I can totally relate to the paranoia about scams - EDD-related fraud is so common these days! But this sounds 100% legitimate based on your description. The fact that it only requested address verification (not personal info like SSN or bank details) and showed your wife's correct benefit year are the key indicators it's real. I got a similar request about 8 months ago, also after my claim was completely finished, and I was convinced it was fake at first. Turns out EDD started doing these random post-payment audits in 2023 as part of their enhanced fraud prevention system. I submitted a lease agreement and like others mentioned, never got any confirmation - just radio silence, which apparently means everything was accepted. You absolutely did the right thing responding quickly with the bank statement. The whole process is confusing and poorly communicated by EDD, but it's become pretty routine now unfortunately.

I just went through this same exact situation last month! Got the address verification letter about 3 weeks after my benefit year ended and I was totally convinced it was a scam at first. The timing felt so random and suspicious. But after doing some research and talking to others who'd been through it, I learned this is EDD's new normal process - they're doing way more post-payment audits now as part of their fraud prevention efforts that started ramping up in 2023. The dead giveaway that yours is legitimate is that it only asked for address proof, not sensitive info like SSN or banking details that scammers typically want. I submitted a utility bill through their official portal and never heard back, which I later found out means everything was approved. You definitely did the right thing responding quickly with your bank statement - that's perfect documentation for address verification. Don't stress about not getting a confirmation; EDD's system is terrible at communication but silence usually means you're good to go!

Pro tip: If you're really in a bind, you can request an emergency payment. Call and specifically ask for a "manual payment" or "off-line payment." They can issue it while you wait for your card. It's not guaranteed, but worth a shot if you're desperate.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year. Here's what finally worked for me: 1) Call the 2511 number at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - you have the best chance then, 2) Ask specifically about "expedited card replacement" - they can rush it for urgent situations, 3) Document everything - dates you called, reference numbers, etc. Also, check if your address is correct in their system - mine was wrong and that's why my card never came! Don't give up, it's incredibly frustrating but you'll get through this. Hang in there! 💪

Another option your cousin should look into is Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if he's been affected by any recent disasters in his area. California has had several federally declared disasters this year, and DUA can provide additional weeks of benefits for people who lost work due to disaster-related reasons - even if it's indirect impact like his manufacturing plant reducing operations because of supply chain issues from disasters. The deadlines for DUA applications are usually pretty strict (typically 30 days from the disaster declaration), but it's worth checking if any recent disasters in his county qualify. He can find this info on the EDD website under "Disaster-Related Benefits" or by calling the DUA hotline directly. Also, has he looked into any union resources if he was in one? Sometimes unions have emergency funds or job placement assistance that people forget about.

I'm sorry to hear about your cousin's situation - it's really tough right now with so few extension options available. Based on what others have shared here, I'd recommend he prioritize these actions immediately: 1. **Training Extension (TE)** - This seems like his best bet since he has 3 weeks left. Have him apply for California Training Benefits (CTB) through his UI Online account ASAP. Manufacturing has good approved training programs, and if approved, he could get up to 26 additional weeks while in training. 2. **CalFresh application** - Don't wait on this one. With two kids, he likely qualifies for substantial food assistance ($400+/month) and can apply while still receiving UI. 3. **Contact EDD directly** - Every situation is different, and he needs official confirmation of his options. If he can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service another member mentioned might be worth considering. The reality is that without COVID-era extensions, options are really limited right now. But the Training Extension could be a game-changer if he qualifies - he'd get benefits while learning new skills that could help him find better work in the long run. Time is critical though, so have him start that CTB application today if possible. Hang in there - it's scary but there are still some options to explore.

I went through this exact same thing last year and it was terrifying at first, but it worked out okay! The most important thing is to act quickly - don't let it sit. I'd recommend calling the EDD appeals office directly if you can get through (good luck with that 😬). Also, if you're low income, look into legal aid services in your area - many offer free help with unemployment appeals. The process is confusing but there are people who can walk you through it step by step. You got this! 💪

I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! First, don't panic - I know it's scary but there are definitely options. Here's what helped me: 1) Read through the notice super carefully and make sure you understand exactly what they're claiming and why. 2) If you think there's an error, file an appeal immediately - there's usually a 30-day deadline. 3) If the overpayment is correct but you can't afford to pay it back, definitely look into requesting a waiver for financial hardship. I was able to get mine waived because paying it back would have put me in serious financial trouble. 4) Keep detailed records of everything - every phone call, every document you send. The whole process took about 3 months for me but it was worth fighting it. Also, if you're struggling to get through on the phone, try calling right when they open at 8am. Sending you good vibes - this community has been so helpful for navigating all this EDD chaos! 🙏

Here's what I recommend for your certification: 1. For the week you received the settlement, answer 'Yes' to receiving income 2. Select 'Other' for income type 3. In the explanation box, put 'Settlement wages' 4. Enter the amount from the 'wages' portion only ($3,800) 5. Don't include the penalties portion ($5,200) Your benefit will be reduced that week according to the partial benefits formula. For every dollar over $25 you earn, your benefit is reduced by $1. So if your weekly benefit amount is $450, and you report $3,800, you would receive $0 for that week (but it won't affect future weeks).

I work as a paralegal and have dealt with similar settlement issues for clients. Just wanted to add that you should keep ALL the documentation from this settlement - the breakdown showing wages vs penalties, the check stub, everything. If EDD ever audits or questions this later, you'll want to show exactly how the settlement was categorized. Also, some settlements specify the time period the "wages" portion covers (like back pay for a specific period), which could potentially affect which weeks you report it for. If your settlement docs mention specific dates the wages relate to, you might want to clarify that with EDD. But definitely report the wages portion - better to be overly cautious than deal with overpayment issues down the road!