Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through with any of these methods? I'm curious which one worked for you. Also, make sure you're not calling the main EDD unemployment line by mistake. The SDI specific number is 1-800-480-3287 for English.

So glad you got through @Fatima Al-Qasimi! This gives me hope. I've been stuck in the same loop with SDI for my disability claim - called probably 80+ times this week alone. The new phone system is absolutely brutal. Going to try the 8:02am timing with the silent wait trick tomorrow. It's insane that we have to develop these elaborate strategies just to talk to someone about our benefits. The stress of not being able to reach them when you're already dealing with a disability is just cruel. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually works - this thread is more helpful than anything on EDD's actual website!

Another option to consider is checking if California has any reciprocity agreements with Tennessee that might help your case. Some states have interstate compacts that make it easier to transfer benefits or handle cross-state moves. Also, make sure to save all communication with your current employer about the remote work request - having documentation that you tried to keep your job but were denied remote work could strengthen your "good cause" argument. The fact that you made an effort to avoid quitting shows you're not just voluntarily leaving without trying alternatives first.

I've been through a similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. When I relocated from CA to Oregon with my long-term partner (not married), I was initially denied but got approved on appeal. The key things that helped were: 1) We had been together for 4+ years with joint bank accounts, shared lease, and combined finances, 2) I documented that my partner's job was the primary household income and the move was financially necessary for our "family unit", 3) I included a letter from a family law attorney explaining how our relationship met the criteria for a domestic partnership even though we hadn't formally registered one. The whole process took about 6 months but I eventually received retroactive benefits. Don't let the initial denial discourage you - the appeals officers seemed more knowledgeable about these nuanced situations than the first-level reviewers.

I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Got my disqualification notice 4 days ago for "willful misrepresentation" but like everyone else here, I'm certain I reported everything correctly. The worst part is not knowing what I supposedly did wrong - the notice gives zero details. I've already started printing out all my certification confirmations and pay stubs based on the advice here. For anyone still waiting for their overpayment notice, I found that calling EDD first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through. I managed to reach someone yesterday who at least confirmed what weeks they're questioning, even though she couldn't reverse the decision over the phone. Don't give up - it sounds like most of these cases get resolved in favor of the claimant when you have proper documentation and persistence!

I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! Got the disqualification notice on a Tuesday for "false statement" and the overpayment notice arrived exactly 16 days later. Like everyone else here, I was totally confused about what I supposedly did wrong since I answered everything honestly. Turns out EDD's system flagged me because I reported working 2 days one week but they thought I should have been "unavailable for work" those days. Complete misunderstanding that got cleared up once I reached an actual human being. My advice: start calling EDD NOW while you're waiting for the overpayment notice - don't wait. I used the technique someone mentioned about calling right at 8:01 AM and got through on my 3rd try. The rep was able to explain exactly what triggered the disqualification and even put notes in my file for the appeal. Also, gather EVERYTHING - I printed out all my certifications, work schedules, even text messages with my boss about my hours. When the overpayment notice comes, you'll have 30 days to appeal, but having everything ready beforehand makes the process so much smoother. Don't panic - most of these really are system errors that can be fixed!

Thank you for the step-by-step! That makes it super clear. I'm going to set mine up for both text and email too.

I've been using the Money Network card for about 6 months now and wanted to share a few tips that might help! First, definitely set up those notifications - they're a lifesaver. But also download the Money Network mobile app if you haven't already. It's way easier to check your balance quickly on your phone than logging into the website every time. The app also sends push notifications which I find more reliable than SMS sometimes. One thing to watch out for - there are ATM fees if you use machines outside their network, so look for MoneyPass ATMs to avoid those charges. You can find locations on their website. Hope this helps!

Just wanted to share my experience for anyone else dealing with this! I had the exact same email issue a few months ago. After trying everything suggested here, I finally got through using the early morning call strategy (around 8:02 AM on a Tuesday - seemed to have shorter wait times mid-week). The rep was actually super helpful and updated my email instantly. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here: make sure you log out and back into your EDD account after they make the change to confirm it went through. Also, they'll send you a confirmation to BOTH your old and new email addresses, so don't panic if you see emails going to your old one initially. The whole process took about 90 minutes of hold time but only 3 minutes once I got someone. Patience and persistence really do pay off! Good luck Emma! 🍀

Hey Emma! I was in a similar situation a few months back and totally get the anxiety about messing something up after already certifying. The good news is that updating your email won't affect your benefits at all - it's just a contact info change. I ended up calling the main EDD line (1-800-300-5616) around 8:05 AM on a Wednesday and got through in about an hour. The rep was really understanding and made the change super quickly. Just have your claim number, SSN, old email, and new email ready to go. Also, don't worry if you see some emails still going to your old address for a day or two - it takes a bit for everything to update in their system. You've got this! 💪