This is exactly why we need more awareness about these predatory tactics! Companies going out of business often try every trick in the book to minimize their final costs, even if it means screwing over loyal employees. What you're describing is textbook unemployment avoidance - they know that voluntary resignations create hurdles for UI eligibility while layoffs due to business closure are automatic approvals. The fact that they're targeting you while you're dealing with a family medical emergency makes it even more disgusting. Stand your ground, document everything, and remember that you've earned those unemployment benefits through your payroll contributions over 3 years. Don't let them guilt trip you into giving up what's rightfully yours. Good luck with the call tomorrow - you've got this!

I work in HR (not for a company that's closing, thankfully) and I can tell you this is unfortunately a very common tactic. What your employer is doing is ethically questionable at best. Companies know that voluntary resignations can complicate UI claims, while layoffs due to business closure are straightforward approvals. Here's my advice: When they call tomorrow, be polite but firm. Say something like "I appreciate the offer, but I'd prefer to continue my employment until the official closure date. I'm planning to return from leave next week and finish out my time with the company." Don't feel like you need to justify this decision - it's completely reasonable. Also, after the call, send a follow-up email summarizing the conversation (even if it's just to yourself) with the date and time. This creates a paper trail in case you need it later. You've been a loyal employee for 3 years - don't let them manipulate you into giving up benefits you've rightfully earned. Stay strong!

Great to see this got resolved! This is such a common issue that trips people up. For future reference for anyone reading this thread - when you file your initial claim, EDD automatically creates your UI Online account during that process, but they don't always make it super clear that you're doing both things at once. The customer account number that comes in the mail later is mainly for phone verification and certain other services. It's easy to forget you already have online access, especially when you're stressed about the whole unemployment process. Thanks for updating with the solution - it'll definitely help others who run into the same thing!

This thread is such a lifesaver! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now and was getting so stressed thinking I messed something up. Just tried the password reset option and it worked - I had completely forgotten I already set up my account when I filed last week. It's honestly ridiculous how confusing EDD makes this whole process. They really should send clearer instructions about the difference between your online account and the customer account number. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!

I went through this exact same thing back in October! Got my first payment, then the dreaded interview letter showed up. I was absolutely convinced they were going to make me pay everything back. Turns out my former employer had reported that I was "terminated" instead of "laid off" - which was technically correct since layoffs are a type of termination, but EDD needed to clarify the circumstances to make sure I didn't get fired for misconduct. The interview was honestly easier than I expected. The rep asked about my last day, why I left, and if I had any disciplinary issues. I explained the company downsizing situation and that was it - whole thing took maybe 12 minutes. My payments continued without any issues after that. My advice: Stay calm, be honest, and have any paperwork handy (layoff notice, final pay stub, etc.). The fact that they already approved and paid you once means you're likely fine - they just need to verify some details. Don't let the scary wording in the letter psych you out!

I'm a newcomer here but went through this EXACT situation just 3 months ago! Got my first payment on a Thursday, then got the interview notice the following Tuesday. I was absolutely terrified they were going to claw back the money. Turns out it was just routine verification - they wanted to confirm some dates because my employer's report had slightly different information than my application. The whole call lasted maybe 15 minutes and was way less scary than I built it up to be in my head. A few tips that helped me: 1) Write down your employment timeline before the call, 2) Have your phone charged and in a quiet spot, 3) Don't overthink it - if you were honest on your application, you'll be fine. The interviewer was actually really professional and understanding. The payments continued normally after that. Looking back, I wasted so much energy stressing about it! You're going to do great Tyler - the fact that you already got approved for one payment is actually a really good sign that your claim is solid.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Had my interview 3 weeks ago, was told everything was approved, and still no mail whatsoever. I've been calling every single day and can never get through - it's beyond frustrating. Reading through all these responses gives me hope that there are actually solutions. I'm definitely going to try that "Register without EDD Customer Account Number" option that worked for @Ava Johnson. It's crazy how they hide these workarounds and don't tell you about them during the interview. The whole system seems designed to make it as difficult as possible to actually get your benefits. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this thread is more helpful than anything I've gotten from EDD directly!

I'm currently going through this nightmare too! Had my interview 4 weeks ago and still haven't received anything in the mail. The stress of not knowing if my claim is processing or if I'm missing important deadlines is eating me alive. Reading through all these solutions gives me so much hope though - especially the "Register without EDD Customer Account Number" trick that saved @Ava Johnson. I had no clue that option even existed! It's honestly ridiculous that EDD doesn't mention any of these workarounds during the interview process. You'd think they'd want to make it easier for people to access their benefits, not harder. Going to try the registration workaround right now and also submit that AskEDD request as backup. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is way more helpful than EDD customer service!

I'm in the same boat as everyone here - been trying to get my EDD backpay sorted for months now! Reading through all these success stories with Claimyr is really encouraging. I've probably wasted 40+ hours over the past few months trying to get through to 800-300-5616 directly with zero success. Always busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like Claimyr is definitely the way to go. The $15-20 cost seems totally reasonable when you consider the time and frustration it saves. I'm planning to try it this week - does anyone know if there are better days/times to request the callback, or does it not really matter? Also, for those who got their backpay processed, how long did it actually take for the payments to hit your account after the call? Thanks for all the helpful info everyone - this community has been a lifesaver!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone still struggling with this! I was in the exact same situation as Cedric - needed EDD backpay and couldn't get through to 800-300-5616 no matter how many times I tried. After reading all these success stories, I finally used Claimyr two days ago and it was honestly a game changer. Got my callback in about 90 minutes, spoke with a Tier 2 rep who was super knowledgeable, and she was able to backdate my claim for 6 weeks on the spot. The whole process took maybe 35 minutes once connected and she gave me a confirmation number to track everything. Cost me $20 but saved me probably weeks of frustration trying to get through on my own. For anyone on the fence about the cost - just do it, it's so worth it compared to the time you'll waste otherwise!