This is really concerning and unfortunately more common than it should be with small employers. I went through something similar where my boss would shift my hours between pay periods to avoid certain thresholds. A few additional things to consider: - Document not just when you work, but also any verbal instructions from your boss about how he's handling the pay periods. If possible, get these instructions in writing (email, text, etc.) - Check if your state has a wage theft hotline - California has pretty strong worker protections - When you do file for UI (if needed), mention this issue upfront during your initial claim. Being proactive about explaining discrepancies looks better than having EDD discover them later Also, keep in mind that even if this creates some initial delays with your claim, EDD has to pay you retroactively for any weeks you were eligible once the issue gets resolved. The most important thing is having your documentation ready. Your employer's behavior is sketchy at best and potentially illegal. You're smart to be thinking ahead about this!

You can find California's wage theft resources on the Department of Industrial Relations website at dir.ca.gov - they have a dedicated wage theft section with complaint forms and contact information. The Labor Commissioner's Office handles these cases and they're pretty responsive to wage manipulation issues. Getting those instructions in writing via text is brilliant - courts and agencies love that kind of documentation because it's timestamped and shows the employer's intent. Even something like "Hey, just to confirm - you want me to add Monday's hours to last week's timesheet instead of this week's?" can be powerful evidence. One more thing - if your employer is doing this to you, they're probably doing it to other employees too. Sometimes filing a complaint can help protect your coworkers as well. The Labor Commissioner can investigate patterns of wage manipulation across multiple employees, which strengthens everyone's case. Stay strong and keep documenting everything!

I'm in a very similar situation right now - been doing some part-time tutoring while on UI and didn't report about $1,400 in earnings over the past month. Reading all these experiences is giving me so much hope! It sounds like the key is really being proactive and honest about it. One question for those who have been through this - when you calculated what you owed back, did you use gross earnings or net earnings after expenses? I had some costs for materials and transportation for the tutoring sessions, so I'm not sure if I should report the full amount I was paid or subtract my business expenses first. Also, has anyone had success reaching EDD by phone recently, or is the Ask EDD online feature really the best way to start this process? I've been calling for two days straight with no luck getting through. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's really helping me work up the courage to come forward instead of just hoping they don't catch it!

Reading through all these experiences is incredibly reassuring! I was in almost this exact situation about 4 months ago - had some freelance writing work that ended up being way more income than I initially expected while I was collecting UI. Like many others here, I was absolutely terrified about fraud penalties, but the Ask EDD route worked really well for me. I submitted a detailed explanation through my UI Online account, included all my contract documentation and payment records, and emphasized that I was voluntarily coming forward to correct my mistake. The whole process took about 6-7 weeks from submission to resolution. EDD classified it as a non-fraud overpayment since I self-reported, so I only had to pay back the principal amount ($1,890 in my case) with no 30% penalty or penalty weeks. They offered me a payment plan of $180/month which has been totally manageable. The EDD representative I spoke with during the process actually thanked me for being proactive and said it makes their job much easier when people come forward voluntarily rather than them discovering it during audits. My biggest piece of advice: don't wait any longer to start this process. The longer you wait, the more it looks like you were trying to hide it rather than just making an honest mistake. Gather all your documentation, write a clear and honest explanation in Ask EDD, and start the process this week. The anticipation and worry is honestly much worse than the actual resolution!

Hey, just wanted to add that Claimyr, while a useful tool for some, may not be a perfect fit for everyone. It can certainly make the process of reaching EDD more efficient, but not everyone can justify the cost. Some people might prefer to try other methods like visiting an EDD office or using online resources that might not incur a fee. It's all about weighing the benefits against your current situation.

Hey Malik! I went through something similar last year. Here's what worked for me: First, try calling the 1-833-978-2511 number right at 8 AM - I had better luck with that one than the main line. When you get through, tell them you need to report a lost card AND can't access your online account. They can issue a new card (takes about 7-10 days) and help reset your login info. For the remaining balance, you can request it as a check, but they might try to talk you into waiting for the new card since checks can take longer. Also, have your SSN, old address, and any previous claim info ready - they'll ask a million security questions. The whole process took me about 45 minutes on the phone once I actually got through. Don't give up! 💪

I'm sorry to hear about your situation! Getting fired from a job is stressful enough without worrying about unemployment benefits. I went through something similar a few years ago when I worked for a small nonprofit that also didn't pay UI taxes. It's definitely worth applying even if you're not sure you'll qualify - the EDD will review all your work history during the base period. From what others have shared, that holiday retail work you mentioned could be key! Also, don't forget to look into other resources while you're job hunting - food banks, utility assistance programs, and local churches (ironically) often have emergency assistance funds for people in tough spots. Wishing you the best of luck with your application!

Hey Kolton! I went through almost the exact same thing when I got laid off from a religious school in 2021. The church exemption is so frustrating when you're on the receiving end! One thing I learned that might help - even if your regular UI claim gets denied due to the church employment, you can sometimes qualify for federal programs like Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (though that's expired now) or other special assistance programs during economic hardships. Also, while you're waiting to hear back from EDD, definitely check with your local workforce development office. They often have emergency funds or can connect you with temporary work opportunities that pay immediately. Many of them also offer free resume help and job placement services. The waiting period for EDD can be brutal, so having multiple irons in the fire really helps. Keep us posted on how your application goes!

I work at a local housing nonprofit and see this situation constantly! Here's what I tell clients: most housing programs have a 30-day grace period for unemployment documentation specifically because EDD is so slow. Ask your housing coordinator directly about their policy for newly filed claims - they should have a standard procedure. In the meantime, print EVERYTHING from your UI Online account: the confirmation page, any emails EDD sent you, and even screenshots of your login showing your claim number. Create a simple timeline document showing when you lost your job, when you filed, and when you expect the award letter. Most reasonable housing staff will work with you if you show you're being proactive. Also, some local One-Stop Career Centers have direct contacts at EDD and can sometimes expedite verification letters for housing emergencies - worth calling yours to ask!

Just wanted to add another potential workaround that worked for me recently - if you have a case worker or social worker assigned to you through any other program (like SNAP, Medicaid, etc.), they often have direct lines to EDD or can send official requests on your behalf. I was struggling with the same award letter issue for my housing voucher, and my SNAP caseworker was able to call EDD and get a verification letter emailed within 48 hours. She said it's because agency-to-agency requests get prioritized differently than individual calls. Also, if you're part of any disability services or workforce development programs, those staff members usually have similar connections. Worth checking if you have any other case workers who might be able to advocate for you - they understand the urgency of housing documentation and are used to navigating these bureaucratic delays!