Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I appreciate all the explanations. It makes sense now why the claim starts on April 14th - the 2 weeks of vacation pay essentially pushed the start date. Frustrating, but at least we understand the system now. We'll adjust our budget accordingly and look forward to the regular payments starting after the waiting week.

I'm new here but going through something similar right now. My company laid me off last week and I also got vacation payout, so this thread is really helpful! One question - does the vacation payout delay apply even if your employer pays it out as a lump sum rather than allocating it to specific weeks? My HR said they're just putting it all on my final paycheck without specifying dates. Will EDD still push back my claim start date?

@1e0e05271c72 Hey Ally! I just went through this process last month so it's still fresh in my mind. One thing that really helped me was setting aside a full afternoon to do the application - don't try to rush through it during a lunch break or something. The forms can be pretty detailed and you'll want to double-check everything. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, definitely have all those W-2s or pay stubs handy because they'll ask for specific dates and wages. The worst part is honestly just the waiting after you submit, but once you get through the initial application it gets easier. Feel free to ask if you get stuck on any specific part!

@1e0e05271c72 Hey Ally! Just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through this whole process. One thing I wish I'd known upfront is to apply as soon as possible after your last day of work - there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so the sooner you file the better. Also, keep a notebook or document where you track all the important dates and confirmation numbers - trust me, you'll need to reference them later! The process definitely feels overwhelming at first but everyone here has given you amazing advice. You're not alone in this and the community here is super supportive. Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to come back with questions as you go through it! 🤗

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago! EDD levied $340 from my account before I won my appeal for a bogus $2,800 overpayment claim. Here's what worked for me: 1. Submit the DE 800 form immediately (as others mentioned) with certified mail 2. Call the Benefit Overpayment Section specifically - don't waste time with general customer service 3. Keep detailed records of every interaction, including names and dates 4. Follow up every 2-3 weeks by phone to check status The whole process took about 11 weeks for me, which was frustrating but I did get every penny back plus a small amount of interest. One thing that helped speed things up was when I mentioned to the rep that I was considering filing a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner - suddenly they became much more responsive. Also, if you haven't already, document any financial hardship the levy caused you (overdraft fees, missed bill payments, etc.). Sometimes they'll reimburse those costs too, though they don't advertise that fact. Stay persistent - you WILL get your money back!

I'm going through something similar right now - EDD levied $450 from my account last month for an alleged overpayment, and my appeal hearing is coming up in two weeks. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening about what to expect if I win. One question I have for those who successfully got refunds: did any of you have to deal with EDD trying to claim they couldn't locate your appeal decision in their system? I'm worried about that scenario since so many people mentioned communication issues between different EDD departments. I'm planning to get multiple certified copies of whatever decision comes out of my hearing just in case. Also, has anyone tried submitting the DE 800 form electronically through their online system, or is mail the only reliable way? I know everyone's emphasizing certified mail, but I'm curious if the online option might be faster for tracking purposes. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's reassuring to know that persistence eventually pays off, even though the process sounds like a nightmare. I'll definitely be following the advice about calling right at 8 AM and asking specifically for the Benefit Overpayment Section if I win my appeal.

Hi Keisha! I'm new to this community but unfortunately dealing with a very similar situation - my employer also falsely claimed misconduct when I was clearly laid off due to budget constraints. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly helpful! I was also terrified about the hearing process, but everyone's experiences here make it sound much more manageable than I expected. The fact that it's usually just a phone call with an informal conversation rather than a formal courtroom setting is really reassuring. One thing that's helped me prepare is organizing all my documentation into a simple folder - emails about budget cuts, any termination paperwork, performance reviews, etc. Having everything in one place makes me feel more prepared and less anxious about the process. From what I've learned here, your case sounds really strong. You have documentation of budget cuts, you filed your appeal promptly, and you know the truth about what happened. Misconduct has a very specific legal definition, and budget-related layoffs absolutely don't qualify. The anxiety is definitely the hardest part, but this community has shown me that when people have the truth and documentation on their side like you do, the appeals process really does work. You've got this! Keep us updated on how it goes.

Hi Keisha! I'm new to this community but unfortunately going through a similar situation. My employer also falsely claimed misconduct when I was actually laid off due to company-wide budget cuts - it's incredibly frustrating when they try to avoid paying unemployment benefits this way! Reading through this entire discussion has been so helpful and reassuring. I was also terrified about the hearing process, but everyone's experiences here show that it's much more manageable than I initially thought. The phone format and informal nature of the hearings sounds way less intimidating than a formal courtroom setting. From everything shared here, your case sounds really strong. You have documentation of budget cuts, you filed your appeal quickly, and most importantly - you have the truth on your side. Multiple people in this thread have mentioned that misconduct has a very specific legal definition, and budget-related layoffs absolutely don't meet that standard. One thing that's helped me prepare is writing out a simple timeline of events with key dates - when budget issues started being discussed at the company, when layoffs began, when I was terminated, etc. Having that structure ready makes me feel more organized and confident about explaining my situation clearly. The anxiety is definitely the worst part of this whole process, but this community has shown me that the appeals process really does work when people have documentation and truth like you do. You're not alone in this - we're all rooting for you! Please keep us updated on how everything goes.

I've been through this process twice in different states, and your situation actually sounds pretty ideal from an unemployment perspective. "Change in relationship" is corporate speak for "we're letting you go but it's not your fault" - which is exactly what you want on your paperwork for UI benefits. During my interviews, the EDD representatives were very matter-of-fact. They're not trying to catch you in a lie, they just need to establish the basic facts: were you fired for misconduct (no), did you quit voluntarily (no), are you able and available to work (yes). Your clean performance record and the vague, non-misconduct language on your termination papers check all the right boxes. One thing that really helped me during my interview was writing out a simple timeline beforehand: hire date, job duties, any promotions/raises, last day worked, and the reason given for termination. Having it in front of me made me feel more confident and kept my answers concise and factual. You've got this - try not to stress too much about it. The hard part (losing your job) is already behind you.

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago! My termination letter said "position eliminated due to business restructuring" which is just as vague. I was also super nervous about the EDD interview, but it turned out to be much easier than I expected. The interviewer basically just verified the facts - when I started, what I did, last day worked, and reason for separation. When I told them it was position elimination per my paperwork, they didn't ask for any elaboration or act suspicious about the vague wording. They seemed to understand that employers often use generic language on termination documents. My interview lasted about 20 minutes and I was approved within a week. The fact that you have clean performance reviews and no disciplinary actions actually puts you in a really good position. Just be honest, stick to the facts you know for certain, and don't feel like you need to speculate about their "real" reasons. Also, make sure you're ready to answer when they ask if you're actively looking for work and available to accept suitable employment - those are the other key eligibility factors they care about. You're going to do fine!