has been verified by the CA EDD and submitted twice to BofA Claims and Fraud. I've lodged a complaint with The Office of the Comptroller to investigate my situation with BofA further. I urge Cal EDD to maintain transparency with BofA regarding this matter.

Subject: Unemployment Benefits Application Issue To Whom It May Concern, I submitted my unemployment benefits application in September [redacted]. Following a bug error that was addressed by an EDD representative, I have been unable to certify for benefits or check the status of my UI online claim (whether approved or denied) up until today, March 30, [redacted]. My name is Francesco Fisucci, a self-employed barbershop owner in San Francisco, born on May 22, [redacted], with the last four digits of my SSN being [redacted]. Despite the resolution of the initial issue, I have not received any updates or a benefits card related to the Coronavirus Disaster relief. I kindly request your assistance in investigating and resolving this matter promptly to alleviate the distress caused by the delay in receiving my entitled benefits. I would appreciate guidance on the necessary steps to rectify this situation and eagerly await your response. Thank you for your anticipated support. Sincerely, Francesco Fisucci Francesco Black LLC

I have been trying to reach the EDD at [redacted]-[redacted] for the past week, starting at 7:30 am daily in hopes of connecting. Not only have I been unsuccessful in getting through, but I am also informed that the office is closed even as early as 4:30 pm Pacific time, with a message prompting me to call back between 8 am and 8 pm Pacific time. This situation is causing me increasing stress as each day passes. I am constantly being told that the office is receiving more calls than they can handle or that they are closed when attempting to reach them. Is the office ever open? Also, I would appreciate it if they could remove or allow for skipping the message about improving their services, as it has become all too familiar to me.

I am concerned about my EDD benefits being possibly cut or cancelled. I replied to their letter on March 11th, [redacted], but have not received any updates or benefits since then. They mentioned a reduction due to excess earnings of $[redacted] from a part-time job before taxes. I have not worked since March 12th, [redacted], and I am still part-time. I have been trying to contact EDD for over three weeks without success. Please have someone reach out to me at [redacted] or [redacted]. Thank you for your assistance.

My initial claim expired, and I was instructed to file a new one. After a week of dealing with verification processes and two weeks of attempting to submit a new claim, I eventually succeeded. Several weeks later, when I inquired why my payments were still pending, a representative informed me that the first agent mistakenly filed a new claim instead of extending the existing one. Following a second waiting period, I contacted support to address the outstanding payment issues. The agent managed to resolve two out of the three concerns. The remaining problem was related to employment verification, which I believe should not have been necessary as my online unemployment insurance history could verify my base period. Despite this, I provided whatever documentation I had for [redacted], even though it was beyond the base period. As of now, it has been nearly 8 weeks, and I have yet to receive any payments or see my claim updated to reflect the extension of the original claim.

After being laid off from my job in the fall of [redacted], I started receiving unemployment benefits. Following a rehire a few months later, I ceased certifying for benefits. Now, I am dissatisfied with the job as changes in the company have affected my role and responsibilities, leading to a decline in my performance and potential warning of a performance plan. Considering leaving, I ponder if I could still qualify for unemployment benefits I received after the initial layoff amid the pandemic. Seeking guidance on this matter as I explore my options before finding a new job. Thank you.

I have not received any benefits since September [redacted]. It is now April, and still, there have been no payments. I fill out the continued claim forms diligently but have not received any payment. When I attempt to contact someone for assistance, I am mysteriously disconnected. I urgently need to reach out to resolve these issues and start receiving my payments promptly.

Hello, my name is Edward A. I am currently facing a troubling situation at work. An employee has threatened my safety, and I am considering quitting. I am unsure if I can claim unemployment benefits under these circumstances. The management has offered to transfer me to another store, but due to my current situation, I cannot accept this option. The work environment at my place of employment is not only toxic but also hostile. I would appreciate any advice on how to proceed in this difficult situation.

I recently completed the identity verification process on UI Online a few days ago and was informed that once verified, I would receive my pending benefits. However, I still have weeks from 2/14/21 to 03/20/21 pending, causing significant financial strain. Despite being told I would receive the benefits once verified, I have not received any payments since 02/14/21. This situation has caused me to lose my apartment and car, leaving me homeless. I believe I am now eligible for the payments, as my identity has been verified. The representative I spoke to yesterday was unhelpful, rude, and misinformed about my situation. I politely asked for assistance and was put on hold for an excessive amount of time. I hope for a more respectful and knowledgeable representative to help me resolve this issue promptly as emailing takes too long and reaching someone by phone is challenging. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I submitted a claim in July, was initially approved, then later disqualified for misunderstanding a question. The form asked why I was out of work, and I mistakenly chose "none of the above" instead of "due to coronavirus." This error led to needing to appeal the decision. Unfortunately, I missed the court date trying to resolve this issue. I have not received any payment and now need to reopen my claim. When attempting to contact customer service, I repeatedly face the frustration of never reaching a live person, as the system hangs up on me every time, no matter which option I choose. This lack of responsiveness is discouraging and unprofessional. I am seeking assistance with this matter.

I have been receiving PUA benefits since the pandemic shutdown last year. Everything was going well until I tried a new career that didn't work out, and I reported my earnings accordingly. Due to the difficulty of finding full-time employment during COVID-19, I stopped reporting earnings as I had no income. My benefits were adjusted and then corrected back to the original amount of $[redacted] per week. I had surgery for carpal tunnel on both hands and followed my physician's advice to rest. However, when I certified my weeks for benefits, I mentioned the surgery, and my claim got transferred to the disability benefits department, causing delays in receiving payments. I have contacted the department multiple times through phone and email without a resolution. My bills are piling up, and I am facing financial hardship. Despite my PUA benefits being extended until September 4, [redacted], I am not receiving the adjusted amount I should be entitled to. The EDD needs to address the issues related to certifying questions about sickness or injury to prevent others from experiencing similar problems.

My claim ended on March 20th. I am still pending for one week of payment and have just initiated another claim for the next two weeks. Despite my efforts to call for the past week and a half and numerous attempts to send emails and reach out to Corporate Offices, I have not been successful in contacting anyone. I am trying to file a new claim to continue receiving benefits, but I have been unable to complete the ID verification process. I am worried and 10 days away from possibly becoming homeless. I am desperate for help as all I need is for my new claim to be processed so I can afford food and shelter. Please assist me as soon as possible; this is a critical situation.